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He Made Things Right, October 22
Luke 19:1-10
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
Luke 19:10
.
“The chief among the publicans,” Zacchaeus, was a Jew, and detested by his
countrymen. His rank and wealth were the reward of a calling they abhorred,
and which was regarded as another name for injustice and extortion. Yet the
wealthy customs officer was not altogether the hardened man of the world that he
seemed. Beneath the appearance of worldliness and pride was a heart susceptible
to divine influences.
Zacchaeus had heard of Jesus.... In this chief of the publicans was awakened
a longing for a better life.... He felt that he was a sinner in the sight of God. Yet
what he had heard of Jesus kindled hope in his heart. Repentance, reformation
of life, was possible, even to him.... Zacchaeus began at once to follow the
conviction that had taken hold upon him, and to make restitution to those whom
he had wronged.
Already he had begun thus to retrace his steps, when the news sounded
through Jericho that Jesus was entering the town. Zacchaeus determined to see
Him.... In the presence of the multitude, “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. And Jesus
said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house.
There are those who have had very meager opportunities, who have walked
in ways of error because they knew no better way, to whom beams of light will
come. As the word of Christ came to Zacchaeus, “Today I must abide at thy
house,” so the word will come to them; and those who were supposed to be
hardened sinners will be found to have hearts as tender as a child’s because
Christ has deigned to notice them. Many will come from the grossest error and
sin, and will take the place of others who have had opportunities and privileges
but have not prized them. They will be accounted the chosen of God, elect,
precious; and when Christ shall come into His kingdom, they will stand next His
throne
[302]
38
Ibid., 552-555
.
39
Christ’s Object Lessons 236
.
313