Today's Readings: New Testament -
Luke 19:1-10 / Romans 12:1-8
Old Testament -
Psalms 66 / Numbers 13-17
Click on Text Links to Read Online
Focus Verses: Luke 19:3-6
3 [Zacchaeus] wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of 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.
Insight:
Zacchaeus was so motivated to see Jesus he was willing to climb a tree if that's what it took. It must have been quite a sight to see a wealthy man like Zacchaeus up a tree. This wholehearted effort was hard to miss, and when Jesus saw him, he looked up and said something to this effect: "Come down here! You're obviously a man with a story, and I've just got to hear it. Let's go to your house."
Zacchaeus was seeking out Jesus; and Jesus was "seeking the lost" (Lk. 19:10). That was a very happy convergence of searches. Today there are many people seeking a glimpse of Jesus, and it’s good to know that Jesus is still seeking them through his church and by his Spirit. Those who have found Christ need to join him in seeking out those who are still searching for him.
Response & Action:
I will join Jesus in his mission to seek and save the lost. I will continually seek Christ and draw near to him, keeping my eyes open for others who are searching for the truth, salvation, hope, forgiveness, restoration, and purpose he has for them. When I seek Jesus, I find him. And having found Jesus, I must become a seeker like him.
O God, give me the grace and discernment to see those who are seeking Jesus. Help me to draw nearer to Jesus every day, so that I might be more able to help others do the same. Thank you that Jesus came to seek and save the lost. Help me to join him in seeking out those who are searching for him and all he has to offer. Through Christ, I pray. Amen.
Spiritual Formation Verses: Luke 19:10
10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."
Resources:
Searching for God Knows What
by Donald Miller
