Love Responds to Desperate Efforts
Zacchaeus was a short, rich tax collector who wanted to see Jesus. He climbed a tree to get sight advantage from the crowd so he could see Jesus pass that way.
When he reached the place, Jesus looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” And he came down quickly and received him with joy. (Luke 19:5-6 NASB)
Isn’t that beautiful? I’m not one taken for generalizations and superlatives, but there is nothing 
greater for one who desperately needs the love of Jesus Christ to learn that He sees them in their desperation. Even after we are born again, there are times when we petition God to hear, to speak, to reveal…. But then He shows us that He sees! Wow.
Dear ones, disregard the teasing and taunting of those who didn’t think creativity would get God’s attention (v. 7). Let’s use our precious energy and strength to elevate our vantage point to see Him. And while we joy in getting a glimpse, prepare to rejoice at His visitation.
When we discover that He comes in response to our desperate efforts, let’s lift our eyes and tell Him all we need to say. Zacchaeus committed to a new way…his confession of sin was implied. His repentance was wrapped up in the confession. “I shall give…and if I have extorted…I shall repay four times over (v. 8).
When Jesus sees He also speaks to nature, condition and environment. When we are ready, then He responds with a lifting experience. Now, with his feet on the ground, Zacchaeus experiences real elevation.
And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham.” (v. 9)
Consider this — If we’re looking desperately to see Jesus, then we have enough discernment to know He is near. Rejoice and be glad! He comes to seek and save what was lost (v. 10). When we allow our desperation to position us properly, then what is reality (being lost, feeling lost) surrenders to Jesus’ new normal (salvation, deliverance).
What a love! What a wonderful Savior! Selah…
Blogs I Follow
The Bereans' Commentary with Shaunta D. Scroggins, Ed.D. 