Two Men - Part 2
Scripture – Luke 18:13-14: 13“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ 14“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Reflection: I stand with this tax collector many times. Ashamed or afraid to even look up. Asking for God’s mercy while knowing I don’t deserve it. Even wondering sometimes, “Will this be the time He gives up on me.”
One of the things God looks for from us and values in us is honesty – with ourselves, with Him and with other people. Jesus often denounces hypocrites – people who act out a role that’s not really who they are.
Now I don’t walk around with my head down all the time. Many times I stand with the Pharisee and thank God that I’m not like other people who don’t know Him. I’m just aware that I’m different because of what He’s done, not because of anything I’ve done. That gives me great freedom as I live knowing I don’t have to compare myself with anyone else. There’s no competition for God’s love. He’s got plenty for us all.
An Invitation: A small group will be meeting tomorrow morning from 9:45 – 10:30am to share what we’ve learned and seen in this week’s readings. We’ll meet in the Pastor’s office at Bethel Baptist Church, 13330 Trenton Road in Southgate. Everyone’s welcome to join us.
Reading for Sunday, June 14
Scripture – Luke 18:15-17: 15People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. 16But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Reflection: I stand with this tax collector many times. Ashamed or afraid to even look up. Asking for God’s mercy while knowing I don’t deserve it. Even wondering sometimes, “Will this be the time He gives up on me.”
One of the things God looks for from us and values in us is honesty – with ourselves, with Him and with other people. Jesus often denounces hypocrites – people who act out a role that’s not really who they are.
Now I don’t walk around with my head down all the time. Many times I stand with the Pharisee and thank God that I’m not like other people who don’t know Him. I’m just aware that I’m different because of what He’s done, not because of anything I’ve done. That gives me great freedom as I live knowing I don’t have to compare myself with anyone else. There’s no competition for God’s love. He’s got plenty for us all.
An Invitation: A small group will be meeting tomorrow morning from 9:45 – 10:30am to share what we’ve learned and seen in this week’s readings. We’ll meet in the Pastor’s office at Bethel Baptist Church, 13330 Trenton Road in Southgate. Everyone’s welcome to join us.
Reading for Sunday, June 14
Scripture – Luke 18:15-17: 15People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. 16But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
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