TUESDAY, MARCH 13
Luke 19:1-10
Leviticus 6:1-7

“…add the fifth part more thereto,
and give it unto him to whom it appertaineth…”

A LIFE MENDED

Publicans were Jews who in the eyes of their countrymen were traitors to Israel’s high calling and hopes. Being tax collectors commissioned by the Romans was an act of betrayal to the Jews. Because of this, the term “publican” became synonymous with “sinner” and “pagan” (Luke 15:1-2; Matt 18:17; 5:46; 21:31; Mark 2:15-16). Zaccheus, who was the chief among the publicans, was therefore considered a great sinner by the standard of the Pharisees. Being chief or overseer among the taxgatherers, Zaccheus had many more opportunities of increasing his wealth than his colleagues.

Interestingly, he sought to see Jesus. This denotes the working of the Holy Spirit in his heart. His eagerness was shown when he climbed up a sycomore tree just to have a view of Jesus. This was foreknown of the Lord, Jesus saw him even before he climbed the tree. Jesus called him and invited Himself to his house. Do we have this eagerness to commune with Jesus so much so that He would invite Himself into our hearts and minds?

Being convicted of his sins, Zaccheus confessed to Jesus. Those who truly confessed their sins before God will be forgiven. Once a man is saved he has a new perspective and desire to compensate for the wrongdoings he has done before. “Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, and give it unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the day of his trespass offering” (Lev 6:5).

Because of this new perspective, the believer desires a life that is of God. A converted person is a new creature, with a new mind-set. He hates his past sinful life. Zaccheus told Jesus he will restore all he had taken in an evil way from others and more. A truly saved person will show outward signs of conversion. He would not remain as he was.

THOUGHT: Will I restore what I have sinfully taken?
PRAYER: Father, create in me a heart that is willing to restore and give back to those whom I have defrauded.