“And [Jesus] spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:9-13).
I believe Jesus is trying to show us the difference between the two men’s attitudes here. The Pharisee arrogantly boasted, “I do this and that and everything else, God; Your blessings belong to me now.” The other man just humbly prayed, “Lord, I don’t deserve anything on my own. Please just be merciful to me.”
It’s true we need to stand up in our righteousness. We are to come boldly before the throne of grace, believe and confess the Word and act in faith. Proverbs 28:1 says, “The righteous are bold as a lion.”
But we shouldn’t come with an arrogant attitude, saying, “God, I’m doing everything You said to do; You owe me.”
We need to come and say, “Lord, I’m doing what You said in Your Word. Now I thank You for Your mercy.”
God’s mercy, compassion and grace provided everything we have in Jesus Christ, and we must treat His blessings as a gift. Because of God’s grace poured out upon us, we can say, “If we believe and say what His Word says, it will come to pass.” We are to be thankfully receptive, not arrogant, about it.
So be bold when you go before God, but always keep a watch on your attitude. Remember, it’s only by God’s grace that you stand!
I go boldly before God’s throne to receive my healing.
I don’t deserve it on my own. But, praise God, Jesus gave me
His own right standing with the Father so I could receive it.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
For over 40 years, Pastors Mark and Janet Brazee have traveled throughout the world sharing the Word of God and the Spirit of God. Together they've shared the powerful truths of faith and healing in more than 50 nations.
Today Mark and Janet pastor World Outreach Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where they base their ongoing outreach to the world. The Brazees still travel as the Lord leads, and they are raising up a congregation who share their passion to reach Tulsa and the world.