Daily Devotions
Two Men Went to Pray
Two Men Went to Pray
Reading for April 20: 2 Kings 6-8
Weekly reading for April 15-21: Luke 15-19
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
Some random thoughts about this parable that are impressive to me:
1. Quality is as important as quantity. You feel guilty because you don't pray as much as you should, right? Most of us do, and we should. But consider that the tax collector said seven words and went down to his house justified.
2. The non-verbals speak volumes about what is in our heart. The Pharisee stood by himself. The tax collector stood afar off. Furthermore, the tax collector wouldn't even lift his eyes toward heaven and he beat his breast.
3. God is not impressed with ritual. The Pharisee boasted over his fasting twice a week and giving tithes of all he possessed. It meant nothing. Brag all you want about your spiritual discipline, but don't expect God to notice.
Father, be merciful.
