Short Tax Collectors

• Printable Version - Share on Facebook - Posted by Dion Todd March 16, 2016 - Filed in Devotional - 10,040 views
  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 WEB
  
  Tax collectors were the lowest of the low in Israel when Jesus was ministering. They were hated by everyone, even sinners. They were viewed as traitors to their country because they were Jews, but worked for the Roman occupiers to collect taxes from the people. Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector.
  
  When Jesus came to his town, it was so crowded with people that he could not see Him because he was a short man. So Zacchaeus ran on ahead and climbed up a tree to get a better view of Jesus. When Jesus came to the tree, He stopped, looked up and called Zacchaeus by name, then went and ate at his house.
  
  Jesus passed by crowds of people to get to the one that was desperate. 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 his house and spent time with him, instead of the religious leaders.
  
  I have lived this and as least of the least, saw the Lord show up at my work place, while nothing was happening at 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. You've gotta want it.
  
  Prayer: Father, I thank You for noticing the rejected and the outcasts. I want more of You Lord in my life. Lead me into all that You have for me, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
  
  Note: Good morning! FAAD members, the chat topic this week will be "Seeing the Blessing", which will be focused on seeing life through God''s blessings! For FAAD members and anyone interested in an encouraging time, please join us in the RHM chatroom on Thursday 3/17 at 7pm EST (you do need to be a registered member and signed in).