Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Relationship

“For the son of man came to seek and to save what was lost” Luke 19:10

Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus in Jericho is a familiar passage to all of us.  There are people who seem to possess everything this world holds in value and esteem but still lacks something.  Zacchaeus was one of those people who had it all. He was rich and possessed position and power, yet something was missing from his life. Zacchaeus was such a person yet, had a desire and was desperate to get a glimpse of Jesus, but had to overcome obstacles. Yet, he was persistent; neither the crowd nor his short stature stopped him from seeing Lord Jesus Christ, he climbed a tree to get a glimpse of the Lord.
Today we may want to ask ourselves, do we have the eagerness to see Jesus? If we do, our savior will stop and call our names.  It was not Zacchaeus who initiated the relationship, it was Jesus. Jesus knew this man’s name, and called him by name, and then invited Himself to his house for a meal. Jesus knew all about Zacchaeus yet accepted him for what he was, even when the crowd mumbled.  Zacchaeus obeyed, received, confessed and repented. He became a new man. It was not just him but his entire house hold received Salvation. Our God wants to have a relationship with each one of us; regardless of our social status, our shortcomings or sin. When we have a relationship with God it’s not only us, but our entire family and the society is blessed. Zacchaeus only wanted to have a glimpse of Jesus, but Jesus wanted to build a relationship. Just as Jesus said to Zacchaeus, “I must stay at your house today,” He is telling us that He wants to have a relationship with us.  
We were created by God to have a loving and intimate relationship with Him. Out of that relationship we find our purpose in life and the power to live a fulfilled life. Our God is a seeker and a saver of those who are lost (v.10). From the fall of man in the garden, God has continued to seek the lost and sinful. If we have the desire and are desperate to see our savior, he will initiate the relationship; but we must be persistent and willing to accept his invitation. Be assured, our God will not turn us down or disappoint us.  Bible tells us that the joy of the Lord is our strength. Knowing God is the source of our joy and the joy produced from our relationship with Him is our strength.   
Prayer:  Our father in heaven, we thank you for being a loving, caring and compassionate father.   We come to you the way we are; mold us the way you want us to be. We want to build a closer relationship with you and our fellow beings. Amen
Thought for the day: Life is a journey; it is the sense of purpose that fuels persistence. Relationships need constant attention and conscious effort to sustain.
                                                                                    

   Joseph C Mathew, Long Island Mar Thoma Church, NY

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