The humble cry

Key Scripture : Luke 18:9-14

Jesus tells us about two people who went to the temple to pray, each one approaching God differently. The Pharisee trusted in his good works and lauded himself. On the contrary, the tax collector was full of conviction for his sins and asked for mercy. According to Jesus, the tax collector was justified before God other than the Pharisee, for all who humble themselves will be exalted, and all who exalt themselves will be humbled.

God is aware of all our hidden intentions and empty good works. The very heart of a man is wicked, and God knows that He cannot strive with us forever. For the flesh does what it wishes not to do, and is unable to do what it would like to do. God in His mercy has His ear open to the cry of the humble.

Psalm 138:6
God quickly hears the cry of the lowly, but discerns the proud from afar. Pride is what caused satan to fall. Pride is what caused angels to become demons. Pride led Eve to disobey God. Pride made Adam to blame Eve for his mistake. Pride caused sinful man to crucify holy Jesus. Pride is holding some men from accepting Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.

Pride says I am okay. I do the right things by myself. I do not need God. I have a greater understanding of the scriptures than all those who try to teach me. When pride sets in, God takes the back seat, in actual fact, we leave the backseat to Him. We have to understand that God abhors pride and is pleased with the one that acknowledges his need for Him, and his continuous need of God's mercy and grace.

Next time, when we are tempted to glory in our own abilities, let us remember that God delights in us doing the right things but with His help and by faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. For without our total trust in Him, and our total dependence on His grace and mercy, all our right works are tainted.

Let us therefore come boldly before God in all humility, and we shall receive mercy and grace.

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