There was a Man!

Daily Scripture Threshing for Monday, May 8, 2023

Today’s Text: Luke 19: 1-10

Key Verses: Luke 19:2 (ESV): “And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich."

We sometimes hear such remarks about notable or extraordinary individuals—there was a man—especially on memorials or funeral. We seem to have different views or ideas of just what it means to be the man. But let’s take some cursory look at Zacchaeus. His account in the Bible is so short. He himself was a short man; but he was such a man. He sets an amazing example of how we should approach and respond to Jesus Christ.

Zacchaeus teaches that no one is beyond redemption. He was was an extortionist who took advantage of receiving taxes for the Roman Empire, and charging more than required, or receiving kickbacks to amass illegitimate wealth. But whose eagerness and thirst for genuine encounter with Jesus shows us that no one may be rejected who comes to Jesus.

Whatever it takes you to get past yourself and get to Jesus, please do it. Most Jews would not run because it seemed undignified, and they would never climb a tree because they would be exposed to those who passed beneath them. But though he was rich and famous, he would break his own pride and protocol to see Jesus. Today, would you do the needful to get to God, regardless of what others think? There was the man whose mindset and attitude we should learn and adopt to see Jesus.

Quote for the Day: “Are you ready, panting and running to see, hear, follow and surrender to Jesus?! Whatever it takes, do it.” (Simon Olatunji)

Prayer: Dear Lord, I come before You today, please open my mind to Your presence and the changes You are calling me to make at this stage of my life. May I seek You with openness of heart this new day and each passing day — in Jesus Christ's name. Amen.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

For further inquiry and free spiritual help, visit or write:

The Darling Pastor,

2321 S Belt Line Rd., Suite 144

Grand Prairie TX 75051 USA

+1 (407) 360-8280; (817) 822-8441

[Daily Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide of The House of Prayer Evangel Church USA distributed for free use by individuals, small groups, families, and Christian churches]

Send | Share | Subscribe | Support