Pharisess and Tax Collectors

Luke 18:9-14
Jesus told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt: "Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, `God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, `God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other; for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted."

In my sermon on this text I began by asking which team would you rather be on, the Pharisees or the Tax Collectors? While most of us might bravely select the Tax Collectors, most of us would qualify for the Pharisees.

The difference between these two characters that impresses Jesus is their level of humility. I'llbe you can think of a time when your lack of humility has gotten you itno trouble. I can think of several in my own life.

Of course, God knows the truth about us before we even begin a prayer, so there is no point in being anything other than totally honest with God when we do pray. What do you need to do to get yourself into a posture of humility rather than one of pride?

Peace,

Philip+

Lepers

Luke 17:11-19

Read this passage which is the Gospel text for 10/14/07.

The lepers in Jesus' time were not just people with a dreaded disease --they were ritually unclean. Consequently, his healing ofthese people required him to cross the boundaries of the church rules of the day. It was not that long ago that some people thought AIDS was a disease that represented God's vengeance on people who were gay. Now we know that gay and straight alike can catch AIDS and suffer horribly.

But what about the lepers? When have you ever felt so left out of everything that you wanted to hit someone or just sit down and weep? Jesus not only heals the lepers and us, his healing enables us to have a full life. Consider how God is at work in your life now healing and restoring. If you wish God were in your life but you think God is not, you need only ask. Asking for God's presence, brings God's presence.