Climb Down From Your Tree

Climb down from your tree

Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

                                                                                     (Luke 19:16 NIV)

"Zacchaeus was a wee little man." I cannot even begin to count the number of children I have taught the words of this song to. 

Personally, I prefer the translation from the KJV over the NIV, "And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature." (19:6) They King James describes Zacchaeus more fully than the NIV does. Zacchaeus was of little stature not only in physical height; but, in social stature as well. He was a tax collector and had made himself wealthy by cheating his own people. He was not a popular fellow. No one in the crowd that day was going to move out of his way so that a man like him could see Jesus. In order to get a glimpse of Jesus he climbed a tree to get a look at him from a distance. Jesus knew of Zacchaeus' desire to see him and so he arranged to make it up front and personal for him. He told Zacchaeus: "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." 

Today, (and every day) Jesus wants to be welcomed into your home. He does not care what the world thinks about you. He does not care what you may or may not have done. He wants to be welcomed into your home. 

If you want to see Jesus; if you truly want to get to know him more personally, just climb down from whatever tree that you've chosen to watch Jesus from afar from and welcome Him into your life.

May God help you to see Jesus.

God's Peace - Pr. J

For the Glory of God

Pastor Judy and Chaplain Harry

"Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." Rom 15:7

My family and I were welcomed quite warmly yesterday at Christ Lutheran Church in Bunnell, Florida. I was installed as their new pastor by Chaplain Harry even as he was saying good-by as their interim pastor. But, as pastors come and go, that does not mean that the relationship is ended. Even when we are not physically together, we remain united through the blood of Jesus.

I often think of how Jesus' first followers dropped everything and literally followed him around the countryside to share the Good News. Jesus' ministry prior to his crucifixion included a lot of traveling around. St. Paul's ministry also included more than a bit of travel - at least during the times he was not incarcerated. All of that moving; all of that separation; all of that coming together, for the glory of God.

May God grant that wherever he calls us; all that we say and think and do is for His glory. Amen

God's Peace - Pr. J