God Speaks
Jesus Goes to Jericho and Jerusalem (For the Last Time)
Verse of the Day: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Peace in heaen and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:38 NIV 2011)
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We Respond
Reflection: Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus shows how dramatically a life can be changed through turning to God. It also illustrates how the problem of high and unfair taxes can be changed by voluntary actions after interaction with Jesus. The parable of the ten minas illustrates that if we act responsibly with whatever is given to us by God, we will be given more; however, if we act irresponsibly, we will lose even that and perhaps more. The triumphal entry was the fulfillment of prophecy (Zechariah 9:9). Jesus wept over Jerusalem; He knew what was coming in a few short years. Jesus cleansed the temple and reclaimed it as a house of prayer.
Prayer: Dear God, king and creator of the universe, please give me enthusiasm like Zacchaeus. He went above and beyond in seeking and obeying Jesus. Please help me to handle responsibly whatever You put in my charge. I want to fulfill Your plans for me as faithfully as You did with the triumphal entry. Jesus, You wept over Jerusalem. I need to be moved to tears and action over the state of my family, community, congregation, culture, state, nation, and world. Just as You cleansed the temple and as David prayed in Psalm 51, cleanse my heart O God, and make it a house of prayer. For Your glory, Lord. AMEN
Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, which one of these He wants you to work on or something else more personal that He points out.)
- I will ask Jesus to help me be like Him, so that I will go out “to seek and to save those who are lost.”
- I will ask God daily what plans He has for me. Then I will seek to carry them out in the power of the Holy Spirit.
- I will spend sufficient time with the Lord that I am filled with the emotions that flood His heart. Then, I will take action as He directs.
- I will worship the Lord by looking up and singing the hymn, “Search Me, O God” or the worship song “Create in me a clean heart. . .”
Share: I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.