God doesn’t expect you to be perfect. He doesn’t expect me to be perfect. This is great news, because I make a lot of mistakes. I say the wrong thing, I act out of selfishness, I tear down others to build myself up. The gospel isn’t only for those who have it all together, who make big moves, and who dream big dreams. The gospel is also for those of us who are afraid, feel unsure, and aren’t courageous in the slightest. As we’ll see in the story of Zacchaeus, one step of faith at a time is all it takes to draw closer to Jesus:
Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.
When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”
Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.
Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!”
Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
Luke 19:1-10 (NLT)
As these verses tell us, Zacchaeus was desperate for a glimpse of Jesus. Sure, he was culturally known as a sinner because of his chosen career as a tax collector, but that didn’t stop him from taking a brave step to be closer to Jesus. This story demonstrates to readers that the good news of the gospel is for everyone, including outcasts and sinners. As he lumbered up the tree in his dusty tunic, he didn’t expect to be noticed for this act. He didn’t do it to be seen but to see the Son of Man. His small step toward God — climbing a sycamore tree — changed his life forever. Zacchaeus receives the gift of salvation after later hosting Jesus in his home, but it all started by climbing a tree.
Today, what if moving one step closer to Jesus looked like doing something out of the ordinary to see Him more clearly? You never know what repercussions that first step of faith might have. There is salvation, beauty, and healing in your story.
Even if you don’t see it just yet, take one step of faith. You never know where it might lead.
Let’s pray: Lord, thank You for the reminder of Your life and faithfulness through the story of Zacchaeus. Please open my eyes today to how You are working in my story. Help me to be bold in taking one step closer to You. Thank You that I do not have to be perfect in this life; I just have to rely on You. Holy Spirit, be near me as I look for ways to draw closer to You. Amen.
This article was written by Ellen Wildman as featured in Everyday Faith Magazine.
Did you know DaySpring has a magazine? It’s true! And the brand new summer issue just hit newsstands!
From cover to cover in each issue of Everyday Faith magazine, you will find stories and articles to inspire hope and encouragement and to remind you that you are His. In this summer issue, you’ll find tips for summer roads trips, a summer book club pick, stories of hope during difficult times, and ideas about how to live your faith this year. There are tear-out prayer cards, scannable QR codes for freebies, and an exclusive Summer Downtime Planning Calendar tear-out tucked inside!
These pages are full of the best kind of hope and encouragement — truth from God’s Word!
You care about your faith — that’s why you’re here today! — and Everyday Faith magazine will help you know and share God’s love in fresh, true, and inspiring ways. This article by Ellen is just one of many featured throughout Everyday Faith magazine, which, by the way, is perfect for tucking into your purse, bringing to the beach, and sharing with a friend.
And to help you do just that, we’re giving away FIVE sets of magazines — one for each winner and one for each of them to give to a friend! Leave a comment telling us whom you’d gift a copy to, and we’ll draw five winners.
I would definitely gift the extra copy to my sister.
I would share my extra copy with my friend Paula who is grieving the death of her husband.
Such a beautiful magazine !! I enjoy all the readings and pass on my copy to a special friend . I can’t wait for each issue !! Read it cover to cover and then over again !
Thank you for the opportunity ! I would give the extra copy to my sister! What a great time we can have discussing the articles and talking about the magazine and the Word. Thank you
I would give a copy to my college age daughter.
I would give my copy to my friend Susie. She’s in a season of caregiving that came about unexpectedly. Sharing joy, hope, and encouragement with her through this magazine would be wonderful.
I am struck by Jesus’ statement to Zacchaeus that He MUST stay at his house today. Zacchaeus merely wanted to see Jesus that day. Yes he was rich & probably had servants tending his household, but I bet he hadn’t made sure the house was spotless & a feast ready for a guest before he went to the parade to view Jesus. Wow wow wow. Jesus comes in to STAY even before we’ve prepared ourselves for Him! The precious work of the Savior of sinners like me!
I love your magazine! In the past, my sister-in-law has shared faith based magazines with me. Now would be my turn to reciprocate since her husband is in a nursing home and she is going through a difficult time adjusting. Thanks for the opportunity!
I would giveacopy to my sister who is an inspiration and a blessing to me
This would be a wonderful magazine to encourage so many women.
I would like to share a copy with my special sister who is going through health concerns with her daughter.
This looks like it would be one of those special books one could continually find new gems of beauty, reassurance, peace and joy within its pages.
Hi, I would like to bless my friend Ryann .She is a wonderful woman of God, a beautiful wife and an amazing mama of 2 beautiful little ones. She would be so thrill to get this awesome material to walk closer to God. Thank you
I would give a copy to my best friend!
I love these magazines! I would give the extra copy to my Mom, who is 85 and would enjoy it tremendously. Thanks!
Thank you for this message and opportunity for the magazines. I would really enjoy reading one and giving one to a dear friend. Thank you!
I would give my copy to my daughter. She is a preachers wife and is always looking for new resources.
