Zacchaeus

written by Stephan Joubert

Do you still remember Zacchaeus that sat in the sycamore-fig tree when Jesus was walking through Capernaum (Luke 19)? When Jesus came to a standstill right underneath his tree, Zacchaeus fell straight into the kingdom of God. He told Jesus on the spot that 50% of his income would henceforth go to the poor. He also said he would repay fourfold all money that he took unjustly. Then Jesus pronounced salvation over Zacchaeus. "Today salvation has come to this house," was his words of grace about the main tax collector of Jericho.

I wonder if people still do things like Zacchaeus today when they experience conversion? I mean do they really give back money that they previously gained unjustly? Do they actively bless the poor after their conversion? Or is conversion a private affair that brings no correction to their way of daily life? And do people who have been believers for years still keep their business and faith separate? What then is the point of such conversions? Or of a faith that makes no difference to day-to-day things? Look at Zacchaeus and learn!

Peace

Stephan Joubert