Seeking the light
Originally uploaded by Irishphotographer
All in a day’s work. Jesus was just passing through Jericho on his way to Jerusalem. Minding his own business, doing his thing, but obviously still attracting a lot of attention for who he was and what he did. Zacchaeus wanted to see, too. The fact that he was wealthy did not stop his interest in what was going on. He was a successful businessman, even if he was not liked. And he was proactive. He figured out where Jesus was headed and ran ahead, and climbed a tree. He staked out his territory so he could see.
Can you imagine how he felt when Jesus called him by his name? How did he know? And he commanded Zacchaeus to come down, and indicated he needed to stay at Zacchaeus’ house. Now, Zacchaeus did not likely have the best social life, he was considered a sinner, and he was a tax collector, the IRS of the day. So, Zacchaeus had several hurdles: height challenged, faced rejection socially, and he was considered to be a sinner. Obviously, Jesus made a big impact on him. He not only welcomed Jesus gladly, but also publicly made a declaration of changing the way he would do business from that day forward. That’s repentance.
Jesus recognized Zacchaeus has a son of Abraham, too. And recognized his salvation experience as evident from the changed lifestyle. And Jesus used this as a lesson to all who would listen, then and now. He came to seek and to save what was lost. Period. Wealth, position, status, reputation. It didn’t matter. Jesus came to save. He sought out Zacchaeus. And Zacchaeus was saved. Jesus did what he came to do. And he did it all as he was passing through.
Lord, as we pass through our days, may we remember what we are here to do. May we remember how you sought and saved us. And may we be instrumental in the lives of those who are still lost, by pointing them to You.
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