Poor People: Our Search
When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”
Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.
Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”
Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
Luke 19:5 -10 (NLT)
Crucial reminder: a lack of money is not poverty's only description. A lack of love, hope, faith, joy, peace, purpose or fellowship makes us poor people, too.
Perhaps the tax collector, Zaccheus, lacked these ever-more critical assets.
Perhaps his fellow Jews thought he deserved a godforsaken life, but God DIDN’T. When Jesus saw him, He saw a sinner, hanging IN a tree– looking for some help!
' 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance' (Luke 15:6-7).
On a quick first glance, this 'More joy' message doesn't seem fair to practicing Christians! Bible scholars debate on its meaning.
But…
Since Christ condemned religious hypocrisy and ‘Holier than thou’ self-righteousness.
Since we’re ALL sinners saved only by grace, and all our righteous acts are ‘filthy rags,’
Since God regards contrite and humble hearts, does He REJOICE when lost children are found?
I believe He does!
Therefore,
Jesus seeks down (but NOT out) sinners: poor people who’ve suffered enough to know…
They need a NEW LIFE! They want a REAL Savior!
When they’re born again (delivered by Christ)…
They’re grateful and want to share their Good News,
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
As Christ’’s chosen communicators, His fisherman sailing through media, HIs high-flying, eye-catching performers…
You're on the front line in search and rescue.
Poor People: Our Focus & Search (Part 22)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.