Our Devotion for today is taken from: Amazing Grace Devotions for Lent by Michael Hoy.
10 For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost."
Luke 19:10 NRSV
GRACE FOR THE LOST
Zacchaeus was a wealthy tax collector, short of stature, and even shorter on respectability. He climbed a tree to get a glimpse of Jesus, who was passing by. But Jesus was seeking him out, saying that he must stay at Zacchaeus’ house that day. Zacchaeus was honored to provide this hospitality. But the greater recipient of hospitality was Zacchaeus himself, who was honored by Christ’s presence.
Some begin to grumble that Jesus was staying at the home of a “sinner.” It was really an attack upon Jesus, but Zacchaeus also knew that he was being publicly disgraced. Recognizing his deceitfulness, he declared before the Lord that he would share generously with the poor and anyone he had defrauded. But then Jesus made an even bolder claim about Zacchaeus – and right in front of the critics: “Today salvation has come to his house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham” (Luke 19:9). Today Jesus seeks us in love, even, and especially when we are lost and ashamed, to restore us in honor of his grace.
Friends,
At some point in time, each of us have been lost. Whether it was when we lost sight of our parent in a crowded department store, or when we took the wrong exit off the highway. There is an anxiousness that accompanies being lost, as we scramble to try to locate a familiar landmark or face. The cited verse reminds us that Christ came to find and save those who were lost. The lost people Christ is seeking are those who have taken a detour in life; find themselves separated from a relationship with God. Christ seeks and finds us, while we are wandering aimlessly, to offer us a tangible gesture of compassion. In turn, Christ equips us with the light of his presence, empowering us to seek and find others who are lost. As we continue this Lenten journey, let us remember, that Christ will always seek to connect and welcome all who are lost.
-Pastor Anthony
Prayer
Lord, seek us and all who are lost, that all may be honored today by your abundant grace. Amen.