(Hardcover - Revised Edition)
Forever Changed is Book of the Year Finalist with Foreword Magazine.
Just why would a nice Jewish boy grow up to be a despised tax collector in first century Jericho? Then you must ask yourself, why would Zacchaeus go out on a limb to see the latest in a long line of wouldbe Messiahs? Its easy to forget that personalities of ancient times had real lives. Joys, disappointments, growing pains, short comings, maybe just a bad day. There is so much more to see when one digs beneath the obvious and finds, the world has changed in two thousand years but life is much the same.
Zacchaeus did have a life but a life full of surprise he could have lived without. He was six when his dad announced, Zacchaeus, your mother is dead. A short boy, picked on by his peers, now motherless and without a refuge. Until he becomes enchanted with his religion. A new sanctuary. He considers a rabbinical career but happens on his mentor with one of the many town harlots. His dreams are shattered, his hopes vanish and his faith, well that too has disappeared. He joins his father in the tax collecting business, becomes set for life and the big man in town. When his father dies, Zacchaeus inherits the worst of tax routes. A blind man, a woman with an issue of blood, a demoniac and a widow about to bury her only son. They dont have his tax money and beg off for thirty days. Zacchaeus is in trouble. His collections are due. He returns to his route, but now Yeshua has passed by. Zac is amazed. They have his taxes and their lives are changed. He rushes to town to see this Yeshua but the crowds are too big. He cant get to Yeshua. He cant even see him. I know what Ill do. Ill run to the center of town andwait for Yeshua to pass by. He did. Yeshua did not pass by. He stopped right under Zacchaeus. Come down, Im coming to your house today. A holy man in a sinners house. Zac throws a party and invites the whole town. He knows something has changed and that something is him.
Mac McConnell sold his award winning art business to spread good news dramatically with oneman dramas all over the world, including Greece, Israel, Turkey and Rome. With over sixhundred performances he continues this tradition with historical novellas and enlightened looks into the life, the times and the busines of first century Judea.
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September 05, 2008: As I read Forever Changed, it was as if I was hearing Mac narrating this story to me personally. He delves into the very heart of our needs (financial or otherwise) with an understanding that with God nothing is impossible. I loved it!
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July 03, 2008: I was deeply touched. I had a couple of busy and stressful days, then I sat down and read this book. It touched my heart and made me feel complete. Thank you for the reminder that 'Life is Wonderful'. It gives you a lot to be grateful for. Again, thank you for the inspiration!