ExpressYourself4Him

Passage of the Day:

On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, ¹¹ and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. ¹² When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” ¹³ Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God. ¹⁴ Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.” ¹⁵ The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? ¹⁶ Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?” ¹⁷ When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing, Luke 13:10-17.

Reflection:

Not every Jewish town contained a synagogue. If a population was less than 12 Jewish males, synagogue was held outside, typically near a local body of water. Luke specifies that Jesus was teaching inside a physical building. As Jesus continued to speak about the spiritual truths in the Torah, His eyes were drawn to a crippled woman, hunched over in a sit. According to Luke, a first century doctor, Jesus called her to move to the front of the synagogue, like going up to an altar in front of a modern-day church. This pause in Jesus’ message likely created an awkward tension, as this hunched over woman slowly moves to the front. This woman could have used her physical condition as an excuse for not attending synagogue. Yet, I believe with the knowledge that Jesus was in town and going to teach at synagogue, some sort of belief was conceived deep inside her heart that healing was possible. Perhaps, when Jesus saw this woman, their eyes made contact, and Jesus could see the desperation in her eyes. Whatever really happened prior to being called up front, this woman never stopped believing that somehow/someway, her body would be restored.

Prayerful Action:

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.¹⁹ The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;²⁰ he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken, Psalm 34:18-20.

Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:

Growing up Roman Catholic, I went to church religiously, even on summer vacation. Yet, now as an adult, I’ve used plenty of excuses for not attending church. While some were valid reasons, this crippled woman continued to attend synagogue for nearly 20 years without receiving an answer to her prayers. Most people inflicted with this ailment would have become angry and bitter at God. As a doctor, Luke was astonished that Satan had the power to bind someone’s body for 18 years. Nonetheless, a spirit of fortitude gave this woman hope and faith to keep worshipping God until this day of healing arrived. This is the type of spiritual guts we all need to pursue.

Song of the Day:

Many of the miracles in the Bible provide a brief backstory. Yet, in some of the generic healings, you have to ponder why these individuals traveled countless miles to see Jesus. When you become desperate like this crippled woman, seek fortitude to press on.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. ³⁶ When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. ³⁷ They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” ³⁸ He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” ³⁹ Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” ⁴⁰ Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, ⁴¹ “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. ⁴² Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” ⁴³ Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God, Luke 18:35-43.

Reflection:

A common technique used by Hollywood screenwriters is for a character or characters to make a scene in public to get a desired result. In National Treasure II: Book of Secrets, Nicolas Cage and Diane Kruger stage an argument in England with the sole purpose of being placed into a holding cell where they will be able to access the room with one of the Resolute Desks. As for the blind man in today’s featured passage, once he was told that Jesus was passing by, he began shouting as loud as he could. Unable to see Jesus, this blind man shouted relentlessly until being brought to Jesus. When the helpless learned that Jesus healed others with similar physical conditions, a spirit of fortitude was conceived. This fortitude gave birth to an unwavering faith which brought about a miracle in this man’s life: the gift of sight.

Prayerful Action:

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. ²⁵ And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins,” Mark 11:24-25.

Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:

John Mark doesn’t mention any friends who brought this blind man near a road where Jesus was about to pass by. As this man begged for pity, likely asking for a handout, the commotion of Jesus’ entourage began to intensity. This elevated noise level brought this blind man to ask someone in the crowd, “what’s going on?” As soon of the name Jesus rang into his ears, the blind man seizes this rare moment by shouting at the top of his lungs. Wanting to see and believing that Jesus had the power to restore his sight, he got Jesus’ attention, opening the door for a miracle. This is the sense of urgency Christians must pursue today rather than remain hopeless and pitiful.

Song of the Day:

After receiving sight, this blind man likely made a great big noise, rejoicing and thanking God. May today’s song inspire you to verbally thank God for all the blessings bestowed upon you.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. ²² A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” ²³ Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” ²⁴ He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” ²⁵ The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. ²⁶ He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” ²⁷ “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” ²⁸ Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment, Matthew 15:21-28.

Reflection:

When a mother is unable to help one of her children, a sense of desperation sets in. This is the context which led a Canaanite woman to seek out Jesus in a foreign land. This woman wasn’t hoping for healing. Nor was the Canaanite woman wishing for a happy ending for her daughter. Rather, this woman demanded healing from this demonic possession. The manner in which Mattew records this encounter suggests that Jesus is testing this woman. When this woman makes a scene, the disciples tried to convince Jesus to send her away. Intrigued by the fortitude within this Canaanite woman, Jesus continues their conversation. Although it’s unclear if fortitude conceived faith or faith produced fortitude, the belief and will for a miracle made this woman’s prayer request a reality.

