I know. This sounds like such a heartless statement, but the thought didn’t come from me. I saw that it’s a pattern highlighted in Scripture.

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The Pharisee and the Publican (Luke 18:9-14)

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The LORD JESUS taught this principle in the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (present day vernacular for the word publican). He described two men that went to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee (a strict religious follower of the Law) and a tax collector (who were known to be notorious thieves). The Pharisee stood erect boldly proclaiming to GOD how righteous he was as demonstrated by his fasting and tithing record. In case GOD needed someone to use as a yardstick, the Pharisee smugly pointed out the tax collector standing in the shadows. The tax collector didn’t even lift his face as he stood beating his chest crying, “GOD, be merciful to me a sinner!” The LORD told the group He taught that the tax collector went home justified because GOD heard his prayer while the Pharisee…you got it, got nothin’!

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The Centurion- A Roman Soldier (Matthew 8:5-13) 

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In Capernaum there was a Roman soldier that had command of 100 soldiers. He had a servant who was sick of the palsy and in a lot of pain. The centurion went to the LORD to ask that He heal him. The LORD agreed to come to his house and heal the servant. The centurion’s response was, “LORD, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come  under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, ‘Go’ and he goeth; and to another, ‘Come’ and he cometh; and to my servant, ‘Do this’ and he doeth it.’ ” (Matthew 8:8 and 9, KJV) The LORD was amazed  at the centurion’s response telling the group that followed Him that He had not found such great faith, not even in Israel…you got it, among the religious folks! This means that there were a lot of covenant people with sick people in their home who got nothin’!

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The Canaanite Woman (Matthew 15:21-28)

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While passing through the region of Tyre and Sidon, a woman of Canaan found the LORD and pleaded with Him to deliver her daughter who was severely demon oppressed. You’ve probably read the account and the obstacles the woman had to overcome. First, the LORD ignored her. Second, His disciples asked Him to get rid of her. Third, when JESUS did respond He told her that she wasn’t on His itinerary. The woman knelt before Him and began to worship, crying out for help. Fourth, the LORD told her He didn’t think it was correct to give the bread of deliverance from demonic oppression meant for GOD’S children to dogs. What did the sister do? She agreed with the LORD’S characterization of her and told Him she only needed a crumb of what was reserved for the children! Once again the LORD commended a Gentile for their great faith and she was granted her request.

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There were many Jews that had demon oppressed folks in their family, but they were probably too busy debating whether or not covenant people could actually be tormented by demons. So then as now, you know what the religious folks got? Nothin’!

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So, why is it that religious folks get nothin’? Spiritual pride or unbelief or a combination of both! Religious people are so full of their own sense of self-righteousness that it leaves them no room for faith in the authority and power of JESUS CHRIST. Spiritual pride prevents religious folks from asking, seeking, or knocking for help all of which requires persistent humility. Religious folks put their faith in costumes, positions, rituals, and programs. The old adage is true: full vessels cannot be filled. Therefore when in the presence of JESUS, they come before Him with unmet needs and leave the same way while the “heathen dogs” get it all!

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JESUS said, “But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.” (Matthew 19:30, KJV) Truer words were never spoken. Unless religious folks get a revelation of the lordship of JESUS CHRIST and humble themselves, those considered to be the “least likely” will walk away with all of the riches of the kingdom of GOD!  Think about it.

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DECLARE: “LORD JESUS I renounce the spirit of unbelief, spiritual pride, the spirit of religion, and being religious. I receive instead a humble and teachable spirit so that I may draw near to You and receive all the blessings You have for me. Please begin to develop in me GREAT FAITH like the centurion and the woman from Canaan. Amen.”