Luke 19:1-10 KJV
(1) And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
(2) And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
(3) And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
(4) And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
(5) And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
(6) And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.
(7) And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
(8) 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 any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.
(9) And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham.
(10) For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

I often wonder about that crowd around Jesus what was wrong with them to think Zacchaeus was not good enough to receive hope from God. Yet it is clear with Zacchaeus’ repentance that he had done evil in that town. Most people in church would rather see a evil person come to the saving grace of God with the hope that real repentance and change had come to that sinner person. Yet unfortunately that person with Jesus is fixing to face more judgment then the world ever gave one of their own.

What then can we see but faith beyond hope, or judgment to those that receive hope of salvation through faith and true repentance of turning away from sin and even fixing some of those mistakes that were done. Repentance of Zacchaeus brought blessings to Jericho and not just to Zacchaeus. The blessings of salvation of another can mean blessing to you. Not only have you gain a brother or sister in Christ but you gain someone that might have been once your enemy because of their evil deeds.

Repentance was a blessing to Zacchaeus, because he now had hope of salvation in his life upon belief and recognize he had done evil and wanted to change. Change in one’s life can be a blessing. Man can make resolutions to change without God, that is no mistake, but repentance and seeking God for help, for forgiveness, for strength to do what is right, is about spirituality and faith in God and Christ Jesus. Believing Jesus is the answer to the problem of the guilty heart, the heart with ego that thinks he is God, and the heart that blacken by the road of sin. Sin reaching the very core of the human spirit. People can change but they can not change their evil heart toward the idea of God or even others, without God. If one can take fifty dollars from a friend that only left on the table by mistake or coercion, then one can loose a friendship. Yet repentance can often restore a friendship if money is paid back. Yet the trust issue is often broken. Zacchaeus even with paying the people in Jericho back would have a long road ahead of him. Yet he would be restore in time to the people of the town, but he had been restored that day as one of God’s children of faith as Abraham, because of repentance.

Restoration to God is one of the greatest blessings that came through God’s only begotten Son whose name is Jesus. Jesus came to restore the lost sheep to God. He came to set those captive in sin free through his death and resurrection. Without God the realization of repentance to a friend can be realized, but with God eternity is made assure. The one in sin might be restored to a friend, but can not be restored without repentance and receiving God’s salvation plan to God. Blessings of God is His salvation plan. His way, your works can not redeem you to God. It is God’s grace that saves a person. His love for you brought the hope of all the wrong one does in disobedience to God would be forgiven by belief in His Son.

Dear Heavenly Father may our debt in life to you be fully realized as a curse, and the blessing of salvation comes through belief and faith in your Son Jesus and you. May we realize our faith changes us in a positive way. Thank you for the blessings of your salvation and the change in a sinners life upon repentance. In Jesus precious name, Amen.