Podcasts about zaccheus

Sermon Notes:· Philippians 4:4 – Rejoice in the Lord always; I will say it again, Rejoice!· Admit we are powerless.· Realize God is greater than us and he can restore us to sanity.· We make a decision to turn our will and lives over to the care of God.· We make a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.· We admit to God, ourselves, and another person the exact nature of our wrongs.· We are ready to have God remove all the defects of our souls.· We humbly ask God to remove our sins.· “How do I get him/her/them to change?”· “How do I get God to change him/her/them?”· You can't change another person· Groveling doesn't heal the relationship.· You can only change you.· You are responsible for your slice of the pie.· Matthew 7:3 – Why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?· Make a list of people we harmed and become willing to make amends to them all.· Matthew 5:23-24 – Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar and there remember your brother something against you, 24 Leave! Your gift before the altar and Go! First to be reconciled with your brother; then come, offer your gift.· Your relationships with others impacts your relationship with God.· “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.”· Make a list of people we have harmed.· Become willing to make amends.· They don't deserve it.· I don't want to.· God will forgive me without me making amends· Galatians 6:7: Do not be deceived; God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.· I can't think of anyone I harmed.· Luke 19:8 – Look, Lord! Here and now I give half my possessions to the poor and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.· Heavenly Father, forgive me for the harm I have done. I want to make amends. Please guide me.LIFE Group Discussion QuestionsOpener: In your opinion, why do people have a hard time admitting they have harmed someone else?1. Read Matthew 5:23-242. Notice the immediacy Jesus demands. What does this tell you about being reconciled with other people?3. In your opinion, how do broken relationships impact our relationship with God?4. In your opinion, what kind of character traits are required to leave your offering and go to be reconciled with your brother or sister?5. Read Luke 19:1-106. Is there anyone in your life that reminds you of Zaccheus?7. What does it say about Zaccheus that he is willing to make amends?8. Imagine the scene at Zaccheus' house after Jesus leaves Jericho. How many people take Zaccheus up on his offer? How do they feel about Zaccheus after he reconciles with him? How does Zaccheus collect taxes from this moment forward?

Zacchaeus did not have very many friends. Mostly because he wasn't very friendly. But one day he met Jesus and all of that changed! Join Arlo, Kelby, and Tilly as they learn all about Zacchaeus.

Study 23- Luke 18:31–19:27 Seeing and trusting There are 4 sections in this study all of which have something to do with seeing and not seeing, understanding and not understanding or just plain hidden. The first section, Luke 18: 31–34 serves as a summary of what is to follow. Do read Luke 18:31-34. The disciples had a reasonable excuse for not understanding. What Jesus was saying was so strange and unexpected they could be forgiven for not understanding. But we, in all probability, have some knowledge of how things turned out so we do not have that excuse. v 34 provides a challenge to us, the readers or hearers: will we be blind or deaf, will we see or hear and understand? Blindness and sight are metaphors for no faith and faith. Have you moved from blindness to sight? Remind yourself what the effect of your blindness was and how you first knew that you were seeing or, if you are in a group, share together your journey from blindness to sight, darkness to light. Question 1: What is the significance of the rising sequence of names given to Jesus by the blind man (named as Bartimaeus, literally ‘son of filth’, in Mk 10: 46). Those names are Jesus of Nazareth; Jesus, son of David; Lord. Jesus of Nazareth probably meant to him the prophet with power to heal and who would have compassion on him; Jesus, son of David, meant Jesus was the Messiah; Lord that Jesus was worth following. The question and answer in 18: 41 may appear strange but begging was a profession in those days as it still is in some countries, dependant on a visible handicap and providing a good income. If the man was cured of his blindness he would have to find a job with no skills or experience to call on. Question 2: The emphasis is not on Bartimaeus’ restored sight but his faith (18: 42, 43). What exactly did his faith consist of? What is this miracle saying to us? The important phrase is ‘he followed Jesus’. He must have known something about Jesus or he would not have made so much noise trying to attract his attention. We, too, are not expected to start from detailed knowledge about what following Jesus means. We, too, are expected to get up (metaphorically speaking) and follow him. Do read Luke 19: 1–10. Zacchaeus was not only short of stature; he was a collaborator with the hated Romans. He would not dare to push his way to the front of the crowd for fear of a knife in his back. So he ran ahead! Not what an important man should do. But the crowd saw him go and mocked him so that Jesus learned his name. Jesus was intending to go straight through Jericho so that he would not have to spend time (possibly days?) being entertained with full ceremony. But he is prepared to go to Zacchaeus’ house. Question 3: Note the significance of seeing in this account. Who does the seeing? Everybody. Zacchaeus had to take action to see Jesus, Jesus sees him; the crowd sees what is going on and starts to mutter. The servant figure of Is 53 takes hostility meant for others on himself. Statements there like: “he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” reflect the costly love that Jesus gives to Zacchaeus? Question 4: We read earlier in this chapter that the rich man/camel had to go through the eye of the needle! What happened to prove that Zaccheus didn’t dodge round? The promises of repayment Zacchaeus made are far reaching. If you do the Maths on what he said you will see that if he had cheated just on one eighth of his debtors he would end up with nothing. Perhaps he is saying that he has been a good man and that he has not been cheating in the past? Do read Luke 19: 11–27. Luke does not use the parable of the minas to teach successful stewardship as Matthew uses it in Matt 25: 14–30 but to explain the apparent non-appearance of the Kingdom (the people thought the kingdom of God was going to appear at once 19: 11). The parable uses a well-known and well-understood situation. 73 years earlier Herod the Great, second son of the just assassinated king, made a successful journey to Rome to petition Caesar to appoint him the next king of Judea. Later, about 37 years before Luke wrote, Herod’s son Archelaus had made a similar, but unsuccessful, journey seeking the same thing. (A ‘mina’ was about 100 days wages for a working man.) Queston 5: What would be the likely outcome for a servant of the would-be king if (a) the petitioner who would be king was successful, (b) he was unsuccessful? By their actions the servants would demonstrate their allegiance or otherwise to the man seeking to be king. Their future livelihoods, or possibly their lives, would be dependant on having chosen the right option. The last phrase of v 15 should perhaps read ‘how much trading have you done’ effectively asking how conspicuous have you been while I was away when it was known that you supported me. If I win, you win. If I lose, you lose. Question 6: How was this relevant to the developing situation as Jesus travelled to Jerusalem? How is it relevant to us? If he was indeed the Messiah he claimed to be and they showed their loyalty by open declaration of their support of him they would gain. If he wasn’t, they would be in a very dangerous situation. At least that was the way it looked. Things did not quite work out in that straightforward way. He was indeed the Messiah but they were still in a dangerous situation, humanly speaking. But in the vast story of human history they became very important. The comment of the third servant in 19: 21 must have been meant as a complement! He must have been suggesting that his master was something like a warlord in a country with much internal fighting going on! Question 7: How can this and the master’s reply (v 21, 22) be related to Jesus, or to God? Ps 18: 25, 26 relates to this sort of situation. It says of God ‘To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the devious you show yourself shrewd.’ It suggest that, at least in part, our understanding of God will depend on our general attitudes. Question 8: The final comment in 19: 27 ‘But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them — bring them here and kill them in front of me. is realistic in the Judaean kingship, or warlord, scenario. How can it possibly be related to Jesus, or God? This is another unfinished story. We are told what the enemies deserved, not what actually happened to them. Compare what we deserve and what we actually get from the Lord. After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. So says 19: 28, finally bringing to an end the long account of the journey of Jesus to Jerusalem and introducing the last phase of Luke’s account of Jesus’ life, death and victory. Tap or click here to save/download this as a MP3 audio file

Dave looks at the message and legacy of the story of Zaccheus

Send us a text In today's episode, we present you with another gift, and we feel it is one that will keep on giving. This is our 32nd Q&A, and it has left us wondering. How do you keep coming up with such great questions? We tackle questions about Esau, Zaccheus, the Roman centurions, and then we finish out with one about Noah. Bro Donnie and Bro Sam give some really good answers, while the 3 of us have a lot of fun today. There's no sense in you missing out, why don't you come and study God's Word with us today? 

