Warriors Arise: February 6, 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.”
There seems to be a time span between verse 7 and 8. Verse 7, they are at the sycamore tree. At verse 8 they could be at Zacchaeus' house lounging waiting for the meal to be served or after the meal. I imagine when Zacchaeus brought Jesus and His disciples into his home, he ran off to give instruction to his servants for the meal. I am guessing he was not prepared to host, 13 or more people.
When they entered his home, I imagine he brought Jesus and His disciples into the courtyard or a sitting area. Then I see Zacchaeus rushing off to give instructions to his staff for the evening meal. I wonder if Zacchaeus hurried back to Jesus or oversaw every detail himself. He seems like a man of importance. He would have wanted to impress Jesus; however, we see he ran up ahead, climbed a tree, and hasten down the tree when Jesus called. He definitely reminds me of my children, when they were little. They all used to scamper off quickly to do whatever was asked of them and then return. Zacchaeus quickly assessed a situation and responded. He assessed that the best way to see Jesus was not to wiggle through the crowd, but to run up ahead and climb a Sycamore tree. I believe he would do the same in his home.
I love how verse 8 starts, then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord… what is so peculiar about that? Well, why did Zacchaeus stand? When honoring someone, we bow or fall down before them. But he was different. He was quick to respond. We have no idea what they were discussing or what Jesus was teaching. We only have Zacchaeus' response. We all know he was short of stature. I do not think there were so many people in the room that he had to stand to be noticed. But maybe, he did. However, I believe whatever Jesus was saying moved within in so desperately that he found himself standing. He maybe didn't even know he had stood up.
For Luke to make note of the fact that Zacchaeus stood up, it must have seemed out of place. They were probably all talking, having a wonderful rest from the pull of the crowd, every time they entered a city. I bet there were times his disciples begged Jesus to stay outside of the city, so they could go get the food and drink and return without all the hoop-la. But here, with Zacchaeus, keep in mind he has not seen Jesus before. So, it would be reasonable to think he had not heard Jesus speak or teach until that moment at the sycamore tree.
Now, Jesus is in his home talking, maybe teaching, maybe they are sharing all the miraculous things Jesus had done. Maybe Jesus was asking each of His disciples about their day, about the last couple of days, "What has my Father done through you?" I don't know what was being talked about, but something caused Zacchaeus to stand up. He wanted to say something and he wanted Jesus to hear him.
Have you heard enough of what Jesus has done and those who follow Him that you are compelled to stand up and take your place in His mission here on earth?
Father, I really can't imagine what it would be like to sit in Jesus' circle of friends, with His disciples, as they share about their day. I have read Biblical history. I know the greatness of what they did. Jesus offers His authority to all those who are His disciples. We are to preach the gospel, baptize, make disciples, and freely give the gift we have received to others. This goes beyond Salvation. Salvation is the doorway to the greater things than these that Jesus told His disciples all Christians would be available to do. I don't want just read Biblical history. I want to be a part of making history, expanding Your kingdom here on earth through Salvation, restoration of life, healing, deliverance, cleansing the lepers, and yes, raising the dead. Although, I do not know any Christians who want to return to earth after they have been given entrance into heaven. I want to be compelled, motivated to engage in doing what I can do to advance the kingdom of heaven. I do not want to give my least. I want to give my best in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
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