Saints.
As we start a new year, I would like to encourage you toward intimacy with Jesus through a couple of stories from the Bible about Zaccheus, Peter, and John.
Please read the story of Zaccheus in Luke 19:1-10 (NIV).
“Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zaccheus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.
When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zaccheus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”
But Zaccheus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”
Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
I want to point out that Jesus noticed Zaccheus—he directed Zaccheus to spend time with Him. Let’s remember that during Jesus’ time on earth, not unlike today, tax collectors like Zaccheus were despicable. Even so, Jesus valued this man--He engaged him.
Secondly, let’s notice how Zaccheus changes to beautifully reflect God after he encounters Jesus. Robert S. McGee in his book, The Search for Significance describes it this way.
“During dinner, Zaccheus experienced the unconditional love and acceptance of Christ. As a result, he became a different person. His self-concept was radically changed from a swindling, loathsome, tax collector to a person who knew he was loved by God. His actions reflect this dramatic change. He pledged to repent of his sins and repay fourfold those he had swindled. He also promised to give half of his possessions to the poor. Through Christ, Zaccheus developed a new self-concept, new values, new goals, and new behavior.” p106
Let me remind you of another scene in the book of Acts 4, where Peter and John are seen by the Temple Guards and Sadducees as “having been with Jesus.”
Acts 4:13,
“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.” (NIV)
The religious leaders saw a supernatural confidence that radiated from Peter and John—they saw the confidence of the Most-high creator God in them because Peter and John had been with Jesus. Zaccheus reflected God through his repentance and humility. Peter and John reflected God through their unexplained confidence. In the same way, we each reflect the grace and power of God uniquely. Again McGee summarizes,
“We are marvelously unique, created to reflect the character of Christ through our individual personalities and behavior. In a different and special way, each believer has the capability to shine forth the light of God. No two will reflect light in exactly the same way.” p108
I pray that as a prayer community which is part of the family of Christ-followers, that each of us will beautifully and uniquely radiate the presence of the Father because we have been with Jesus.
Blessings, Steve
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