Ed Young Devotionals

Friend of Sinners

Written by Admin | Nov 13, 2018 6:00:00 AM

Read

Luke 19:10, "For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost."

Think

"We are called to be comfortably uncomfortable" Go back to a time when you felt like you were disliked or that no one seemed to be on your side because of something you did wrong. How did it make you feel? Now you're standing in Zacchaeus' sandals because that is exactly how he felt. He was a wealthy tax collector and, at that time, tax collectors were among the most unpopular people in Israel. What's interesting is that despite the fact that Zacchaeus had made some past mistakes and the fact that people despised him, Jesus still showed love to Zacchaeus. One of the many wonderful things about Jesus was that he loved people. But many scholars agree that the most unique thing about him was that he was a friend of sinners. Jesus left his comfort zone in heaven to live in a sinful world. That alone should make us grateful. But, it should also inspire us to be just like Jesus because God has also called us to leave our comfort zone so that we, too, can reach a lost and dying world.

Act

God gives each of us opportunities to share his love. Who is someone that you are rubbing shoulders with that may not have a relationship with Jesus? Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone by sharing your story with them. It may be difficult at first, but the more you do it, the easier and more rewarding it becomes.

Pray

God, thank you for giving me opportunities to share your love. Help me be a light for others who may be walking in the dark right now, because they don't know you. Give me the wisdom and discernment to influence those you bring my way. In Jesus' name, Amen.