Tag Archives: seeking God

Inside Information

Not much has changed since the days of Jesus: corruption, injustice and religious hierarchies still exist.  In the first century, tax collectors and prostitutes were tied at the top, labeled as the most immoral of all occupations.  While tax collectors stole money from individuals, overcharging hardworking citizens to create a private slush fund.    Prostitutes robbed husbands, wives and boys of their innocence, breaking the vows and unions of matrimony.

 
Luke 19:1-4 suggests Zacchaeus’ status as a tax collector provided some inside information to Jesus’ route through the city of Jericho.  Like a modern day politicians with access of an upcoming parade map, Zach was able to plan ahead, climbing a tree in front of the crowds to get Jesus’ attention.  According to Luke 19:5, his plan was executed flawlessly, earning a private meeting with Jesus.  Despite the negative stereotypes of his occupation, Zach had connections others weren’t privy to because of his service to Rome.

Inside his house, Jesus provided a spiritual message that transformed Zacchaeus business practices, Luke 19:6-8.  Although the specifics of their conversation is left unknown, Zach’s change of heart shines some light on this private meeting.  Jesus did not come to coldly judge sinners, pointing his finger in faces proclaiming, “oh no you don’t!”  Rather, Jesus has come into this world to seek and to save that which was lost in the garden of Eden, Luke 19:10.  This inside information gives hope to anyone looking for answers to the questions Nicodemus pondered in John 3:1-17.

by Jay Mankus

To Hell With You

The other night at Bible Study, an impromptu discussion broke out about how hypocritical Christians can be.  In fact, every year people who are seeking God become turned off by churches, pastors and modern day Pharisees who care more about traditions than displaying the love of Jesus.  Instead of continuing their search, hurt people have decided to stay at home, finding other things to do on Sunday.

In business, there was a an old principle called the 3/10.  For every good experience an individual has, they will tell 3 other people.  However, whenever a customer encounters poor service, they reach out to 10 people, sharing their disappointment and frustrations.  Recently, a new ratio has replaced the 3/10 now known as the 11/4 principle, with the negative being the higher number.  Since first impressions often have lasting affects, if you’re not careful, someone might say, ” to hell with you and your religion!”

 

Unfortunately, the reality in life entices most people to get a little too comfortable, caught off guard by unknowing observers.  As a result, Christianity becomes less and less attractive to Americans due to the bad taste of judgmental believers.  In the end, something has to give, either the offended will give God another try or immature followers of Jesus will grow up by starting to resemble the son of God.  Whenever you are on the road of life, Matthew 7:13-14, may God nudge you back in the right direction.

by Jay Mankus