The tax collector stood at a distance. He wouldn’t even lift his eyes to look toward heaven. Rather, he struck his chest and said,
“God, show mercy to me, a sinner.”Luke 18:13
My kindergarten teacher was a short, sweet religious woman. She taught generations of children as they began the long years of learning. She had a chart of Bible images for her lessons. In my mind, I can still see the one for the Pharisee and the Publican; I’ve posted it on the blog. The two persons are in strong contrast in the picture: to the left and in the front, with face lifted up, is the Pharisee; to the right, toward the back of the temple, is the humble tax collector with his face down. He simply prays for God’s mercy on him.
God’s mercy and love are far greater than any sin in this world. So whatever wrong you may have done, just let this simple Bible breath flow in and out with your breathing: “God, be merciful to me!”
On Sundays we follow the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
These Firestarters are from a new edition of The Bible Through the Seasons being developed for families with children. For the Firestarters in the original edition, I recommend the ebook. You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or table! Check the menu options at the site for more information.
The Bible Through the Seasons 