Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”

Jesus expressed His calling several times in different ways, notably by quoting Isaiah 61:1-2, (Luke 4:16-21) but this is perhaps the most succinct. In the first place, He uses His title as Son of Man, which is significant because it points to the whole narrative of God becoming a human being, as Paul expressed so eloquently in Philippians 2:6-11. Then He speaks of lost humanity, which of course brings up the whole story of Adam and Eve in Eden. There is a particular echo there when He says “seek.” that brings to mind God’s saying, “Adam, where are you?” (Genesis 2:9) It wasn’t that God didn’t know where Adam was, or that He doesn’t know today where each person is; the point is that He is calling for a response. Jesus came to “seek and save,” calling on people to repent and receive the salvation that He was providing through His own body and blood on the cross. The story of Zacchaeus is an excellent example, because Jesus obviously knew who he was and where he was, just as He does everyone today, and He challenged him to come and receive salvation. Zacchaeus could have refused, but instead he accepted with his whole heart.

I have no trouble identifying the lost around me – they are over 90% of the people I see every day! My task is to challenge them to repent and receive the salvation that God has provided through Jesus Christ. Every once in a while I encounter a Zacchaeus, but they are all too few and far between. The point for me is not to give up, but be faithful in communicating the Gospel to all. I particularly need to be sensitive to the “special appointments” God sets up, just as He did with Zacchaeus. To that end, I must let God have full control of my schedule, particularly in regards to time. That’s a difficult area for me because I hate to be late, and I also tend to be jealous for “my” time. Being prompt certainly isn’t a bad thing, but I must not let my desire to be prompt tear me away from someone who is ready to receive the Gospel. I don’t know who the “ripe fruit” is, but God does, and I need to let Him show me when, where, and how to harvest.

Father, thank You for the privilege of being Your agent, in planting and watering as well as in harvesting. Help me be fully sensitive and obedient to You so that I may see Your results, bringing many into Your kingdom for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!