Rev. A.J. Ogden

In Luke chapter nineteen, we read of a lonely, rich, lost tax collector (publican) who was transformed into a happy receiver of God’s saving grace. Hired by the Roman government to collect taxes, Zacchaeus was doing quite well as far as finances were concerned. Whatever money could buy, this little man could have it. But Zacchaeus had a great need for something that no amount of money could buy. This is true of every person living today.

One day Jesus and a number of people were coming down the road, and Zacchaeus ran and climbed up in a sycamore tree to see him. There is a voice in the human heart that cries out for the God of heaven. Some people ignore it, die and go to hell, but not this fellow. “And he sought to see Jesus who he was.” The Bible says in Luke 19:4-10 “And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way. Verse 5 says, “And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down: for today I must abide at thy house. Verse 6, “And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. The eighth verse says, “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 anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.” Verse 9, “And Jesus said unto him, this day is salvation come to this house, forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham.” We then find the real reason Jesus came to earth in verse 10, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

I’m so glad that little fellow responded favorably to Christ! Perhaps Jesus is knocking at your heart’s door right now. It may be He has been knocking a long time. He will not force His way in, He waits for your invitation! Will you open the door today and say “Come in Lord Jesus?”