The wonderful news is that our Lord is a God of mercy, and He responds to repentance.
– Billy Graham

Change of Heart

Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”
And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Luke 19:8-10

Most of us would have either learnt this story at Sunday school or would have listened to someone preach on this topic, but today we will be looking at the heart of Zacchaeus.

The profession that Zacchaeus chose was to collect revenue for the Roman government and thereby help himself by overcharging people. His heart was wicked, and he cheated people because he loved money more than God and people.

When Jesus said to Zacchaeus that he was coming into his house, He offered to Zacchaeus the gift of grace. Zacchaeus was willing to receive the gift and open his heart. On that day, Jesus not only came to Zacchaeus’ house, but also came into his heart; and the impact of that on his life was evident to the public.

It is good for all of us to ask ourselves a few questions this morning. Have I truly walked away from my past? Has my heart changed? Do I still have old habits in me? Zacchaeus was prepared to give half of his goods to the poor. The person who loved money now wanted to give it away. This is the change. We cannot hold onto the old if we are born anew in Jesus.

Dear Lord,
I thank You for this day and I want to be transparent before You. Create in me a clean heart so that I may not sin against You, but walk in Your ways to please You. Amen.

God bless you,
Theo & Manju