Zacchaeus was a tax collector. He was despised because he
was a deceitful man, cheating people of their money and resorting to false
accusations to get what he wanted.
One day, Jesus visited him. The Bible makes no
mention of Jesus rebuking him for his dishonest lifestyle the whole time they
were together. Instead, Jesus showed him grace and honour by spending time with
him. Before long, Zacchaeus stood up and declared to Jesus that he would
restore fourfold to anyone he had taken from illegally, and would even give
half of his goods to the poor.
A moment with Jesus completely changed
Zacchaeus’ heart. A moment with grace in person—without accusations,
condemnation or judgment—caused such an inward transformation that in a short
time, Zacchaeus was doing outwardly what was right and in a measure no man
would have expected of him!
Many people want to live right. Their concern with right
living makes them focus on themselves and the things they struggle with. But it
is right believing that produces right living. If you are trying to break free
from an addiction that has bound you for many years, believe that Jesus loves
you so much that at the cross, He paid the price for you to be completely free
from any addiction. Believe that by His stripes you are healed and delivered.
One member in our church had a smoking
addiction. But each time he lit up a cigarette, he would believe that God was
not judging or condemning him, and that he was still the righteousness of God
in Christ. One day, he woke up impressed by the Spirit that that day would mark
the start of a smoke-free life. Expecting to be assaulted by the usual cravings
to smoke, he prayed this throughout the day: “Thank You, Jesus, for by Your
stripes I am healed.” Before he knew it, the day passed without him lighting up
or suffering any withdrawal pangs! And since then, he has been totally free of
this addiction.
Today, if you want to experience right living,
find out what Christ has done for you and what you have in Him—and believe
it! (Article & Picture; courtesy of Joseph Prince Ministries used
with kind permission).
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