Letting Go, Leaning In
Gateway to God
Scripture Luke 18:1–30,Psalm 47:1–9
“Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.”
Luke 18:13
In a world that often places self at the centre—our ambitions, desires, fears, and accomplishments—Jesus invites us into a radically different way of being: a life where God is the focus, the foundation, and the goal.
Today’s readings take us on a journey from pride to humility, from self-sufficiency to childlike dependence, from worldly attachments to eternal treasures. In Luke 18, Jesus offers a series of powerful stories—each moment in this chapter shines a light on what it means to live in God’s presence, under God’s rule, and with God’s mercy as our hope. Psalm 47 reminds us that this God, whose mercy we seek, is also the King over all the earth. He is not distant or disinterested; He reigns with love and justice, inviting all nations and peoples to clap, sing, and rejoice in His presence.
- Cry for Mercy (Luke 18:13)
The tax collector’s simple prayer becomes the model for approaching God. It begins with honesty: “Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.” No pretense, no pride—just a humble, authentic plea. As Henri Nouwen writes, “Only when we are willing to confess our lostness can we be ready to be found.”
- Pray Persistently (Luke 18:1–8)
Jesus tells the parable of the persistent widow to show that we “should always pray and not give up.” The God-centred life is not passive—it is actively rooted in prayer, even when answers delay. Eugene Peterson called it “a long obedience in the same direction.”
- Reject Self-Righteousness (Luke 18:9–14)
The Pharisee’s prayer was full of himself. The tax collector’s was full of God. To centre your life on God, dethrone the ego. As Tim Keller said, “You are more sinful than you ever dared believe and more loved than you ever dared hope.”
- Receive the Kingdom Like a Child (Luke 18:15–17)
Jesus points to children as examples—not for their innocence, but for their dependence and trust. The God-centred life says, “I can’t do this on my own.”
- Let Go of Idols (Luke 18:18–30)
The rich ruler couldn’t follow Jesus because he wouldn’t part with his wealth. A God-centred life requires surrender—releasing whatever we love more than Him. Andrew Murray wrote, “God is ready to assume full responsibility for the life wholly yielded to Him.”
- Rejoice in His Rule (Psalm 47)
“Clap your hands, all you nations,” says the psalmist, “for God is King over all the earth.” A life that centres on God ends not in burden, but in joy and praise.
But the way into God’s kingdom is not by strength or success. It is by humility. It is by surrender. It is by trust. It is by placing God, not ourselves, at the centre of our story.
Prayer:
Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner. Teach me to trust like a child, pray without ceasing, surrender idols, reject pride, and rejoice in Your kingship. Centre my life on You. Amen.
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