Daily Bible Study

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Day 77 Luke 19:1 Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6 So he made haste and came down and received Him joyfully. 7 But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.” 8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Do people condemn you because of the people you associate with? From the time you were old enough to play with other children, your parents told you the type of person you should associate with. They didn’t want condemnation to come back to them. When Jesus passed through Jericho, Zacchaeus wanted to see Him and climbed a sycamore tree because he was short. When Jesus saw him, He told him He would eat at his home that day. When those who traveled with Jesus heard Him, they condemned Him because of the type of person Zacchaeus was, a tax collector, and a sinner. However, Zacchaeus received Jesus with joy into his home and vowed to repay those whom he took advantage of as a tax collector. Jesus told him salvation came to his home that day because He came to seek and save the lost. Many Christians take pride in their relationship with Jesus and condemn those who aren’t as righteous as they are. They make certain they only associate with those who will advance their position in God’s service. Jesus looks at the heart and motives of those who serve Him. Those who serve Him with joy will know greater satisfaction in their service to Him. Jesus saw Zacchaeus’ heart and knew he would do all he vowed. He saw true repentance in Zacchaeus and told him salvation came to him because he repented of his wrongful dealings with people. Jesus did not tell him to change jobs but accepted that he would deal with integrity in his work toward others. Are you prideful or joyful in your work? Who do you aim to please? Give glory to God and you will always be joyful in your work, even work others despise. Let’s pray: Father, let me give You glory in everything I do. Let joy fill my life because I serve You with a heart of love and devotion. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 30 September 2023 by Valerie Routhieaux The image belongs to me.