“And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, ‘That He was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.’ And Zacchǣus stood, and said unto the Lord; ‘Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold’” (Luke 19:7-8).
When I was a little boy, we learned the song about this “wee little man.” What a great story this is on multiple levels. As many times as I have read this story, this morning a unique thought hit my heart. These “religious” people that followed Jesus around criticizing everything He did were outraged that Jesus would choose to go to the home of a sinner for a meal. Zacchǣus was thrilled to meet this man who was turning the world upside-down. Zacchǣus’ life needed turning upside-down! Mine does too!
I wonder how these religious leaders explained the radical change that took place in Zacchǣus’ life? I wonder how they were able to deal with the cheating, stealing man they had known before, with the overly-generous man they saw after his meal with Jesus. They had to point to a pivotal point in his life when he had Jesus in him home.
This brings me to the thought for us to consider today … can your neighbors/family/friends see a difference in your lifestyle since you met Jesus? When I was a teen there was a question posed to me: If being a Christian was illegal, could they find enough evidence from your life to prove you guilty? Zacchǣus was not even close to the same man after he met Jesus as he was before he met Him. Can the same be said about me? Can those who are watching your life (and there are more people watching than you can ever imagine) see proof that you love God, or do you simply “blend in” to the world you are living in? God has called us to be salt and light. Both of these make a huge difference when they come on the scene. Determine to give God all you have today, and let His light shine in you!
Verse 1: Just as I am, without on plea but that Thy blood was shed for me, and that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come! I come!
Verse 2: Just as I am, and waiting not to rid my soul of one dark blot, to Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come! I come!
Verse 3: Just as I am, tho tossed about with many a conflict, many a doubt, fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come! I come!
Verse 4: Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind – sight, riches, healing of the mind, ye, all I need in Thee to find – O Lamb of God, I come! I come!
Verse 5: Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve; because Thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come! I come!