Zacchaeus was not popular. A lot of people thought he was a liar and a cheater. Who knows why people thought that, except for the fact that he WAS a liar and a cheater. But then one day Jesus invited himself over for dinner. Find out what happened next!

Zaccheus exemplifies, simplicity of vision and purity of passion. Tuesday • 6/10/2025 •Tuesday of the Week of Pentecost (Proper 5)  This morning's Scriptures are: Psalm 61; Psalm 62; Deuteronomy 30:11–20; 2 Corinthians 11:1–21a; Luke 19:1–10 This morning's Canticles are: following the OT reading, Canticle 13 (“A Song of Praise,” BCP, p. 90); following the Epistle reading, Canticle 18 (“A Song to the Lamb,” Revelation 4:11; 5:9–10, 13, BCP, p. 93)

Ben preaches on Jesus invitation to Zaccheus

For resources connected to biblical theology visit handstotheplow.org and jasonderouchie.com. Click here to support the work of Hands to the Plow. 

Today's Gospel installment: 04-27-2025Message Title: 1. Zacchaeus come down, 2. Of Short StatureText: Luke 19 vs 1-101. We go into the very famous story of Zacchaeus which also has had many traditions of salvation built around it.2. IT is a story like the Good Samaritan than many think they know about, but don't know about. They don't know what the Good Samaritan was preaching about, as popular as it is.3. With Zacchaeus there are a lot of connections that need to be made with Lord's teaching in the previous chapter of Luke 18.4. Everything said, what are the qualifications of those that inherit the kingdom?5. What are the issues that face one born of a woman as God sees them?6. What is God's proposed solution to dealing with you as a sinner? ALL THESE and more are answered in the story of Zaccheus.7. THIS IS A MOST WONDERFUL MESSAGE, but you must have the DISCIPLINE to follow the whole message to get the gospel pieces.8. Also, with every message ASK THE LORD TO GIVE YOU UNDERSTANDING and INTEREST in the things that relate to CHRIST JESUS.IT IS FREE!

Zacchaeus did not have very many friends. Mostly because he wasn't very friendly. But one day he met Jesus and all of that changed! Join Arlo, Kelby, and Tilly as they learn all about Zacchaeus.

Join Rita Kowats as she explores the stories of Jesus healing the blind man and seeing Zaccheus.  What lessons can we learn from (literally) blind faith and a spiritual curiosity that leads to climbing trees?Luke 18.31—19.10Resources:Link to sermon text.BibleWorm podcast: Episode 529 – Loving God and Neighbor, Amy Robertson and Robert Williamson, JrImage: Marvin Meyer on Unsplash

Zacchaeus – This story is crafted from Lk 19:01-11 where Jesus was continuing his journey to Jerusalem but had to pass through Jericho. As he walked through the city there was a rich man by the name of Zaccheus. To find out how you can support this ministry by visiting our website at https://lizardtracks.net. My stories can be found on your favorite podcast, App, or Alexa, search for Lizard Tracks.

In this message, Pastor Candace Pringle explains how Jesus stood in the gap for Zaccheus, and how we can too, from Luke 19."Stand In The Gap” is a Spring 2025 FVChurch series about the power of intercession. Find sermon notes, discussion questions, and more, at https://fv.church/media-blog-2025/2025/3/30/standing-in-the-gap

This is the 200th episode of The Bible Workshop Podcast!! It's time for you to share your testimony with others. Be encouraged by a man named Zaccheus, as we workshop a passage from Luke 19.

April 6, 2025 | Dr. Chuck HerringCheck out our weekly devotionals related to this weeks' sermon!https://cfbcfamily.org/sermon-devotions/

Luke 19:1-10 is the story of Zaccheus and Jesus. Perhaps you have read this story in a children's Bible. Maybe you learned it in Sunday School and even sang a song to go along with it. But, have you ever considered the depth of meaning in this short story? This is the final event that occurs in Luke's Gospel before Palm Sunday. This story rounds out all of Jesus' ministry outside of Jerusalem. And the final words... "The Son of man came to seek and to save the lost." This is why Jesus has come.

Send us a textGood morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)Youtube Video Introducing the ContentFeel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.comLuke 19 Compassion and repentance go together. Jesus shows compassion for a tax collector by approaching him, and Zaccheus responds by repenting of his sinful past. Jesus establishes a kingdom of workers who will carry His saving message. As the parable of the minas indicates, some will reject Him and be wasteful with their opportunities. But those who engage enthusiastically in sharing Him with others will be rewarded. As Jesus approaches Jerusalem for the last time, some worshipers gather to praise Him. But sadly, many in Jerusalem do not. It hurts Jesus to see so many reject His mercy. Jesus goes to the temple to drive out the greedy men and this enrages the Jewish leaders. These men prove to be the hateful and wasteful citizens from the parable of the minas.    Jesus went out of His way to help a tax collector in a tree, a man most would avoid. The parable of the minas, or even the talents, is only understood from this perspective. The work of cultivating His investment in us demands reaching people who are seeking Jesus. Evangelism is at the heart of discipleship. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. The Jewish leaders simply could not understand this. They wanted to protect their own established traditions, even though it had led to ungodly behavior, like money changing in the temple. They hated Him for demanding that they focus less on themselves and more on others. We must emulate Jesus and never these men of selfish motives.   Merciful Father, we are Zaccheus. We are sinners in search of someone to love us. Jesus has come, brought salvation to us, and challenged us to repent and lovingly serve Him faithfully. Lord, we are forever indebted to Him. Please give us the wisdom to know how to show that in the way we love, teach, and help others. You have invested in us, and we pray for the courage to multiply that investment. We will worship Your Son with boldness and joy. Please discipline us to focus less on self, money, and status, and more on kingdom ministry.  -       What would it require for you or me to derail our day to stop and notice Zaccheus and then go to his home? How can we be more like Jesus? -       You belong to Jesus. This is such a peaceful place to be. How important is it for you to share that hope with people who need Him? -       It seems money and greed kept the Pharisees too blind to see Jesus. What can you do each day to keep that from happening to you?

