Sharing Thoughts
I have always found the story of Zacchaeus very interesting. One of the first things said about him is – he is short as am I. He would have trouble seeing someone if a crowd were in front of him. He was also a tax collector and a wealthy man. That meant he collected taxes for the Romans and took some extra for himself. That meant he was not looked upon kindly by his Jewish neighbors. A place would not be opened for him in a crowd so he could see.
Zacchaeus really, really wanted to see Jesus, but he knew that would be a problem for him. So he hurried ahead of the crowd and climbed a tree so he would not miss him. I am assuming he was dressed fairly well and was well known. It was not the most elegant thing to do; to climb up a tree but Zacchaeus did not care. He was determined to see Jesus.
And then Jesus stopped right below the tree and called his name, informing him, He was going to visit him in his house, a high honor. Zacchaeus’ reaction to looking into the face of God’s Son was to confess that he was a sinner, he had cheated people, he had done wrong things, but now he would repay all , more that he owed and live a different kind of life from now on. Jesus told him salvation had come to his house this day. Zacchaeus and Jesus went joyfully to Zacchaeus’ house along with Zacchaeus’ “sinner” friends.
Meanwhile the more “righteous” in the crowd, having no understanding at all of what had just happened, pointed out that Jesus was going to the house of a sinner and his friends. A soul had been saved by God’s grace and the religious self-righteous never saw it- How sad!
Sue Russell
Very often we come to a crossroads in life. We don’t know in which direction to turn. We know we can't continue to go on doing what we are doing and hoping life will get better. Decisions need to be made. Could I dare say that Zacchaeus was at this point in his life? He wanted to throw off the sinful part of his life – cheating his fellow Jewish community. Somewhere deep down inside of him, he knew the only person who could redeem his sorrowful life was Jesus. He needed the salvation and grace Jesus readily offered. He must see Jesus! He must meet Jesus!
What decisions are you struggling with today? Are you ready to take them to Jesus?
Are you ready to talk to Jesus?
Are you ready to see Jesus- truthfully see Him as the way forward to salvation?
Are you ready to make those necessary changes?
Are you ready to see Jesus? Open your heart and your mind. Ponder and discern. There are new possibilities on the horizon.
May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble; the Name of the Jacob defend you;
Grant you your heart's desire and prosper all your plans. Psalm 20:1, 4
Enjoy - Open the eyes of my heart Lord, I want to see you!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idQ1n3cdgfo