Luke 19:1 Jesus was passing through Jericho on his way up to Jerusalem. About 17 more miles to walk to Jerusalem. And it's all uphill. Jericho is about 800 feet below sea level. Jerusalem sits approximately 2,500 feet ABOVE sea level. That means the incline is not quite one-mile high in ascent. The road ahead for Jesus is steep physically and spiritually.
Yet, knowing what He faces, He sees a publican in a sycamore-fig tree. The Jews didn't make room for publicans to see Jesus. Jesus calls the rich chief publican by name. How did He know his name? How does He know your name? And how humbling and desperate is this rich and honest chief publican, a dignified leader, to climb a tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus? A touch. A word. A miracle. He got it all. You see, Zaccheus wasn't just any old tax collector, he was a superintendent of tax collectors. And he was rich. And he was waiting for God to show up. He had a wide open heart. Do I? We're about to see a rich man walk into the Kingdom of God, right through the eye of the needle.
In verse 6, Jesus called him by name, Zaccheus, "Come Down" for TODAY I must abide at your house. Since when does Jesus abide or stay overnight at strangers' homes?? Yes, Zaccheus had already been living a rather clean life of giving and serving. But it was the relationship that was missing in following Christ. And Zaccheus was being invited to more, so much more. He was about to find it at a dinner made for him, a night he will never forget, especially for the rich chief publican. For verse 10 says that Jesus came to seek and save the LOST. Vine's Dictionary defines "lost" as spiritually destitute. Zaccheus found the Kingdom of God in a tree.
Oh that we would have the tenacity, the courage, the humility, the abandonment to climb the tree to pursue the knowledge of the Savior of our world. Make us all like Zaccheus this day, this moment in our lives, that we let go of our preconceived notions and surrender to relationship. Have Mercy on Us, O God, and help all of us sinners climb our very own tree---whatever it takes---to know You and the Power of your Resurrection.
I so enjoyed your comments yesterday. You made me laugh in the midst of broken down cars and hearts over here.
ReplyDeleteI am smiling knowing every one of us is coining the phrase:
LORD, Have Mercy on Me!!!!
Each of you are climbing your own tree and pursuing the knowledge of Him. No better decision. No other pursuit is worthy.
Such a joy to walk with you on this uphill battle. And it's uphill ALL THE WAY!
"O God, be Thou exalted over all my possesions. Nothing of earth's treasures shall seem dear unto me if only Thou art glorified in my life. Be Thou exalted over my friendships. I am determined that Thou shalt be above all, though I must stand deserted and alone in the midst of the earth. Be Thou exalted above my comforts. Though it mean the loss of bodily comforts and the carrying of heavy crosses I shall keep my vow made this day before Thee. Be Thou exaslted over my reputation. Make me ambitious to please Thee even if as a result I must sink into obscurity and my name be forgotten as a dream. Rise, O Lord, into Thy proper place of honor, above my ambitions, above my likes and dislikes, my health and even my life itself. Let me decrease that Thou mayest increase, let me sink that Thou mayest rise above. Ride forth upon me as Thou didst ride into Jerusalem mounted upon the humble little beast, a colt, the foal of an ass, and let me hear the children cry to Thee, "Hosanna in the highest."
ReplyDelete--THE PURSUIT OF GOD by A.W.TOZER
Beautiful prayer of putting things in the right perspective, Jan!
ReplyDeleteYes, Lord have mercy on me, a sinner. I love the story of Zaccheus and his desire to see but found it difficult to relate to. I'm tall and want to "blend in" so I stand in the back. Sometimes I'd rather not be seen than to see. And too often, I'm the one afraid, sitting on the opportunity instead of taking a chance, risking something very worth taking a risk on--and it's sinful. Reminds me of the Aslan quote from CS Lewis. "He isn't safe but He's good." It's time for me to invest. After all, that is part of working out our salvation with fear and trembling.
Life goes on with all its ups and downs, but we have a purpose so much greater to focus on and live out. No shrinking in the background, no fearful stalemates allowed!
As I read about Zacheuss, I thought about the song I learned as a young child...how God desires to be part of our lives but does not enter in uninvited.
ReplyDeleteThen as I read about the master who gave three servants a talent then came back to see their results..I could not help but think of my mother. She was a very creative, gifted and talented woman. She taught school for a season while I was growing up at home. I observed over time how often Mother would give her ideas away. And give them to some people I might consider to be an adversary of hers. When I approached mother and asked why she always seem to give away her best ideas; I will never forget her reply: Why Sylvia whenever I give them away, God always gives me more fresh new ideas.
Yes, a lesson in giving from my mother many years ago. A lesson from the LORD as shown in today's scripture.
This is a Song I must Sing. Sylvia
: )
ReplyDelete. . . just checking in to let you know I'm still here each day!
This is one of my favorite things about my God:
ReplyDelete10 "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
Not one opportunity is missed by God. He seeks to save and He never misses one single soul. But we must be willing to be found.
I'm challenged today by the parable in today's reading. How can I increase the gift God has graciously given me? How can I take my "mina" and turn it into "ten minas?"
I know there are many opportunities I let slip right through my fingers.
He deserves better from me.