- Apr 18, 2020
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What are your thoughts on the parable of the tax collector and the Pharisee? The tax collector humbled himself before God, the Pharisee exulted himself before God. To me this shows an inner desire to serve God and recognizing weakness.
I agree except for the part where the Pharisee exalted himself before God. The Pharisee was exalting himself, but not before God. God doesn't need the Pharisee to tell Him what is in the mans heart, God already knows. "The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, "or even as this publican". 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. Why would this man go all the way to the Temple to declare his righteousness before God in such a public way, if not to impress other men? And even at that, he is bragging about fasting twice a week, another man-made tradition.
Now the Publican who stood afar off, I doubt anyone even heard him, he knew he was not yet perfect, but like Paul, pressed towards that prize and asking God to have mercy on him in his journey. Of the two, who was interested in serving God from the heart?
Jesus told the exact same story in Matt. 6, in my view.
1 Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have "no reward" of your Father which is in heaven.
2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, "They have their reward". 3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: 4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself "shall reward thee openly". 5 And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, "They have their reward". 6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. 7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8 "Be not ye therefore like unto them": for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
The tax collector isn't saying, "I'm a sinner because I like to sin, I want to sin and I'm not going to stop sinning, but I want you to have mercy on me anyway." He had yielded himself to God, and recognizes the weakness of his flesh and how much he needs God's instruction. We find this same mindset in many examples of Faithful men that God gave us.
Ps. 51: 1 (To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came unto him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba.) Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.
Ps. 19: 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them "there is great reward".
There are many such prayers of faithful men, to God in the Bible, in my understanding.
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