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www.truthworks.com 30 SEPT 04 devotion archive |
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ZACCHAEOUS I tell you the Truth, Billy Graham once said, “We were not commissioned to go out and save the world, we were commissioned to go out and evangelize the world.” The words are true. Not everyone who hears will believe. Even Jesus said ”No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.” The question is “How do you know that God has drawn you to Himself?” Let’s look at my friend Zacchaeus and see what happened to him.
Luke 19: Most of you have heard this simple story of Zacchaeus. Let’s really see what’s going one here on the road through Jericho and see how each instance can relate to salvation today! Verse 1 tells us that, “Jesus was passing through.” In our lives, Jesus continually passes through, yet so many let Him come and go without any realization of who He really is- the Son of God. He’s seeking those that are being drawn to the Father. Zacchaeus enters the scene. The word tells us that he is a tax collector, but more importantly that he is wealthy. This is a man known by all those around for his wealth, his worldly wealth. Then we find out an interesting thing- Zacchaeus is a short man in stature and he could not see through the crowd. Remember, “He wanted to see who Jesus was.” Zacchaeus was being drawn by God. He wasn’t just curious to see what this man looked like; he wanted to see “who Jesus was.” But the crowd was blurring his vision. Isn’t that the same today? The lost want to see who Jesus is, but the crowd that gather (even those who gather in His name) can truly blur the vision. Zacchaeus, being drawn by God, was searching. But the “religious crowd” had their backs to him and would not give him a look at the Savior. God continues to draw him. Zacchaeus runs ahead of the crowd, not walking, running! He then positions himself to see who Jesus is. He ran to meet the Savior. Anytime you seek Jesus, He will come. Then Jesus does what He always does to those who seek Him; He calls him by name. He didn’t say, “Hey you, up there in the tree!” He said, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately.” Notice the urgency that Jesus uses in calling him down. Now is the time, not tomorrow, not next week. Jesus has a desire on His heart. He wants to enter the house of Zacchaeus today. At this point, Zacchaeus is at a cross-road. He has a choice to make- follow Jesus or deny Him. He could have shouted down and said, “That would be great, but my house is a bit untidy right now. Let’s set something up for next week. I’ll get my servants to clean the place up a bit and I’ll have more time to spend with you!” Isn’t that what many do? Wait till everything is right before accepting Christ Not Zacchaeus! “He came down at once and welcomed him gladly” Zacchaeus accepts Christ gladly! Of course the self-righteous, “religious crowd” can’t believe what they’re seeing. This man is a sinner! But Zacchaeus now has His eyes on Jesus and publicly professes his faith by announcing that he will give half of what he has to the poor and pay back anyone he’s cheated four-fold. I can imagine the smile on Jesus’ face when He announces that salvation has come to the house of Zacchaeus! Where are you today? You’re one of three players. Maybe you’re a Zacchaeus. You’ve felt the tug on your heart to follow Christ, but every time you do, you see the hypocrites who blur your vision. I urge you today- take your eyes off man and look up to Christ. Today is the day of salvation. Not tomorrow or the next day or next week. Don’t wait until your house is in order. Reach to the Savior and He will be there, forever and ever! If you need to make a decision, ask Jesus into your heart now, right here in front of this computer screen. Ignore those around you. Simply ask him. There is no magical prayer or baptism that saves you. It is only your confession and belief. Then write me a quickly as you make a decision so we can publicly share your decision with the rest. Today is the day! Or, maybe you’re part of the crowd. Is your back to the lost? Do you look at the Savior as your private God? What does the world see when they try to see Christ through you? We’re all guilty at times. But I’ve got good news again! Jesus can change you too! You’re already His child and He wants you to live with peace, love and joy. You won’t experience it when living a hypocritical life. Ask Christ to heal your heart. Ask him for the power, love and self-discipline that he gives. Today is the day! Or, perhaps you are playing the role of Jesus. That is His desire today, allowing Him to shine through us to a lost and dying world. Seeking those who are being drawn by the Father is our mission. Pray that God will reveal the “seekers” to you. They are all around, but without spiritual ears and eyes, they walk right past us. Remember, what Jesus said, “The Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost.” Today is the day! Your Servant, <*))))))< <*))))))< <*))))))< <*))))))< <*))))))< <*))))))< Prayer Requests (and Praises!) If you have a prayer request and would like to see it here, please drop me an email so we can share with others. “I am requesting prayer for my upcoming knee replacement surgery Oct 14. I am praying they will be able to do a spinal block this time and the pain might ease and not be as painful as last time. Of course prayer for the surgeon and therapist - thank you Bridget”
Please reply if you have prayer requests, comments or simply need an open ear. I always enjoy hearing from you. <*))))))< <*))))))< <*))))))< <*))))))< <*))))))< <*))))))< Copyright © 2004 Truth Works Publishing. All rights reserved.
Unless otherwise specified, all scripture quotations taken from the HOLY BIBLE,
NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. NIV.
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