“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
“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.’
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Luke 18:10-14 NIV
The name Pharisee in its Hebrew form means separatists, or the separated ones. They were also known as chasidim, which means loyal to God, or loved of God.These men were very careful to tithe, or give one-tenth of all their income as an offering to God, but sometimes they would call attention to themselves so that people could watch them put their money in the collection . They were very proud of the fact that they were observing the law of Moses, but they were uncaring.
Jesus compared them to tombs that had been painted with whitewash and looked very beautiful on the outside, but in reality they were like graves full of dead men's bones, not beautiful at all. One day one Pharisee and the tax collector went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee justified himself before God for the good works which he has been doing; while the tax collector pleaded for the mercy from God.
In the church of our day we have these people, who I call modern Pharisees. These are people who thought themselves as holy people because of the good works which they do; such as paying tithes, giving offerings, helping the pastors and ministers of the Gospel. These people like to be known and recognized for what they are doing and they have been doing. They always announce the good works which they did that they may receive praise from people.
This morning, God wants you to avoid that Pharisee like attitude. God wants you to learn to return all glory to Him for all what He has done in your life. If He has blessed you it is because He wanted you to be a blessing. If you were the first one to be saved in your family, it is because He wanted you to pray for others family members to know the Lord too but not judge them.
If you will learn to humble yourself, God will rise you up. If you will learn to give all the glory to God for what He has done for you and not call attention to yourself, God will continue manifesting Himself in the way which you can't even imagine. The heaven will be full of humble people, the saints are the ones which are willing to decrease that Jesus may increase in their lives. They are the ones who are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and God will never be ashamed to be called their God. Shalom!
***Morning Prayer****
Pray this prayer with me by faith and God is going to answer your prayer....
Heavenly Father, I thank You for your Word. Lord please forgive me for my Pharisee like attitude. Lord help me to humble myself before You and all people. Let me decrease that You may increase and seen in my life. May my plans fall and your purpose and plans prevail. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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