Seven Word Justification

August 7

(Luke 18:13-14 NIV) ““But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' {14} "I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.””

(Mark 10:46-52 NIV) ““Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Bartimaeus (that is, the Son of Timaeus), was sitting by the roadside begging. {47} When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" {48} Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" {49} Jesus stopped and said, "Call him." So they called to the blind man, "Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." {50} Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. {51} "What do you want me to do for you?" Jesus asked him. The blind man said, "Rabbi, I want to see." {52} "Go," said Jesus, "your faith has healed you." Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.””

(Ephesians 2:4-5 NIV) “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, {5} made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved.”

The despised tax collector approached God differently than the Pharisee. He stood at a distance. He knew he was an outcast and a sinner. His hands were not raised up in exaltation. Instead, he beat his chest, symbolic of deep sorrow. His eyes did not look upward to God, but were downcast in shame and remorse. He did not offer a flowery prayer, but uttered just seven words: “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Those seven words functioned like a computer password to the heart of God: The Pharisee compared himself with others, and in his mind came out smelling like a rose. The tax collector compared himself to God, and in his mind came out smelling like dung. He approached God in deep humility rather than pride, and his heartfelt seven word prayer brought him forgiveness. Both men were sinners, but only one went home right with God. -- Friar Tuck’s Word of the Day