February 2, 2009
DAY 16
Posted by KI Contributor
Scripture: Luke 19:1-10
Zacchaeus, Repentant Sinner Who Took Reconciliation Seriously
Zacchaeus was a tax collector, a corrupt profession during the Roman times. He bullied and extorted his way into wealth. When Jesus singles him out and asks to stay with him, Zacchaeus is overwhelmed by the loving attention shown to him.
So, how does Zacchaeus respond? Does he try to build a temple with his riches? Does he try to donate money to Christ so that he is in favor with the Lord? No. Zacchaeus knows he must love others as Christ loves him. Thus, Zacchaeus reconciles with the people he wronged. He doesn’t try to work in the synagogue or do anything else. He understood the grace given to him and was inspired to reconcile with his victims and give generously to the poor. His inspiration came not from guilt or an unbalanced void, but rather from the grace bestowed on him from his Savior.
As God’s people, we are called to be agents of reconciling. That means we need to be reconciled and help others reconcile. We need to let God heal us from past hurts by reconciling with the people we have wronged or with those who have been wronged by us. Note that Zacchaeus reconciled with people on his own. He could have ordered a servant to pay back the money he stole but he publicly announces his mistake. By doing so, he is not only giving the money back, he is interacting with the people who were wronged by him. If there are people you wronged, reconcile with them personally, and if there are people who hurt you, don’t forgive them solely in your heart. Go up to them and forgive them.
We live in a city that still harbors a lot of pain, distrust and resentment. We live in a country that is not trusted by much of the world. As His workmanship, we need to bring healing to the city and beyond. We need to be peacemakers and outward expressions of God’s reconciling grace and salvation. Will you?
PRAYER FOCUS: Ethnic Communities in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is home to over 120 different ethnic groups – many of them represent nations where the Gospel is not readily preached. Pray for strategic church planting efforts among them. Also pray that God will bring racial harmony; that longstanding offenses may be healed by the forgiveness, which begins in Jesus; that Christians show honor and act in Christ’s reconciling power.
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