Let’s come back to Zacchaeus and the town harlot who crashed the party to weep at Jesus’ feet. They were, both of them, very keenly aware of their failures. They knew they had fallen way short of God’s goodness. And not only did they know it, but so did everyone else. So they bore the double weight of their own personal shame and the contempt of their communities. And yet, when they encountered Jesus — a man whose goodness shone like the sun — they ran toward him. How could it be?

They knew he was merciful. They knew they would find forgiveness.

As will you. God’s promise to us is total forgiveness if we will come to him and ask for it:  If we confess our sins he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

This offer is for everyone. It is for you and for me. And it is our only hope.

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