Two men! One was a well thought Of respected master of theology who could tell you the middle word of the Bible, and who was a teacher of the Jew's religion. The other was a scoundrel Jew who made his illicit gain by cheating his own people as he taxed them for the Roman government.

Something had happened to these two men as they went on through life. The Pharisee recognized his goodness and greatness, as evidenced by his speech, "I thank thee I am not as other men" (V.11). And he wasn't as other men. He was somebody special, and he prided himself on that fact. The publican viewed his life, and God enabled him to see his vileness, his hateful enmity to God Himself. And he "would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven" (V.13). A poor pitiful sinner was he.

Which are you? Somebody or nobody? Good or bad? Sufficient in yourself or needy? Here of late the Lord has on occasion brought me to really (not falsely) be the neediest creature under God's heaven. I do choose the publican's place. "Mercy, Lord, to me the sinner." Oh, what a great weight, but then, "this man went down to his house justified" (V.14), and the weight is lifted. The blood of the Lamb of God avails to cleanse the wretch.

Thank Him for His mercy, His blood, His righteousness, His love for real sinners. Lord, let me be a real sinner in the dust before Thy holiness. Give me grace to be saved every day.