“Going Home Justified Before God!”

“Going Home Justified Before God!”(Lk.18:9-14).
Why do you pray? What do you pray? Does the advantage you have over others be the reason for your thanksgiving prayer? Is the misery of another person the reason why you pray to thank God?
Th scriptures are in greater part biographies, autobiographies, history of individuals and reflections of life’s experiences as seen by individuals.
These fragmented stories constitute the story of the journey of faith. The characters involved are mere puppets in the hands of an overlord; who in this case is a loving and caring God who has the power to do anything.
Certain truths and realities of life are sometimes better understood only through imaginary stories often couched in figurative language.
We note that imagination has a central place in producing reality. And our reality is how we are put wrong or right with God.
Sometimes, in the name of prayer people exaggerate their stories; telling God who they are, counting their achievements; forgetting that they are talking to the one who says, “Without me you can do nothing.”
The lizzard-head-nodding people are those “who are confident of their own righteousness…,” while looking “down on everybody else.”
Christ did not come for the people who are confident of their own righteousness. He came for those who beat their breast and say, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” After this penitent prayer one goes home justified before God.
Those who exalt themselves are humbled and those who humble themselves are exalted.
Dear friend, don’t tell God your achievements and what you are in your prayer; show your weaknesses to him and ask for mercy.
Weekend prayer: “God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.