Living in Radical Times

Please read Luke 19:1-10.  Zacchaeus was powerful and rich, by the world’s standard but felt something was missing.  He was an outcast; known for collecting money and pocketing what was not rightfully his.  His wealth caused him pain, grief and loneliness. He was hated, shunned, and teased.  Despite his status, Zacchaeus’ curiosity helped him to push his way through the crowds and literally go out on a limb for Jesus.  Risking humiliation, he went to see Jesus…up close and personal. 

     Are there obstacles that are keeping you from Jesus?  Maybe you think, like Zacchaeus did, that you can manage life on your own, or are there idols blocking you from our triune God.  Is time, money, or an addiction, standing between you and an honest relationship with God?  If so, how can you change it?  What are you doing to establish a closer relationship? Maybe better asked, how much does your relationship matter to you?  Are you prepared to acknowledge that other things come first and make a change? Are you willing to give up what stands between you and Jesus, and unlearn old ways?  

     Looking up and specifically addressing him, Jesus invited himself to Zacchaeus’ home.  Friends, Jesus noticed him; Jesus called him by name.  Likewise, He notices us.  Church, in that moment Zacchaeus found what he was missing – salvation.  And that is available to us.  God knows each of us by name; he knows the number of hairs on our heads.  God has claimed us as His own.   Zacchaeus was not invisible to Jesus, and neither are we. What we do need to acknowledge is that Zacchaeus gladly welcomed him.  Do we?   

     Let’s take a moment to acknowledge Jesus’ word choice.  He said, “I must stay at your house today.”  We hear the divine necessity, the urgency, and acknowledge that this encounter is God’s will.  So, who was looking for whom?  Zacchaeus was curiously searching as Jesus went on a salvation mission.  Friends, before we ever look for Him, Jesus is seeking us.  

     Yes, Jesus expressed the desire to be with Zacchaeus, but (and this is big) it was not until Zacchaeus welcomed Jesus that the visit commenced.  This is the same with each of us, the gift of salvation is freely given by Jesus Christ, and we must individually receive it.  Zacchaeus went after Jesus, he went up a tree for a better view and when he came down, he was different.  He no longer had the desire to have an abundance of money, nor did he want what was not rightfully his.  In submission he found freedom and family.  He repented and his heart changed.  No one asked him to make restitution or to offer compensation to right his wrongs, yet out of gratitude for his new life, he graciously and willingly gave.  His desire was in response to God’s grace.

     What does Zacchaeus teach us?  No one is beyond God’s reach of forgiveness.  Jesus is in the business of radical conversion.  We are all capable of repentance-it is never too late.  Each of us has the invitation to accept and an opportunity to pursue a relationship with Jesus. Just as a businessperson looks past the dilapidated building to see the potential, God looks past our brokenness to build something new in us!

     Church, this genuine relationship was so obvious in Steve’s life.  When we prayed, Steve often offered an affirming thank you, Jesus, and on other occasions whispered a sincere and heartfelt “thank you” to Jesus as tears of appreciation and love comforted those around him.  Steve responded to Jesus’ invitation more than 50 years ago, in this very room, and kept that relationship through the highs and lows of life. This is what is available to everyone.

     Like Zacchaeus many are lost.  As Christians it is our responsibility to remain connected to Jesus, to one another in Christ, and to never shy away from sharing our faith.  Jesus came to "seek and save,” to actively pursue the spiritually lost. We need to vigorously join in on the mission.  The restorative work of Jesus was unfolding then and remains to be today.  Zacchaeus introduced people to faith; the people who were just criticizing him.  When he learned who Jesus was…his life was never the same.  His priorities changed.  Zacchaeus became a new creation.  

     As we consider the events, I encourage us to look at our response to God’s work.  Do we find ourselves being critical of others?  Are we committed to changing as the Holy Spirit works in us?  Have we had a recent heart to heart talk with Jesus? 

     In closing, I am reminded of a story of a little boy who became separated from his family while at a carnival.  The folks at the Lost and Found gave him a large blue fluffy cotton candy to calm him down.  His eyes feasted on the treat, and they grew bigger with each pinched taste.  As he munched, he focused on the candy. But when his eyes locked with his dad’s eyes (from across the midway) he immediately stopped eating and began to uncontrollably sob…he changed, transformed from what seemed to be comfortable to overwhelmed with joy.  You see, he did not realize he was missing for a moment, but when he did there was no turning back.  In the long term, the cotton candy would never be enough to satisfy him.  At times, we do not know we are lost until we are found– and once we are found, the gratitude is too much to contain.  Do not let the hustle and bustle of life allow you to create a false list of priorities.  With Jesus in first place, there is true joy – go and tell!  And all God’s people say, amen!  

Grace and peace,

Pastor Kerry

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