While escorting Jesus to his home, Zaccheus is overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit and born again through repentance and faith. As they stand in the street, they are surrounded by a great crowd of disciples and onlookers. According to the ancient Roman historian Josephus, approximately two million pilgrims would flood into Jerusalem to celebrate Passover, so the crowds must have been enormous. In this atmosphere the religious excitement is high. Every miracle Jesus does adds to the growing conviction that He is indeed their Messiah and that when He arrives in the capital city, He will begin a revolution to free them from Rome's bondage, like Moses freed them from Egypt's. Unfortunately, in spite of all that Jesus has said earlier (Lk 9:22,44; 18:31-34), even His disciples are caught up in this misguided fervor. So He addresses a parable to them which is intended to correct their thinking so that when He does come to judge the earth, they will not be ashamed. To purchase Pastor Steve's newest book Understanding Romans: Life-Changing Lessons from Paul's Greatest Letter, visit Amazon.  Also check out our website at lifelessonspublishing.com for additional resources for pastors and leaders. We have recorded classes and other materials offered at no charge.   

Zacchaeus was not popular. A lot of people thought he was a liar and a cheater. Who knows why people thought that, except for the fact that he WAS a liar and a cheater. But then one day Jesus invited himself over for dinner. Find out what happened next!

Zacchaeus was a tax collector in Jericho who became very rich from exploiting people's finances. One day Jesus passed through Jericho, and Zaccheus did everything he could to see Jesus, even climbing a tree because he was too short to see him in the crowds. Then Jesus calls up to Zacchaeus to come down from the tree because Jesus planned to come to his house, and while the crowd is shocked Jesus would go to the house of a “sinner,” Zacchaeus responds with saying he will give half of everything he owns to the poor. Church leader Vicky Griffiths helps us in this message to understand the significance of this interaction. It seems like Zacchaeus is seeking Jesus, but really Jesus is seeking him. This message is also part of Family Sunday and is designed for grade school kids to listen in, too.

In this episode of the Bear Necessities Podcast, Austin and Reece discuss the Chicago Bears recent signings and give their updated Mock Draft 2.0. Austin and Reese breakdown the fit of Olameade Zaccheus and potential add Rondale Moore in Ben Johnson's scheme and how their additions could bring a new dynamic to the Bears Passing Attack.  Austin and Reece also breakdown how they hope the Chicago Bears should approach the draft and the players they would be most interested in come NFL draft night.  Business Inquiries: Bearnecessitiespodcast@gmail.com

"Born in Chalcedon, he was little of stature, like Zaccheus, but great in spirit and faith. He denied himself to the world at the age of fifteen and settled near the River Euphrates in a little hut, where he atoned for his sins, and prayed to God, at first with his teacher Mayum and then, after Mayum's death, alone. By the power of his prayers he filled an empty well with water, healed the sick of various pains and tamed wild beasts. There was a tamed lion with him as his servant. He had insight into distant happenings. When robbers attacked a stylite, Pionius, at some distance from him, and beat him up to such an extent that he decided to come down from his pillar and go to complain to the judges, St Aninus saw his intention in his soul and sent him a letter by means of his lion, telling him to set aside his intention, to forgive his assaulters and to continue in his asceticism. He was inexpressibly generous. The bishop of Neo-Caesarea made a gift to him of a donkey, to ease his carrying of water from the river, but he gave this donkey to some poor man who had complained to him of his poverty. The bishop gave him a second donkey, but he gave that away. Then the bishop gave him a third donkey, not for his own but only to serve as a water-carrier, to be kept and returned. At the time of his death, he saw Moses, Aaron and Or coming to him and calling: 'Aninus, the Lord is calling you. Get up and come with us.' This he revealed to his disciples, and gave his spirit to the Lord whom he had served so faithfully. He was 110 years old when he finished his earthly course." (Prologue)

In this message Judah explores the story of Zaccheus and how his interaction with Jesus shows us how He came to restore us back to innocence. SUBSCRIBE TODAY for Weekly Service messages, Daily Guided Prayers, & more! Download the FREE Churchome app in the Apple App store or Google Play store! https://www.churchome.org/app

In this message Judah explores the story of Zaccheus and how his interaction with Jesus shows us how He came to restore us back to innocence. SUBSCRIBE TODAY for Weekly Service messages, Daily Guided Prayers, & more! Download the FREE Churchome app in the Apple App store or Google Play store! https://www.churchome.org/app

Today's Promise: Luke 19:4-5 Jesus cared about individuals. Although he taught the crowds, He always took the time to personally meet the needs of the sick and hurting. When Jesus came across a corrupt tax collector named Zaccheus, He could have condemned him for his corrupt business practices, but He looked past all that to a short little man with a hurting heart. God knows your name. God loves the world, but He loves you just as much. He knows your name and wants a relationship with you.

One of the things that we regularly see in the customer service industry is articles on how to improve customer response times. For example, in one study, it was revealed that 70% of the people who evaluated customer service said that the quicker a business responded and resolved customer issues dictated whether they were viewed as having good quality customer service. Your response times indicated how valuable your customers were to you. This Sunday, our message was from Acts 7:17-43, we are not going to talk about improving customer response times. We are going to look at improving our Christ response times. In Luke 19, there is this great story of Zaccheus, a tax collector, climbing up in a tree to see Jesus as he passed by in the crowds. Luke writes, “And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.' So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully” (Luke 19:5-6). That picture is a picture of someone who is eager to receive Christ and to follow Him. To hurry to be with Jesus and to joyfully receive Him.   Are you eager to follow Christ? Are you going out of your way to get above the crowd and the noise to see him and to hear him? How is your Christ response time? Come this Sunday as our sermon is called Improving our Responsiveness to Jesus. I think you will find it encouraging and helpful.    In Christ, Kevin Dibbley, Senior Pastor

Zacchaeus did not have very many friends. Mostly because he wasn't very friendly. But one day he met Jesus and all of that changed! Join Arlo, Kelby, and Tilly as they learn all about Zacchaeus.

Zacchaeus was not popular. A lot of people thought he was a liar and a cheater. Who knows why people thought that, except for the fact that he WAS a liar and a cheater. But then one day Jesus invited himself over for dinner. Find out what happened next!

Everyone is looking for Jesus even if they don't know it yet. Join guest speaker Pastor James Hoegger as he takes us through the life-changing story of Zaccheus. To stay connected to what's happening at Mission Church, follow us on any of the following platforms: Instagram instagram.com/missionchurchca Podcast missionchurchca.com/watch Newsletter missionchurchca.com/updates Website missionchurchca.com

Hosts Pastor Robert Baltodano and Pastor Lloyd Pulley Question Timestamps: Bob, MA (3:41) - Does holy water have actual power? Eddie, NJ (6:53) - How does Jesus walk on water? Joann, FL (9:32) - My spirit says I should fast for seven days, but I've had medical advice that says I shouldn't fast more than two or three days. What should I do? Anthony, NJ (16:45) - Should I atone for my sins in the way Zaccheus did? My son has anger management problems, should I even bring this sin to his attention? Mark, AR (21:16) - Why does Genesis 1 say “us” and “our” when God is speaking about making man? Elijah, email (25:59) - What does heaven look like? Email (35:36) - What is the most compelling argument for the God of the Bible? Mackenzie, NY (41:45) - Why don't we teach about the Ark of the Covenant? Did Jesus's blood end up on the Ark of the Covenant? Charles, NY (45:07) - Where do we find the origins of Satan in the Bible?  Thomas, NJ (50:48) - Is there a free audio Bible app? Nelsun, Facebook (52:27) - Where would you recommend some start researching the Dead Sea Scrolls and Masoretic Texts? Diane, ID (54:59) - Are you still going to be on the air in my state? Ask Your Questions: 888-712-7434 Answers@bbtlive.org

