| "And, behold, there was
a man named Zacchaeus...and he sought to see Jesus...and could
not...because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed
up into a sycomore tree to see him." (Luke 19:3-4) Let me go with
Zacchaeus and run, and climb, and see Jesus. To follow Jesus' steps, I
must know His walk and stride and words.
But He sees me. "And...Jesus...saw him, and said unto
him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at
thy house." (Luke 19:5) He seeks to be a guest in my house! But I
am not ready. There is the clutter, the disorder, the unsuitability of
accommodations. Why has He chosen me, why has He chosen my
house? I protest and present my past. He lifts a hand and asks me to
forget things which are behind. I follow the lead of Zacchaeus, "And he made
haste, and came down, and received him joyfully." (Luke 19:6)
Jesus calls me by name and I hastily leave my lofty position. I
tell Jesus He is welcome in my house and I tremble in His embrace. As
our eyes meet, I am immersed in His smile, His love, His entire
acceptance of who I am. We walk together and I receive him joyfully. |
Before He
enters He pauses and says, peace be to this house. He embraces
and blesses my family. I begin preparation for a meal, but he prepares
a table for me and tells me I shall never hunger or thirst again. I
ask what I can do for Him and he anoints my head and washes my feet. I
tell Him of my burdens; he tells me to be of good cheer and He lifts
them. He heals my soul.
As Jesus leaves I ask Him what I am to do with my life. He replies,
"I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to
you." (John 13:15) I plead for one more moment with Jesus. He
leads me to a meadow beside still waters. He tells me this is my
moment and I can return whenever I choose. This is our sanctuary, it
is my refuge where He restores my soul.
As Jesus walks from the meadow, His footsteps remain in the grass
and glistening dew. He pauses and smiles, He motions for me to walk in
His steps. I pause only an instant to remember Jeremiah, "His word
was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was
weary with forbearing, and I could not stay." (Jeremiah 20:9) |