Warriors Arise: February 10, 2022
Luke 19:1-8 (NKJV) Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6 So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. 7 But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.” 8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”
I really do wonder about the conversation that was going on between verse 7 and 8. Zacchaeus is compelled. It is as if he can't remain seated, because he is so moved from within. He wanted the Lord to know he is serious. He starts off with "Look" then follows with a title, "Lord." There is no mistake in who he wants to hear him. Do you remember when you encountered Jesus for the first time? What was it like? Take a moment to remember back. What was going on in your mind? Were you in awe? Could your mind keep up with God meeting with you? Did tears roll down your cheek uncontrollably? Did you feel your inside explode with joy? Did you experience peace like never before?
What were you compelled to say or do when you had this moment with God? We can be in so much awe we are not sure what to do. Zacchaeus had seen what he needed to see. His valuation of Jesus, and the type of man He was, compelled him. When you have a new understanding of God, how do you respond? Is there action to your understanding? I do not believe God reveals more of Himself just for the sake of us having more knowledge of Him.
1 Corinthians 8:1-3 (NKJV) ...Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. 2 And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.
Knowledge of God should compel us to love as God. Zacchaeus is a wonderful example of one who receives knowledge of Jesus and applies that knowledge to be like Jesus, to give love. Zacchaeus made a declaration to the Lord. He is compelled by the man who sits before him. He wanted to see what kind of a man Jesus was and he did. Jesus was the kind of man that draws those who are seeing Him to love bigger, give to the needs of others and make right any wrong. Are you puffy? Do you have the wonderful knowledge of God, His love and His ways, but you lack the motivation to do as you see God doing?
Father, I ask for You to remind me of our encounter. I want to know Your Presence. I want to see Your love in action. I want to recognize what You do. I ask for You to open my eyes. I ask for ears to hear Your voice. I ask to learn more of You. I do not want to be puffy. I want to learn of You and see Your love in action, so I can join You. I want to use what I have learned of You and be a part of releasing Your love in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
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