I was overhearing the audio Bible that our adopted grandmother living with us was listening to. I heard the two stories of Jesus encounters, one with the rich young ruler, the other with Zacchaeus (Luke 18 and 19). Suddenly, the similarities and the contrasting differences between these two men became clear in my mind.
Similarities:
Both were rich. Both wanted to see Jesus.
Differences:
One faithfully kept the law — and was honored by men. The other didn’t care to keep the law; he was a dishonest tax collector and was despised by men.
The one honored by men didn’t want to give up his riches to enter the Kingdom of God. He offered his own sacrifices, like Cain. He chose not to follow Jesus and learn from Him.
The despised one was willing to give up all to receive the Kingdom of God in his heart. He was willing to offer up the sacrifices pleasing to God, like Abel, willing to humbly follow Jesus and learn from Him.
What a difference between the two! One kept the law outwardly. The other was moved by the Holy Spirit to keep the law inwardly, from a meek and loving heart.
The Holy Spirit helped me understand that when Jesus said, “the things which are impossible with men are possible with God” (Luke 18:27), He was referring to the marvelous experience of receiving a new heart, a new Spirit, a new birth.
Anyone can receive this Gift!
“The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. God, You will not despise a broken and humbled heart.” –Psalm 51:17
The rich young ruler didn’t yield to The Gift. Jesus told Him what to do. “Go, sell all you have, give it to the poor, and follow Me.” He went away sad. He resisted and rejected the Holy Spirit.
Zacchaeus was tenderly convicted by the Holy Spirit of his sinfulness. He repented and sought to make amends. He opened His heart and received The Gift!
Now I understand that throughout all the stories in the Bible, God is continuously inviting us through The Holy Spirit to surrender our hearts to Him. What’s amazing to me is that I had been asking the Lord for a fresh insight from His Word. And the Holy Spirit did that for me! The Holy Spirit illuminated my mind, enlarged my understanding, taught me, and filled my heart with overflowing gratitude and joy! I believe He will certainly answer this prayer in unusual ways to bless all of us!. Imagine! I was sitting at the sewing machine when I overheard these two stories….