The tax collector

After Luke 19:1-10 

Is there any man

more hated or despised

than the tax collector?

This one, with joy

in his heart, is so excited

to see him that he climbs

 a tree, the crowds are

so great. The tax collector’s

joy doubles when he calls

to him, telling him he’s

coming to his house.

The righteous ones 

grumble; to stay and

dine with sinners is

beyond reprehensible.

The man smiles; he

knows who has gained

salvation this day.

 

Photograph by Hunters Race at Unsplash Used with permission.

Some Sunday Readings

 

The Last Word in the Book of Ruth – Mitch Chase at Biblical Theology.

 

When You Feel Like a Failure – Barbara at Stray Thoughts.

 

Art Proves We’re More Than Dust in the Wind – Terry Glaspey at The Gospel Coalition.

 

The Dangers of Alone: Five Questions for Single Men – Marshall Segal at Desiring God.

A tale of two men

After Luke 18:9-14

Two men in the temple

to pray:

one a Pharisee,

one a tax collector;

one of the most admired class,

one of the most despised class;

one standing apart,

one just standing;

one thankful for his sinlessness,

one broken in self-recognition;

one proud in his separation

   from extortion, injustice, adultery,

one broken in self-understanding

   his heart pierced by self-awareness;

one seeking praise for his behavior,

one too ashamed to look up;

one condemned,

one justified.

Photograph by Caleb Betts via Unsplash. Used with permission.

The tax collector

After Matthew 9:9-13

He sits, the scroll in front,

making his marks, adjusting

as necessary and anticipated,

as each one in the line comes

forward, each ready to argue

and ultimately be extorted,

as necessary and anticipated,

for this is how it is done

under a rule of iron. He feels

and disregards the hot wind

of their hatred, until the one

who has nothing but his word

stands before him, face masked

by the sun behind him. A hand

is extended; a voice says follow

me, and he stands from his scroll

and follows, not knowing

how to face love.

Photograph via Free Bible Images.

Two walls

After Matthew 9:9-13

Two walls: one clean,

one not; one white,

one with dirt, streaks.

One sturdy, intact;

one crumbling.

The mason considers

both, considers

which to leave alone,

which to touch and heal.

Photograph by Lynn Greyling via Public Domain Pictures. Used with permission.