Warriors Arise: January 31, 2022
Luke 19:1-5 (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.”
To be chosen! Jesus could have chosen anyone. Remember there is such a thick crowd around and following Jesus. Zacchaeus perceives he cannot get through the people to see Him. He runs ahead and climbs a tree. We all know this. We know Jesus called him to come down. Have you been in a situation where you wanted someone to notice you? It may not have been for any type of elevation, you just wanted to know:
Does anyone realize how effective I am at my job?
Does anyone appreciate the time I put into this volunteer position?
Do my children realize how much I give up in order to give to them?
Does my spouse know how much I invest in them so they can go after their dreams?
If I was here, would anyone notice? Would anyone miss me?
God, do you see me?
Zacchaeus, being short of stature, means most people probably didn't pay any attention to him. He would have constantly been overlooked in a crowd, cut in front of, or pushed to the side. Maybe size doesn't have anything to do with this. I know some tall people who don't want to stick out, head and shoulders above the crowd. And it is worse, if they don't even like to play basketball. A couple of years ago in the elite choir my kids are in there was a young man who played the piano exceptionally. Then he stood up and I was surprised at his height. Then I read his shirt, "No, I don't play basketball." I am betting someone made that shirt for him because he was tired of people asking, and their disappointment, when he said he didn't play. He shared with my son how people would tell him that was a waste of his height, but his desire led to singing and playing the piano. He had written several songs. They were very involved pieces. Honestly, I probably would have asked him if he played basketball. I sure hope I wouldn't have condemned him for knowing what he was good at and what he had no desire to learn. But, I might have. I am sure I would have years ago. Sometimes the tallest people are not the best at sports because their coordination can't keep up with their continual growth spirts. Remember, when Samuel was looking to anoint the first king of Israel? Saul was hiding behind the luggage carts. Maybe Zaachaeus was hoping Jesus would think he was taller than he was. Maybe he didn't want to be overlooked by slipping through the crowd to get to Jesus. Maybe he wanted to see Jesus and be seen by Jesus.
The cry of his heart may be like the cry of so many, "God, do you see me?"
Father, I know You see me. I know Your love pours out for me. But I have these moments when I would love the personal touch, Your voice to speak to me, to call to me, or Your presence to commune with me. Being chosen is so much more than knowing You love me. Being seen by You compels me to be more diligent in all I do, keep my attitude in check and focus on being a blessing to others. Being seen by You lets me know I matter. It changes from being head knowledge to having my heart overflow with adoration toward You and realignment of all You desire to accomplish in me, with me and through me. I am honored to be a part of Your family. I know I have a place in heaven and a purpose to accomplish here on earth. I ask for be seen by You. I ask to be chosen by You in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
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