SEE THE NEED OF SAVING
The way you view a sinner will determine whether you have a Pharisee's view or seeing through the eyes of Jesus.
DON'T BE LIKE THE PHARISEES
Don't sneer at the sinner - He/she deserves salvation for he/she also is the son or daughter of Abraham. Give God a chance to work on His masterpiece before you criticize or condemn. Jesus saw the seed of Abraham in Zacchaeus despite his flaws what He saw, knew and even heard what others said about him.
Read this wonderful and beautifully illustrated story..... in Luke 19: 1-10 and after reading and analyzing the message, think on the following:
- What would you do if you were Jesus?
- Would you go to Zacchaeus house knowing what you knew about him?
- What view would you have?
- A Pharisee - Too holy to mingle
- Jesus - Seeing the need for salvation
- What is your approach like to sinners?
- What type of conversation do you have about them?
What about you? Do you see your need for salvation, restoration or redemption? The Lord is a Specialist in redeeming and restoring.
TODAY'S FOCUS: THROUGH THE EYES OF A SAVIOR
In the illustrative story it is important to note that Zacchaeus saw his own need. Even though he was the chief among the publicans and was rich, he sought out to see Jesus. Even though he was challenged by his height, he
made no excuse to catch a glimpse of the Savior. He climbed into a sycomore tree in a visible place both to see and be seen. (Luke 19: 1-3)
When Jesus came to the place, he looked up, saw him and called Him by his name. He didn't say, sir, you, sinner or used another label but called.... Z A C C H A E U S!
This is where it gets interesting- He didn't wait to be invited, but
He told Zacchaeus that He was going to be a guest in his house that day.
Zacchaeus didn't argue or complained about the condition of his house or about who he was, but he was excited and immediately climbed down from the tree and took Jesus home with him. That upset the Pharisees and those around that Jesus would be a guest with a sinner man and one like the crook, tax collector Zacchaeus.
It was obvious that Zacchaeus had a reputation that made them feel that way, but Zacchaeus stood and confessed that he would be a distributor and restorer. It's in that awareness that Jesus spoke, and Zacchaeus saw love through the eyes of a Savior. Embraced by love, recovered through salvation as the son of Abraham.
The words, "the Son of man has come to seek and to save that which was lost", is still resounding today to those who like Zacchaeus will see the need and be joyful in accepting Him as their Lord and Savior. Here's what He is saying to you:
Mark 2: 16:17
And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?
When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
While the critics are criticizing and condemning it is still your responsibility to want God. Let me ask you...
- How strong is your need to see Him?
- What is your excuse to decline His invitation to dine with you?
- Are you paying attention to the voices around you or are you focus on your guest?
- Are you ready to give back what you have withheld and more?
Remember, He came not to call the righteous, but sinners who have become aware of their need of saving. You must view yourself and others from the eyes of a loving Savior and not from a Pharisee's view of things. There's is no excuse for the person who really wants to do or see something. Like Zacchaeus you will find a way. Position yourself in the place where Jesus will be present or passing- go to church, read the word call up a prayer line, read a good inspirational book and pray. He will restore, revive and save all the lost children of Abraham. Make that choice!
God Bless you and Keep the Faith!
Virtuous Jewel
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