JUNE 2: THE TAX COLLECTOR

Zacchaeus was a Jew, a chief tax collector in the city of Jericho, a city of much commerce. He must have made a fortune illegally from the collection of taxes.

God has built in us a longing for heaven. Without any doubt, Zacchaeus must have heard about Jesus. He had the desire to either meet or see Jesus. Being of a small stature and the big crowd surrounding Jesus, he decided to climb a sycamore tree in order to have a glimpse of Jesus.

On getting to the tree on which Zacchaeus was, Jesus looked up and invited Himself to Zacchaeus’ house. What an unprecedented concession for Jesus to make, offering to stay in the house of a tax collector and even have dinner there. Of course, Jesus is always ready to go to any length to win a sinner to Himself.

The conversation Jesus had with Zacchaeus, led to the latter’s conversion which reflected in his response as recorded in verse eight of our text and Christ’s declaration, which is our memory verse. The change that happened in Zacchaeus’ life is a testimony to Paul’s declaration in 2 Corinthians 5:17. “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, He is a new creation; old things are passed away, behold everything has become new”.

Hitherto, Zacchaeus had given little in charity, but then he was ready to surrender one-half of his belongings. His encounter with Jesus Christ and his decision to accept Him was an indication of his redemption. He had passed from death to life in Jesus Christ; hence, death had no hold on him. The longing in his soul for heaven was achieved and his place in eternity secured.

Is someone worried about the type of life he/she is living? Is anyone struggling about where he/she will spend eternity? Jesus is standing at the door of your heart knocking, if it is opened, he will come in and dine with you. (Rev. 3:20). Jesus did it for Zacchaeus; He can do it for you also.

PRAYER: As a hart longs for flowing streams, so longs my soul for thee, O God. Grant me grace to find rest in you, in Jesus’ name. Amen.