Today, throw open the door of your heart and welcome Jesus in. -------- Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.     Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org   Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

Click here for the DRB Daily Sign Up form! TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: Genesis 47-48; Psalm 10; Luke 19 Click HERE to give! Get Free App Here! One Year Bible Podcast: Join Hunter and Heather Barnes on 'The Daily Radio Bible' for a daily 20-minute spiritual journey. Engage with scripture readings, heartfelt devotionals, and collective prayers that draw you into the heart of God's love. Embark on this year-long voyage through the Bible, and let each day's passage uplift and inspire you. TODAY'S EPISODE: Welcome to today's episode of Daily Radio Bible. On this 19th day of January, join Heather as she guides us through our daily journey through the scriptures. Heather shares her heartfelt return after dealing with personal challenges, including the passing of her mother and her daughter's hospitalization. Today's readings cover Genesis chapters 47 and 48, Psalm 10, and Luke 19. Heather delves into powerful stories such as Jacob blessing Pharaoh, Joseph managing the severe famine, and Jacob's final days including his blessings for Manasseh and Ephraim. We also explore Psalm 10's lament and plea for justice, and the transformational encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus in Luke 19, concluding with the parable of the ten servants. Heather's reflections emphasize the recognition of our identity in Christ, the importance of investing in our loving King's riches, and the generous, kind nature of our King. Join us in prayer and spiritual contemplation as we draw closer to God's love through the scriptures. Stay connected with us at dailyradiobible.com and don't forget to like, share, and subscribe. Let's go forward with the joy of the Lord as our strength, always remembering that we are deeply loved. TODAY'S DEVOTION: Do you see it? 2 of the 3 servants described in this parable saw it. They saw a gift and an opportunity. All 3 were chosen by the king to steward his riches. They had no riches of their own. They were given the opportunity to be made wealthy by someone else's wealth. They would be honored by the king, and that honor would be multiplied simply by investing money that wasn't even theirs. They harvested riches that they did not plant. They were given cities that they had no hand in building or growing. That is the kind of king we serve. He is generous and loving, so much so that he blesses us with things that we haven't and cannot earn. He has chosen us to invest his riches, and then he multiplies our honor even beyond that. What a good, generous, kind, and loving king. 2 of the 3 servants saw it. Zaccheus, the disciples, and some notorious sinners saw it. But one servant of the king saw the complete opposite. He got it completely wrong. His response to the generous king was, master, I hid your money and kept it safe. I was afraid because you are a hard man to deal with. Taking what isn't yours and harvesting crops you didn't plant. This servant is deceived about who the master is, what the master's heart is like, and who he himself is. He has forgotten that he is a servant, that he has nothing, and that he has a responsibility to the king. That's his role. That's who he is. He has forgotten his identity. Apart from the king, he has no riches or honor. He has forgotten this and missed the loving, generous heart of the king. Our king rewards, honors, and multiplies his blessing upon us, his people, who have nothing apart from him, simply because he is a King of love. May we invest our loving King's riches and see the honor in doing it. May we recognize our identity in him, our King of love. That's a prayer that I have for my own soul. That's a prayer that I have for my family, for my wife, and my daughters, and my son. And that's a prayer that I have for you. May it be so. TODAY'S PRAYERS: Lord God Almighty and everlasting father you have brought us in safety to this new day preserve us with your Mighty power that we might not fall into sin or be overcome by adversity. And in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose  through Jesus Christ Our Lord amen.   Oh God you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth and sent your blessed son to preach peace to those who are far and those who are near. Grant that people everywhere may seek after you, and find you. Bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit on all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.   And now Lord,  make me an instrument of your peace.  Where there is hatred let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon.  Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope.  Where there is darkness, light.  And where there is sadness,  Joy.  Oh Lord grant that I might not seek to be consoled as to console. To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love.  For it is in the giving that we receive, in the pardoning that we are pardoned, it is in the dying that we are born unto eternal life.  Amen And now as our Lord has taught us we are bold to pray... Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven, give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our tresspasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us not unto temptation, but deliver us from evil, for thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Loving God, we give you thanks for restoring us in your image. And nourishing us with spiritual food, now send us forth as forgiven people, healed and renewed, that we may proclaim your love to the world, and continue in the risen life of Christ.  Amen.  OUR WEBSITE: www.dailyradiobible.com We are reading through the New Living Translation.   Leave us a voicemail HERE: https://www.speakpipe.com/dailyradiobible Subscribe to us at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Dailyradiobible/featured OTHER PODCASTS: Listen with Apple Podcast DAILY BIBLE FOR KIDS DAILY PSALMS DAILY PROVERBS DAILY LECTIONARY DAILY CHRONOLOGICAL  

Sign-up for my free 20-day devotional, The Word Before Work Foundations, at http://TWBWFoundations.com--Series: Mere Christians of the BibleDevotional: 1 of 5Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. Jesus said to him, “Zacchaeus…I must stay at your house today.”...All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house.” (Luke 19:1-2, 5, 7-9)If you're reading this, chances are you're not a pastor or donor-supported missionary, but a “mere Christian” like me who works as an entrepreneur, barista, or programmer. Today I'm kicking off a new series here on The Word Before Work exploring the lives of some mere Christians in the Bible and what they can teach us about our own work in the present—starting with Zaccheus.After choosing to follow Jesus, modern readers half expect Jesus to call Zaccheus to abandon his “secular” work. But Luke mentions no such calling. Most scholars I've read believe that just as John the Baptist urged the tax collectors he baptized to return to their posts, Jesus likely encouraged Zaccheus to do the same (see Luke 3:12-14). Because as pastor John Piper says, “You don't waste your life by where you work, but how and why.”Believer, as you step into the New Year, trust that “where you work” is exactly where God wants you today. But, like Zacchaeus, ask yourself if God is calling you to re-examine how and why you work.I used to think Zacchaeus was uniquely corrupt. However, according to the Theology of Work Commentary, his actions were likely just “industry standard practice.” Until Jesus opened his eyes, Zacchaeus was blind or indifferent to how his work harmed others. He was “just doing his job.”The lesson for us is clear: Following Jesus as mere Christians requires that we question the conventional wisdom of our workplaces and industries to uncover opportunities for redemption and renewal. Here's a 5-step process to help:Pray for God to reveal how your work might harm others. Identify a common practice in your field worth questioning. Ask why this practice is done this way and what fundamental principles drive it. Evaluate those principles against God's Word. Reimagine the practice with a commitment to God's glory and others' good.Zacchaeus may have done this work alone, but you're more likely to succeed with other believers. Seek out fellow mere Christians inside and outside your field to tackle this together today!

