Though my powers of recall fail me from time to time, there are particular memories that have remained deeply imbedded, with minimal fading over the years.
One such recollection is a devotional given by a young woman named Jenny during an eye project 7 years ago in Colombia, which deeply moved me, and still provides food for thought.
Her devotional was based on the story of Zacchaeus, a rich tax collector. Being a short person, he climbed a tree to watch Jesus as He came through Jericho. Jesus asked Zacchaeus to come down from the tree, saying that He would be a guest at his home that day. Most people were astonished that Jesus would want to spend time with someone they considered a notorious sinner.
In responding to Jesus’ invitation, Zacchaeus took a brave move forward – out of his comfortable, safe perch above the crowd. He then offered to make amends for any excess taxes he collected by giving money to the poor, changing the direction of his life forevermore.
Jenny challenged our eye team with 2 questions:
Have you ever taken a bold step for Jesus?
In what direction is the trajectory of your life pointing?
As we revisited Zacchaeus during our Sunday service, I asked myself those questions once again, recalling instances where I did take the risk of exposing my beliefs through words or actions. I reflected on the current direction of my life, asking God to show me if I need to adjust my course.
It occurred to me that considering these questions during this most sacred of weeks could provide all of us with some spiritual sustenance.
Are we brave enough to take a bold step for Jesus this week….this month.…this year? It could be as small as saying “God bless you” to a stranger, or taking a moment to pray with a friend or family member in need. What about telling someone when you experienced the feeling of God’s presence, and how that felt to you?
And taking a moment to stop and assess your current path of life isn’t a bad idea either. Would God be pleased with the route you have taken – and does He play a prominent role as you consider your future?
The truth is, Jesus continually invites us to “come down out of the tree”. He desires to be a guest in our lives, our homes.
His hand is always extended, awaiting our grasp.
Together, let’s discover ways to make this Holy Week a Holy Walk, daring to express our love for the Lord as we thank Him for the sacrifice of His Son.
Let’s step out of the shadows…and into the trajectory of His light.
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. ~Luke 19:10
beWARM 