Daily Scripture Threshing for Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Today’s Text: Luke 19:1-10
Key Verse: Luke 19:5 (ESV): "And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.””
Zacchaeus, a tax collector, was shunned by society, in the days of Jesus. Tax collectors were viewed with great suspicion and disdain by the general population for several reasons. They collaborate with the enemy (Romans), which occupied Israel. So, they were seen as traitors. They were known to extort money from people, charging more than the required tax amount and pocketing the difference. They were shunned by society, excluded from social gatherings, and even banned from synagogues because they were considered ritually impure and labeled as sinners and beyond redemption. This forced Zacchaeus to live on the fringes and feeling unwelcome to meet such a righteous One as Jesus.
However, Jesus demonstrated His love, acceptance, and redemption for all people in this story. He saw beyond his profession and reached out to him: an encounter that changed Zacchaeus' life, and made him to respond with repentance and generosity. Jesus still seeks out those who are marginalized and oppressed, today. He offers salvation and a new path to anyone, who, like Zacchaeus, respond to His' call. They experience love, forgivenes and transformation. His' statement, "Today salvation has come to this house" (v. 9), signifies that salvation is always available for any Zacchaeus that demonstrates the fruits of repentance.
We too have modern-day outcasts all around us. People who may not feel worthy of love and acceptance. They are not necessarily extirtioners. They may be, but they may be homeless, addicts, corrupt officers, drunkards, politicians, prostitutes, gender-confused fellows, and ex-inmates. We can welcome and create a safe space for them to feel accepted and valued. We can listen to their stories and struggles without judgment. We can offer emotional support and showing them kindness and helping them connect with others and build relationships. Our Lord used Zacchaeus' example to teach that we too can demonstrate God's love and acceptance to all outcasts. We need more homeless ministries, prison outreaches, refugee support, mental health initiatives, addiction recovery programs, programs for at-risk teens, and centers or programs for marginalized groups.
Action Step: Reflect on how Jesus reached out to you when you felt like so lost and unworthy. Look for opportunities to serve those marginalized in your community. Respond to Jesus' call with repentance and generosity.
Quote for the Day: "Jesus sees beyond our profession and reputation, He reaches out to us with love. He accepts us just as we are." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for seeking out the marginalized and oppressed. Thank you for saving me while I was yet a sinner. Please help me to respond to your call with repentance and generosity. Give me eyes to see those around me who need your love and acceptance — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.
With all my love and prayers,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.
Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)
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