Not Too Short In This Season
Compared to today’s standard of wealth, Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector in Jesus’ time was a very wealthy man (Luke19:2). His great wealth came from heaping extra taxes upon the poor, in addition to what was actually owed to the Roman government. The extra taxes went to his personal account. For his dishonesty, he was despised, rejected and isolated by most Jews.
Like Zacchaeus, The Lord Jesus was also despised and rejected (Isaiah 53:3), but not for any wrong doing, dishonesty or evil works. Jesus completed the work given to Him by His Father in heaven. He brought to earth the kingdom of heaven. He presented fallen humanity with good news. His message contradicted the way people have lived since the fall of man.
Jesus’ focus was to finish the work assigned to Him by His Father. He put right side up the things that were upside down. He made the crooked places straight, the rough places smooth, the exaltation of every low valley, and the mountains to level ground (Isaiah 40:4). In presenting this new realm of living, Jesus offered the opportunity to begin a fresh and new life with God. However, much resistance, and even rejection came against God’s new way of living in righteousness, peace and joy, just as it is today. Zacchaeus’ old ways were soon to be transformed by heaven’s culture.
Jesus’ ministry demonstrated the power of God’s kingdom everywhere he went. When Jesus passed through the region of Jericho, a massive crowd gathered to see and hear Him. Zacchaeus also wanted to have a glimpse of the Lord. Knowing this was impossible, because of his short stature, Zacchaeus climbed up a blossoming fig tree. “When Jesus got to the place, He looked up into the tree and said, ‘Zacchaeus, hurry on down, for I am appointed to stay at your house today’ ” (Luke 19:5). That day, dishonest worldly Zacchaeus joyously welcomed Jesus into his home, turned his life over to the Lord and promised to return all he had stolen from the people.” (Luke 19:8-10).
Though we are in the Advent Season, many have no knowledge of Christmas’ true meaning. Others are lonely, rejected and despised, having a sense of “feeling too short”, so to speak, for anyone or anything. We have the privilege of allowing these ones to climb up unto our shoulders. We have the responsibility of giving them a good and clear view of the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself. They will be very happy to hear the Lord calling them by name as we minister, meeting them where they are, just like Jesus did for Zacchaeus.
Can the Lord use your voice and mine to invite Himself into someone’s house (life) as we are preparing to celebrate the Advent Season? We too may have a sense of coming up too short for God’s purpose. Whatever that may be, the Lord can turn that very thing and transform it into significance as you call forth that person He placed on your heart into their eternal destiny. It was Zacchaeus’ short stature Jesus used.
My prayer in this season is that the Lord will bring at least one person across my path that I can invite to attend our Christmas Eve Celebration/Gathering at the Crossing. Then, they’ll hear the good news of God’s salvation and the purpose Jesus came to earth. Will you join me in this effort? Let us not hold back, therefore, so we will not “come up short.”
Yvonne Eason
