|
The Day When Jesus Stopped by
by Bruce Jackson In Luke 19:1-10, you can find the biblical story of Zacchaeus. We find a scene where a crowd is following Jesus and a small man cannot find his way to join in the fray and become a part of the crowd. We might have an idea of what to expect if I had entitled this article something like "The Birth of Jesus" or even "The Sacrifice on the Cross." We certainly would have known what to expect if it was "One Early Morning at the Tomb" or "What Went Down in the Upper Room." There would not be much doubt of what would be preached or taught and in many cases how it would be preached or taught if that was the case. Some people would know what to expect. However, just by a slight indication, you would have to understand that this article is about one day in particular when Jesus stopped by. This is not a gospel song pleading how we need you Lord Jesus to come 'round here. Even some of the oldies but goodies like "I Need Thee" do not indicate that Jesus made it and stopped by here. No, I want to speak to the brokenhearted through these words. I wanted to share in spirit with the humble in spirit. I want to plead along with those in need as we take a long hard look at the day when Jesus stopped by. Zacchaeus was short, small, nothing much. Just say he was a "small amn" physically, socially and spiritually. Spiritually, he was out of touch with his own faith. Socially, he was looked down upon for his tactics as a tax collector. Physically, he needed to climb a tree to get a glimpse of Jesus. Yet, he climbed a tree, keeping himself at a distance from the rest of the crowd, just as the society would have it. He sought a bird's eye view of the Lord and Savior because even one such as he was rich in earthly treasure but very poor in spiritual matters. Z was a brother in need. Whether he knew it or not, it didn't matter because there was going to be someone to come by that day who was going to get real up close and personal with him and all in his business. Recognition: Jesus sees Zacchaeus, calls him by name, & pronounces that He will dine with him at his house(v. 5). Despite how insignificant we may be in the eyes of others, we are highly important enough for Jesus to call us out by name. He knows each and every one of us from the lowest to highest. From the best to the worst of us, He knows us all by name. Reception: "So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully" (v. 6). We ought to receive Jesus with urgency. It is not everyday that He who is worthy makes a personal visit to those of us who are unworthy. Brother Z made it his business to get busy and respond to jesus' call. Whatever needed to be done to receive Jesus into his home, this man put a rush on it. He knew it was not a casual affair. Many of need to look again at what happens here. We might know Jesus but we still need to be in the know enough to know that He still wants to be received by us daily as Lord and Savior. He is Lord for the office of prominence that He holds and Saviour for the offer of salvation that comes only through Him and His shed blood. Restoration: Somewhere in the midst of glasses clinking for toasts and people talking in fellowship, Brother Z said he would restore what he had wrongly taken without any provocation from Jesus (v. 8). Think that through thoroughly. Let that saturate on your mind and heart. Just the presence of Jesus in his home was enough to stir something within Brother Z. He acted on what the Lord's presence prompted within him. Let us become so inspired when we enter into the Lord's presence. The day that Jesus stopped by caused a stir within the community, but it also caused a spiritual stir within a man. Such a man had a small stature before other men, but he was worthwhile to Jesus. He sought to reconcile himself with the Lord on that day. Jesus recognized His change and restored him based upon his change of heart (v. 9). We desire such a change within ourselves. We seek such a relationship with Jesus, reconciled and restored with the Lord at His word. Accept your change. Offer yourself in humble submission before the Lord. Give yourself over to Him. He is already in the house. Make Him an offer that He will not refuse. Accept His offer of salvation and become accepted by Him. He is ready and waiting for you to come to Him. Bruce Jackson is the founder and CEO of Life Path Ministries & Services (San Diego). He is a Christian minister, writer/ poet, consultant and public speaker. Read his daily blog at http://revbruce.wordpress.com/. Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |