September
27, 2003
TWO
WORSHIPERS
"Two
men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the
other a tax collector" (Luke 18:10, NKJV).
Jesus
spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that
they were righteous, and they despised others (see Luke 18:9-14).
The Pharisee
is full of self-praise. He judges himself, not by the character
of God, but by the character of other men. He proceeds to
recount his good deeds: "I fast twice a week, I give
tithes of all that I posses." The religion of the Pharisee
does not touch the soul. He is not seeking to be filled with
the love and mercy of God. He is satisfied with a religion
that deals only with the outward life. His righteousness is
his own, the fruit of his own works. His attitude leads to
accusing "other men". He condemns others as "sinners"
and thus manifests the very spirit of Satan, the accuser of
the brethren. With this spirit it is impossible for him to
enter into communion with God. He does not feel his need for
God. He feels himself superior to other men.
The tax
collector on the other hand drew apart from the others as
unworthy to unite in their devotions. He "would
not so much as lift up so raise his eyes to heaven, but beat
his breast," in bitter anguish and self-abhorrence.
He felt he had transgressed against God, and that he was sinful
and polluted. He knew that he had no merit to commend himself
to God, and in utter self-despair he cried, "God
be merciful to me, a sinner." He did not compare
himself with others. Overwhelmed with a sense of guilt, his
only desire was for pardon and peace, his only plea was the
mercy of God. And he was blessed. "I
tell you," said Christ, "this
man went down to his house justified rather than the other"
(Luke 18:13, 14).
The Pharisee
and the publican represent two classes into which those who
come to worship God are divided. These two classes are found
in the first two children that were born into the world. Cain
thought himself righteous, and he came to God with a thank
offering only. He made no confession of sin, and acknowledged
no need of mercy. But Abel came with the blood that pointed
to the Lamb of God. He came as a sinner, confessing himself
lost; his only hope was the unmerited love of God. The Lord
had respect for Abel's offering, but He did not accept Cain's
offering.
"Christ
has pledged Himself to be our substitute and surety, and He
neglects no one. He who could not see human beings exposed
to eternal ruin without pouring out His soul unto death in
their behalf, will look with pity and compassion upon every
soul who realizes that he cannot save himself" (Christ's
Object Lessons, p. 157).
"For
whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles
himself will be exalted"
(Luke 14:11).
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