This parable by our Lord Jesus Christ is a dose towards humility. It touches my heart and bring it in sobber mood. How wish we could pray in humble mind to receive all God have in store for us.
From the parable:
(Luke 18vs10-14)
Luke 18:10 Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.
18:11 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.
18:12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.
18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
The prayer from a humble heart draws God's attention than a prayer from a proud heart. Some folks thought they are doing God help by giving or by doing a bidding for Him. Many prayed and receive not, because they lack the fragrance of humility in their prayer. Surely, it is not the loudness or the longing of our prayer that determine a response from God, nor how fat our offering to draw His attention, but the condition of the heart. God isn't far from us nor live a far away distance according to Isaiah 59vs1. The position of our heart will determine whether we will accommodate His glory or not. Our approach to God determine His response to us. According to the parable we understand that, there's a heart of humility and a proud heart. No man can be in between.
These two men cry out to God.
The first one call upon God by the reason of the "good works" he has done. As Many even claims when praying to God. Some can even boast about buying a clock to the church. Some even boast by buying a bus for church programs. They want to be seen as the "man" who give this to the church. Some were even conferred upon a title, even when God is not choosing them. These categories of men are like the Pharisees that Jesus always talk to. Who owns the money, or the resources we used in claiming these things we do for God?
Surely, all belongs to God.
The other man call out to God in a repentive heart. Acknowledging his sin, to obtain mercy from the throne of Grace.
"A wise son will go humbly before his father to get his approval for his bidding, than a proud future heir who insult even his father by claiming he's the next king".
Our approach to God determine His response. Sometimes we pray and it looks as if God isn't there. No, God is. Go humbly before the throne of and help will surely be supplied to you.
1 Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
Call upon Him, He longs to hear you. My the Lord answer you this day in Jesus Name. Amen.
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