DCLM Daily Manna 13 February 2024 Devotional By Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — A Tale Of Mutual Seekers
TOPIC: A Tale Of Mutual Seekers (DCLM Daily Manna 13 February 2024)
KEY VERSE: “And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature” (Luke 19:3).
TEXT: Luke 19:1-10 (KJV)
1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
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.
9 And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
MESSAGE:
In his inspirational book, The Pursuit of God, the renowned Christian theologian and author, A. W. Tozer, observed that “Our pursuit of God is successful just because He is forever seeking to manifest Himself to us”. Many people who sought and found God have discovered that He actually found them.
This was the case of Zacchaeus as seen in the text for today’s study. Zacchaeus, described here as a rich chief publican who lived in Jericho, was desperate to see and know Jesus who was passing through his city. His smallness of stature put him at a disadvantage and hindered his mission. He did not relent but devised another strategy – he ran ahead down the road and climbed a sycamore tree to gain a vantage view of Christ. The Lord got to that spot, looked up, and found him. Zacchaeus’ encounter with Him proved most rewarding because it resulted in his salvation and even the privilege of hosting Christ in his home.
There is a lot to learn from this event. To start with, Zacchaeus was a sinner. He was chief among publicans (tax collectors) who were loathed for their extortionary and corrupt practices, which apparently gave Zacchaeus ill-gotten wealth. Yet, he was a seeking sinner. Realising that his wealth and position could not offer true satisfaction and fulfilment, he desperately sought the Lord against all odds. Neither the intimidating swarm nor his limiting stature could dissuade him. He became a sincerely saved soul and even offered to make restitution.
Zacchaeus was seeking Christ who also “came to seek and to save that which was lost.” He is reaching out to you too. But He says, “ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Would you seek Him for salvation or for a closer walk? Then you need to take a step of faith. Let no consideration restrain you.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Those who sincerely seek the Lord find everything needful in the process.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Joshua 8-10
Deeper Life Daily Manna was written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
