The parable of the two men, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector gives me great satisfaction. The one in his self-declared rectitude; the latter in his own humble realization of sinfulness. The tax collector then going home
"justified rather than the other,"
was the 'real' person of genuine rectitude.
If you ever get into a situation where man feels his own self-rectitudinous - ness because of self-righteous, holier-than-thou legalism, how does it make you feel? What is the atmosphere like in a room with many of them in it?
For me, it makes my skin crawl and the hairs on my arms stand up. It is a very uncomfortable feeling. There is little joy in the room. There are ponderous frowns upon many of the brothers' faces creating a very heavy, scary atmosphere. The sisters are rather expressionless and silent.
Afterwards, after the prayer meeting and Bible study are finished and the people are released from that grip, there is relaxing conversation of other things. However, I'm not sure how many went home justified or nourished in their souls.
God's Word will, of course, NOT return to Him void and He can use His Scriptures to enter into the minds and hearts and still accomplish what God pleases (see Isaiah 55:11).
So be it, Father God. May Your word bring joy and refreshment to dry souls and bring them true rectitude. Help us to remember too, that with truth there should be a balance of God's grace. May our behavior and thinking reflect Your righteousness as we live out our Christian living, becoming more Christlike in ways that do not make us frown and scowl legalistically but with smiles brought on by true freedom in Christ. May our countenances radiate with the joy of the Lord because of Your living Word of God powering and empowering our lives.
I ask all this in Jesus' most precious name, amen.
~ ERC September 2025 ~
Based on Luke 18:9-14 ESV.
Sing, Grace Greater Than All Our Sin, along with Sovereign Grace Music.
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