MOIRAJO
  • Weekly Devotionals
  • Weekly Message
  • Sermon Podcasts
  • Links
  • Contact

We Would See Jesus

11/16/2022

0 Comments

 


Wednesday’s Word
By Dorette Saunders
 

 
As we read the account of Zacchaeus’ conversion (Luke 19:1-10), we are inclined to wonder what was it about this man Jesus that transformed the heart of a greedy tax collector? Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, but being a short man, it was impossible for him to see above the crowd, so he ran ahead and climbed a tree along the path.
 
Can you visualize this very wealthy man shimmying up a tree? Can you imagine him holding his breath and holding on tightly, peeling his eyes to take a look at the One he had heard so much about? Perhaps the people below heckled him and had a good laugh at his expense. After all, tax collectors were not well regarded in that day. They were looked on as traitors since they collected revenue for the occupying forces, Rome (and themselves), oftentimes over and above what was required.
 
But Zacchaeus was not going to be deterred by his short stature. And, he would not be denied. He had to see Jesus. There was something about seeing the Lord. Something about being in the light of his presence. And suddenly from his perch, Zacchaeus heard Jesus say:
 
“Zacchaeus, hurry down! I want to stay with you today” (Luke 19:5, CEV).
 
Imagine that! Despite the crowd, Jesus stopped exactly at the spot where Zacchaeus was. And, he called him by name!
 
 
Isn’t that just like Jesus? He knows where we are. And he knows our name. Ah! There was no time for Zach to call his wife to clean up, or to prepare a special meal for an honored guest.  That day was the day of salvation.
 
When Jesus comes to us, he calls us just as we are.  Jesus sees and knows all the messy things in our lives. No need to cover up.  Everything is laid bare before him…including our heart.
 
Do you and I desire to see Jesus? To know him? What stands in the way? Note that Jesus tells Zach to “hurry down.”  What are we waiting for?  It’s time to make a decision.
 
Never mind what labels people slap on you—liar, thief, adulterer, pervert, sinner—Jesus stands ready to save you. Jesus tells us:
 
“The Son of Man came to look for and to save people who are lost” (Luke 19:10, CEV).
 
 
Perhaps we don’t consider ourselves “lost” as we go about our daily activities. But if we have not yet accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, we have not yet moved out of “darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
 
 
Later, Zacchaeus promises to make restitution to those he has cheated, over and above what was required, and to give half his wealth to the poor. By his words and actions, Zacchaeus is like the apostle Paul who says:
 
 ”But Christ has shown me that what I once thought was valuable is worthless. Nothing is as wonderful as knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:7,8, CEV). 
 
Having put his faith in Jesus, Jesus assures Zacchaeus, “Today you and your family have been saved, because you are a true son of Abraham” (Luke 19:10, CEV).
 
We who are saved are part of God’s family. Yet, there is always room for more. Are you one who would see Jesus?  Such a meeting with the Lord will transform your life.
 
 
 
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, you know our every fault yet love us still. We seek you in this hour of turmoil and confusion. Help us to overcome every hindrance that would stand in the way of our acknowledging you as Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
                                                                              ©Medytations 2022
 
 
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Moirajo is a minister, social worker, wife, mother, writer and animal lover. That's just for starters. Join the story, there's so much we can share together! 

    Archives

    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    June 2021
    May 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015

    Categories

    All

    Bible,  Living life on life's terms, spirituality

    RSS Feed

© Moira Ahearne 2017. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.