Zacchaeus…

 

Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6 So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. 7 But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.” 8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; 10 for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”—Luke 19:1-9

This morning I am praising God for Zacchaeus who was truly a lost sheep of Israel.  I am thankful that Jesus came to seek and save those who were lost...those who knew they were in need of a Savior. I am thankful for the God ordained trials and situations in each of our lives that bring us to where we find Zacchaeus in this story...in a Sycamore tree seeking Jesus. Zacchaeus had money and power but not acceptance.  He was despised and rejected by his people and seen as a traitor in Israel because of his occupation as a tax collector. Zacchaeus, however, was a blessed man. He faced rejection daily for his sin and was probably very lonely.  This must have made him long for what only Jesus could give.  Wholeness, acceptance and unfailing love. So when the opportunity came, Zacchaeus was not going to let it pass him by. 

So eager in fact, was he to see Jesus that he became like a child.  Scripture tells us he was of short stature ( thinking child again) and in order to compensate for that he ran ahead and climbed a tree so he might see Him when He passed that way.  

Zacchaeus first sought Jesus (19:3) but in 19:10 it turns out that Zacchaeus was seeking Jesus because Jesus first sought him.  This realization filled my heart with joy!   I think back on my life before coming to Jesus...from my point of view Jesus was not near to me...at best He was a far off thought for another day.  But here is the thing, He WAS near to me...

He died for me when I was still without strength...dead in my trespasses and sins.

For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.—Romans 5:6 

He sought me as shepherd searches for a lost sheep.

But He answered and said, "I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."—Matthew 15:24 

He drew me with cords of love...

I drew them with gentle cords, With bands of love, And I was to them as those who take the yoke from their neck. I stooped [and] fed them.—Hosea 11:4 

And it was the goodness of God that led me to repentance.  

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.—John 6:44 

We love Him because He first loved us.—1 John 4:19 

Zacchaeus desired Jesus and was willing to lose not only his dignity but his worldly goods, also. (Vs 8)

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.--Jim Elliot  

So often we cry, Lord, who will show us any good?  Even those of us who are saved look to the wrong things to bring us peace and satisfaction. Beloved, seek after the One who desires only your good...Seek after the One who is only good.  Seek His kingdom and all else will be added. Give Him the pre-eminence!  Delight yourself in your God and He will give you the desires of your heart!!  Blessed is the man whose God is the Lord!!