Text: Luke 19:5-10
Memory Verse: “And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham’” (Luke 19:9).
In men’s assessment, Zacchaeus was a tax collector, a cheat, and a sinner who did not deserve any mercy. It really did not matter to them that he had realised his crimes, turned a new leaf and was now eager to live right. His eagerness was shown in the effort he made to see Jesus (Luke 19:1-4) as well as his personal testimony. Jesus’ looking up to call out to him was not a mistake.
The woman caught in adultery had been judged and found guilty by the people, but not by Jesus (John 8:11). He defended her like he did Zacchaeus. She was admonished to “go and sin no more.” Jesus hates sin, but loves sinners
and desires that they repent, receive Him into their hearts and turn from their old sinful ways. Have you taken the decision to do that? Paul’s antecedents stood him out as one that could not be trusted. He was clearly against Christians and both Ananias and the brethren were not wrong in being careful about accepting him (Acts 9:13&14,26). God, however, defended him because Paul had had a genuine encounter with Him and was a
new man.
The call of God is to you as an individual and has nothing to do with what people think or their assessment of you. Listen to God rather than men. Do you believe the word of God and have you heard His plans for you? Believe His
word, and embrace His plans for you.
Prayer Points:
1. Thank You Lord for Your assurance to defend me.
2. Help me not to judge others.