I would give my copy to my friend who lost her husband.
Thanks for this generous offer!!
I would share with my sister Paige.
I would give the extra copy to my best friend, a pastor’s wife who is caring for her husband, who has Alzheimer’s. She could use some extra encouragement.
I would share a copy with my friend Michele. Who has been helping me through my season of a struggling marriage.
I would send the extra copy to my friend who sends me an encouraging word daily as we grieve the passing of our husbands.
How exciting that DaySpring has launched a magazine! I would gift the extra copies to my mom. She loves a good faith-filled read.
I loved this reminder today. It’s given me inspiration to seek the Lord for that next step for something out of the ordinary. I’m up for the challenge. I would love to share this magazine with my daughter. It’s difficult to have conversations with her about her relationship with God.
Probably my mom because she needs some encouragement from outside sources that are not directly related to her role as pastor’s wife. She is still attending the Bible study I recommended nine years ago {!!}, so I would love to also provide this resource for her.
I am eager to read this publication. I would send an extra copy to my 88 year old Mother who just moved into assisted living and is struggling with her life change.
I’d love to gift one to my mom, Linda!
I love Everyday magazine ❤️
I would share with my home group! They are extraordinary women….. so faithful and inspiring – 1 of them has stage 4
Ovarian cancer and she is such an inspiration ….. so solid in her Faith and love for Jesus.
My son’s mother-in-law. She and I are taking care of four grandchildren while their parents work. Two are special needs. Yes, it is hard at times but the blessings make it worthwhile.
She and I could use a little encouragement.
Thank you for today’s story.
I’d gift a copy to my friend, Pat.
I love how the article urged us to take a small step in faith .
you don’t know where a small step will take you. I would gift the second magazine to my soon to be daughter-in-law who is a great believer and who serves others in her career as a nurse.
I would love to give this to a friend who has overcome addiction to alcohol but now faces almost being homeless. She recently lost her mom and now her house may be taken from her as a result of liens against the home to provide for her parents who now both have passed.
Please pray that she will find an affordable place to live.
I would share this magazine with my dear friend. Although many miles separate us now, the bond of friendship we share overcomes the distance. It would be wonderful to be inspired by the same articles, encouraging us & deepening our faith.
I would love to share your magazine with our daughter. She’s a busy young mom with 3 girls and a great faith magazine would be a special gift for her. It’s likely she could catch a quick story here and there to encourage her.
Thank you so much or the reminder that our LORD chooses the “I’mPerfect” people to demonstrate His authority to the “I think I am Perfect” people. From my first read of the bible in 2008) I loved this story and I use it over and over again when walking alongside the women that have just been released from prison or that struggle to find their way back to community after substance abuse and addiction.
A faith filled magazine like that would be a great addition of resource for the women’s shelter where I spend my spare time encouraging and helping women to find their way (back) to God and to a meaningful life without addiction and abuse, where I help them to make amends with their kids, their families, relatives, and friends. Many of the women are living now independently and we are in contact to make sure they are cared for and assisted if needed. I am just an ordinary women that moved to Canada from a country that was communist when I grew up, Germany. No God, no bible allowed at that time. I moved to Canada in 2007 and just became a Canadian Citizen. The Lord knocked on my door and I opened it widely to let Him in in 2009. Ever since HE lives with me and we have the best and closest relationship I can ask for. Thank you, Lord Jesse, for knocking on my door!!
Sadly, your offer to receive the magazine does not include Canadians.
My blessings to you and to the winners of the precious gift.
Vera
I would gift the four dear ladies in the Sunday School class that I teach.
I would love to gift ladies in my Women of the Word Sunday school class that I teach.
I would give a copy to my mom who has the beginnings of dementia but still loves to read
I thoroughly enjoy reading the incourage devotions everyday. I’m sure I would really benefit from this magazine. As the WMU Director at my church, I have several ladies with whom I would share this magazine.
I would gift a copy to my friend Cathy serving on Guam and share my copy with Brenda, my pastor’s wife.
Love the magazine have bought it for a year. Would give to my sister.
In Courage,
I am overjoyed that God doesn’t expect any of us to be perfect. Lord knows I make my share of mistakes daily. So tankful for His grace & mercies that are new each & every day.
My small leap of faith came when I said yes to our church’s music director. She asked if I would do sign language to music- I know some sign language- for special music. I was never one to get in front of people alone & do anything. Now I don’t have much stage fright at all. I know it blesses the other worshippers.
When Covid hit a local food program our church was involved with shut down. My pastor & his wife started helping with Loaves & Fishes food bank. Soon afterward I got involved & that was about 2 years ago. We give out food boxes & meals 4 nights a week. I have been blessed to assist with their clothing distributions, yard sales, & just yesterday a fundraiser that made almost $1700.00 to help defray some of the costs. Just think it all started with me saying yes I will give a few hours each week & come do whatever needs to be done. God will bless your efforts.
Blessings 🙂