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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion Tuesday, July 22, 2003 "Short No More" |
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Frontline Devotion for Tuesday, July 22, 2003 By Pastor Dave Sonnenberg
Text: Luke 19: 1-10
He was “short in stature.” Was that the defining mark of Zacchaeus the tax collector or was he short in something else?
As kids many of us sang the song that went like this, - “Zacchaeus was a wee little man and a wee little man was he. He climbed up in the sycamore tree for the Lord he wanted to see. And as the savior passed that way, he looked up in the tree and he said, Zacchaeus, you come down for I’m going to your house today. For I’m going to your house today.”
As an adult, I look at that song and hear that Zacchaeus’ problem was that he was short. But, when I dig into that text deeper and really look at it, Zacchaeus’ problems have little to do with height. Lets look at one of his problems- he is short on integrity. He has continually collected more money from people, which has made him profit at the expense of others. His actions have left him disconnected from his Jewish roots. Others label him as a “sinner”, a “cheat”, and a “traitor”. People look at him as a short man- short on integrity, compassion, and justice. That’s not a great label to have. It’s a label which is hard to shake.
But, something in Zacchaeus must have happened that day that caused him to climb that tree. Maybe he was swept up in the moment which can happen in a massive crowd. Maybe he climbed the tree out of curiosity just like people slow down whenever there is an accident on a highway. But, maybe he climbed that tree in hopes of seeing something he hadn’t seen before.
Look what happened. Jesus took charge. He looked Zacchaeus in the eye and sized him up. He ordered him to come down so that they could eat and talk together. Jesus stepped in to his life and his actions showed Zacchaeus that he could be more than he was at the present time. He showed him that he was welcome. He showed him that he could change his ways. He extended him an invitation to believe that he could be a person of integrity. Quite simply, Jesus enabled him to see the possibility for new life in the present. Take note of how Zacchaeus responded. He became a steward. He went about to correct his mistakes and repay those whom he cheated. He promised to go the extra mile and reconnect with others.
I look at Zacchaeus and am reminded that the world needs us to be people of integrity. The world needs us to be good stewards. The world needs us to stop labeling others and to feel stuck behind labels. The only label that really matters is this- “one who Jesus wants to be with.” When Zaccheaus learned that Jesus wanted to be in his life, it helped transform his life. When we learn that we are beloved and Jesus yearns to be in our midst at all times, then just maybe our lives will be transformed as well.
You are beloved. May you know that and know that Jesus is always looking to welcome you into his company.
Prayer: Jesus, you invite to come down and be in your company and for that we are eternally grateful. Bless us, transform us, and fill us with the integrity that comes from knowing you. Amen.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry. Pastor Dave welcomes and appreciates feedback. pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org.