TOPIC: True Repentance Posted by Deeper Life Bible Church HQ #HigherGround, daily devotional, daily manna, dclm, dclm daily devotional, dclm daily manna, dclmhq, devotion, higher everyday TEXT: LUKE 19:1-10 Key Verse: “And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold” (Luke 19:6,8). The decisions man makes in life determine his future. His determination to do the right thing at the right time brings fortune across his path. On the other hand, his refusal to make the best use of the opportunities available to him makes his life miserable. The case of Zacchaeus is an indication that God will save the vilest of men, provided he grabs the opportunity of salvation offered by God, through the sacrificial death of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Zacchaeus was the chief among the publicans (or tax collectors) of his day. He had fed fat on corruption which made him very rich. However, when he heard that Jesus would pass through Jericho, his place of residence, he made up his mind to see Jesus and receive a new life from Him. Despite the seeming obstacle that stood in the way of his ambition, he was determined to brace all odds and go all the way to achieve his goal. The crowd was large and his stature would constitute a hindrance but he climbed a sycamore tree that stood strategically along the path Jesus was to pass. As the Lord saw him on the tree and invited him down, he promptly obeyed and received Him joyfully. He did not stop there, he also made up his mind to correct his past: “…if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold” (verse 8b). Zacchaeus’ commitment shows the meaning of true repentance. He who truly wants to be with God eternally, should not only repent of his sin but should also be prepared to do all his restitutions. Repentance without restitution is like a man who accidentally slips into a pool of mire, rolls over and gets his entire body messed up. Although he manages to get up, removes his dirty clothe and washes himself with soap and sponge, instead of discarding the messed clothe and putting on a clean one, he wears the same. At that state, it is obvious he still remains in his mess, if not a greater one. Is your repentance genuine? Repentance without restitution may not guarantee eternal life.
Posted on: Wed, 24 Dec 2014 11:23:27 +0000
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