Liz’s Morning Devotional based upon Upper Room
October 17, 2021
Read Luke 18:9-14
9 Jesus told this parable to certain people who had convinced themselves that they were righteous and who looked on everyone else with disgust: 10 “Two people went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed about himself with these words, ‘God, I thank you that I’m not like everyone else—crooks, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week. I give a tenth of everything I receive.’ 13 But the tax collector stood at a distance. He wouldn’t even lift his eyes to look toward heaven. Rather, he struck his chest and said, ‘God, show mercy to me, a sinner.’ 14 I tell you, this person went down to his home justified rather than the Pharisee. All who lift themselves up will be brought low, and those who make themselves low will be lifted up.”
Good Morning! Humble yourselves before God!
Take a moment and think about the braggarts in your life: those who boast about how great they are. No matter where the conversation leads, they have done it better and they are quick to let everyone else know. These are the ones who need their names attached and recognized for every “good” deed. Generally speaking, they are not bad people, but they are challenged by their need to lift themselves up which leads to judging everyone else.
Jast like we read last week about the difficulty of a camel passing through the eye of a needle, with God all things are possible. However for the rich and for those who deem themselves better than others, it is a path filled with difficulty. Yes, they have all of the earthly treasures they desire, but to join Jesus means to leave or sell those earthly treasures and give the proceeds to the poor. Many may try to do this, but few are willing to humble themselves and proclaim themselves sinners.
When we choose to follow Jesus, we must cast off all delusions of our own greatness, and recognize that only through God’s grace will we be saved. Not one of God’s children is better than another. We must spend our time serving others as Christ taught through his example when we walked the earth.
Loving God, Thank You for loving us. Sometimes we inadvertently judge those around us and begin thinking that we are somehow better than they are. Help us use our time more wisely to be faithful to you and look for ways to serve. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Sure faith is based on obedience to God.
God’s grace is sufficient for all! Pastor Liz
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