Heart, Soul, and Passion
In today's world, wealth and success would satisfy most, but Zacchaeus was still seeking a missing ingredient. Successful, but not easily spotted in a crowd because he was a short man, a possible factor motivating him to achieve success. The city, filled with anticipation over the coming of a visitor, as people lined the streets of the city, curious and anxious to see this teacher. Many tales of curing fractured lives as well as diseased bodies surrounded this healer. Friends, relatives, and neighbors telling and retelling events heard and seen, brought many out.
Zacchaeus' success didn't help his height, which limited his ability to see this teacher, as all the prime spots were taken. Frantically searching for a solution, a vantage point, a nearby tree hanging over the street gave him an idea. Not worried how it may look, he quickly climbed the tree and found the best view. His timing was perfect as the crowd approached with Jesus. Even with the strange looks from the crowd and their whispering, he refused to give up his chance to see this one he'd heard so much about.
Thinking to himself, If I could only talk to Him, listen to His words, and learn from His wisdom.
Just then Jesus said, "Zacchaeus come down here for I am going to stay at your house."
His eyes lit up as he quickly came down from his perch and welcomed Jesus into his home. A murmur of detest went through the crowd regarding Jesus’ stay at a tax collector's house for Jews labeled Zacchaeus and other tax collectors as traitors.
Zacchaeus told Jesus, "I will give half of all my possessions to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will repay them back four times. Zacchaeus, a very successful man, gives us a glimpse of a man with child-like characteristics. Jesus knew the attitude in Zacchaeus' heart, his openness, his seeking, his need for help. He rewarded him by saying, "Today salvation has come into your house."
May we share the same attitude, the heart of a child, the soul of a servant and the passion of a warrior. ã Jim Ness
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