Series: The Christmas Story Speaker: Ps. Josiah Smith, Associate Lead Pastor Scripture: Luke 19:1-10 Description: We think the story is about Zaccheus seeking Jesus, but we see it was actually Jesus seeking Zaccheus. Jesus is always going after the one! "The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." (Lk. 19:10)

How does someone become a follower of Christ? Does it begin by becoming curious about this Jesus person and all of the world-changing influence he has? Perhaps we are living in fear and are searching for a kind of security that is different and higher than anything else we know. Maybe we're overwhelmed with despair in our lives, and we're searching for powerful hope and encouragement. Or maybe we've been awakened to the realization that there is more to life than what this world has to offer - much more. While any and all of these things can play a role in coming to Christ, the one common factor in all cases of true discipleship is beyond us. It is God drawing us to Him through Jesus. So, how does that work? How can we identify the drawing of God and differentiate it from our own emotions? By invitation only During his ministry on earth, Jesus plainly stated that no one comes to him unless God has drawn them. The context of this statement was Jesus talking about what it takes to become a true disciple of his. He was indicating to those listening that there was more to becoming one of his followers than they may have thought. True discipleship would always begin with God's providence in someone's life. An individual's decision to truly follow would be an outgrowth of that invitation. So, what does that drawing from God actually look like? The answer to this is best understood by looking at actual biblical examples of some who were called to follow Jesus from widely diverse backgrounds. Observing someone's actual life circumstances coupled with what we are told was their heart attitude helps us see the process of how God calls. Take Cornelius the Roman Centurion for example Cornelius loved God, even though his life was far outside of God's favor as a Roman Gentile. In spite of that lack of favor, he remained devoted to honoring what he knew of God's ways. When God's timing arrived, the Apostle Peter was sent to him to witness about Jesus. Cornelius was ready, and the despair of his previous lack of favor was transformed into fulfilled contentment as a follower of Jesus. This is just one example of how God may call us. Check out our December 9, 2024 podcast, “How Do You Know If God Is Calling You?” for more. We also dig into the lives of the Apostle Paul before his conversion, Zaccheus the tax collector, and the Apostle Peter at the time he was drawn by God to Jesus. All four examples show us differing life circumstances through which God would draw individuals to Him as they came to Jesus. The lessons here are eye-opening as we learn how varied and unique God calling people can be. Join us as we walk through the lives of these faithful disciples of Jesus and appreciate their responses to God's drawing.

Zacchaeus did not have very many friends. Mostly because he wasn't very friendly. But one day he met Jesus and all of that changed! Join Arlo, Kelby, and Tilly as they learn all about Zacchaeus.

Today is Tuesday, November 19, 2024, The Feast of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Widow, a 3rd class feast, with the color of white. In this episode: The meditation: “The Conversion of Zaccheus,” today's news from the Church: “St. Margaret Mary Alacoque: Her Life and Missions,” and today's thought from the Archbishop. We'd love your feedback on these Daily Devotionals! What do you like / not like, and what would you like us to add? podcast@sspx.org Sources Used Today: Practical Meditations  (Angelus Press) “ Margaret Mary Alacoque: Her Life and Missions” (FSSPX.news) https://fsspx.news/en/news/st-margaret-mary-alacoque-her-life-and-missions-2-48561 The Spiritual Life- Archbishop Lefebvre (Angelus Press) - - - - - - - Please Support this Apostolate with 1-time or Monthly Donation >> - - - - - - - Explore more: Subscribe to the email version of this Devotional - it's a perfect companion! Subscribe to this Podcast to receive this and all our audio episodes Subscribe to the SSPX YouTube channel for video versions of our podcast series and Sermons FSSPX News Website: https://fsspx.news Visit the US District website: https://sspx.org/ - - - - - What is the SSPX Podcast? The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition.  - - - - - - What is the SSPX? The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood. Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls. Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it. https://sspx.org

Zacchaeus was not popular. A lot of people thought he was a liar and a cheater. Who knows why people thought that, except for the fact that he WAS a liar and a cheater. But then one day Jesus invited himself over for dinner. Find out what happened next!

What happens when you feel at home? Do you take off your shoes and change into comfy clothes? Do you take a deep breath and let yourself breathe? Feel more comfortable being your most authentic self? When we read the Gospels, we find people feeling at home with Jesus - even though Jesus didn't have a home himself. With Jesus, people were seen, known, and welcomed into a place where they were loved. In this message, Pastor Scott Savage shares four reasons people felt seen by Jesus and how we can begin to offer the same to the people around us.

What happens when you feel at home? Do you take off your shoes and change into comfy clothes? Do you take a deep breath and let yourself breathe? Feel more comfortable being your most authentic self? When we read the Gospels, we find people feeling at home with Jesus - even though Jesus didn't have a home himself. With Jesus, people were seen, known, and welcomed into a place where they were loved. In this message, Pastor Scott Savage shares four reasons people felt seen by Jesus and how we can begin to offer the same to the people around us.

Kevin solo today the day after Washington's 28-27 loss to Pittsburgh with some discussion and information about Jayden Daniels' rib injury. Updates to his Commanders-Steelers "Game-Take" along with Dan Quinn on the Ertz 4th down spot, Zaccheus as a punt returner Thursday night in Philly, and excitement about facing the Eagles in a first-place NFC East showdown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

September 22, 2024 The post Zaccheus and the Rich Young Man appeared first on Crossview EFCA Church.

Mini: Let's review the story of Zaccheus with the songs: "Zaccheus", "Hurry, Hurry", "Lie Not"and our memory verse John 8:29 "I do always those things which please Him."Recorded and produced by: Ashley B. LarsonDon't forget to check out the coloring pages that go along with each lesson! https://startingwithjesus.com/spb-cp/If you have enjoyed this program and would like to know more, go to our website:www.startingwithjesus.comThe Bible and nature story material used in today's devotional podcast has been used withpermission from My Bible First. If you would like your own copy, please visit their website-orcall 1-877-242-5317.If you would like to purchase your own Memory Verse CD or Songbook, go to Ouachita HillsStore (https://www.ouachitahillsacademy.org/store?page=1&store_category_id=0&sort_by=title&is_ascending=1&search=).Songs from: Little Voices Praise Him, SDA Hymnal, Sabbath Songs For Tiny Tots, NewSabbath Songs For Tiny Tots, Memory Verse Verse Songs for Cradle Roll, Children's Songs ForJesus, and Scripture Songs and Little LessonsAll Bible verses are from the NKJV.Singers for this Quarter: Tory, Caleb, and Enoch Hall, Hudson Reeves, Michael and Amy NelsonEditing assist: Dillon Austin and Josh LarsonMusic Recording and Editing: Rachel Nelson and Kristy HallColoring Pages: Rachel Lamming, Lily Canada, and Evie RodriguezTheme Music: Lindsey Mills- www.lindseymillsmusic.comGod: who gives talents for us to use for Him

