Genuine repentance and pretentious piety stand in stark contrast in the gospel and all around us. All creation stands in need of God’s forgiveness. Keep the faith. God’s people—“all who have longed for his appearing”—shall be accounted righteous for Jesus’ sake. Our God is merciful to sinners. For all this the assembly glorifies God forever.
Luke 18:9-14
9[Jesus] also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and regarded others with contempt:10“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The 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. 12I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.’ 13But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even look up to heaven, but was beating his breast and saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14I 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.”
Psalm 84:1-7
1How dear to me | is your dwelling,
O | Lord of hosts!
2My soul has a desire and longing for the courts | of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh rejoice in the | living God.
3Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest where she may | lay her young,
by the side of your altars, O Lord of hosts, my king | and my God.
4Happy are they who dwell | in your house!
They will always be | praising you. R
5Happy are the people whose strength | is in you,
whose hearts are set on the | pilgrims’ way.
6Those who go through the balsam valley will find it a | place of springs,
for the early rains have covered it with | pools of water.
7They will climb from | height to height,
and the God of gods will be | seen in Zion. R
O | Lord of hosts!
2My soul has a desire and longing for the courts | of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh rejoice in the | living God.
3Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest where she may | lay her young,
by the side of your altars, O Lord of hosts, my king | and my God.
4Happy are they who dwell | in your house!
They will always be | praising you. R
5Happy are the people whose strength | is in you,
whose hearts are set on the | pilgrims’ way.
6Those who go through the balsam valley will find it a | place of springs,
for the early rains have covered it with | pools of water.
7They will climb from | height to height,
and the God of gods will be | seen in Zion. R
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