Come on Down!!

“I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:12-15 (ESV)

Most of us have heard that statement many times, “Come on Down!!” And with that, an excited and ecstatic person runs from a seat in the audience to win some very nice prizes on the “Price is Right” show. The really interesting thing about the show is that the contestant must have absolutely no inhibitions about exhibiting their emotions on stage for millions of people to see. They must come down in order to win.

Christians must come down in order to receive the blessings of God. Believers must not do things in order to be recognized by friends and colleagues. Believers must allow others to receive attention, even if it is undeserved…at least in our way of thinking.

Charles Spurgeon probably says it best, “For us the way upward is downhill. When we are stripped of self we are clothed with humility, and this is the best of wear. The LORD will exalt us in peace and happiness of mind; He will exalt us into knowledge of His Word and fellowship with Himself; He will exalt us in the enjoyment of sure pardon and justification. The LORD puts His honors upon those who can wear them to the honor of the Giver”

You might look at Luke 18:12, “I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.” This comes from the heart and mind of a person is already well known in community because of social standing and prominence. But he continues to seek more recognition by publically vocalizing personal achievements. In God’s economy this is foolishness.

Quickly note that the most hated person in that social order remains in his corner and only seeks forgiveness from God for his sin and is justified because of his recognition of who he is in the eyes of God. Paul wrote, “for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God…” Romans 3:23 (ESV). And this is the obvious difference between the two characters that we see in this scripture.

Each of has sinned at one time or another and must recognize that we must come down from how we really feel about our personal achievements and understand that we achieve because of, not in spite of, the presence of the Almighty in our lives. When we understand that, we will be exalted in His Presence. How we are seen by others is really not important in His economy.

COME ON DOWN