Today I fell in love with Zacchaeus. Of course, I’ve read/heard the story of Zacchaeus many times and always appreciated it. But today I want to live like Zacchaeus. I want to seek Jesus passionately and welcome Jesus with excitement and joy, just like Zaccheus.

Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way. When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”

Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the people were displeased. “He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner,” they grumbled. Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!” Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. (Luke 19:1-9, NLT)

Welcome Jesus…

First, no matter your limitations, seek Jesus with everything you’ve got. Zacchaeus was short, so he climbed a tree to see Jesus. Do whatever you need to do to see Jesus, to meet him. It will be worth it.

Glory in his holy name;
    let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
(Ps. 105:3, NIV)

Second, when Jesus calls you to him (and he keeps doing so all the time, so listen), do so in great excitement and joy. So welcome Jesus with gladness just like Zacchaeus did. If you don’t quite feel it, fake it until you make it. Because Jesus has that effect on us. He brings peace and joy with him.

…with gladness and joy

Yes, it is quite unbelievable – nonetheless true – that Jesus wants to be with us. We are incredibly lucky and blessed that he loves us as we are. But he has a plan for us too. He wants to change us inside and out. Hopefully, we respond the same way Zacchaeus did.

Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. ²⁰ Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah. (Acts 3:19-20, NLT)

Let’s repent and return to God and seek his purpose for our lives (and that’s the most blessed place anyway) so that times of refreshing may come. And that’s what we all want, right? So let’s not tarry but run to Jesus like Zacchaeus. And let’s welcome Jesus with excitement and joy.

Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you for sending Jesus to save us.
Redeem and restore us, Lord.
We want to seek you and your purpose for our lives.
Guide us clearly and make us desire you more and more.
We praise you forever and ever.
Thank you for your love, grace, and abundant blessings.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

P.S.

Isn’t God and his Word amazing? He meets us where we are and guides us into green pastures if we need to rest or into adventures like none other if we are ready to serve him. Let’s seek him with all we’ve got and you can be sure your life will be full of meaning and joy. Be abundantly blessed, my fellow pilgrim, as you welcome Jesus with gladness and joy.