NO ONE IS TOO FAR GONE
Kimberly Lawrence
Today's Scripture: “And when they saw it, they all grumbled, ‘He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.’” Luke 19:7, ESV
Theme: Don’t let judging, grumbling, and disapproval keep you from loving people.
PUBLIC OPINION
When Jesus chose to enter Zacchaeus’s home, the crowd grumbled. They did not understand why a holy Teacher would draw near to someone they deemed unworthy. Tax collectors were known for dishonesty and extortion, often overcharging the people of Rome and keeping the profit. The entire profession was associated with greed, corruption, and unfair gain--and Zacchaeus was a CHIEF tax collector. Surely, Jesus was making a big “mistake” and somehow didn’t know who He was associating with! What would people think? But Jesus didn’t pause to consider the opinions of the crowd. He didn’t defend Himself, nor explain his motives. He simply loved.
TOO FAR GONE?
Have you ever considered someone “too far gone” to share the Gospel with them, to tell your own story of salvation to, or to invite to church? Maybe you’ve thought, “They will never change.” When those thoughts pop up, it’s essential to remember that love is not guided by popular opinions. It’s guided by the heart of God and He often works in the lives of “unlikely” people through our willingness to love them. Zacchaeus’s heart changed, not because of a lecture or because of crowd sentiment, but because Jesus drew close to him. The grace he experienced led him to repentance and transformation. He admitted wrongdoing and offered to repay people four times what he took, showing he knew he had sinned and would right his ways (Luke 19:8). Zacchaeus was probably considered “too far gone” by public opinion but Jesus honored him because of what He planned to do.
LOVE BOLDY
Some may question your kindness or criticize your compassion when you love the “unlovable.” Occasionally, those closest to you may not understand why you choose to invest in someone who seems undeserving in their eyes. We must remember that we are all undeserving sinners and have fallen short of the glory of God. Stepping toward the very people others stepped away from is exactly what Jesus did.
Make It Personal: I once asked a Christian friend how she shared her faith with others. She always seemed so confident in talking about God and His work in her life. As a newer Christian, I admired that and wanted to learn how to start those conversations with others She paused at my question. She then explained that she had grown up in church. Everyone in her family was a Christian. Her friends were all believers. She even worked at a church-sponsored pre-school, so the people she was surrounded with daily were also believers. After considering what I asked, she looked me straight in the eye and said, “I need to get out of my circle more”.
She hadn’t thought of it but her opportunity to share the gospel OUTSIDE the church was limited because she had virtually no exposure to the unchurched. It may be tempting to insulate ourselves within the Body. While that certainly feels safer, we must also be careful not to become so separated that there is no opportunity to share the Good News with those who have never heard of it. Who is God calling you to love today, even if others might not approve of their choices or lifestyle? Are there voices of popular opinion you need to silence in order to obey God fully?
Prayer: Lord, help me walk in Your kind of love - bold, compassionate, and unafraid of what others may think. Give me the courage to obey You even when others may not approve. Soften my heart toward the overlooked, the misunderstood, and the hurting. May my love point others to You, changing them, just as Your love has changed me. Amen.
Reading: Romans 3; Luke 5:30-32
Weekly Memory Verse: “But when he heard it, he said, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘”desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.’” Matthew 9:12-13, ESV