When Jesus reached the spot (under the sycamore tree), he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” Luke 19:5 NIV Parenthesis my addition.
Pam and I are home from an amazing time in South Korea and Cambodia. The wheels of life’s responsibilities are starting to turn for us…gotta fix leak under kitchen sink, replace brakes on Katy’s car, etc. What is difficult, is trying to share in a few words how we sensed God’s leading and presence on the trip. My answer, “Jesus finds the tree that you are hiding in, and He calls you by name.”
As a child what is learned in song is remembered long. “And as the savior passed that way, He looked up in that tree. And He said, “Zacchaeus, you come down, for I am going to your house today.” Zacchaeus could run, but He couldn’t hide. And neither can you. For Jesus knows the name of those he is seeking to save for those who are lost.
Every encounter we have with people is orchestrated by this Jesus who is seeking others. He uses each of us in our “going” to reach people. It includes the Sunday service, but that is really the smallest way that He desires to find people. As we go…in our daily lives, we meet those who are in need of help.
It could be the couple of young people who we randomly met in a nail salon on a Cambodian street at 10:00 p.m. Pam was actually looking for a pharmacy to buy some acetone to remove her nail polish, when we passed a “still open” salon with one customer. The girl customer actually translated for Pam so that she received help. But the conversation with the boyfriend and her was really cool and unplanned…for us, but not for God.
Two thoughts. God knows where you are hiding. Perhaps you are overwhelmed with life and have pulled back. He still knows your name and wants to spend time with you. NO-thing can repel Jesus from moving toward you. Jesus does the inviting…we do the responding.
Secondly, God uses each one of us to “find the lost”. Everyday interactions will allow you to pass under someone’s symbolic tree. Their tree could be in another part of the world, or across the street at your neighbor’s house or sitting next to you having coffee or a person in your work place.
Take time to stop. Take time to look people in the eye. Take time to be Jesus’ voice to those who are wondering if God loves them. It is really HIS TIME anyway that we are stewarding. A prayer, a pat on the back, an encouraging smile, a helping hand are all beginning points to reach others, who may be hiding. May God bless your rhythms of interacting with people.
Blessings Love y’all and THANK you for your prayers for us during our trip…you don’t have to stop praying now that we are back. :).