One day Jesus passed through the city of Jericho. It was known as the ‘City of Palm Trees.” As He entered the city gates, Jesus looked up in a sycamore tree and saw a man sitting in the tree. Jesus immediately knew that his name was Zacchaeus (the chief tax collector for the region). Jesus told him to climb down immediately from the tree and invited Himself to Zacchaeus’ house. Towns people were shocked that Jesus would enter this ungodly man’s home. Please note, Jesus called for a divine appointment. Jesus said, “Hurry – I must abide at your house today.” Following a meeting in his house, in a short time, Zacchaeus stood with Jesus outside of his home and announced that, “I am giving half of my goods to the poor, and if I have stolen anything from anyone, I will restore four times what I have taken.” Then Jesus announced the result of the meeting with the Savior… “
Today this man is a son of Abraham. ‘Salvation has come to Zacchaeus’ home today.’” Praise God for this incredible moment in the life of Jesus! Then He says, “For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Luke 19:10
Zacchaeus is never mentioned again in the Scriptures, yet Jesus’ encounter with him changed the tax collector forever. And it provides a clear objective for you and I today.
In 2020, we are witnessing the fulfillment of God’s Word…
“Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens. The words ‘once more’ indicate the removing of what can be shaken – that is, created things – so that what cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”
Hebrews 12:26-29
Our world is being shaken for sure… schools closed to students, businesses shuttered, health fears, sports canceled, churches told to stop worshiping, police being defunded, civil unrest in major cities.
What shall we do? What shall we focus on? What God wants to do is something totally beyond what our own ability can do. We must let the Holy Spirit operate in each of us! We must let Jesus’ example be our marching orders.
Helping others to know and serve Jesus is our mission! May the Church arise in…
- Mobilization (Mark 16:15)
- Love (Romans 5:5, Ephesians 5:2)
- Faith (Galatians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 5:7)
- Leadership of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16, John 7:37-38)
- Evangelism
As we approach this wonderful time of the year, we will participate by reaching out with love to a lost and dying world. Jesus is coming soon. Jesus’ presence is exactly what the broken and bleeding of our current culture need. Like Zacchaeus, Jesus modeled urgency and so must we.
May God bless you abundantly,
Pastor Scott & Bonnie Erickson