Seeking the Lost

“Like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be recovered, so we must die.  But God does not take away life; instead, he devises ways to that a banished person may not remain estranged from him.” II Samuel 14:14 (NIV)

When Jesus passed through Jericho one day, He looked up in a tree and spotted a short man who climbed there to get a better look at this Stranger of Galilee who performed all kinds of miracles.  Imagine his surprise when Jesus ordered him to come down, saying, “I must stay at your house today.” (John 19:5, NIV)

Zacchaeus was the chief tax collector (sinner) and very wealthy.  So imagine his further surprise when Jesus later said.   “Today salvation has come to this house…For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” (Verses 9-10)

No one expected this scenario, but God does the unexpected.  He also has the practice of meeting people at the point of their greatest need.  Zacchaeus desperately needed a friend,  as well as salvation; and the very PRESENCE of Jesus made him want to do good.  Without any urging whatsoever, Zacchaeus began to give from a grateful heart and to make restitution.

Jesus changes people from the inside out and delights in removing all the facades.  Let Him visit you today!

Pray: “Wonderful Father, I love the way You devise ways to keep me by Your side.  Your surprises are ‘baffling to the wise,’  please let me experience more of them as one song says it.  I ask it in Jesus’ Name. Amen.”