Yesterday, I began to share the study God put on my heart to re-visit about the tax collector Zaccheaus and his experience meeting Jesus. I realized just how disliked tax collectors were at that time and how even his wealth couldn't buy him a good position when wanting to view Jesus and he was forced to climb a tree. I still believe that he carried an internal desperation to want to see this miracle man Jesus that would drive him up a tree. Surprisingly, Jesus knew Zaccheaus' name despite there being no introduction- Jesus who is God- knew Zaccheasus already. He called him by name and stated that he, the Christ, would be going to Zaccheaus' house that very day. What an honor! We are continuing our study in Luke 19:1-10.
One thing I did note, however, was that Jesus didn't say, "Hey, go clean up your house before I come.... say how about I give you an hour?". Jesus didn't give him that option because Zaccheaus didn't need it. You see, Christ never asks us to clean up before He comes. He says bring me your mess and mistakes- let me take them from you and give you a new hope and a new future that includes me. Sometimes we think we have to get our lives together before we invite Jesus into it.... Friend, do you ever think we can get that prepared? Honestly, no, we can't, but God doesn't ask us to. For Him, it isn't a burden for us to give Him all our "junk"- it is a joy because He sees that we trust Him to take it and make our lives beautiful.
Immediately, there were murmurs from the crowd. How could Christ go to the home of such a sinner- someone who has hurt so many? Surely there were far more individuals worth His time instead of a tax collector. My friend, there are two lessons here for us. First, when we come to the saving knowledge of Christ there may be some murmurs.... some may not believe that you have changed. Sadly, while God redeems our hearts and lives others may cling to our past. I encourage you to stand firm in Christ- do not be discouraged. Eventually, they will come to see the difference within and will see the miracle God did inside you. Do not grow weary in trying to prove yourself to others- focus on what God calls you to do and live your life to please Him. Secondly, as believers we must exercise caution when the temptation to judge another's motive arises. Only God and that individual know if a true transformation has taken place and we need to do our best to support their growth and discipleship without casting judgement upon them. Many new believers need time, patience and kindness to grow in their knowledge of Christ- downcast eyes will not build their faith. Support, even in just prayer, will help them mature and grow stronger in their relationship with Christ. We must be diligent to watch ourselves because it is so easy to lose focus of the big picture and fall to the temptation to gossip and judge.
When Zaccheaus- in the presence of His Savior- heard these murmurings, he immediately made retribution for the sins he had committed. I think in the true presence of Christ, all of us become more aware of the sin in our lives- the light from His glory makes them more easily seen. Zaccheaus didn't have to clean up his mess to come to Jesus, but in light of his transformed heart, he felt moved and compelled to make a mends to those he had hurt. Christ accepts us "as is", but that doesn't mean that all our problems just disappear. We will still have to deal with some of our past decisions, but we now do it with Christ- not alone. Consequences from previous mistakes may remain, but now you will have the strength of Christ- through the Holy Spirit- within you to help you. Zaccheaus still had to deal with the fact that he had hurt many people, but now he did it with the support, help and guidance of Christ. He, as a result, paid individuals 4 times what he had cheated them out of and gave half of his wealth to the poor in need. The money that had been his entire world was holding him captive, but Christ in a matter of seconds had set him free! Someone who loved money more than anything found that having freedom in Christ exceeded the storehouse of coins he held so dear. When you truly find the freedom from the sin that has held you so captive through Christ; you will cling to Him with all your might, because all else pales in light of that love.
Christ reminds us that He came for those of us that were lost in our sin; those of us searching for more in this life. A lost people searching for significance and hope become His chosen. In Him we find peace, joy, hope, a future, freedom, and love beyond all that we have ever experienced. Never doubt that the message spoken in honor of a unworthy tax collector still rings true today. The freedom Zaccheaus found is still available- just place your worn and tattered dreams, failures, insecurities, hurts, disappointments and longings at His feet. He will lift your head and give you dignity, a future and a priceless hope- never again will you feel unwanted. You are the chosen redeemed from a love that gave all to give you all. Like Zaccheaus, just seek to see Him!
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