Day 111 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 2 Samuel 1-3; Luke 18:1-17)
NO WIGGLE ROOM
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ 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.” (Luke 18:9-14 ESV)
The point of the parable is clear. God calls us to honestly admit our sinfulness and seek His mercy. While this is not the way we proud and self-centered “Pharisees” want to go through life, it is the only way to be saved. When we repent of our sins and seek God’s mercy, for the sake of Jesus, we are forgiven and restored.
There is no wiggle room here. Humble yourself, repent, and seek God’s mercy!
God, be merciful to me, a sinner. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
LINK to St. Paul’s 9 am live stream of the April 18 Sunday Worship Service:
IN CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICE and Parking Lot Worship Service 9 am
both with Holy Communion
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.
THURSDAY EVENING ONLINE BIBLES CLASS at 7 pm
Password: 843774
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