Devotion
We are Called to the Lost
Chipo Biti
Zacchaeus was a wealthy tax collector. Tax collectors in the times of Jesus were not popular people. I'm pretty sure tax collectors of the present day we live in are also held in a high regard. Zacchaeus probably held high societal status as a result of his wealth. But none of that meant a thing to him when he wanted to meet Jesus. He wasn't a very tall man but He did not allow his to stop him. He put his dignity aside, ran ahead and climbed a tree in order to see Jesus. It was very clear that Zacchaeus was determined to meet Jesus and possibly converse with Him.
Jesus took it several steps further and informed Zacchaeus that he was going to stay with him. This was a shock to everyone around Jesus - and probably to Zacchaeus too. Tax collectors were known for using sneaky, underhanded means to retrieve their money from other people. When people heard that Jesus was going to stay with Zacchaeus they started to grumble, accusing Jesus of associating with sinners.
What a funny thing for them to say, considering the fact that they were sinners too. They probably didn't see it that way because they felt that they weren't as bad as Zacchaeus. Self-righteousness can blind you of your own flaws while you amplify the flaws of other people. Jesus wasn't moved. He wasn't there to follow the status quo. He was there to reach out to people from different walks of life.
Look at the transformation that occurred within Zacchaeus. He was determined to give away half of his possessions to the poor and he was willing to pay back four times the amount to anyone he had cheated. A repentant heart! What a sight! All of this was triggered by the loving gesture Jesus made, by reaching out to Zacchaeus.
Jesus ended it off with the perfect statement, putting all grumblers to silences, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
Prayer
We should never get to a point of thinking that we are better than the lost. Remember that there was a time where you were lost and you responded to the love that God was stretching out in your direction.
As Christians, we are called to reach out to the lost - no matter how crazy or "sinful" they may appear to be. When we allow the love of God to work through us, miracles will happen. The same way they happened when Jesus reached out to Zacchaeus - a man most people had written off of a sinner who could never be saved.
Devotion
Give Good Example
Frances Taylor
If we ever needed a reminder of how important it is to practice what we preach, this is it. Not only are we encouraged to help others, but we are also warned about giving bad example or leading others, particularly children, away from the Lord.
I have spoken to many people who say that they became a Christian because of the example of people in their family, friends or strangers whose joy is so great they want a part of it. I also know people who have turned away from the faith they once had because they consider those who proclaim themselves to be Christian are hypocrites. Most people don't start out wanting to be Christians because of doctrine. They are influenced one way or another by people. Are you someone whose life exhibits the joy of knowing Jesus and his saving power? Am I? Do your actions give testimony to your beliefs? A person can go to church each week, Bible classes during the week and give every impression of being a devout follower of ...
Morning Prayer
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
Inspiration
There is nothing at all – nothing on the earth and nothing in the spiritual realms – that can separate us from the love of Christ. No matter what any person or principality tries to do in our lives, they will never be able to quash the love Christ has for us. The love God has for us is eternal – it is here to stay for good.
Prayer
Dear God, I thank you for the love that you have for me. Thank you, Lord, that this love will never leave me and it will never forsake me. No matter what anyone tries, or whatever may come my way, Lord, I thank you that your love will always be with me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.
Inspiration
As Christians, we know that we find peace in God. And today, we’re reminded that He promises peace to His people. But we have to do our part, which is listening. It’s when we turn away from wisdom and pursue foolish and selfish endeavors that peace eludes us. But when we turn our ears to His wisdom, He leads us on the path to peace.
Prayer
God, in You I have received peace that passes understanding. Speak Your wisdom to me, and teach me to not be distracted by my own foolish ambitions. Give me ears to hear You so that I may remain close to You and move in Your peace wherever I go. In Jesus’ name, amen.
