1 March 2009
Measure up to Jesus
Posted by admin1 under: Devotions/Meditations .
“The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess” (St. Luke18: 11-12).
The Pharisees were members of an ancient Jewish sect that emphasized strict interpretation and observance of the Mosaic law in both its oral and written form. Unfortunately, the Pharisees also had a tendency of being self-righteous and hypocritical. While they displayed outward righteousness, their hearts, minds and motives were not righteous.
Many of us today may not be different from the Pharisees. We see the faults of others and fail to see our own faults and sins (St. Matthew 7:1-5). Sometimes we reach the wrong conclusion that we are better because we compare ourselves with those we perceive to be worse than ourselves (Romans 2:1-29), thus fail to repent and to be justified before God (St. Luke 18:14).
Using another person to gauge if we are better or worse is using the wrong standard and wrong measurement of righteousness and holiness. The scripture testifies that: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of the God” (Romans 3:23). The Bible further tells us to look to Jesus who is the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:1). The right question each of us must ask himself is, “how do I compare to Jesus?”
When an athlete wants to excel, he does not compare himself with those who are less successful than himself. Doing so, will stunt his growth and set him up for failure. Rather, he uses more successful athletes than himself to measure his growth, competence and success. Likewise we also ought to compare our spiritual performance to Jesus rather than to other people.
To be justified before God, we need to confess our sins despite the wrongs of others. Moses was not forgiven for smiting the rock instead of talking to it, even though the rest of Israel was more sinful than him (Numbers 20:1-13). The “big” sins we see in others, won’t make our “petti” sins appear less sinful before God. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no not one” (Romans 3:10).
When we confess our sins, we will be justified before God, just like the Publican was (St. Luke 18:14) and we will see ourselves as we are (sinful and unholy) and see the need for a Saviour in our lives.
The scriptures have set the standard and measurement for holiness and righteousness: “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation. Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy (1 Peter 1:15-16).
Meditation: I want to be more like him, more like him I’ll be. And when my journey is over; I know his face I’ll see (song).
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3 Comments so far...
Evang. J. Ellis Millerton (GFA) Says:
4 March 2009 at 2:35 pm.
All Hail:
I pray all is well with thee. First let me congratulate your team on such a fine looking web site.
I have read the entire site and I feel you have done a fine job. Please continue to uphold the teaching of Prophet WS Crowdy. May the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob continue to bless and keep you.
Peace be unto you.
St. Brenda Warren Says:
4 March 2009 at 2:40 pm.
All Hail Saints of the Most High God!
The inspiration for the week was great! ! Measure up to Jesus!
St. Ann-Marie Mercurius Says:
4 January 2010 at 5:43 pm.
I enjoyed perusing the sermons, learning about our beliefs and why we believe in them, and viewing your web site, I was overjoyed to see my brothers and sisters singing the songs of zion. I pray that God will bless you to uphold the teachings of the Prophet of God, looking always unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.
