Sycamore tree...

The story of Zacchaeus in the 19th Chapter of Luke offers many points to ponder...

We meet Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector who, despite his wealth, was still lacking, still searching. His seeking led him to Jesus, but his path was not easy. He had a few obstacles to overcome- there was a crowd impeding his view, he was short in stature, and he was a sinner. Nevertheless, Zacchaeus was determined; there was a sense of urgency to his efforts to see Jesus... he had to get ahead of the crowd; had to climb a sycamore tree; nothing was going to prevent him from seeing Jesus...

Are we making our best effort to see Jesus? Are we willing to overcome the obstacles; are we aware of the things, internal and external, impeding our view of Jesus? Are we quick to make excuses for our limitations, yet unwilling to see our own "sycamore tree" solution. Make no mistake... Jesus is calling us to draw closer to Him, to truly see Him. When we, like Zacchaeus, are seeking to see Jesus, He will provide the way... Jesus is the way!

"When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, you will find me with you, says the Lord, and I will change your lot." (Jer 29:13-14)

God's promises are true! The encounter with Jesus was life-changing for Zacchaeus: Jesus was worth more to him than his wealth. His willingness to give up his possessions and to make reparations for past sins, earned him Jesus' promise of salvation.

Are you feeling inconspicuous, and not heard in the crowd? Perhaps failure, regret, the weight of sin is pressing on you, making you feel small and insignificant. Stand up, and run to Jesus, climb that sycamore tree, do whatever is necessary to see the Savior... "For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost." (Lk 19:10)