Life As A Tax Collector.

"Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." (Luke 18:10-14, ESV)

How often, recently, I have felt like the tax collector. And, how often have I been the Pharisee.

This parable has stuck in my mind since I heard it again recently. It’s one of those gems that you often read in the Bible that doesn’t quite shimmer for you the first time around. I am often amazed how alive, relevant, and new the Bible can seem with every message I hear.

But why the tax collector? Is it because he is shown to be the “hero” of this story?

I relate to him because I share his same approach to God. I feel that my place is face down before Christ, beating my breast, begging for His mercy. I can’t lift my eyes to his beauty because I have perverted its value time and again with my choices. I long for humility while I puff myself up with arrogant pride.

And yet God loves me.

“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.” (Romans 5:10, ESV, emphasis mine)

So I plead to God for both – His mercy, and His love.

His mercy brings life.

His love is better than life.

“Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.” (Psalm 63:3, ESV)

Oh, to love God like he deserves. What a treasure to have. What a goal to seek. What a life to live.