What can you find in a tree? Leaves? Animals? Zaccheus? Find out why Jesus found Zaccheushiding in a tree in today's lesson. Mem. vs John 8:29. Check out this week's coloring pages athttps://startingwithjesus.com/spb-cp/ Child helpers: Dylan, Kent, Issac, and Audrey.Recorded and produced by: Ashley B. LarsonDon't forget to check out the coloring pages that go along with each lesson! https://startingwithjesus.com/spb-cp/If you have enjoyed this program and would like to know more, go to our website:www.startingwithjesus.comThe Bible and nature story material used in today's devotional podcast has been used withpermission from My Bible First. If you would like your own copy, please visit their website-orcall 1-877-242-5317.If you would like to purchase your own Memory Verse CD or Songbook, go to Ouachita HillsStore (https://www.ouachitahillsacademy.org/store?page=1&store_category_id=0&sort_by=title&is_ascending=1&search=).Songs from: Little Voices Praise Him, SDA Hymnal, Sabbath Songs For Tiny Tots, NewSabbath Songs For Tiny Tots, Memory Verse Verse Songs for Cradle Roll, Children's Songs ForJesus, and Scripture Songs and Little LessonsAll Bible verses are from the NKJV.Singers for this Quarter: Tory, Caleb, and Enoch Hall, Hudson Reeves, Michael and Amy NelsonEditing assist: Dillon Austin and Josh LarsonMusic Recording and Editing: Rachel Nelson and Kristy HallColoring Pages: Rachel Lamming, Lily Canada, and Evie RodriguezTheme Music: Lindsey Mills- www.lindseymillsmusic.comGod: who gives talents for us to use for Him

What can you find in a tree? Leaves? Animals? Zaccheus? Find out why Jesus found Zaccheushiding in a tree in today's lesson. Mem. vs John 8:29. Check out this week's coloring pages athttps://startingwithjesus.com/spb-cp/ Child helpers: Dylan, Kent, Issac, and Audrey.Recorded and produced by: Ashley B. LarsonDon't forget to check out the coloring pages that go along with each lesson! https://startingwithjesus.com/spb-cp/If you have enjoyed this program and would like to know more, go to our website:www.startingwithjesus.comThe Bible and nature story material used in today's devotional podcast has been used withpermission from My Bible First. If you would like your own copy, please visit their website-orcall 1-877-242-5317.If you would like to purchase your own Memory Verse CD or Songbook, go to Ouachita HillsStore (https://www.ouachitahillsacademy.org/store?page=1&store_category_id=0&sort_by=title&is_ascending=1&search=).Songs from: Little Voices Praise Him, SDA Hymnal, Sabbath Songs For Tiny Tots, NewSabbath Songs For Tiny Tots, Memory Verse Verse Songs for Cradle Roll, Children's Songs ForJesus, and Scripture Songs and Little LessonsAll Bible verses are from the NKJV.Singers for this Quarter: Tory, Caleb, and Enoch Hall, Hudson Reeves, Michael and Amy NelsonEditing assist: Dillon Austin and Josh LarsonMusic Recording and Editing: Rachel Nelson and Kristy HallColoring Pages: Rachel Lamming, Lily Canada, and Evie RodriguezTheme Music: Lindsey Mills- www.lindseymillsmusic.comGod: who gives talents for us to use for Him

Brody Holloway | SWO24 Summer Camp | Thursday NightJesus was always intentional in where he was going. In Luke 19, we see the story of how Jesus saved Zaccheus. In this session, Brody walks through 4 things we see as fruit in the progression of Zaccheus' repentance. Jesus came to save lost souls and has set us free from condemnation. Let's glorify the Lord with our lives.Luke 19:1-10Please leave a review on Apple or Spotify to help others grow in their faith. Click here to get our Colossians Bible study.

What Happens When All-In August Smashes Into Tuesdays with Tata?Today, Tata revisits Zaccheus and the Rich Young Ruler, and contrasts how they responded to Jesus's invitation to go all-in.Books mentioned:All In, by Mark Batterson, Turning Pro by Steven Pressfield, Hope Is the First Dose by me, and The Practice by Seth Godin Are you with us? Send a voicemail and let us know who you are, where you live, and that you're All-In!Follow me @drleewarren on Instagram for daily inspiration. Leave a voicemail with your question or comment!Five Ways You Can Support this show:Pray for us!Subscribe, like, and share it with your friends! (We even have a YouTube channel!)Leave reviews and comments wherever you listen to podcasts!You can become a paid partner of the podcast and get special bonus episodes and lots more content by clicking here. Visit one of our affiliate partners and consider using their products (we use them every day):Improve your gut health, support your immune system, and protect your brain with Pique!Other Helpful Links:Click here to access the Hope Is the First Dose playlist of hopeful, healing songs!Be sure to check out my new book, Hope Is the First Dose!Here's a free 5-day Bible study on YouVersion/BibleApp based on my new book!Sign up for my weekly Self-Brain Surgery Newsletter here!All recent episodes with transcripts are available here!

I was a pretty little guy, and my dad thought I should meet Paul Bunyan. You know, the legendary giant lumberjack. We were vacationing in Minnesota and there was this tourist attraction there, in Brainerd. Inside was this huge animated figure of Paul Bunyan. I mean, he's massive! He's sitting down with his giant ax and his giant ox next to him and a little log cabin at his feet. My dad paid for our tickets and I walked in unsuspectingly, and suddenly Paul's voice boomed out across the park, "Hellooo, Ronnie!" Man, you talk about unsettling! This guy knew my name. It took me a lot more birthdays to figure out that the man at the ticket booth had gotten my name from my Dad and then relayed it to the Paul guy in the cabin. Yeah, he was hiding in the little log cabin to frighten little Ronnies. I'm Ron Hutchcraft and I want to have A Word With You today about "Discovering Your Worth." Our word for today from the Word of God, Luke 19, beginning in verse 1: "Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zaccheus. He was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see Him once Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, He looked up and said to him, 'Zaccheus, come down immediately! I must stay at your house today.'" So he came down at once and welcomed Him gladly. This turned out to be the most life-changing day Zaccheus ever had. He not only invited Jesus into his house, but ultimately into his life that day! A man who had felt small his whole life, and as a greedy tax collector treated other people as if they were small, suddenly became a really "big" man. In verse 8, he says, "Look, Lord, here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I've cheated anybody out of anything I will pay back four times the amount." That's a changed life! But it all began when Jesus called Zaccheus by name. They'd never met (like a certain lumberjack and me), but although Zaccheus didn't know Jesus, Jesus knew Zaccheus. And He knows you! Jesus has been lovingly pursuing a relationship with you for a long time. 1 John 4:19 in the Bible says, "We love Him because He first loved us." He knows a lot more than your name. He knows your pain, your dreams, your past, all the details of your life. He knows your failures and your sins. He has seen them. He has felt them all. You say, "Well, He wouldn't be interested in a relationship with me then." Don't you underestimate His love! Romans 5:8 says "God demonstrated His love for us in this way: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Because of His deep, deep love for you, God's Son gave His life as the payment for the death penalty that you and I deserve, and for quite awhile now He's been trying to get your attention. Today, even as you're listening to my voice, you may be hearing His voice in your heart, and He's calling you by name. He's inviting you to respond to His love, to put all your trust in Him, to have your sins erased from God's Book forever and to receive eternal life in heaven. Look, it's been one-way love long enough? In your heart, the tug you feel, that might be Jesus calling you by name, as He did "Zaccheus." He's saying, "I want you to belong to Me!" The Savior's coming one on one to you, in your heart today. The day when He calls your name can be your "God" day; the one when you open your life to the greatest love a man or woman can ever experience. Would you tell Him today, "Jesus, I'm Yours." And please go to our website and let me help you be sure you've begun that relationship. It's ANewStory.com. The bible says this, "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your heart." If Jesus is calling, answer Him. You can't afford to miss His call!

