The NIV 365 Day Devotional

Zacchaeus: A Life That Counts

It wasn’t easy being one of the most hated (and shortest) men in the city, but Zacchaeus the tax collector had learned to handle it. His life was characterized by dishonesty and greed. He had not only collected taxes from the people of his hometown, he had also added an extra tariff for himself. He also had learned to overcome obstacles in unorthodox ways—which may be how he ended up in a tree trying to get a glimpse of the Messiah as he passed by.

Jesus knew who he was. He also knew that though Zacchaeus had wealth, his life was void of peace, joy and contentment. So when he saw him peering down from the tree, the Lord said, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today” (Lk 19:5). Within moments, the despised tax collector climbed down from his perch and walked with the Savior to his home.

Have you ever considered how God is willing to meet you right where you are? All he wants you to do is to admit your need for him. He wants you to do what this man did—turn your life over to him.

After meeting Jesus, Zacchaeus stopped cheating the people and promised to restore four times all he had taken. He eagerly surrendered everything he had to Christ. For all his shortcomings, Zacchaeus realized that following the Savior was the only way to true meaning and purpose. He had spent many lonely nights counting money. But from this point on, he wanted his life to count for the kingdom of God.

Taken from The NIV Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible.