Luke 19:19, NKJV
“And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.”
Hope in Christ is always rewarded. However deep the longing or inquisitive the mind, anyone who has the slightest desire to meet with Jesus does not go unnoticed by the Master.
Riches did not fill the deep dark void in Zaccheus’ heart. Word had reached this despised chief of tax collectors about the man called Jesus, and his heart was sincerely turned towards Jesus. Thus, this was his moment and no obstacle would come between them.
Unlike the fig tree, which was no good to Jesus when He passed by, even the sycamore tree played its part in Zaccheus’ time of need. For as well as being in the right place at the right time it bore his weight to give him eye contact with the Master, as he sought to overcome the challenge of his stature, pushing through the crowds.
Jesus read Zaccheus’ heart’s desire, called him down out of the tree and thrilled him with the news that TODAY, the Lord of all creation, would be dining at his house.
One encounter with Jesus brought immediate salvation and healing – beyond his wildest dreams. Immediately this man was renewed in his heart and mind and acted accordingly. In one cosmic moment, new life, excitement, joy and hope flowed from the Creator to the created, and filled his heart and life like nothing else could. No longer were his thoughts clouded by negative thinking. No longer did he feel lonely, despised and rejected, for Jesus noticed him and made time for him. Today was a day of joy. Jesus had come his way. From this day on he was a different man. Immediately his bad habits were broken and the disapproval of others and the disappointment of the past were shaken off as he sought Jesus.
God showed him favour even though he didn’t deserve it, and God does the same for us. Jesus declared for all his accusers to hear ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham’.
There is healing, restoration and favour waiting for all those whose hearts are fully turned to Christ.
Whatever obstacles you may be facing today, the Creator of all the universe is passing your way. You haven’t been forgotten.
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for not passing any of us by. Thank You for passing our way. Amen.