Are you committed to Christ but searching for guidance? In this new reflection, Jonathan Youssef explores the gripping Biblical story of Jacob—a tale of struggle, transformation, and divine engagement. Jonathan connects his own experiences with Jacob's journey, offering insights into the challenges of perseverance, the power of repentance, and the profound ways God works in our lives. Listen and deepen your understanding of spiritual growth and how our trials can lead to profound blessings. This is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance from God. To ask Jonathan a question or connect with the Candid community, visit https://LTW.org/CandidFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/candidpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/candidpodTwitter: https://twitter.com/thecandidpodTRANSCRIPT:This transcript recounts Candid Conversations with Jonathan Youssef Episode 255:  Wrestling with God: Jonathan YoussefIn seventh grade, I joined my middle school wrestling program. For two weeks, we ran and did all kinds of exercises, and then we would wrestle each other for the rest of the time we were there. And I did not like it. I lost to a guy who was younger than me. I lost every day. I was terrible. And I was tired of losing, and I lacked perseverance. There is little more humiliating than being wedged under the fat arm of a sweaty teenage boy, and I thought, This is as low as it gets.Well, our reflection today is about wrestling and persevering. I've always been intrigued by the biblical story because it has so many layers. It's multifaceted and multidimensional. And it's a little bit dangerous, meaning that there is potential to miss the main point of what the text is saying and to misunderstand or misrepresent it. Over the years, I've reread it, read commentaries, listened to talks, and consumed all I can to try to understand it better. I want to know what is taking place at this really important moment in salvific history. We have this man, Jacob. He has been at odds with his brother since birth. Even in the womb, he and Esau are wrestling with each other. He is at odds with his father over who is the favored son. He is at odds with who should be blessed. He's at odds over who had the birthright in the family. He's used trickery and deception to achieve his purposes. He's at odds with his Uncle Laban, a master trickster himself. But in Genesis, we begin to see the undoing of this character, Jacob. He's being undone, and he's being changed and transformed through these middle chapters of this book. He's served his crooked uncle/father-in-law for twenty-some-odd years, and in many ways, he's echoing the prodigal son here. Having come to himself, he's leaving Laban here, and he's coming home, you might say, to the homeland of his father, to his older brother, and although God has begun to work in him, although he is a new man, as it were, spiritually, it becomes clear that God is not finished with Jacob yet.And so this chapter unfolds with three dramatic pictures. First, in verses 1 through 21, we have the picture of Jacob returning. God has been working in his life, as we just noted. God has also been working in the lives of Jacob's two wives, Leah and Rachel, and now Jacob has sent word to his brother, Esau, the brother who swore that he would one day kill his little brother in a very Cain and Abel-type fashion. So Jacob sends the word, “Hey! I'm coming home.” He's really only able to do this because the Lord has told him, “The day will come that I'm going to bring you back to this land. And I am promising that I will do you good, that I will prosper you, and that I will be with you.”If you remember the account of Jacob's ladder, where Jacob falls asleep, and he envisions this ladder coming down from heaven, and the angels ascend and descend upon the ladder, the Lord tells him, “I will be with you. I will bring you back to this land. I will give it to you and your offspring. And the whole earth will be blessed through you and your seed.” And, of course, it reminds us of the very same promise given to Abraham. He promises to keep and return him to that land, and now that day has come. In verses 1 and 2, we read that the angels come and meet Jacob. It's confirmation that the Lord is with him. He names the area Mahanaim, meaning “two camps.” Now, perhaps he's referring to the fact that it's his camp and the Lord's camp; the Lord's camp will be his shield and protection. Because he's going to need it. And the report comes back, “Hey, Esau's coming to see you. He's got four hundred guys with him. It's going to be great, right?”Okay, either Esau is rolling out the red carpet for his little brother, or Esau has come for his vengeance, and he has not forgotten 20 years of anger and hostility. Verse 7 says, “Then Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed.”Now, when it comes to our fears and the Lord, do we find that the way that the Lord enables us through our fears is by removing the fear, removing the obstacles? Or do we find that He gives us greater reasons not to fear than to fear? Here is Jacob, and he's stuck in a difficult situation. He cannot return to his Uncle Laban; he's terrified to go forward to his brother, Esau, and the unknown. What's he going to do?Well, he's a different man now. He probably would have used skill and trickery to weasel out of this in his past life. He would have found a crafty way to save himself, even at the cost of his own family. But he's a different man now, and Jacob perseveres despite his hesitancy, fear, and distress—unlike my illustrious wrestling career. And then we see Jacob do something we've never seen him do in Scripture. He gets on his knees, and he pleads with God. He's praying for God's help in his dreadfully fearful situation. And Jacob prays the longest prayer in the book of Genesis. And the prayer shows us that he now belongs to the Lord. It's evidence that the Lord is working in your heart, is it not, when you begin to call on His name, and it's not just, “Lord, I'm in a mess. Help me out of this,” but rather, it's “God, you promised to be with me. You promised to protect me. And so I'm coming to you, claiming on those promises.”And that's what Jacob does, “Lord, you said that you would do good to me. Fulfill your promise to me.” You notice it's not a panicked prayer, “God, get me out of this bind, and I'll build a hundred churches for you.”No. Instead, you have a man at the end of his resources, holding onto God's promises to bless him, and then he patiently sits, trusting that the Lord will act. Then, we see another change in Jacob: a repentant heart. It's an attitude of repentance. That's what's happening with this whole procession going out to Esau. He sends the people and the animals and tells them to give a message to Esau: These gifts are from your servant, Jacob. Now, he's scared, yes, but he's coming behind us. He's indebted himself to you. Do you want a sign of a changed life? Do you want a sign of a repentant heart? You are prepared to go to the person you have offended, and you say to them, “Because of what the Lord has done in me through the power of the Lord Jesus Christ, I can come before you and serve you.”Think of Zaccheus, “A wee little man was he. He climbed up in the sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see. In the British version, it says, “And Jesus said, ‘I'm coming to your house for tea,'” because they all drank tea back then. But what does Zaccheus do? Does he just say, “Lord, I'm sorry. I was bad. I did wrong. Forgive me, Lord,” and then just move on?No! He gives four times back. He repays his debts. It's evidence of a changed man. And that's the other thing that Jacob is doing, right? He's gifting these 550 animals. He's saying, “Brother, I stole your blessing. I used deception and trickery for my own advantage, and now I'm giving it back to you” because I understand I need to be made right with you.”It's more than just feeling sorry in a moment. In Scripture, repentance is God's work of grace in my heart. I am sorry for my sin and find His forgiveness, but I'm also working towards restoration, repairing whatever damage I have caused.The story is told of a machinist or factory worker in the Ford Motor Company in Detroit who had, over several years, borrowed tools and equipment, but never returned them. The machinist was thoroughly converted and was baptized. He wanted to put his faith into practice, so he came back to work to his boss, to the foreman, and he brought all the tools he had stolen and all the equipment he had taken, and the foreman didn't know what to do. And he's repenting, and he's confessing what he's done, and so the foreman, impressed by this, cables Henry Ford and says, “You're not going to believe this. This guy's come back, and he's brought everything with him,” to which Ford cabled back, “Dam up