"He [Jesus] entered Jericho and was passing through.  And there was a man named Zacchaeus.  He was a chief tax collector and was rich" (Luke 19:1-2).

The government, during the time of Jesus, was very oppressive to many of its peoples.  It believed in taxation without representation.  It was common practice for Rome to use people of one particular ethnic group to be tax collectors to people with similar ethnic backgrounds.  The Jewish people were no-less different.

Zacchaeus was one such tax collector.  He was a Jewish tax collector to the Jewish people for the oppressive Roman government (cf. Luke 19:9).  Therefore, Zacchaeus, and other such tax collectors, were considered traitors and sinners among the common people (cf. Luke 19:7).  They were considered part of the government oppression rather than "those" who did a responsible job.

The tax collector was commonly known to be corrupt.  They were usually known to tax beyond what was required which they would use to "line-their-own-pockets" (cf. Luke 3:8).  However, Zacchaus was a man searching for something beyond treachery, oppression, and government kickbacks.  He wanted hope, help, and Jesus.

Zacchaes wanted to show fruits of his repentance by offering to pay back those whom he defrauded (Luke 19:8 cf. Matthew 3:7-9).  He sought to change his life and Jesus recognized his true heart.  "And Jesus said to him, 'Today salvation has come to his house, since he also is a son of Abraham.  For the son of man came to seek and save the lost'" (Luke 19:9-10).

There are people in this world who defraud, lie, cheat, and steal.  They will be judged accordingly.  However, it is these people that Jesus also came to save.  Are you the Lord's tool?

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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“For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this:  that one has died for all, therefore all have died” (2 Corinthians 5:14). 

If you are like most people, you don't like the idea of "being controlled".  To be controlled by Christ's love is just like it sounds - controlling.  However, it is a control factor that Christians place themselves under as people in a covenant relationship with God that is found through Christ.

Imagine yourself as a cow that is put in a tight cage.  Now the reason a rancher may place a cow in a tight cage is so he can control its movement.  Perhaps he needs to give shots to the beast.  He "controls" it by the use of a tight cage.

For a Christian, the "love of Christ" is that tight cage - the control.  We give up our rights to do our own thing and are controlled by the "love of Christ" to do the godly thing - whatever that is.  The love of Christ spurs us on to live the godly life.

Are you "controlled" by the love of Christ?

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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"I [Jesus] do not ask for these [apostles] only, but also for those who will believe in me [Jesus] through their [apostles] word, that they [followers of Christ] may all be one [unified], just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they [Christians] also may be in us [Godhead], so that the world may believe that you [Father] have sent me [Jesus]"  (John 17:20-21).

What does it mean to "listen" to the apostles and prophets in Scripture?  It means unity with the Godhead.  It means love for Jesus.  It means a showing of respect.  It means devotion, heart, intelligence, servanthood, and common sense.  Common sense teaches people that heat will burn, cold will freeze, and not doing your homework will cause you to fail.

All Jesus is asking you to do is your homework.

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves 
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"For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this:  that one has died for all therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themeslves but for him who for their sake died and was raised" (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).

This morning I was visually reminded about being out-of-control.  It has snowed here and there is ice all over the place.  As I was driving my kids to school a car in front of me lost control and went off the road.  There was nothing the driver could do but allow the car to spin wildly until it finally stopped.  Fortunately, no one was hurt.

I was frightened because I was heading directly where the out-of-control car went.  I felt hopeless knowing that a "big crash" was on the way.  Fortunately, I was able to stay on course and keep the car in control.

Now the apostle Paul said this, "For the love of Christ controls us . . ." (2 Corinthians 5:14).  You see, Christians no longer live wildly and without direction or purpose.  We are in control because Christ controls us; that is, His love.  We no longer live for our own purpose; rather, for Him (Jesus) who died and was raised. His power, kingdom reign, and love keeps us in the direction He choses for us.  We have allowed him control.  Therefore, Christians no longer live for themselves but for Christ in Heaven.

Does the "love of Christ" control you - if not it ought too.

The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
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