Today's discussion question: What happened to make this man give up his treasure?
Really Ron? We're reading about Zacchaeus the tax-collector on April 15th? Yes, we are. And it seems fitting. The news is filled with arguments about government spending and budget cuts. One side wants to restore increased taxes on the wealthy. The other side argues we don't have a revenue problem we have a spending problem. Meanwhile services are cut to the poor and teachers lose jobs, but the salaries of lawmakers usually remain unchanged. And you and I pay our taxes. Did we take any deductions this year? Ever met anyone over 30 who not only uses form 1040 EZ, but donates 10% extra to the government just to help out? What would happen if all those citizens calling for increasing the tax burden on the wealthy to benefit programs for the poor actually gave 2% of their own income to those programs? Would it make any difference if those who want decreased spending rallied their troops to invest 2% of their income into local education?
And here we are near the end of 40 Days 'Till Easter, and our preacher wants us to read about some little tax-collector getting religion and doings something crazy with his money! Let's go one degree crazier.
Zacchaeus gives without expectation of personal benefit. He is not generous to friends who will reciprocate. He doesn't give to the synagogue to get his name on a plaque. He, in fact, intends to possibly bankrupt himself by giving four times what he owes to the folks who despise him most! How can this be?
What would make a man choose to lose so much?
Tell us about your hopes & goals for 40 Days 'Till Easter.
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