Embracing Forgiveness

Anyone need a second chance?

Zacchaeus was a wee little man


And a wee little man was he.


He climbed up in a sycamore tree


For the Lord he wanted to see.

Recently, this children’s song resonated loudly in my mind. It prompted a throwback moment to my Sunday school days when we acted out this timeless story through music. I hadn’t heard the narrative in a long time, but a recent visit to Colombia and the opportunity to learn of the work of Prison Fellowship Colombia brought the lyrics front and centre.

I listened to criminals, police, and even victims of the prisoners’ heinous crimes as we sat captured by their testimonies. Each one told how the story of Zacchaeus and his second chances touched their hearts. They learned that Zacchaeus, the tax collector, had taken more money from the people than the law required, and he enjoyed a good lifestyle while causing financial hardship and suffering to his own people.



And when the Savior passed that way


He looked up in the tree


And said, “Zacchaeus, you come down!


For I’m going to your house today!”


Jesus went to the house of such a sinner, and Zacchaeus went on to repent. After meeting Jesus, Zacchaeus vowed to give half of his possessions to the poor and to repay all he had stolen four times over. 

Healing, restoration, and transformation unfolded in Colombia as unlikely friends walked through the Sycamore Tree program. Dark pasts are being replaced with hope for the future.

As one former inmate shared his story, he broke down in violent sobs, asking forgiveness for the trauma he had caused.

Nearby, a community partner embraced him in loving empathy.

What a message not only to criminals but to all of us. Our God is a God of second, third, and endless chances.

Do you need a second chance? Why not sing this little song and invite Jesus to your house today?