He lives in relationship with God (1) - 1 September 2014
Perhaps you are one of thousands of men who regularly receive verse-a-day. This month’s devotional pieces are especially for you. They’re based on a publication by the Bible Society entitled “I am He.”
We want to invite you page through the Bible and discover the stories it tells about special men. Men play an important role throughout the Bible. Some lived in close relationship with God, while others turned their backs on Him. Sometimes they wrestled with God. They were men of differing dimensions, multi-faceted and unique, men in varying circumstances of life. And God was at work in each of their lives. Between the pages of God’s wonderful Word, you will discover: That is me! I am he! And God works in my life, too!
The Scripture portions in these devotionals highlight various dimensions of being a man which still apply to men today. Our prayers are that it will help you to understand the reality faced by men of today more fully. The Bible does not hide the fact that the world is negative at times and that the men in the Bible often have feet of clay. You can be sure however, that you will find hope in the Scriptures to overcome any circumstances in which you may find yourself. You will find your way when you’ve lost it. You will be raised up and comforted when you’ve fallen and have been hurt. The Scriptures challenge you anew to fulfil the task and expectations incumbent on you as a man of faith.
These pieces are also for our women readers. In light of the Bible, come and get to know the Christian men in your life even better.
Let’s get started and see what the Bible says about this man’s relationship with God. The most important dimension of true manhood is to live in relationship with God. He is not afraid to admit that he needs his Creator. As a man of God, he deeply loves God who is at the very centre of his life.
Firstly, we learn that his life changes radically after meeting Jesus
Jesus went on into Jericho and was passing through. There was a chief tax collector there named Zacchaeus, who was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he was a little man and could not see Jesus because of the crowd. So he ran ahead of the crowd and climbed a sycomore tree to see Jesus, who was going to pass that way. When Jesus came to that place, he looked up and said to Zacchaeus, “Hurry down, Zacchaeus, because I must stay in your house today.”Zacchaeus hurried down and welcomed him with great joy. All the people who saw it started grumbling, “This man has gone as a guest to the home of a sinner!”Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Listen, sir! I will give half my belongings to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will pay back four times as much.” Jesus said to him, “Salvation has come to this house today, for this man, also, is a descendant of Abraham. The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:1-10
Can you say, I am he?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you that my meeting with your Son changed my life. Help me to always keep you at the centre of my life. Thank you for your love. Amen