Wed.’s Devo - The Humble

Read Luke 18:9-17 Today we have a parable about people who trust in their own righteousness - the Pharisee, and judged others - the tax collector. The Pharisee was thanking God that he was not like other people and especially this tax collector. He went on to list his religious acts of piety he practiced. At the same time the tax collector was praying humbly for mercy from God. He knew he was a sinner. Jesus said that God heard his prayer and forgave him but the Pharisee was not justified. If we exalt ourselves before God then he will have to humble us, but if we are humble before God then God will exalt us. In the next story, the disciples do the same thing the Pharisees did. People were bringing their babies for Jesus to bless and touch. The disciples thought this was a waste of Jesus’ time. Jesus rebuked them and told them that the kingdom of God was made for the humble and helpless. They needed to be as humble and helpless as these little babies to be able to enter God’s kingdom. It is hard not to compare ourselves to others we see who seem to be making mistakes and not following God the way we think they should. But God sees the end of that person. I think of Paul who was so self-righteous and hated and killed Christians because his eyes were blinded to the truth. Jesus took the blinders off and God humbled Paul to become one of the greatest apostles of all time. It is hardest to see that happening to one of the members of our own family but with God all things are possible! Lord, humble us to see ourselves and others through your eyes.