Devotionals

You Decide

by PamFord Davis 
04/03/19
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Prideful or penitent? You decide…

“Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: ‘Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise 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, and he who humbles himself will be exalted (Luke 18:9-14 NKJV).”

The Pharisees were respected religious leaders. Prideful, the man believed he was better than others. He thought he had earned a right standing with God through good works.

The tax collector was an outcast in the Jewish community. Penitent, he hung his head in shame. He confessed his sin and cried out to God for mercy.

Prideful or penitent? God knows our hearts.