I have always perceived Zacchaeus as a short, annoying dweeb – an image that emerged from my Sunday school experience as a child. Luke, however, communicates a very different picture. Though short, Zacchaeus possessed great wealth, influence, humility, leadership, and a whatever it takes attitude. More importantly, he is pursued by Jesus to be restored to God.
Now that I better understand the true nature of Zacchaeus, I’m curious. Why did Jesus pursue him? Yes, I know the no-brain-er Sunday school answer – to bring him to right relationship with God. But why Zacchaeus? Jesus was surrounded by a large crowd of relationally, emotionally, financially, and physically needy people who like Zacchaeus were spiritual confused. So, why did he choose Zacchaeus? I’m not giving the answer to this one. Instead, I invite you to personally wrestle with the question and determine how Jesus wants to modify your approach to living His mission.
As for me, I’m praying that God introduces me to a modern day Zacchaeus – a wealthy, influential, humble, community leader with a whatever takes attitude, who in his own process of being restored to God, will lavishly offer his wealth and influence to tangibly meet the needs of others.
I believe this relationship is an important part of fulfilling Jesus’ mission as we start a new church and community based organization that exist to restore people to God and others.
Filed under: CHURCH PLANTING, devotional | Tagged: CHURCH PLANTING, Zacchaeus | Leave a Comment »
For fifteen years, Mike’s been riding the escalator of upward mobility – starting new companies and trading on the exchange. During this time, he married and had three children. By definition, he became a husband and father, but failed to become a family man. Instead, he continued to be a business man. Perhaps we should call him what he really was … a busyness man.
This conversation is a nightly routine. ”Daddy, can I brush my teeth first.” No. I will brush your teeth for you first, and then you can brush. “Why can’t I brush my teeth first?” Because you don’t brush, you suck the toothpaste off the tooth brush and that doesn’t clean your teeth.
ron@restorenova.com
