Continuing Michael's "Rescue" message, Jesus said, "Zacchaeus, come down out of that tree for I'm coming over to your house today." Many people turn away in shame and guilt when Jesus calls them. However, a man or woman who is desperate runs to the Lord and not from Him, for He alone is the Savior, God’s only plan of atonement for sin and salvation from Hell. For by grace are you saved through faith and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God. “Not of works lest any man should boast.” To approach a Just and Holy God, we must forsake our pride and run to the Lord Jesus Christ with the heart of an innocent child’s trust. A child runs to his father when they’re desperate and in need of rescuing. Like an earthly father, our loving Heavenly Father will embrace us in His arms. Jesus said, "Come to me all you who are weary and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”
It's not the miracles, great and mighty works, or swelling words of mankind's vanity that calls a person to repentance. Rather it is the love, mercy, grace and goodness of the Lord that calls us. This is the gospel message. It’s a ministry of care and compassion with the purpose and goal of turning from sin to Christ in repentance, thus a “born again” rescue. The lost in sin don't care that we know until they know that we care.
Then, they may see that casting all your care upon Him for He cares for you. That's why the Word of God says recompense to no man evil, provide all things honest in the sight of all men for the Lord is at hand.
Zacchaeus was desperate and in need of a Savior. He ran to his Lord Jesus Christ. He was joyful to make restitution to those whom he had wronged. He wanted to come clean before his lord and before the people. Zacchaeus said, "I'll go beyond the requirements of the law and give half of everything I have to the poor. I'll also return back to those I've defrauded four times over.” Zacchaeus had a transformation of heart. Like King David said when he repented of his sin, "create in me a new heart O Lord."
When we repent by running to our Lord, and from our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Jesus Christ is our peace, he is the One who reconciles our hearts back to our Loving Heavenly Father. There is no peace with God without the Prince of Peace. When we turn from ourselves in desperation, He will rescue us from our sin and iniquity. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. He is the resurrection and the life. Jesus said in John 14:27: “My peace I leave with you. My peace I give unto you, not as the world giveth give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” No Jesus, no peace. Know Jesus, know peace.
May we ever live to the praise of the glory of His grace!
Your brother in Christ, Michael
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