But the people were displeased. “He (Jesus) has gone to be
the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled. Luke 19:7 New Living Translation
Zacchaeus was a tax collector for the
Roman Government. He was not welcome in common social circles & was
despised by the general populous. He was short in physical stature, so when
Jesus came to town & was walking by, Zacchaeus scrambled up a nearby tree
to catch a glimpse of this supposed Messiah. When Jesus spied Zacchaeus up in
the tree Jesus told him to come down for he would be coming to his house for a
meal. Anyone would have loved to have Jesus as a visitor in their home, but he
called out a man that was vile & despicable to all those around him.
How often do we shun people because of
their past or physical appearance? Not knowing their back-story we avoid them
as if they carry the plague. Do we realize how UNChrist-like that behavior is?
I am so guilty of that myself. I bring shame upon myself because of my
preconceived prejudices. How about you?
Jesus came for the sinner, not the saint.
We were all sinners at one time, undesirable to a pure & holy God, yet
desirable because he created & loved us regardless of what we had ever said
or done. When we find a distasteful trait within our own heart do we go about
seeking to alter that behavior or do we shrug it off and continue on? God knows our shortcomings & is more than
willing to help us purge the sinful behavior that lies within us. Submit to the
mercy & grace of God & be changed from the inside out. Until next time,
walk with the King and be a blessing!
Resource: The Life Application Study Bible
No comments:
Post a Comment