Luke 18:9-14 (NRSV)
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Verse 9He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: Verse 10"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. Verse 11The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. Verse 12I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.' Verse 13But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' Verse 14I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."
Devotion
Part 1:
This parable speaks to me in a very interesting way. I find that I could be either man in this parable. Often times I am this Pharisee, honestly believing that I am better off than others who call themselves disciples. I live a pretty good life. I deal fairly with people, I support people when they are struggling, I try to be generous, and to some degree, I am successful. So although I probably would never give voice to this in front of others, I can find a lot of myself in this Pharisee, even if it pains me a bit to admit it. So here God has a specific word for me: “for all who exalt themselves will be humbled.”
I do not intentionally exalt myself; I surely don’t set out to say, “I have this religious life thing all figured out.” But God’s word brings me right back to the place where I realize that truly making me “right in God’s eyes” is nothing I will ever have a part in. The second I try, God humbles me.
Prayer
Lord, I know that at times, I am selfish and fall short of your will for me. Forgive me when I go astray, encourage me when I seem to be getting it right and surround me with your love always. Amen.