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Daily Inspiration
in
Immanuel Lutheran Church
2 years ago

God, be merciful to me, THE sinner.

Luke 18:13-14

But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

 

Thought for Today

While the Pharisee was filled with pride over his assumed holiness, the tax collector was devastated by his life. He literally says, “God, be merciful to me, THE sinner.” As he looks around the temple everyone appears holier than he is. Like Paul, he declares himself chief of sinners. There is no reason for God to have mercy on him. If God polled the other children of Israel he would be nearly unanimously voted out of the nation. The only reason god would have mercy on him is because he humbly asked. He acknowledged that he had nothing to offer God and placed himself solely in God’s mercy. According to Jesus, that was enough. He was justified, made right, with God simply because he asked. For whoever humbles himself will be exalted and whoever exalts himself will be humbled.  

 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, have mercy on me, the sinner. For Your mercy is my only hope. Amen.  

 

Devotional Quote

As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on thing and people: and, of course, as long as you are looking down you cannot see something that is above you. ― C.S. Lewis

 

Quote of the Day

My opinions may have changed, but not the fact that I'm right. ― Ashleigh Brilliant (This made me laugh)