Luke 19:8

And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.”

Zacchaeus gave back “four times” more than what was required to those he owed. Could I do that? Could I be as generous in my dealings with those I have offended or neglected or judged or to those whom I have caused harm? Not in my own strength for sure. Some days, I can hardly do what I am called to do without whining about how difficult it is. This communion with the Savior changed who Zacchaeus was totally from the inside out. After dining with the Lord, I have heard the Lord ask me to be like Zacchaeus and give “four times” more than what is required of me in love, patience, joy, kindness, mercy, etc.  Not continuing to give past what is required because I must, but out of the pure joy of having been with Jesus and having been totally changed because of it.

To be with Jesus is to be changed. To be with Jesus is to know what it means to have His kingdom come and our kingdom go. To be with Jesus is to fill us to overflowing of His love to all those around us – “four times” more than we could ever conceive of giving. To be with Jesus is life and that more abundantly. Oh, to be with Jesus! ~dlw

Deborah is challenged daily to climb that tree to see Jesus, commune with Him, and then go out and affect her children and her world. Visit her blog: www.HomeschoolBlogger.com/devdoordeborah

Related Tags: Luke, devotions, Jesus, Zacchaeus