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There are several accounts in the Bible that seem like they were tailor made just for children. One of them is the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19. Truth be told, this account is about doing what it takes, no matter the personal cost, to encounter God. Let’s look at it.
Luke 19:3-4 states: He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way (NIV).
Standing amid the crowd, Zacchaeus’s height was a disadvantage. If he wanted to see Jesus, he would have to do something. And he did!
Luke 19:4 tells us that Zacchaeus ran ahead of the crowd. Zacchaeus could not make the crowd disappear. But what he could do was to position himself where the crowd no longer hindered his ability to see Jesus.
Luke 19:4 also tells us that Zacchaeus climbed a tree. Zacchaeus could not change the fact that he was short. But what he could do was to position himself where he was all but guaranteed to see Jesus.
Running ahead of the crowd, and being in the tree above the crowd, Zacchaeus occupied a space where others were not. And it worked!
Luke 19:5-6 states: When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly (NIV).
Our relationship with God should be marked by a love for God where our daily desire is to be with God. To talk to God. To listen to God. And to do God’s will. Just to name a few. Developing this kind of love for God does not come easily. It will require that we throw off an attitude of casualness about our relationship with God. About our walk with God. It will require that we be willing to go distances and heights that may seem unnecessary or extreme to others, some believers included. For example:
- Where we won’t be satisfied with reading one or two scriptures verses only when we have time, but we will press in until we love God’s Word and think about it all the time. Psalm 1:2 states: but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night (NKJV).
- Where we move away from praying only because there is a need or a crisis and pray because we want God to be involved in every aspect of our daily lives. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 states: pray continually (NIV).
- Where we no longer make excuses for our actions and turn away from sin. 1 John 3:6 states: No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him (NIV).
Going back to Luke 19:3-4, Zacchaeus ran ahead of the crowd and then climbed a tree to see Jesus. If this is not where our longing for God and the things of God is today, as believers we need to make a change. Let us ask God for the grace we need so that we can do whatever it takes so that we can encounter God.
Ephesians 5:15-17 states: Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is (NIV).
Except where indicated, scripture references are from the American Standard Version (ASV), Darby Translation (DARBY), or King James Version (KJV) – all public domain.
