Repentance (Father We Have Sinned)

What a great testimony Zacchaeus offers me. As a fledgling disciple he walks the walk of repentance and shows me what it means.

And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” – Luke 19:8  ESV

I think his story of becoming a follower of Jesus was a pretty strong reaction. I think he would have fallen on his knees first and then proclaimed that he was giving half of his possessions to the poor. A statement that declared his repentance to be true – no longer in love with money and following Jesus was his priority.

As I continue to read Luke 19, I came upon this verse:

“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” – Luke 19:38  

Zacchaeus change not only took place because he accepted Jesus as his Saviour, and his Lord, but a change does not happen like that unless he declares Him the King of his life.

I know that I am called to do the same – acknowledge Jesus as the King. Why am I failing to practice those things that would suggest this is true? I resist losing my possessions, reluctant to praise Him as I should. I think of myself, talk of myself and ignore my God, Creator, Redeemer, King. It is possible that I think of His kingdom as power and prestige that I am entitled too instead of the glory, honour and praise rightfully His.  I look for miracles and wonders and for Jesus to overcome my enemies and I try hard not to think of a cross, suffering, shame or rejection. It is possible that I am looking for a relationship with God that is self-serving rather than one that calls for self-sacrifice. If any of this really resonance and is true, I am going to have one incredible night of repentance.