DAY 4 – LORD, LIKE A PUBLICAN I STAND

 

This hymn is not as widely known as the majority of others in this devotional, but it is very powerful and moving. The words of this hymn are taken straight out of the gospel of Luke, chapter 18. The author, Thomas Raffles, shows us what is necessary to obtain God’s pardoning grace and mercy – confession and repentance.

Throwing himself at the foot of God’s throne, confessing the agony of his sinful soul, the penitent tax-collector pleads for mercy based on Jesus’ atonement. He stands in contrast to the Pharisee who assumed that because he was religious, he was in good standing with God. The tax-collector knew that righteous works were not enough to find pardon before a God who demands perfection. All he can hope for is to confess all of his sins, all of his unrighteousness and throw himself on the mercy of the Heavenly Court. As he does, he finds Jesus’ mercy and saving power.

What a wonderful picture this song gives us of the hope that is found in Jesus. As you go before God’s throne today, like the publican call upon His mercy and confess your sins. You, too, will find the cleansing power of Jesus’ blood washing away your sins and making you justified in the sight of God.

 

Lord, here I stand, naked before you. You know me, my ways, my thoughts, my deceitful heart. I can offer no excuse. I can offer no works that are pure to atone for my sins. I repent and cast myself on your mercy. Be merciful to me Lord, a sinner.

 

LORD, LIKE A PUBLICAN I STAND by Thomas Raffles

 

Lord, like the publican I stand

And lift my heart to Thee

Thy pardoning grace, O God, command

Be merciful to me

 

I smite upon my anxious breast

O’er whelmed with agony

O save my soul by sin oppressed

Be merciful to me

 

My guilt, my shame, I all confess

I have no hope nor plea

But Jesus’ blood and righteousness

Be merciful to me

 

Here at the cross I still would wait

Nor from its shelter flee

But Thou, O God, in mercy great

Art merciful to me