In Luke 19 we read the story of Zacceus, pictured here, up in a tree so he could look at Jesus who was surrounded by crowds because he was a man of short stature. Jesus walked by the tree and looked up to Zacceus and simply called him by name saying, "Zacceus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house." This picture captures what might have been the look Zacceus had when Jesus spoke to him, a man despised in his community for building great wealth from his corruption towards those in his community. Shocked that Jesus would call him, Zacceus didn't hesitate but immediately came down and he was full of joy. Those in the crowd mumbled and complained because Jesus was going to eat in the house of a "sinner." 

At some point Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Lord, I will give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I will restore it fourfold.” 

After this single encounter with Christ his heart was changed, and because of that his entire community benefited and who ever had a legitimate claim against him was restored four fold! 

And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Oh the lessons within this story! The high position brought low, the outcast welcomed, the free invitation of Christ, the deeds that faith produces, the impact one person has in a community when Christ dwells in the heart. Truly this is the answer to our nations corruptions and evils!

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Ro. 12:21

Inspired by Pastor Eric, Jacob's Well, Spokane Wa.