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December 13, 2023
in Jericho, and he was quite wealthy. He was a crook, cheating pGoing Out on a Limb
My child, have you learned how to love, even when you are used or done wrong? I am a loving, forgiving God. Many of My children forget where they were when they were introduced to Me. (1 Corinthians 5:12-13). It is My heart that none should perish, and all will have everlasting life! I don’t discriminate, nor am I slow concerning My Promises, as some people think, but I am patient. (2 Peter 3:9)
Zacchaeus was the head tax collector in Jericho, and he was quite wealthy. He was a crook, cheating people on their taxes. He would charge more than they owed, pay their taxes, and then put the rest in his pocket. The townspeople didn’t like him. Zacchaeus was a short man with big goals. As Jesus entered the city and walked through the crowd, Zacchaeus desperately wanted to see him as he passed by. (Luke 19:2-3) The crowd was in his way, so he climbed up in a sycamore tree. (Luke 19:4) When Jesus got to the tree, he looked up and said, “Zacchaeus!” “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.” Filled with excitement Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house. (Luke 19:5-6) The people were upset and grumbled among themselves, saying, “What business does He have cozying up with a crook?” (Luke 19:7)
Zacchaeus stood there in front of Jesus stunned, stammering apologetically, he said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!” (Luke 19:8) Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” (Like 19:9-10) He was able to give all the money back he had cheated the people out of because he had invested it. When you have an encounter with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, He will cleanse you internally. You will have a heart change as Zacchaeus did! He issued generous refunds for overcharging everyone.
More than anything in the world, Zacchaeus discovered that he longed to be found by the Savior. (John 3:16) The love of Christ is unconditional and thank God it is for your sake and mine. (Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:8) Bring your heartbreak, broken dreams, and baggage to the Father and allow Him to heal and restore you as he did Zacchaeus. God the Father will meet you where you are, pick you up, clean you up, and set you on the right path.
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