How to Experience the Joy of Being Seen, Loved, Changed, and Blessed
He was “vertically challenged.” So short in stature that he couldn’t see Jesus over the crowd. He was also hated. As a tax collector he could collect as muct as possible from people and keep the surplus for himself.
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.”
Luke 19:5
Yet 2,000 years later he inspires us. Zacchaeus was a SEEKer. So much so, that he climbed a tree just to see Jesus! I picture Jesus seeing him up there, perched on that limb and smiling . . . maybe even cracking up.
Jesus responded to this hated, short, SEEKer with love and compassion. He went home to his house and changed his life.
Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
Luke 19:9–10
And Zacchaeus not only believed in Jesus, his actions also testified to his faith—he promised he would give the poor half his wealth and reimburse taxpayers 4 times the amount of any money he had cheated from them.
You and I can be inspired by both the converted tax-collector and by the One who looked beyond where he was to see life-changing possibilities.
Zacchaeus was seen, loved, changed, and blessed by the One who is able to do the same for you and me.
Let’s pray to respond like Zacchaeus by SEEKing and responding with joy to the message of Jesus love. And to respond like Jesus, that we my look past the surface to see all the possibilities when a life is surrendered to the Lord’s love.
A Prayer of Thanks
We are Seen, Loved, Changed, and Blessed
Oh Lord, thank you! When I feel small and insignificant—You see me. When I feel unlovable because of my flaws and failures—You love me.
And You smile because You see my potential is greater than my past. You see me with a changed future. One that is blessed with forgiveness, faith, hope, peace, joy, life, and love.
By Your grace, may I be a faithful SEEKer of Your truth and Your will. May I find peace in Your promises and comfort in Your presence. Please help me respond to Your love by surrendering to You and all You want for me. Change me Lord according to Your will. Help me resist temptation that I might obey You. Help me forgive as I have been forgiven. Help me love as You love me. Help me bless others as You have so abundantly blessed me.
Your love surrounds me and changes me. I pray that with the help of Your Spirit I will faithfully love You with all that I am and love others in ways that give them a desire to SEEK You as well. I thank you and praise You, my Lord and my God. Amen.
I remember singing a song about Zacchaeus when I was a little girl. The lyrics went like this…
Zacchaeus was a wee little man
And a wee little man was he
He climbed up in a sycamore tree
For the Lord he wanted to see
And when the Savior passed that way
He looked up in the tree
And said, ‘Zacchaeus, you come down!
For I’m going to your house today!
For I’m going to your house today!’
Zacchaeus was a wee little man
But a happy man was he
For he had seen the Lord that day
And a happy man was he;
And a very happy man was he.
Zacchaeus enjoyed the blessing of experiencing a life changed by Jesus. The blessing of knowing that no matter how the things appeared at the moment . . . He was seen, loved, changed, and blessed!
On today’s note write:
Because of Jesus, I am seen, loved, changed, and blessed.
God bless you today as you SEEK Jesus and respond to His love.
The Zacchaeus song was featured in one of the VBS camps I attended with my granddaughter several years back, Deb. Yes, he was a seeker, and Jesus called to him, knowing his potential and not dwelling on his past. He can do the same for us!
Blessings!
Amen, Martha! Letting go of the past and walking with Jesus. What a blessing that He seeks out each of us to trust and follow Him. Blessings, my friend!
Deb,
Such a good teaching from this story of Jesus’ walk on earth among us….
I remembered that sweet little song from childhood Sunday School too!
Thank you for drawing out the deeper teachings of that encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus.
I am so blessed by your faithful reading and kind encouragement. Thank you! God bless you!
Thank you Deb, I enjoy reading your messages, they inspire me. I remember the sweet song from church. Have a blessed day.
Thank you so very much, Renee! God bless you!
We can be transformed by the love Jesus shows us, just like Zacchaeus was, when He looked up and saw him in a tree. We don’t have to climb any tree, Jesus sees us, right where we are now……He knows us, loves us and knocks on the door of our heart, waiting for us to invite Him in. When we seek Him, He will transform us forever! I love reading your posts Deb….they inspire me. God bless….Happy Easter!
Angela – Ireland