JULY 14 VICTORIOUS saving the lost

Luke 19: 1-10  “^10… to save the lost.”

I thought about the question, “Have I ever been lost?”  Rev. Jason started the sermon talking about how with GPS, Map Quest, computers, Wi-Fi, Smart phones and the like, well, no one should ever be lost in the physical sense.  And I agree, sometimes getting lost is more fun than being lost.  (Think back to those summer days when your Mom told you to go find something to do…)

My own children used to be afraid to get in a car with me, because it always meant some kind of “being lost” and the ensuing tension of trying to figure out where I needed to go.  I had to answer the question “Are we lost?” probably thousands of times unfortunately.  GPS in the car was a lifesaver for me. 

Yet there is a difference in getting lost or being lost, and maybe, even not knowing that you are lost. This text from the Bible was simple and direct.  Zaccheaus, the rich tax collector, could not make up for his short stature.  He climbed a tree to watch Jesus on his way to Jerusalem.  Imagine his surprise when Jesus stopped, called for him to come down and told him that he, Jesus, was coming to his house.  People, gathered around the two, complained that Jesus should not be giving favor to one who was not regarded as a believer.   Zaccheaus makes the offer of giving away half of what he has, and making good on anyone’s claim that he has defrauded a person. Why would he say that?   Jesus says:

 “⁹Then Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. ¹⁰For the Son of Man came to seek out and to save the lost.”

There is no further conversation about this- Jesus knew that Zacchaeus was lost.  Rev. Jason pointed out that Jesus recognizes him, calls him by name and says that he will stay with Zacchaeus. 

Rev. Jason continued.  Jesus knows when we are lost, and before we even know that condition of being lost. 

I am being guided, and I did not know it.  I can look back on the past year and know now that it was not a coincidence that I have found my way to believing.

I am, a Renewed Christian.