Prayerful Action:

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see, Hebrews 11:1.

Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:

Whenever I experience a series of failures, rejections and setbacks in life, I begin to lose confidence. The reason why Jesus received so many visitors during His three-year ministry is that needy people had nowhere else to turn. As stories about Jesus’ curing, healing and freeing souls from demonic forces spread, people began to ponder, “if Jesus healed others, why can’t He do the same for me?” Subsequently, as this Canaanite woman left home to find Jesus, she refused to take no for an answer. Like a group of bodyguards, the disciples could not hold back her resolve. Finally, after a series of rejections, this woman persisted with one shrew response after another until Jesus finally answered her prayer. This is the spiritual guts Christians need to demonstrate today.

Song of the Day:

As this Canaanite woman left Jesus’ presence, there was a sense in her heart that her Savior lives. Upon reaching home to see her own daughter set free from demons, she likely proclaimed Jesus as Lord of all. May today’s song touch your heart and revive your soul with a spirit of fortitude.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. ² He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. ³ And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ ⁴ “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, ⁵ yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’” ⁶ And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. ⁷ And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? ⁸ I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” – Luke 18:1-8

Reflection:

According to C.S. Lewis, the final two Cardinal Virtues mentioned in Mere Christianity are justice and fortitude. While the majority of September will be devoted to fortitude, sometimes a pursuit for justice conceives a spirit of fortitude. The book definition of fortitude is demonstrating courage in adversity or pain. However, Lewis points out that fortitude is essentially having guts, with a will to press on regardless of what you may encounter. On my way back from Lynchburg, Virginia after spending two days at the Disc Golf World Championship, I was involved in a hit and run. Traveling south on Interstate 77 toward Columbia, South Carolina, I was side swiped by a white commercial dodge van. Reacting quickly, I immediately turned into the grass, left of the shoulder, regaining control several hundred feet later. As I was about to stop, this Dodge Van that cut me off and ran me off the road fled the scene. I tried to catch up so Leanne could take a picture of this vehicle’s license plate, but the tag was temporary and as this van exceeded over 100 miles an hour, she couldn’t get a clear image with the paper license plate flapping in the wind. Despite calling the police and notifying the local officials of this white Dodge van, justice was not obtained.

Prayerful Action:

Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.^[a] Take up the cause of the fatherless;
 plead the case of the widow, Isaiah 1:17.

Developing the Spiritual Guts to Press On:

The woman in the Parable of the Persistent Widow epitomizes fortitude. Based upon Luke’s introduction, this is like an episode from People’s Court. However, this woman was so consumed with persistence that she refused to settle for anything less than a conviction. Filled with a will to receive justice, Jesus’ details a woman who simply wore out the judge. When Christians adopt a similar passion for prayer, fortitude will be conceived. As prayers are combined with a will to press on despite your current circumstances, the Holy Spirit will provide the spiritual guts that you’ll need to thrive.

Song of the Day:

While I’m still pretty shook up about being in a hit and run, the persistent widow provides a blueprint for seeking justice. When you find yourself in a similar situation, ask God to fill you with the desire to pray and the will to not give up. As this is imparted, let justice reign.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Then the Jewish leaders took Jesus from Caiaphas to the palace of the Roman governor. By now it was early morning, and to avoid ceremonial uncleanness they did not enter the palace, because they wanted to be able to eat the Passover. ²⁹ So Pilate came out to them and asked, “What charges are you bringing against this man?” ³⁰ “If he were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed him over to you.” ³¹ Pilate said, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” “But we have no right to execute anyone,” they objected. ³² This took place to fulfill what Jesus had said about the kind of death he was going to die. ³³ Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” ³⁴ “Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?” ³⁵ “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed you over to me. What is it you have done?” ³⁶ Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” ³⁷ “You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” ³⁸ “What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him. ³⁹ But it is your custom for me to release to you one prisoner at the time of the Passover. Do you want me to release ‘the king of the Jews’?” ⁴⁰ They shouted back, “No, not him! Give us Barabbas!” Now Barabbas had taken part in an uprising, John 18:28-40.

Reflection:

Not much has changed in 2000 years. Religious zealots still exist today, but political zealots seem to have become more influential in this progressive age. While no one is calling for a public crucifixion on a cross, opponents are daily attacked on cable news, in newspapers and on social media. Unfortunately, the truth that Jesus tried to communicate with Pilate has become distorted. As opinions have become elevated to fact status, truth is now relative. Whoever controls the power of the media has the power to alter the truth and rewrite history in the process. As August comes to a close, this is what television viewers have to look forward to over the next 65 days.

