Luke 18:9

Luke is giving us a heads up in this beginning section of the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. Our position in prayer before a Holy God should always be one of humility. We are not to approach God’s throne with any confidence of our own righteousness but rather with the knowledge of our own vileness. The creatures are to come before the Creator in all humility - sans merit or vindication - so as to be the recipients of the abundant grace we all so desperately need. I am reminded of Jesus’ half-brother James’ words:

6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." James 4:6 (NIV)

This is echoed again in Proverbs, Matthew and 1 Peter:

34 He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble. Prov 3:34 (NIV)

12 For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. Matt 23:12 (NIV)

5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:5-7 (NIV)

Clearly, the way up is down. The correct attire – both day and night - for the child of the King should be humility. When God mocks arrogant mockers, He causes their actions to boomerang on them yet He tells us that the humble will receive His amazing grace. It is the Lord who humbles and it is the Lord who exalts. Hannah’s Prayer in 1 Samuel tells us:

2 "There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. 3 "Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed. 1 Sam 2:2-3 (NIV)

7 The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts . 8 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. 1 Sam 2:7-8 (NIV)

“There is no true holiness without humility.” Thomas Fuller

“The work of a true convert is not done. He (and she) finds a great work to do and great wants to be supplied. He (and she) still sees himself/herself to be a poor, empty, helpless creature who still stands in great and continual need of God’s help. He/she well knows that without God he/she can do nothing. After a true conversion, the soul is increasingly aware of its own impotence and emptiness. It is still aware of its universal dependence on God for everything. A true convert is aware that his grace is very imperfect and that he/she is very far from having all that he/she desires. Through conversion, new desires are produced in him/her that he/she never had before...So he/she still has plenty of business at the throne of grace: in fact, his/her business there increases rather than diminishes.” Jonathan Edwards

“Humility is nothing else but a true knowledge and awareness of oneself as one really is.” The Cloud of Unknowing

Romans chapter 12 is a wonderful chapter in Scripture regarding how we are to consider the “everybody else’s” also mentioned in our verse for today:

3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Romans 12:3 (NIV)

10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10 (NIV)

13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:13 (NIV)

16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Romans 12:16 (NIV)

18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 (NIV)

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 (NIV)