1994
-- In September, after six losing quixotic campaigns for parliament in
Denmark, standup comedian Jacob Haugaard actually got elected. Among his
campaign promises this time were good weather, better Christmas presents,
guaranteed tail winds for all cyclists, and standard-size dust bags in vacuum
cleaners.
The
good news is that we are starting vacation tomorrow. Also, did you know that we still have a puppy left for anyone
who wants it? Don’t forget the
good news is that it is reported that those who have pets live longer.
Did you know that you can now worship God through the internet.
Internet churches are taking the place of the real church of believers
who gather together. Self-serve
check out machines are taking the place of sales clerks.
The
Good News is that the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was
lost. In the book of Luke, the
physician shows us that Jesus came for the lost, the lonely, and the least.
Is that you? The good
news is that he came for you.
Scripture
text: Luke 19:1 (KJS) And
[Jesus] entered and passed through Jericho. 2 And, behold, [there was] a man
named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. 3
And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because
he was little of stature. 4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a
sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that [way]. 5 And when Jesus
came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus,
make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. 6 And he
made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw
[it], they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be guest with a man
that is a sinner. 8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold,
Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing
from any man by false accusation, I restore [him] fourfold. 9 And Jesus said
unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is
a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of man is
come to seek and to save that which was lost.
1.
The
Good News is that Jesus is Passing by today.
The Good News is that Jesus looked up to see him.
Jesus wants to be the center of your life, but he won’t force himself
on you. He stands and knocks and
passes by so that you may have the opportunity to know him.
2.
The
Good News is Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus (ran
ahead and climbed up the tree to see the Savior) Short people got no reason to
stay on the ground. You have to get down to get high enough to see the Savior.
He humbled himself to climb up to see the Savior.
You must open the door, climb up into the tree, come to church, open
your eyes and your heart to see and to hear the Lord.
He doesn’t want to cloak himself in secrecy but he wants you to know
him. That is why he came for you today.
3.
The Good News is that Jesus wants to go
to your house today. Will
you welcome him in? If Jesus
came to your house today would you need to straighten up first?
Rev. 3:20 Jesus says behold I stand at the door and knock and if
any man hear my voice and open the door I will come in to him and sup with him
and he with me. Are you ready for Jesus?
Be ye also ready for in such an hour as you think not I will come.
If you have already invited him in then he is always there because he
said I will never leave you nor forsake you.
4.
The Good News is that Zacchaeus received the Lord that day.
It isn’t enough to come to church or participate in services.
You must receive him into your heart.
You must receive him into your life.
John 1:12 (KJS) But as many as received him, to them gave he
power to become the sons of God, [even] to them that believe on his name:
5.
The Good News is that Jesus didn’t
allow the murmurers to stop him from
doing what was right in the sight of the Father. Gal. 1:10 (KJS) For do I now persuade men, or God? or
do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant
of Christ.
6.
The Good News is that Zacchaeus had repented and repaid for his sins.
When
Jesus comes by and comes to your house will you go your way or his?
If you will go his way then you will have to turn from your ways to his
ways. Remember He said to turn
the other cheek, love your neighbor, and pray for your enemies.
He says to serve him and to stop serving yourself.
7.
The
Good News is that Zacchaeus was declared a son of Abraham
and a member of the family of God even if he had been evil as a chief of the
publicans. Jesus declared him
righteous. The wishes and desires
of others will not stop you from becoming who God wants you to be.
8.
The
Good News is that Jesus has come for you today
and he is looking your way. He is come to seek and to save that which is lost.
This is the message of Luke’s gospel to the lost, lonely, and least
of society. He says to you that
he has come to earth for you. Will
you receive him into your house, your heart, your work, your family, and your
life.