“But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’” (Luke 18:13 NAS95)
Jesus loved to tell stories and they reflect the depth of real life in simple ways. As I step into the clothes of the man who utters these words, “God, be merciful to me, the sinner,” I see Jesus praising honest assessment, authenticity before God — no pretense. Who knows why the tax collector chose this vocation? Maybe he had no other choice? Maybe he loved money too much? Maybe he saw this as the best way to support his family? Jesus leaves that tidbit out of the story. The tax collector approaches God, recognizing his flaws, possibly even the deep pain he’d caused others, yet he holds out hope that God would both forgive and receive him. His seeing his own sinfulness did not keep him from God, but brought him to God.
I think this reflects exactly what God desires. He wants us coming to Himself, flaws and all. Why? Well, He knows He can transform our brokenness into new life. He wants to restore us to wholeness. In fact, that’s why God sent Jesus. Often our wrong acts cause us to shrink before God and hide, but God wants us to bring that broken feeling, the shame we carry, that awful motivation and the regret or sorrow we feel to Him. In those moments of deep, authentic honesty before Him in prayer healing can happen and wholeness can begin to take shape. That kind of sincerity opens the pathway for the real and felt experience of God’s goodness. Genuineness allows our true self to experience the depths of God’s love. Hiddenness and pretense prevent it. Jesus tells this story because He wants to encourage us to honestly reveal our hearts with Him in prayer so we can enjoy His love.
For Reflection:
“O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill? He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart.” (Psalms 15:1–2 NAS95)
- What do you reveal of your heart to God when you are praying for situations that arise in your life?
- Why do you think God desires you to reveal your heart to Him in prayer as it touches on what your are talking to Him about?
