“And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature” (Luke 19:3).
TEXT — Luke 19:1-10
Message
In his inspirational book, The Pursuit of God, the renowned Christian theologian and author, A. W. Tozer, observed that “Our pursuit of God is successful just because He is forever seeking to manifest Himself to us”. Many people who sought and found God have discovered that He actually found them.
This was the case of Zacchaeus as seen in the text for today’s study. Zacchaeus, described here as a rich chief publican who lived in Jericho, was desperate to see and know Jesus who was passing through his city. His smallness of stature put him at a disadvantage and hindered his mission. He did not relent but devised another strategy – he ran ahead down the road and climbed a sycamore tree to gain a vantage view of Christ. The Lord got to that spot, looked up, and found him. Zacchaeus’ encounter with Him proved most rewarding because it resulted in his salvation and even the privilege of hosting Christ in his home.
There is a lot to learn from this event. To start with, Zacchaeus was a sinner. He was chief among publicans (tax collectors) who were loathed for their extortionary and corrupt practices, which apparently gave Zacchaeus ill-gotten wealth. Yet, he was a seeking sinner. Realising that his wealth and position could not offer true satisfaction and fulfilment, he desperately sought the Lord against all odds. Neither the intimidating swarm nor his limiting stature could dissuade him. He became a sincerely saved soul and even offered to make restitution.
Zacchaeus was seeking Christ who also “came to seek and to save that which was lost.” He is reaching out to you too. But He says, “ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” Would you seek Him for salvation or for a closer walk? Then you need to take a step of faith. Let no consideration restrain you.
Thought for the day
Those who sincerely seek the Lord find everything needful in the process.
Listed among “500 most powerful people on the planet” by the Foreign Policy magazine in 2013, Pastor (Dr.) William F. Kumuyi is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry (DCLM) headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria. DCLM started in 1973 as a 15-member Bible study group right in Kumuyi’s apartment at University of Lagos where he was a lecturer. His revolutionary Bible teaching on personal holiness and commitment to evangelism soon gained so much traction and resulted in a widespread revival.
2 comments
Early seekers are way pavers for those upcoming. The family also got salvation due to Lazarus lunching into opportunity of salvation. Lazarus was ready and HE attended to him but those where faults finder, still remained without getting salvation!
Early seekers are way pavers for those upcoming. The family also got salvation due to Lazarus lunching into opportunity of salvation. Lazarus was ready and HE attended to him but those where faults finder, still remained without getting salvation!
The daily Manna has been very enriching to me