Deeper Life #274

And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.

—Luke 19:7

ZACCHAEUS WAS RICH AND A chief publican. He must have possessed many ill-gotten gains if he was a publican (tax collector) in the Lord Jesus Christ’s day. Yet, throughout most of his career, he was not troubled in the tiniest degree. His whole nature toward God was frozen. There was not any sign of life in his relation to God.

In the far North, the thermometer freezes and can record nothing. It will remain frozen until the temperature alters. Immediately when the temperature alters, the thermometer works. Likewise, this man Zacchaeus was frozen toward God; and he was lost, his conscience did not bother him. He was quite contented and quite happy. He was also quite curious about Jesus. Whenever Jesus Christ came that way, the “freezing” left his nature, and something began to work at once.

Zacchaeus represents the type of person whose conscience toward God is frozen. He was a man in a wealthy position—a dishonorable man, but perfectly contented with his dishonor. You will meet persons similar to Zacchaeus as you labor for the Lord.

Prayer Thought: When I encounter individuals who are cold and indifferent, may Your love work through me, Lord, to warm their hearts and melt their spiritual stubbornness.

SUGGESTED READING: Luke 19:6–9