Day 19

Read Luke – Chapter 19

Think about…

In Luke chapter 19, we find the story of Zacchaeus, the tax collector. If you have grown up in church and are of a certain age, you might remember the song about him. “Zacchaeus was a wee little man, and wee little man was he. He climbed up in a sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see…”
 
Far more than just being the basis for a catchy tune from earlier days, this story is one of acceptance and transformation. Zacchaeus was a tax collector and that made him hated by much of his community and also someone who was considered a sinner — a spiritual outcast.
 
Of course, as Jesus passed by Zacchaeus, he called out to him that he would be staying at his house that very day. Jesus didn’t care what the religious leaders of that day cared about; he came to seek and save the lost. Zacchaeus needed to be saved and Jesus reached out to him. Immediately the life of old Zacch was transformed. He made restitution for any wrongs he had ever done and went the extra mile to repay anyone he had cheated. Jesus confirmed his new life to all who would hear.
 
Remember, Jesus is in the new life business. He’s not about building empty religious institutions and legalistic boundaries. I encourage you today to remember the transformations that God has brought into your life. Be thankful for all the changes he has made possible. I also encourage you to look for the Zacchaeuses around you that Christ has come to seek and save. How might he use you as an instrument of love and transformation in their lives.

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