TURNING TO THE GOD OF MERCY

Reference: Luke 18:9-14
We read the story of the Pharisee and tax collector who enter the temple to pray. The Pharisee approaches God, head up, boasting in his capacity and ability to complete spiritual activities. The tax collector, however, assumes the posture of a broken man who looks towards a merciful God. And as the Psalmist says “a broken and contrite spirit of God you will not despise’ (Ps 51:17)

Here is some truth “even the very best of men have still not figured everything out” because by themselves, they are limited in scope. God gives us a chance to approach Him, but we must approach with an awareness of our weakness.

• That we are men, and that our righteousness is like filthy rags before Him.
• That we we are man, and apart from Him, we can do nothing.
• That we are men whose best still fall short of the standard measure He has set.

It takes His mercy for us not to be consumed and we can approach the mercy seat because He is “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness'( Exodus 34:6).

#sly