December 19, 2022 -- Proverbs 19:22-23 & Luke 19:1-10 -- A Journey to Christmas through Proverbs and Luke: the love of God which breaks down every stronghold of sin

What is desired in a man is steadfast love,
    and a poor man is better than a liar.
23 The fear of the Lord leads to life,
    and whoever has it rests satisfied;
    he will not be visited by harm.
Proverbs 19:22-23 ESV

He entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 And behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. 3 And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. 4 So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” 8 And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Luke 19:1-10 ESV

Jesus took on human flesh. He exemplified the Proverb's picture of the wise man, who shows steadfast love. This love is a reflection of the Father’s steadfast, covenant love. Jesus in His dealings with Zacchaeus showed such love. Because of Jesus’ love, which mediates the Father’s from-before-the-creation-of-the-world love, Zacchaeus’ heart is exposed. He is prepared to be a poor man, rather than remain a thief and a liar. He is prepared to be poor for Jesus so that he can be rich in the grace which Jesus brings.

Zacchaeus then exhibits the fear of the LORD. He will replace what he has stolen. He will give his wealth to the poor, showing his heart has moved from greedy self-centredness to thankful generosity. Exactly what the Proverbs show a man who has life in Christ will do. Wherever sin’s stronghold had strangled a man or woman, that is the place where new life in Christ will most obviously shine out. The angry man will become a peace-maker. The gossipy woman will become a woman who knows how to hold her tongue and bring all needs and requests of those around her to God in prayer, for He alone can heal and save. A thief and embezzler will restore what he has stolen and will be generous.

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name! What the Psalmist said so long ago is proved true over and over again: “The LORD preserves all who love Him”. Thank You for the love You showed the sinner Zacchaeus, in gracing Him with Jesus’ ministry, You remind believers, however locked into sin we were, that the work of Jesus will break down every stronghold of sin until the sinner who rests in Jesus is made His captive saint. Spirit of God, help us to praise Jesus, so that our mouths will speak the praise of the LORD; all flesh, join in to bless the Holy Name of the LORD forever and ever. Amen.

(There are echoes of Psalm 145:20-21 in this prayer)

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