Luke 19 records the story of Zacchaeus, the sinner who meets the Savior (Jesus Christ) and when this happens we see that a few things happened in Zacchaeus’ life.
First, Zacchaeus received Jesus joyfully (verse 6).
Second, Zacchaeus recognized Jesus to be the Lord (verse 8).
Third, Zacchaeus had a change of heart and from being a man who took, took and took, he vowed to return that which he had taken; to give and to restore (verse 8).
When the sinner who has no hope but the sure overhanging penalty of death, encounters Jesus Christ as a Savior, the natural response that is evoked is one of joy and rejoicing. Jesus is the only one who can turn your day of sorrow into a day of joy (John 16:20). And when the sinner sees Jesus seeing Him and seeking to be part of his life, a change of heart should occur in which the Lordship of Jesus is recognized and the old is gone and a new creation ensues that vows to give Jesus to those in need and restore their relationships with God the Father.
When a sinner meets the Savior, there is Rejoicing, Recognition, Returning and Restoring. Have you had that encounter?
Luke 19:6-8 (KJV)
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.
