"The God Pause Daily Devotional" from The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Thursday, 20 October 2016 with Scripture Luke 18:9-14-------
Luke 18:9 Also, to some who were relying on their own righteousness and looking down on everyone else, he told this parable: 10 “Two men went up to the Temple to pray, one a Parush and the other a tax-collector. 11 The Parush stood and prayed to himself, ‘O God! I thank you that I am not like the rest of humanity — greedy, dishonest, immoral, or like this tax-collector! 12 I fast twice a week, I pay tithes on my entire income, . . . ’ 13 But the tax-collector, standing far off, would not even raise his eyes toward heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God! Have mercy on me, sinner that I am!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his home right with God rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but everyone who humbles himself will be exalted.”[Complete Jewish Bible]
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Comparing yourself to someone else is usually not very helpful. Sometimes we do it without even realizing it. Jesus' parable calls us out on this behavior, helping us realize what we are doing, what we are thinking and how we are viewing others. This passage is just a few verses long but truly they have a depth of meaning which can lead us into better relationships and a healthier frame of mind. It takes work on our part to realize what it is we are doing. This is not something that will happen in a moment, but by may take us some time to realize, adjust and, by God's grace, change to reflect the likeness of God.
Gracious God, we give you thanks for the gift of your son. You call us to be disciples, to reflect on our actions and our life, but above all you call us to reflect upon the love, grace and mercy which you have poured out upon us. Lead us and guide us, O Lord, to live, to be and love as you have loved us through Jesus Christ, our savior and lord. Amen.
Nathan Strong, '11
Senior Pastor, Portland Lutheran Parish, Portland, N.D.
Luke 18:9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt:
10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
11 The 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.
12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.'
13 But 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!'
14 I 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."[New Revised Standard Version]
Gracious God, we give you thanks for the gift of your son. You call us to be disciples, to reflect on our actions and our life, but above all you call us to reflect upon the love, grace and mercy which you have poured out upon us. Lead us and guide us, O Lord, to live, to be and love as you have loved us through Jesus Christ, our savior and lord. Amen.
Nathan Strong, '11
Senior Pastor, Portland Lutheran Parish, Portland, N.D.
Luke 18:9 He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt:
10 "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.
11 The 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.
12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.'
13 But 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!'
14 I 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."[New Revised Standard Version]
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