Prayerful Action:

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me, John 14:6.

Setting Clear Boundaries to Live By:

In my last few years of teaching high school, I became a proponent of Summit Ministries. The resources Summit provided my student leaders prepared each for the battle of your mind which takes place on every college campus in America. If you want to know the truth, become a modern-day Berean who tested everything they heard before making their own conclusion, Acts 17:11. The apostle Paul adds to this principle in 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22. If you want to know biblical truth, test everything you hear with the Bible and reject every kind of evil.

Song of the Day:

As summer fades into fall, don’t fall for the father of all lies, John 8:44. As America chooses their next president, don’t just believe the ads that will bombard all airwaves this fall. Rather, test everything so that you will know truth from fiction.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” ³³ When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. ³⁴ “Where have you laid him?” he asked. “Come and see, Lord,” they replied. ³⁵ Jesus wept. ³⁶ Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” ³⁷ But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” ³⁸ Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. ³⁹ “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” ⁴⁰ Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?” ⁴¹ So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. ⁴² I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” ⁴³ When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” ⁴⁴ The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go,” John 11:32-44.

Reflection:

Mary and Lazarus were close earthly friends, often sitting at Jesus’ feet, absorbing His teaching. Subsequently, when Mary blames Jesus for her brother’s death, He is brought to tears. Knowing God’s will is hard when you have to allow a close friend to die. Whether raising Lazarus was God’s specific will or done as a favor, Jesus trusts His heavenly Father. Jesus demonstrated great temperance, waiting for the exact time to roll back the stone to Lazarus’ tomb to demonstrate God’s power over life and death.

Prayerful Action:

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; ²⁶ and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” – John 11:25-26

Setting Clear Boundaries to Live By:

One thing that I’ve learned since moving to South Carolina is to never promise anything unless you’re able to fulfill it. Early on, I met people who were carefree with their words, promising this or that but were never serious about what they said. Subsequently, I got my hopes up, expecting something that never happened. As for Jesus, He drops several hints throughout the four gospels about His destiny on a cross. None of the 12 disciples could grasp this unexpected ending. However, the resurrection gave Jesus extra time to be more than a friend, sharing a blueprint for the first century church and vision in the form of the Great Commission, Acts 1:8.

Song of the Day:

Friendships can take various twists and turns in life. You may need to rebuke a close friend one day and give them a hug the following day. May the Holy Spirit teach you to go and right distance and no further as you spiritual challenge your brothers and sisters in Christ.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

On another Sabbath he went into the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was shriveled. ⁷ The Pharisees and the teachers of the law were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal on the Sabbath. ⁸ But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Get up and stand in front of everyone.” So he got up and stood there.⁹ Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” ¹⁰ He looked around at them all, and then said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He did so, and his hand was completely restored, Luke 6:6-10. 

Reflection:

The Pharisees and religious leaders got so caught up in legalistic interpretations of Jewish law, they forgot the core meaning of the Ten Commandments. During a conversation with a teacher of the law in Matthew 22, Jesus summarizes these initial commandments in two statements. Loving God covers the first 4 commandments. Loving your neighbor as yourself encapsulates the final six. Subsequently, as Jesus sees a desperate man in need of healing on the Sabbath, He asks two open ended questions. When these religious leaders remained silent, Jesus went the right distance before healing this man with a withered hand.

Prayerful Action:

Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’^[c] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹ And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’^[d] 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments,” Matthew 22:37-40.

Setting Clear Boundaries to Live By:

Jesus’ earthly ministry lasted three years before His crucifixion on a cross. In His early days with the disciples, Jesus told people that were healed not to tell anyone, knowing that as word got out about healings and miracles it would be harder to disciple and minister to those truly in need. Some first century Jews referred to Jesus as the Great Magician, like some sort of a circus sideshow. This is the argument C.S. Lewis made before coming to faith. Lewis either thought Jesus was a lunatic, liar or Lord? When dealing with legalistic leaders within a church or movement, don’t do things out of spite. Rather, consider the words of the call to action above by loving God and loving others. When you become the hands and feet of Jesus, temperance is victorious over legalism.

Song of the Day:

On Fire is my favorite song from the Ultimate Gift movie soundtrack. As you come in contact with legalistic members of the church community and in life, may your fire for Jesus help bring the lost and wayward to the kingdom of God.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. ³³ When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. ³⁴ Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”^[c] And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. ³⁵ The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” ³⁶ The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar ³⁷ and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” ³⁸ There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews. ³⁹ One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” ⁴⁰ But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? ⁴¹ We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” ⁴² Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.^[d]” ⁴³ Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise,” Luke 23:32-43.

