Daily Worship

Superior

Mrs Karen Brown August 13, 2015 0 0

Luke 18:9-14

The Story of the Tax Man and the Pharisee

9-12 He told his next story to some who were complacently pleased with themselves over their moral performance and looked down their noses at the common people: “Two men went up to the Temple to pray, one a Pharisee, the other a tax man. The Pharisee posed and prayed like this: ‘Oh, God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, crooks, adulterers, or, heaven forbid, like this tax man. I fast twice a week and tithe on all my income.’

13 “Meanwhile the tax man, slumped in the shadows, his face in his hands, not daring to look up, said, ‘God, give mercy. Forgive me, a sinner.’”

14 Jesus commented, “This tax man, not the other, went home made right with God. If you walk around with your nose in the air, you’re going to end up flat on your face, but if you’re content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself.”

Lord, I am so glad that you’ve given me such a superior intellect, it so enhances my powers of discussion.
I know others have intellects like mine but they don’t use theirs to the same effect.
I know that I have kept all your rules and I never shop on Sundays!
While all the ordinary people do their own thing.
Lord, you know that I’d never get into trouble with the law or get mixed up with those who do.
Anyway, these troublemakers are more bother than they’re worth!  
My status demands an approach that the others who work with me don’t have.
More responsibility for me Lord, but then I’m more than able for it all.
Or am I?
My superior abilities seem to be bigger and more important than you.
They take over my life and finding you seems more and more difficult.
The truth is, fear of losing all I have often overwhelms me and that’s when I struggle.
Maybe being so sure of my abilities is a barrier between you and me, so I feel lost.
If I’m really honest, I have to change.
Heal my mind will and emotions and help me to accept your unending grace and love. 
Lord help me to change, draw alongside me and enable me to know you
and in the knowing to place my hand in yours knowing as I do that you have found me. 
AMEN