“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”
Luke 18.13
Beat chest’, this action shows deep mourning and repentance. In Luke 18: 14 Jesus concluded that only this tax collector was justified and that caused panic to the other men.. They thought only Pharisees are righteous and tax collectors are wicked.
Those who exalt themselves will be humbled" Luke 10:15.
God required child like faith and dependence of God for our entrance to the Kingdom. This tax collector’s attitude is the right one for approaching God. The tax collectors were despised because they worked for the hated Roman authorities and were notorious for their corruption . In their self righteousness and hard heartedness the Pharisees and teachers of religious did not care about the lost people.
Jesus embodied the heart of God, who longs for His wayward children to return.
We must humbly confess ourselves as sinners, plead with the Lord for grace, ask forgiveness for our sins, and surrender to the Lord so that we may have mercy on ourselves and lead the way so that we may receive the grace of redemption through faith.
In Romans chapter 10 verse 3, it is said that they are disobedient to God because they do no
Jas 4:6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says, God resists the proud, but He gives grace to the humble.
Proverbs 22: 4 The fruit of the fear of the LORD is riches, and the glory.
Psalm 103: 8, For the LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and his mercy shall be greater than the fear of the heavens and the earth.
So dear brothers and sisters, the Lord is the one who knows the weak and gives by grace, our God. Only God, who knew Jacob, knew us and gave us wisdom, and He is our righteousness, and He is our salvation, and He who sanctifies us.
We all know our mind by obeying one another, God gives grace to those who are humble
The Lord has forgiven my sin and saved me. Behold, the Lord has blessed me this time and is leading my family, relatives, friends and neighbours with blessings.
Lord, Heavenly Father, forgive us our sins and bless us to be with you, children of God who have humbly feared you and humbly praised you for ever seeing the place of glory.
Sol. Daniel , AOJ