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Out on a limb…

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood…

In Jericho.

A place abounding in scented balsams. An oasis city catering to the rich and powerful.

A honey-pot of taxation for the Roman government. Thick with tax collectors, the despised ones, making their own pockets jingle after rendering Caesar’s due.

Spring blossoms display their full regalia this day to welcome a guest to town. Rumor has it he’s been performing miracles.

People begin to gather, swelling into the streets. Jockeying for a position to see this guest. Some gather along rooftops; some hang out of windows like washing hung to dry.

But there’s one man. Zacchaeus. Hebrew meaning pure, innocent. Ironic though. It was in his name but not yet in his heart. For he is a chief tax collector.

He is too short to see over the crowd. Short in the eyes of others but standing tall in his own eyes, as he stands on his power and wealth, a bought or stolen stature.

Wanting a glimpse of this man called Jesus, said to be a friend of tax collectors, he decides to jockey the nearest sycamore-fig tree before he’s crushed, heeled by the feet of the tall.

Zacchaeus curiously climbs out on a sturdy branch of a sycamore-fig tree, pushing aside a leaf-laden limb for a better view. He feels ten feet tall, looking down on all those who’ve looked down on him all his life.

From his vantage point in the tree, he hears the waves of acclamation as Jesus and His troupe draw closer in his direction.

Once near the tree, Jesus suddenly stops. He waves aside the sea of spectators to get closer to the sycamore-fig. He looks up through the cluster of leaves, right into the eyes of Zacchaeus.

What floods Zacchaeus’ mind? More than likely, he’s startled and embarrassed.

“Zacchaeus,” Jesus calls.

Zacchaeus feels his breath leave his lungs and the darkness begin to leave his soul.He thumps his chest with his fist to remind himself to breathe. Breathe, Zachy-boy. Breathe!

“Zacchaeus. Quickly. Come down,” commands Jesus.

In an instant, Zacchaeus’ life flashes through his mind. He remembers his little black book, his financial journal, filled with entries of money extorted. He remembers how his pockets overflowed with coins, yet his life was bankrupt.

Jesus knows Zacchaeus’ bottom line, how his ledger bulges with ill-gotten gain. He knows every item, every stolen coin.

But He isn’t looking into Zacchaeus’ accounts this day. He’s searching his heart, knowing each footprint of those who have stepped on Zacchaeus and those Zacchaeus has stepped on.

“Zacchaeus, I must stay at your house today,” said Jesus.

Puzzled, yet filled with excitement and joy, Zacchaeus hurriedly shinnies down the tree and greets Jesus, gladly offering the hospitality of his home to Him.

But gasps of contempt from the crowd fill the air, grumbling that Jesus would dare be a guest in this sinner’s house, to eat with him.

Though an unlikely convert, yet feeling compelled, Zacchaeus gushes forth with a confession, “Lord, I will give to the poor half of my goods and those I’ve overcharged. I’ll restore fourfold.” Repentance in action.

Unlike the rich, young ruler who clutched his wealth and departed from Jesus, Zacchaeus immediately released his riches and remained with Jesus.

Jesus said, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:9-10 NKJV)

And Zacchaeus’ heart grew three sizes that day.

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If we learn anything from this story, then here are the questions we need to ask ourselves:

*Where am I short spiritually with stunted growth?
*How high will I climb or push obstacles out of the way to look into the eyes of Jesus?
*When called, do I cling to my possessions and walk away from Jesus, or do I release my hold on circumstances and walk with Him?

Jesus is coming your way to visit. Will you see Him? Will you answer when He calls your name?

May your household be blessed with salvation...Lynn

(Taken from Luke 19:1-10 NLT)

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