Today’s Reading:
Luke 19:1-10
“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10 KJV)
In order to finance their large world ancient empire, the Romans levied heavy taxes on all nations under their rule. But the Jews, then under the control of the Romans had opposed this, because it would support a secular government and its many pagan gods. Yet, they were forced to pay. The Jewish born tax collectors were unpopular in Israel because they were regarded as cheats and traitors. Again, they were seen as enriching themselves by extorting their fellow Jews. Verse 10 of Luke 19, tells us that Jesus Christ came to seek and to save those who are lost. Which to me implies that Jesus’ mission on earth was not only to save mankind from sin, but also from everything Satan seeks to destroy, or has ruined in our lives. He came to save people like Zacchaeus, like you and me. He gave up His throne and rights, and came to reconcile us to the Father, that His will might be fulfilled in our lives. He has not come to make a name for Himself, or throw His weight around, or flex muscle, or to manoeuvre or manipulate others. All these the powers of the world’s systems would do.
Jesus, on His way to Jerusalem passed through Jericho, with the crowd following to see him. Zacchaeus, a very rich but short man wanted to have a glimpse of Jesus but could not because of the crowd. Putting aside his status in the society, he ran ahead of Jesus to climb a sycamore fig tree in order to see Him. On getting under the tree, Jesus stopped and called him by name to come down because He, Jesus, must be a guest at his home that day. Excitedly, he led Jesus to his house, but this did not go down well with the Jewish crowd. Disregarding who Zacchaeus was to the people, an untouchable cheat and a turncoat, Jesus loved him, and in his response, he was converted together with his household.
Today in families, groups, societies, or communities some are considered untouchable, and are held with disdain. This may be because of their political inclination, moral behaviour or lifestyle. We must never join the crowd to avoid such people. Jesus loves us all. While we were yet sinners, he laid down His life as ransom to reconcile us to God and save us from His condemnation. This group of people too needs to hear the Gospel, believe, be baptised and be saved. Judging from the people’s reaction to Jesus’ interaction with Zacchaeus, one would conclude that he was an unfaithful bad man. But after he met with Jesus, he realised he had to change his ways. He gave generously to the poor what he had cheated them of, He made restitution. By this action he demonstrated an inner change by his outward action. It is not enough to follow Jesus by heart, we must let our faith manifest in our change of behaviour. Has your faith raised changes in your action? Or have you ever thought about the changes you need to put your faith into action?
When Jesus referred to Zacchaeus as a lost son of Abraham, I am sure many of His listeners would wonder how this could be possible. The fact is that, one’s salvation does not depend upon good or bad heritage. But faith is the vital ingredient to our salvation. Jesus has come to save all the lost, their genealogy or past lifestyle notwithstanding. Through belief in and faith in Jesus Christ, the lost are forgiven their sin, are made new, and right with God.
OLUFUNMILAYO TITILOLA ADEKUSIBE
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord”.
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the assurance that the lawful captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered. According to Your infallible word, rescue the perishing and care for the dying, in Jesus’ name.
Father, like Zacchaeus, let me, my family, and all in my environment encounter Jesus Christ. Let your salvation enter our dwelling places, in Jesus’ name.
Lord, deliver us from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us, that we may serve You without fear, in holiness and righteousness before You, all the days of our life, in Jesus’ name.
Lord, deliver me from the lies and deceit of the enemy, and by the power of Your Holy Spirit, transform and take control of my mind, in Jesus’ name.
Lord, empower me to acquaint myself with You, that I may enjoy Your peace, and that things may go well with me, in Jesus’ name.
Lord, You give power to the faint, and to them that have no might, You increase their strength. In my weakness and my vulnerable moment, be my strength, in Jesus’ name.
Lord, let me be at the right place at the right time, meeting the right people, and speaking the right word, in Jesus’ name.
Father, increase the light of Your word in our individual lives, in Jesus’ name.
Lord, guide our children in Your path, and keep them from evil and wicked influences of the world systems, in Jesus’ name.
Lord, visit our nation with Your mercy, deliver us and let power change hands at every gate of our nation to the hand of Your Holy Spirit, in Jesus’ name.
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