Everything Must Change

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Saturday, April 12, 2025

Today's Text: Luke 19:1-10

Key Verse: Luke 19:9 (NIV): "Jesus said to him, 'Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.'"

I remember when I was a little kid, we went through Sunbeam lessons and were told the fascinating story of Zacchaeus the tax collector. That story has continued to be my most powerful reminder that God's love and salvation are available to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. Zacchaeus was despised by his community for his corrupt taxation practices. But, his encounter with Jesus changed everything.

During Jesus' ministry in Judea, tax collectors, like Zacchaeus, were seen as outcasts and were often despised by the Jewish community due to both their extortion of people and their association with the Roman Empire. On Jesus' journey to Jerusalem, among his missions is to reach out to the marginalized and sinners, and offer God's love and salvation for all people. And all men are welcome. Whether they be a demon possessed or someone caught in adultery, or a chief tax collector who seeks to see Him. Jesus was always there to initiate the needed transformative encounter with all.

Of course, not only does the story emphasize the availability of salvation to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances; but it also reveals how it changes everything, teaching us that no one meets Jesus and remain the same. It also reveals how this includes everything in the human society. Everything changes with Jesus. His interaction with Zacchaeus that fateful day demonstrates God's love and acceptance of people from all walks of life. Genuine repentance, making amends, faith and action for past wrongdoings are always the logical outcome of a genuine encounter with Jesus.

Action Steps: Take time to reflect on how God's love and salvation have impacted your life. Look for ways to serve others, especially those who may be marginalized, in physical needs, or in need of Christ If you have wronged someone, take steps to make amends and demonstrate repentance. Share the good news of Jesus Christ with others, especially those who may not know Him.

Quote for the Day: "Salvation is totally different from what today's world takes it to be: a feeling tied to an aspect of our human need. No. It is transformative power that changes our lives and sets us on a path of relationship with God." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for the story of Zacchaeus, which reminds us of Your love and salvation for all people. Help us to demonstrate repentance and restitution in our own lives, and give us opportunities to serve others and share the Gospel with those around us — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.

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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Matthew 5:3-10, Mark 2:13-1 7and Romans 5:6-11.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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