There was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, and couldn't because of the crowd, because he was short. He ran on ahead, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and saw him, and said to him, 'Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.' Luke 19:2 WEBTax collectors were one of the lowest social classes in Israel when Jesus was ministering. They were usually Jews that worked for the Roman occupiers to collect taxes from the people. They were considered traitors and hated by everyone. They were allowed to keep part of the collected tax as their payment, so they often overcharged the people and they became very wealthy while the people became poor. Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector.
When Jesus came to visit his town, the road was so crowded with people that Zacchaeus could not see Him, because he was a short man. So Zacchaeus ran on ahead and climbed up a tree so that he could get a better view of Jesus. When Jesus came to the tree, He stopped, looked up and called Zacchaeus by name. Jesus said that he had come to eat with him at his house.
Jesus passed by the huge crowds of people to get to the one that was desperate to see Him. He could just have easily eaten at a priest's house. He chose the one who was an outcast, but so desperate that he would climb a tree just to get a glimpse of Him. Jesus went to Zacchaeus' house and spent time with him, while the religious leaders stood outside and watched.
The Lord loves the outcast. I have lived this and as least of the least, saw the Holy Spirit show up at my work place, while nothing was happening at our church. You may feel like you are standing in the back of the line, unnoticed, and disliked by everyone around you. But the Lord will pass by a thousand people to get to the one that wants to see Him, more than the rest.
Prayer: Heavenly Father please let me see people through Your eyes. Let me comfort the broken hearted, heal the rejected, and recover the outcasts. I want more of You in my life. Lead me into all that You have for me, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.> You can subscribe to our daily devotional here <
Amen, Yahuah uses the simple to confound the wise.
:)
For what ever reason, God to this day still calls the oddball and the outcast into relationship. How strange it must seem to those who see with their own eyes how God uses those who desire Him. God is so awesome!
Amen
Amen
Lord, help me see people the way You want me to see them.Amen.
The song I sang as a child, "Zacchaeus was a wee little man" was in my head this AM before I read this devotion. I haven't thought of this song in many years...perhaps a sign?
Amen!
Amen
Amen!❤
Amen, may it be so in Jesus' most holy name we pray!
Thank you Pastor Dion !
I hope and pray that you and Sylvia are alright ???
Ended up with no problems here, thank you, Liesel <3!
Amen. Praise God! Thanks Pastor Todd! Heavenly Father please let me see people through Your eyes. Let me comfort the broken hearted, heal the rejected, and recover the outcasts. I want more of You in my life. Lead me into all that You have for me, in the Name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.