Luke 18:9-17

Those Whom God Accepts

Luke 18:9-17

We are taught here the spirit in which we should pray. Too many pray “with themselves.” The only time that we may thank God for not being as others is when we attribute the contrast to His grace, 1 Timothy 1:12-14. Let it never be forgotten that those who will be justified and stand accepted before God are they who are nothing in their own estimate.

To be self-emptied and poor in spirit is the fundamental and indispensable preparation for receiving the grace of God. “Be propitiated to me” (r.v., margin), cried the publican. “There is a propitiation for our sins,” is the answer of Hebrews 2:17, r.v. Each penitent counts himself the sinner, 1 Timothy 1:15. Bow yourself at the feet of Christ and He will lift you to His throne.

We think that children must grow up to become like us before they are eligible to the Kingdom. Nay, we must grow down to become like them, in simplicity, in humility and in faith.