Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 The Great Lent

St. Luke 19: 1-10

v. 10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Have you ever felt like God is too far from you? 

We live in a time where our farthest relatives can be reached through a video/phone call or a simple text message. Yet, sometimes God seems too far from us. We become too busy and distracted from God, that when we don’t hear from Him during our time of need it causes a disconnect. 

In today’s devotional, let us take a look at someone who went against the odds to seek out our Father. In today’s passage, we read about Zaccheus the tax collector who was a “wealthy man.” Tax collectors during that time were not welcome guests or friends. The beauty of this story comes from the grace of our Lord, and the request of mercy from Zaccheus. While everyone wondered why Jesus would dine with a “sinner”, Zaccheus (knew he was a sinner) cried out and asked for a second chance. Rather than ignoring the problem, he faced it head-on and went straight to the source to ask for a new start. 

That is what our relationship with Christ offers. A new start, a second chance, a reminder that Jesus is never too far from you and YOU are never too far from Him. This life we live in is a hard one. It’s filled with disappointments, confusion, and sometimes loneliness. However, there are moments where we just need to climb our trees and cry out to God. He will next turn you away because he came to this world to “save the lost”.

Prayer
Father God, as we read today’s passage we are reminded of your mercy towards your children. I ask that in moments where I feel you are far from me, your presence will be so strong. God, I ask your strength and mercy to cover me. Help me to not let go and forget that you see every part of me and love me the same. Thank you for your unconditional and unending grace towards my life. Amen.

Thought for the Day
What stumbling blocks are keeping me from being bold in my faith to start a new and fresh life with Christ?
 

Lisa Skaria
The Mar Thoma Church, Staten Island

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