“Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death” (Proverbs 10:2).
INTEGRITY
The city of Jericho was full of business and commercial activity. It was actually one of the main tax collection centers in Palestine. A tiny, sinister figure moved among the most influential sectors in that region. It was Zacchaeus, a man who had one of the best paying jobs at that time: he was no less than the head tax collector. The Roman government received about nine hundred talents from him each year in exchange for the rights to collect taxes from people, recover his investment and earn a hefty profit. Zacchaeus and his men could collect all the taxes they wanted for: entering and leaving the city, personal possessions, real estate, and other things. That lent itself to all kinds of abuse. Imagine if throughout their life a person could only earn one or two talents, Zacchaeus could invest nine hundred each year to later earn double! In a very short time he’d become a rich man.
Zacchaeus was an icon of success. He had power, money and influence. He didn’t have scruples or moral principles when it came to exploiting society. He had amassed a huge fortune at the expense of abuse and corruption against the population. But his fine clothing, luxurious house, succulent banquets, or being tended to by his servants didn’t free him from deep unhappiness. He felt alone and despised by people. How could he feel so dissatisfied when he was so rich? The Bible has the answer, «Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income» (Ecclesiastes 5:10, NIV). Jesus said that human life is not based on the amount of things you possess (Luke 12:15).
One day the head tax collector found out that Jesus would be in Jericho and he decided to meet Him. However, the multitude that went with the Lord prevented him from getting near. But his desire to approach Christ was so great that he climbed a tree to watch Him go by. Then, Jesus stopped and asked him to come down because He would go to his house that day. Zacchaeus was moved, received the Lord in his home and promised Him he would return everything he had stolen.
Fraud and lies don’t lead to happiness. They can grant temporary advantages, but they’ll never give you the peace or serenity that only God gives those who serve Him wholeheartedly.
Receive the Lord in your heart today and let Him transform your life.
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Take From: Daily Devotions for Youth 2020
«A New You»
From: Alejandro Medina Villareal
Collaborators: Gezer Noria & Misael Morillo
