Repentant

Do you think Zaccheaus was happy being a tax collector? Or maybe he had been searching for a reason to change.

Luke 19:⁵ When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." ⁶So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

⁷All the people saw this and began to mutter, "He has gone to be the guest of a 'sinner.' "

⁸But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount."

There are so many things in this life that seem good. Zacchaeus was a rich man. In today's society he would be a big corporate CEO with the BMW and 5000 sq ft house. A man that thinks more of his own well being than that of the people.

What is it about Jesus that calls us to turn from our ways? Is it his acceptance and love, his sacrifice or grace? Zacchaeus immediately responded to Jesus with action in his life. Do we respond with the same urgency? Forgiveness is essential but repentant is the thing that drives us to turn around and become a follower of Christ. How do you respond to the grace you have been given?