Reflection:

Not many people know that they are about to die. As for the humble criminal on the cross, this man feared death and the damnation of hell that he deserved. Nonetheless, with a few breaths remaining, he spoke out against the bitter criminal on the other side of Jesus. This simple acknowledgement and act of confession opened the door to eternal paradise. As the 23rd anniversary of 9/11 draws near, I’m reminded of all the individuals on United Airlines Flight 93. Due to phone cell calls from loved one, these brave heroes knew the fate they were about the face. However, in the end, many if not all had time to get their lives right with God. As a few gave the signal “Let’s Roll,” these individuals were a mere breath from paradise.

Prayerful Action:

My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, ²⁰ remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins, James 5:19-20.

Setting Clear Boundaries to Live By:

Over my years in ministry and teaching, I’ve learned not to judge a book (individual), by its cover. Rather, you need to peel back the layers like an onion to discover the backstory which has shaped this person. While you may make progress early on, it may take months or years for someone to open up to you. In the meantime, don’t be fooled by reputations and rumors. Take the time to find out for yourself so that when the opportunity presents itself, you’ll be ready like Jesus, 1 Peter 3:15.

Song of the Day:

Final Thoughts:

My brother-in-law Bob introduced me to Idle Cure when I was in college. May the lyrics of Break Away inspire you to look for opportunities to steer the lost toward the light of Christ.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. ² At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. ³ The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group ⁴ and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. ⁵ In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” ⁶ They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. ⁷ When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” ⁸ Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. ⁹ At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. ¹⁰ Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” ¹¹ “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin,” John 8:1-11.

Reflection:

One of the many things I learned in Seminary is that some scholars believe that the Gospel of John has 2 separate endings. Since John 20 and John 21 both have conclusions, the theory that makes the most sense is that a disciple of John added John 21 following John’s death and may have added today’s featured passage as well. While most Bibles have a disclaimer in John 8:1-11, I believe this event did happen but was added after John’s death. Subsequently, as you read today’s passage, think of this passage as one of many untold stories about Jesus, John 21:25.

Prayerful Action:

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. ⁴ Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving, Ephesians 5:3-4.

Setting Clear Boundaries to Live By:

Jesus arrived just as Jewish elders from this town were gathering stones to begin this adulterous woman’s execution. Since the words written in the sand by Jesus are not mentioned, scholars have speculated that Jesus was possibly writing down the secret sins of those with rocks in their hands. Perhaps, Jesus was repeating the words of His sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:27-30 about adultery. If you can commit adultery in your heart and mind, everyone is an adulterer. As for setting boundaries, don’t put yourself into a compromising position. This includes avoiding being in a room alone with a member of the opposite sex. When you find yourself in a tempting situation, look for the way out, 1 Corinthians 10:13, so that sin is eliminated.

Song of the Day:

Go and sin no more is a life verse for many Christians struggling with addiction. Whether this addiction is from your past or recently rearing its ugly head, heed this advice from Jesus. May the Holy Spirit fill you with an overwhelming desire to purge any reminders of these bad habits from your life.

by Jay Mankus

Passage of the Day:

Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. ² A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. ³ He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. ⁴ So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. ⁵ When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” ⁶ So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. ⁷ All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” ⁸ But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” ⁹ Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. ¹⁰ For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost,” Luke 19:1-10.

Reflection:

In the first century, the two most morally corrupt occupations were prostitutes and tax collectors. Tax Collectors often overcharged citizens more than the government demanded, pocketing this extra money for themselves. Prior to Jesus’ visit to Jericho, Zacchaeus must have been overwhelmed by conviction. This combination of guilt and shame inspired the small stature of Zacchaeus to climb a tree to get Jesus’ attention. Like fans of a celebrity, desperately seeking an autograph, Zacchaeus does everything in his power to get Jesus’ attention. This sets the stage for a divine appointment.

Prayerful Action:

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness, 1 John 1:9.

Setting Clear Boundaries to Live By:

The one thing that you can take away from the testimony of Zaccheaus is that it’s never too late to change. Jesus’ earthly brother urged first century Christians to confess their sins to one another, James 5:16. However, when you do acknowledge your short comings, don’t fall back into these sinful habits. If you find yourself sliding further away from God, ask a Christian friend to hold you accountable. Genuine confession isn’t sincere unless it’s followed by acts of contrition.

Song of the Day:

Silverline is another group that I discovered on You Tube during Covid. May the words of Never Look Back inspire you to move beyond confession to become a shining light for Jesus.

by Jay Mankus