“And Zacchæus 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 19:8 KJV).
In this passage, we see the ultimate example of how grace transforms a person’s being from the inside out. Zacchaeus—a wealthy and despised tax collector who cheated his own fellow Jews, stood stunned. The Message Bible paraphrase says, “….. He stammered apologetically, “Master, I give away half my income to the poor—and if I’m caught cheating, I pay four times the damages.”” (Luke 19:8 MSG).
As revealed, the Lord Jesus did not give Zacchaeus a demand list of laws and rules or require repentance before entering his home. Our Lord Jesus simply extended him acceptance, grace and unconditional love. His spontaneous hospitality was not an attempt to earn God's favor, but the result of encountering the Lord’s grace and love. This manifests that experiencing the Lord’s unmerited favor and forgiveness naturally lead to a transformed life, producing generosity and moral renewal.
This un-assuming taxman Zacchaeus is in direct contrast with the Rich Young Ruler, who attempted to pander the Lord. He calls Him Good Master. The Rich Young Ruler boasted his presumptive law-keeping and walked away sorrowful when asked to give up his wealth (Luke 18:18-23; Mark 10:17-22; Matthew 19:16-22). Zacchaeus on the other hand (a notorious publican and labelled sinner with nothing to boast about) received the Lord joyfully in his house and willingly offered to give half his wealth away.
This voluntary act of Zacchaeus is our reminder to stay rooted by faith in our Lord’s grace and love, not our perceived possessions and accomplishments. We must remain stirred and mindful to reflect on the Lord’s question with wonder, as it is written: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC.
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC.
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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