This week, Michael writes that Christianity is a rescue effort for desperate men and women. When there's nothing in this world left to live for, then we can run from the world’s value system and toward our Lord Jesus Christ. He will embrace us in His loving arms. Jesus said, "Come unto me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest." When we're desperate and at the point of repentance, we can turn from ourselves and unto the Lord.
Zacchaeus was a desperate man. His story is in Luke 19:1-8, “And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, that he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.”
Previously, Jesus had told a rich young ruler to sell all that he had and to follow him. This man left grieved and discouraged because he had many riches. The story of Zacchaeus is a contrast to the story of the rich young ruler. Jesus asked the both of these rich men a diagnostic question to determine the condition of each man's heart: "What is the cost of following me?" However, the underlying question is not about the cost ... it's about value. Is the value of eternal life and of walking in fellowship with the Lord worth the price of the world?
Zacchaeus' name means "the righteous one." He was a wealthy tax collector who received a cut from the other tax gatherers in his district. To the Jews, he was considered a "turncoat" because he worked for the Roman government and against the people. He took pride in taxing the people beyond their means. Zacchaeus came to a point of conviction ... to the realization that he wasn't righteous after all. Sin means to miss the mark. But, when you miss the mark, you hit something else. According to James, he who knows to do what is right and doesn't do it, to him it is sin. Zacchaeus had heard of Jesus. He realized that even though he was rich, Jesus had something that he didn't have. Romans 8says that unless you receive the Holy Spirit you cannot please God. Zacchaeus thought that he was seeking Jesus. However, Jesus said, "You have not chosen me, I have chosen you."
Jesus knew what was in the heart of men and women. By revelation, He knew that Zacchaeus had a "hunger and thirst for righteousness." According to the beatitudes, He who hungers and thirsts for righteousness shall be filled. The crowds followed Jesus around because they had witnessed miracles that He had performed. Jesus drew many people but they didn't realize that he was the Son of God, the promised Messiah who would redeem mankind. There must be conviction before conversion. We're all convicts in the sight of God, for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. In our own power we cannot approach the throne of a holy and righteous God. Zacchaeus realized that he did not live up to his namesake and that he was unrighteous. Humility and meekness is the prerequisite to receive God's grace.
Let’s continue Michael’s message on Zacchaeus’ example in the next post.
In Christ, Brian
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