118. LUK 18:13. THE PUBLICAN

Luk_18:13. The Publican

"God be merciful to me a sinner."’97Luk_18:13

Refer to the account given of the two characters; their visit to the temple; their views of themselves; opposite modes of address to God; the rejection of the one and the acceptance of the other. Notice,

1. The Publican’s Confession.

He confessed that he was "a sinner." Refer to the generally profane character of the publicans Yet this confession contains,

1. A truth applicable to all men.

For all have sinned, &c.; all gone astray, &c.; none righteous, &c.; all guilty before God, &c.

2. This is a truth involving very momentous consequences.

Sin is rebellion, treason, contempt, and hatred of God; exposes to his displeasure wages, death; disqualifies for heaven "The soul that sinneth shall die."

3. This is a truth which it is well for us to feel and confess.

Few feel it; many try to conceal or cover their sin, extenuate it, &c. Confession of sin necessary; God requireth it; has connected it with pardon. But if we confess our sins, &c. He that confesseth &c. 1Jn_1:9; Pro_28:13. Our confession should be free, full, humble, and with contrition of heart. Notice,

II. The Publican’s Prayer.

"God be merciful to me a sinner."

The excellence of this prayer will be evident if we consider,

1. The Being to whom it was addressed.

To God. God is the only proper object of prayer. He is the hearer and answerer of prayer. All other gods are dumb idols; and confounded are all they who trust in them.

2. It was the result of keen conviction and desire.

His eyes were opened; he saw his ruined state, his perilous condition, his imminent danger; he longed for deliverance; and to God he directed his petition; and in bitterness of spirit sought for mercy as a sinner.

3. The blessing he sought for was peculiarly appropriate.

He sought mercy, not justice; mercy, not merit, not reward. Just what every sinner needs; what God has promised; and what the gospel alone reveals. The Publican’s prayer,

4. Was offered in a right state of mind.

He was evidently,

(1) Humbled before God. "Did not so much as lift up his eyes unto heaven." How necessary to feel this selfabasement! An indispensable fruit of genuine repentance. He displayed,

(2) Great earnestness and compunction of soul. He smote upon his breast. Conscious of his demerit, his vileness, yet his great anxiety to obtain forgiveness. He exhibited,

(3) Some degree of faith. Believed in God; had some confidence in his mercy, &c. His prayer,

5. Was successful.

God saw him, and heard his cry, and graciously condescended to answer his request. He rejected the proud boasting Pharisee; but the broken and contrite heart he did not despise. Those who come unto him through the person and work of his Son, he will in nowise cast out.

Application

1. The Publican’s condition is our own. 2. Let his confession and prayer be ours. And then, 3. We shall in like manner obtain mercy. 4. The self-righteous and proud in heart God will assuredly abase.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS