10/03/2017 - BLESSED DECISION

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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 anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. Luke 19:8

Jesus’ presence at the home of Zacchaeus brought him to understand that his way of proceeding, although it made him rich, would take him to Hell.  Who can resist the expression of the Creator and remain in error before Him?  Like Judas Iscariot, who was a thief, only those who are accustomed to doing the devils bidding will resist.  The sincere do not behave this way even if they have been used by the devil in various errors, they will repent and return to the Lord. 

Zacchaeus rose up to take make his decision because being seated on the throne of failure and defeat, he was running bound to perdition.  Many people cry and tremble for the wanton lives they have led, but they go from bad to worse as they don’t have the power to avoid or to abandon error.  But when they find someone of faith who truly serves the Lord, they are delivered from the hands of the demons who lead them to act sinfully.

The tax collector probably remembered many times the word that convicted him.  But he probably didn’t take advantage of the opportunity; not because he refused to leave dishonesty, but for lack of power to do so. But now, on seeing the Lord’s face, he saw that the only way he could be delivered was through repentance.  So he made a decision promising to obey what the Scriptures already prescribed as the means to ride oneself of the devil who oppresses and overpowers all that are given to do his bidding. (Acts 3: 19)

Zacchaeus decided to give half of his goods to the poor, as it was impossible to restore to everyone he had defrauded, since some may have died and others moved away.  The ones that he remembered he would restore fourfold, in keeping with legal precepts.  He who says he has accepted the Lord and serves Him, but shows no remorse and does nothing to be freed from the evil, is not saved nor ever was.

On hearing Zacchaeus’ declaration, Jesus affirmed that on that day salvation had reached that house since this was that family’s greatest need. If he were ill, Jesus would have declared him healed, if the need were something else he would have heard the Master say that it was filled. See where and how the devil has oppressed you and without losing any time find a meeting with the Savior; after all His presence will deliver you from your troubles. 

See what has prevented God from working in your life and act according to the Word.  There are things that can fill you with fear of confessing them but if you don’t your soul will go to the lake of sulfur and fire for all eternity.  Do not rest until you have corrected yourself with the Most High and with whoever you dishonored or stole from.  This is the most important work before you.

God did not create the eternal fire to threaten people to act properly, as some parents teach their children.  He did this because it will be the sentence of those who do not repent and convert themselves.  Don’t play with your eternal joy!

In Christ, with love,

R.R. Soares