ZACCHAEUS:
Luke 19:1-7 NLT
[1] Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. [2] There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. [3] He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. [4] So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way. [5] When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.” [6] Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. [7] But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled.
The presence of Christ is impactful. Many who sought to be in His presence, touch Him, or to be ministered to by Him never remained the same. As a result, many sought to see Him and be with Him wherever He went. Great multitudes appeared wherever He went, seeking to hear Him and see the miracles He performed.
One day, as Jesus passed through Jericho, many followed Him as usual. So, Zacchaeus, the chief tax collector, climbed up a sycamore tree to get a better view because he was a short man. When Jesus got to the tree, He looked up, called him by his name and invited Himself to his house for dinner. While Zacchaeus was in shock, wondering how Jesus knew his name and why He had invited Himself to the house of a chief sinner, the majority of the crowd were very displeased. They didn’t know that the mission of Christ was to SEEK AND SAVE THE LOST.
That day, Zacchaeus found his way back home to his Father. He found salvation! What is your experience being in God’s presence? As a disciple of Christ, what impact and influence do you have on those who come close to you. Are they inspired by God’s presence with you or by your many impressive words? God is in your life to seek and touch lives through you. Will you let Him?
Isaiah 60:1-4 NKJV
[1] Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. [2] For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you. [3] The Gentiles shall come to your light, And kings to the brightness of your rising. [4] “Lift up your eyes all around, and see: They all gather together, they come to you; Your sons shall come from afar, And your daughters shall be nursed at your side.
Beloved, just let that light in you shine!