When God Says …
“And he taught daily in the temple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy him, and could not find what they might do: for all the people were very attentive to hear him.” (Luke 19:47-48 KJV).
These passages provide the insight to discern a dramatic magnification of the clash between legalism and grace. The Lord’s daily teaching in the temple captivated the common people. On the other hand, the law-minded religious leaders, scholars and political leadership plotted to destroy Him, highlighting how grace exposes the true color of the religious and political systems of self-effort and vested interests.
In earlier verses of Luke 19:1–10, our Lord Jesus extended grace to Zacchaeus, which transforms him from the inside out. In these verses 47–48, as the Lord Jesus teaches daily in the temple, the common people "hung upon His words"—meaning they had an anxious desire and eagerness to listen. This shows how God’s grace is wildly attractive to the broken, the unprivileged and the weary. Whereas, the religious and political elites were only focused on outward measure of performance.
We note that the Lord Jesus didn't use the Ten Commandments to condemn Zacchaeus, but rather lavished His grace on him. Grace acts as the catalyst for right believing transforming a person's life from within, turning a notorious scammer into a generous giver. Let’s also be continuously transformed by submitting our bodies in the grace of God by trusting in our Lord Jesus Christ. Scriptures remind us these words of Apostle Paul’s exhortation: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2 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.
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