Day 120 - (Today’s Bible readings: 2 Chronicles 34:8-33; Psalm 109; Luke 18:1-14)
LORD, HAVE MERCY
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!
1. Today Your mercy calls us
To wash away our sin.
However great our trespass,
Whatever we have been,
However long from mercy
Our hearts have turned away,
Your precious blood can wash us
And make us clean today.
2. Today Your gate is open,
And all who enter in
Shall find a Father's welcome
And pardon for their sin.
The past shall be forgotten,
A present joy be giv'n,
A future grace be promised,
A glorious crown in heav'n.
(“Today Your Mercy Calls Us,” Lutheran Service Book #915 1&2)
God, be merciful to me, a sinner. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Link to Wednesday Online Bible Study 7 PM STARTING TONIGHT
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85832224078
Link to St. Paul’s 9 am online Sunday Worship Service:
https://zoom.us/j/177003912
password: 518940
Youtube link to all previously recorded services:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNFbkeFTQAhiGc7bafdvlPkfwnuiDfTQ9
Pastor David Paape
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
No comments:
Post a Comment