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10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, was praying thus, ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his home justified rather than the other, for all who exalt themselves will be humbled, but all who humble themselves will be exalted.”

 

This weekend in our worship services we commemorate the work of the church reformers that brought back in focus the heart of the Gospel—that God’s free gift of salvation in Jesus. On October 31, 1517, Martin Lutheran posted the 95 theses to a church door in a small city called Wittenberg, Germany. This event ignited the Protestant Reformation, and thus Lutheran’s commemorate this important anniversary on the weekend before (or on) October 31st.

In Luke 18:10–14, Jesus tells of two men who went up to the temple to pray—one proud of his own righteousness, the other aware of his need for mercy. The Pharisee’s prayer was full of himself, while the tax collector’s prayer was simply, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” Jesus makes it clear: the one who humbled himself went home justified. During the Lutheran Reformation, Martin Luther discovered this same truth in Scripture. We are not made right with God through our own works, personal piety, or accomplishments, but only through God’s grace in Christ. Like the tax collector, we stand before God with empty hands, trusting not in ourselves but in the mercy shown at the cross. This is the heart of the Gospel and the Lutheran Reformation. We are justified by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.

Let us pray: Almighty God, thank you that your Holy Spirit renews the church in every age. Pour out your Holy Spirit on your people. Keep your church in your word and defend us against all enemies of the gospel. Grant your church peace in a chaotic and unknown world. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Pastor Steve Cauley

pastorsteve@livinglord.org

 

Prayer concern: For a revival of faith in our nation.