It’s not about where we start, it’s about meeting God where we are and being ready to change, giving up whatever He asks of us to follow Him. Zacchaeus is a well-known story in Scripture because of the song most kids grew up singing in church, but it’s a good story for adults to take note of as well. Zacchaeus was the chief tax collector which means he was the most hated man in town. Although he was small, he was anything but in the sense of power. He’d become wealthy off of his dishonorable dealings in his position. In fact, the people referred to him as “a notorious sinner.” Somehow, he still recognized Jesus for who He was and did everything he could to see Him. In Jesus’ presence, Zacchaeus repented of his wrongdoings and made a promise of four-fold restitution for all those he’d ever cheated. Ready to change his life and atone for the things he’d done previously, he sought a clear slate with everything he had. What kind of energy are we investing into seeking God and putting Him and others first? We should be this ready to look at our own hearts, this ready to change, and this ready to restore relationships with the people we’ve hurt. We should be prepared to run after God and drop whatever He asks at His feet.

Consider these questions as you reflect on today’s reading:

Have you ever gone back to someone and offered to atone for something you did that hurt them? How difficult was it to face them, even knowing you had changed?

If you paid back four-fold for the restitution of your mistakes, who would you have to pay back and how much would you have to pay?

What does that say about God’s forgiveness?