Daily Scripture Threshing for Friday, February 28, 2025
Today's Text: Luke 19:1-10
Key Verse: Luke 19:10 (ESV): "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
In May, 1963, in an interview conducted by Sherwook E. Wirt , C. S. Lewis said, "There are many different ways of bringing people into His Kingdom, even some ways that I specially dislike." I believe that there are people some Christians would disqualify for salvation if it were up to them: men like Zacchaeus whose remarkable story we are encountering this morning. He was a chief tax collector in Jericho who was despised by his fellow Jews for his dishonest practices. But despite his questionable profession, he was drawn to Jesus and climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Him as He passed through Jericho. Jesus, noticing him and his thirst and hunger for Him, called him by name and invited Himself to Zacchaeus' home. This unexpected encounter transformed Zacchaeus, who promptly promised to give half of his belongings to the poor and repay anyone he had cheated.
Zacchaeus' story is a powerful example of Jesus' mission to bring salvation to the lost. Jesus' words in Luke 19:10, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost," underscore His purpose in coming to earth. Zacchaeus was considered an outcast by society, but was sought out and saved by Jesus. This narrative reminds us that Jesus came to save all people, regardless of their background or past mistakes. Another significant lesson from Zacchaeus' story is the importance of seeking Jesus with sincerity of heart. Zacchaeus' determination and genuine desire to encounter the Savior is an example for the world that anyone who seeks Jesus with a sincere heart, acknowledging their need for salvation and forgiveness finds Him.
Another vital lesson is the transformative power of Jesus' presence in our lives. Zacchaeus' encounter with Jesus led to a dramatic change in his behavior, as he repented of his past wrongdoings and committed to making amends. When we invite Jesus into our lives, we can expect transformation, renewal, and a desire to live a life that honors God. Our lives begin to bear fruit of change. We demonstrate humility in recognition of our need for salvation. We recognize our spiritual poverty and seek Jesus. As we reflect on Zacchaeus' encounter with Jesus, we must continue to acknowledge our spiritual need for Jesus, who alone can provide salvation and eternal life. We must seek Jesus with sincerity, humility, and a willingness to be transformed by His presence in our lives.
Action Steps: Ask God to give you a sincere heart to seek Jesus. Reflect on your life and acknowledge areas where you need transformation and renewal. Seek opportunities to share the Gospel with others, emphasizing Jesus' mission to save the lost. Surround yourself with supportive fellow believers who can encourage and strengthen you in your walk with Jesus.
Quote for the Day: "Jesus seeks out the lost, the broken, and the marginalized, and He transforms their lives forever." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)
Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, I come before You today, asking for a sincere heart to seek Jesus. Help me to recognize my spiritual neediness and seek transformation and renewal through Jesus' presence in my life. Give me opportunities to share the Gospel with others, emphasizing Jesus' mission to save the lost. Surround me with supportive fellow believers who can encourage and strengthen me in my walk with Jesus — in Jesus' most glorious name. Amen.
____________________
Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Psalm 51:1-12; Matthew 9:9-13; and Luke 15:11-32.
With all my love and prayers,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.
Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)
Send | Share | Subscribe | Support
Comentarios