the Detroit River and baptize the whole city.” That's what's happening here with Jacob. He's bringing the blessing back. The blessing that the Lord has poured out on him, he's giving it back. Jacob returning. Then we have a second scene, which I'm sure we're all a little more familiar with, and this is the scene of Jacob wrestling. He's not only sent his possessions on, he's sent his whole family ahead. Verse 22 states, “He took his wives and servants and his eleven children, and they crossed over the Jabbok at night.”And then, in verse 24, he's all alone, and a man grabs him in the darkness and begins to wrestle with him. My seventh-grade self's nightmare because I didn't like wrestling. That was the allusion to that if you're following along.Who do you think Jacob thinks he's wrestling? It's most likely that he thinks he's wrestling with the man who swore to kill him, the man that all of this procession and all this fuss is about. At this moment, Esau is who Jacob thinks his most significant conflict is with. The one I have to wrestle with is my brother, it's Esau. But that is not who he wrestles with in the night, as we find out later in this passage and as we read in Hosea chapter 12, which is a little brief commentary. We find out that Jacob is, in fact, wrestling with some manifestation of God in the flesh, a pre-incarnate Christ. And so then we're left to ask the question, What will God gain from this, from wrestling with Jacob? He's already sent all his possessions on ahead. Surely, God is finished with Jacob. He's repentant, he's confessed, he's done it all. There is no box left to check. But you see, Jacob has given all he has back, but the most important thing is that he has yet to give back. Do you know what it is? It's Jacob. It's Jacob himself. And Jacob may think that Esau is trying to get what is his, which is to take Jacob's life, but the reality is that God is wrestling with Jacob to take what is His—which is Jacob! And this wrestling, it's like a father with a child. You know there's a way I'm not a good wrestler, as we've illustrated, and you're trying to catch up with me on this. But there's a way for me to wrestle with my children while they're young, though my son is getting to the age where I can't keep up with him. But there's a way for me to wrestle with them, which keeps them engaged for a long time in which I never lose, and they never lose. That's sort of what God is doing with Jacob here.But then He does this thing where He touches Jacob's hip, and now Jacob has this dislocated hip, and you need your hip as a pivot to wrestle, so now he's got nothing, he's zero. And he's clinging to God, and God is saying to him, “Let me go. Let me go,” and Jacob says, “I'm not going to let you go unless you bless me.”Here's the context of these situations: The lesser is always blessed by the greater, so Jacob acknowledges that he is holding onto the greater being. I imagine he's still not sure who he's wrestling with, but he's holding on, and he sees by the power that's rendered his hip inoperable that he's holding on to a greater being. And he's saying, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”If you go back and look at Jacob's life, you know what you'll see? Jacob is immensely blessed. Everything he does is blessed, right? That's what God promised to do, and that's what he's receiving. Everywhere he went, every person he interacted with was blessed, just as God has blessed us immensely. If only we had eyes to see, we could have blessing upon blessing in our lives and still miss the main point. The main point is not the blessings, plural, but God's blessing. And what is God's blessing? It is that He has every part of us. And how Jacob enters into this blessing is obvious: God says to him, “What is your name?” And the response is one word: Jacob. Jakob. What's in the name? Twister is the etymology of the name Jacob. Twister, deceiver, heel-clutcher. And now God has gotten to the bottom of the issue: it's a confession. I am unrighteous, I am a sinner. My identity was in who and how I could trick them.God is going right for his heart, saying, “Give me your heart, Jacob. That's what I want.” You see that God is prepared to dislocate Jacob's hip to have Jacob's heart. That may be what God is saying to you, that the way to your heart is by the divine dislocation of something you take pride in, which is a source of great strength for you. Maybe you notice He's touched the very thing in which you have depended on for your life, and He's taken it away from you. That's what's happening to Jacob. The Lord draws him in to say, “Jacob, it's not all the things in your life that I want you to give me; it's yourself that I want.”But you see, there's a third scene, a beautiful scene. Jacob returned, Jacob wrestled, and now Jacob was limping. In the next chapter, chapter 33 of Genesis, we see Jacob return to his brother Esau, but he's not at the back of the caravan as he was before with his plan. He's at the front now and prepared to take it all. But we're told that he's doing two things. One, he's bowing down seven times, and the other is using the language of “I am the servant, and you, Esau, are the lord.” But I think if you were there that day to watch this encounter, those would not be the two things you would have paid attention to. I think the thing that would have captured your attention would have been this: his limp. Why is this significant? Because, beloved, this is a picture of the Christian life. Men and women who have been dislocated to different degrees because of the work of God in their lives and caused to limp, humbled under His sovereign, mighty hand; caused to limp, caused to be conscious of this for the rest of their lives of their weakness and their dependence on the Lord. Dependent on His forgiveness, dependent on His power—moment by moment, day by day. But the sun has risen upon them. I wonder if you've come across one of these people. And it doesn't always have to be a physical variation of this; sometimes it's unseen, the wound, the dislocation. But when we were in Australia, there was a young man. He was in our Bible study, and he looked like he had been in a fire. He had an autoimmune disorder, and he received a bone marrow transplant from his sister, but the transplant caused his body to fight against itself. And so his body was covered in sores and blisters everywhere, and ulcers filled his mouth. Walking was difficult; eating was difficult. As I said, he was in our Bible study, and so when I asked him his story, he said to me that he was a great swimmer. When he was in high school, he was actually training for the Olympics for the Australian national team. Then he started feeling strange, and his swim time started getting slower and slower, and that's when all the medical issues began in his life.And he told me, he said, “You know, before, I was a good kid, but I was very full of myself. I was arrogant. But God reached in and dislocated a part of me, taking away things I loved doing.” And even through his anger, frustration, agony, and pain, he never left the Lord, and the Lord certainly never left him. He would testify to the goodness of God, despite what everybody saw physically with their eyes when they encountered them. His faith and his dependence on the Lord remained until the Lord called him home a few years ago. This is how the Lord said to him, “I want every part of you. I want your heart.” You see, this is not just a principle of spiritual usefulness for Jacob and for us; this takes us to the heart of the gospel. For you see, there would be another night, centuries later, where two wrestlers were engaged, but this time a Son with His Heavenly Father, as He said, “Let this cup pass from me.” And there is an equality in the wrestling. “Let this cup pass from me, and yet, I will not let you go despite what is coming, the agony and the shame that will be borne on the cross. I will not let you go, Father, until you bless them,” which is why He says, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And so He, as Paul says, upon that cross became a curse so that the blessing may come to us. Where are you today? Perhaps you're on your way, like Jacob, and you're walking through repentance and forgiveness. Are you willing to give up a little but not the whole? Perhaps you're wrestling with God over these things at this moment, and you give a little, but then you fight for others, and it's a give-and-take relationship, and it's very back and forth. Perhaps you want to let go, or perhaps you have let go in the past, and the Lord keeps re-engaging with you in this wrestling match, and He's waiting for you to say, “Don't let me go. I will not let you go, even if it means me having a limp for the rest of my life.”Do you have a limp? Do you have a dislocation? May the Lord be gracious to us as He pursues our hearts.