October 23 2016 Stand Up to the Stand Off

October 23, 2016  Joel 2.23-32, *Luke 18.9-14 “Stand Up to the Stand Off” Pastor Jacqueline Hines

Jesus tells this parable to a specific audience. Verse 9 says He told this parable to some who trusted in themselves. [slide # 1 verse 9 He also told this parable…] We are all in that audience because we all have trusted in ourselves. From time to time, we wake up and go our own way, forgetting that we do not have to walk this journey alone. We have a guide and a comforter who is always with us!

In this parable, Jesus gives us two examples of praying people to think about. Two is the biblical number indicating a choice that needs to be made. The first choice is the example of the praying Pharisee. A Pharisee in Jesus’ parable is the symbol of one who is identified as a spiritual person, trained in the word of God, certified to fulfill its rituals, credited with ethical composure and moral behavior. The Pharisee had authority and privileges and respect whether they deserved it or not. They were so protected by tradition that they could even get away with murder - by crucifixion.

Our second example, a praying tax collector, on the other hand, had a very bad reputation. Stories about tax collectors were in the ancient news ever week just like police officers and politicians are today.

Jesus reminds us in this parable that not all tax collectors deserved the bad name they were given. All tax collectors did not steal from the poor and middle class citizens of Israel. All tax collectors did not skim off the top before they turned the funds over to the Roman government. Some tax collectors, like police officers and politicians had hearts so pure and innocent that they could have passed for Pharisees.

Both these two who came to pray, no doubt, had their own concerns around money. That’s why Jesus talks so much about money. It matters to us all. In my last lecture with the Financial Leadership Academy on Monday, Jack Brooks director of the United Methodist Foundation noted that on an average Sunday the church receives 121 million dollars. That is 12,000 dollars every minute. Money matters everywhere and no less in the church. There is always a reason to talk to God about some issue concerning money because it effects every area of our life.

When the Pharisee prayed, he stood by himself, thanking God he was not like other people: thieves, rogues, adulterers, or even like that tax-collector in the pew on the other side of the sanctuary. The Pharisee reminded God that he fasted twice a week and gave a tenth of all his income. The Pharisee had great credentials, but when it came to matters of the heart, there was room for improvement which is exactly what Jesus’ parable was highlighting.

From time to time we all live with the inner tension and the moment by moment choice of whether to be holy or haughty. We can choose to look at how great we are compared to others or we can choose to look at how great we are by the grace of God.

The tax collector may have made a few mistakes here and there, but he was humble enough to genuinely and fervently thank God for forgiveness. The tax collector no doubt came to the Temple to pray aware that the scriptures in 2 Chronicles 7 promised forgiveness and healing for those persons who humbled themselves, bowing below God and not above God. Verse 13 says “He stood far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” [slide # 2 verse 13 be merciful to me]

Serious responses are often accompanied by physical reactions. That’s why when we worship we sing, or clap, or smile, or shout hallelujah, or stand or kneel. We take worship seriously.

The tax collector’s prayer brings to mind the image of a youngster lifting his or her arms, reaching high, [slide # 3 child reaching] signaling that they want to be picked up and lifted to a height where love and comfort can be found in abundance. That is exactly what is promised. Verse 14 says “all who humble themselves will be exalted.” [slide # 4 verse 14…] To be exalted is to be raised high in spiritual and physical prosperity, to be raised to dignity, honor, and happiness.

When our hearts are humble [slide # 5 heart with dove wings] we have a habit of recognizing and confessing our limits, our shortcomings, our faults and failures. We bring them to the altar so that we can be healed and delivered and forgiven. Then we can start the day with a clean slate and heavenly hopes.

Last Sunday our lay leader [slide # 6 blue leader on green arrow] ended her prayer in line with the tax collector. She gave thanks for Jesus forgiving our sins. On Tuesday evening, missionary, Pastor Vitali ended his talk with a prayer in the Russian language. The last words of the English translation were thanksgiving for our savior who forgives our sins.

Whether we come to prayer in a spiritual stand-off [slide #7 sheriffs in stand-off] deciding whether to talk to God like a haughty Pharisee or a holy sinner reaching toward Heaven, we will get the answer we need.

At our Charge Conference, Aubrey and Scott Johnson led in the opening devotions whose theme was prayer. [slide #8 plug into…prayer] They were splendid. That evening, I heard about an interview with Mother Theresa. She was asked, “How do you pray?” Her answer was “Mostly, I just listen to God?” “Well,” the interviewer continued, “What does God say?” She answered “God just mostly listens.”

God hears us when we pray. [slide # 9 pray with sincerity…] We need to listen! [slide # 10 man bowed in prayer] Amen.