Seek and Save the Lost

Seek and Save the Lost

Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a son of Abraham. And I, the Son of Man, have come to seek and save those like him who are lost.” Luke 19:9-10

Zacchaeus was a Jewish tax collector with both wealth and influence. What prompted a prominent man like him to perch in a tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus? Was it only his short stature? Whatever the reasons, we do know that his life was forever changed the moment he met Christ. When the crowd looked into the branches of the tree, they saw a despised tax collector, but Jesus saw a son of Abraham. The people saw a sinner, but Jesus saw a potential friend. Even as Jesus was approaching the day of his death, he continued to seek and save those who were lost. He sought out Zacchaeus by pushing through the crowd to speak to him. He reached out and befriended him by inviting himself to dinner. He gave Zacchaeus a reason to turn away from sin. What a beautiful pattern of how to reach our world! Who are the Zacchaeuses in your life? Let them know that God has marked them with destiny. Though others may see only what’s on the surface, God sees deeper. There is potential within them. Let them know that God has marked them with destiny. You might even make a new friend and because of your relationship, which points him to Christ, you will see him in heaven.

Prayers:
JESUS, you reached out to Zacchaeus even when others despised him. Thank you for seeking and saving those who are lost. Lord, there are people like Zacchaeus all around me. Open my eyes that I might see them and reach out. Help me to look beneath the surface and discover the person within, who was created in your image. Help me to have a burden for the lost and to be a friend to those who are seeking you.

Quotes:
We do not seek God—God seeks us. —
Frederick William Robertson (1816–1853)

The One Year Bible Readings for today are: Joshua 16:1–18:28; Luke 19:1-27; Psalm 87:1-7 and Proverbs 13:11.