When I had just turned 23 and graduated from college, God led me to work at a camp in the middle of Mississippi. Lake Forest Ranch has become a second home to me. More than any other place, God has used LFR to shape me into the person I am today.
This morning, I was considering my grace awakening which took place in those woods 8 years ago. The staff was watching a series by Dave Busby. This particular session was simply called “Intimacy with God.” His main text was Luke 19 and the story of Zacchaeus. The story I had heard 1,000 times but something was different this time.
Busby painted the picture of this hated tax collector. He was rejected by his own people as he was employed by the Roman government and historically, tax collectors abused the power of their position. On top of this, Zacchaeus may have been ridiculed because of his height. Busby spoke that he probably heard the unbelievable press that Jesus was a friend of sinners. Zacch was exactly that and he just wanted to catch a glimpse of this amazing man.
What happened next was beyond his greatest imagination. Jesus came up to him and…
1. Jesus saw Zacchaeus – He saw him up in the tree.
2. Jesus knew Zacchaeus – Jesus didn’t have to ask about this man’s soul condition or his employment. He knew exactly who he was.
3. Jesus wanted Zacchaeus – Here is the most tender part of all. Jesus knew everything about Zacch and he wanted him.
Being wanted by Jesus affected him so deeply, he instantly gave half of his possessions to the poor and told the people he had defrauded that he would repay them four fold. Jesus said that salvation had come to Zacch’s house that day. Not because he gave his most prized possession away but because his heart had changed simply because he was wanted by Jesus.
So how did this apply to me? We can see the very heart of God by viewing Jesus’ heart. Looking into Jesus’ heart can shatter misconceptions about our Creator. He is the visible image of the invisible God.
So this is true…
1. Jesus sees you – everything you are going through; past, present and future.
2. Jesus knows you – He knows all your failures, sins, thoughts and fears.
3. Here is the most tender part of all! Jesus wants you! He wants me and you!
For years I had been running on a performance treadmill trying to earn God’s love and never realized that it was already a free gift. God’s love is never ending. We can do nothing to make Him love us more. We can do nothing to make Him love us less. That day the truths began to sink in that I am God’s precious, chosen child and nothing could ever change that.
So I type this morning. Some days these truths are too hard to believe, but as I grow older, they take deeper root in my heart and I live more in the reality of God’s amazing love for His children. Bask in these truths and remember today that you are God’s beloved if you are His child. These truths are the foundation that allow us to live the Christian life out of delight and not duty.
{ 0 comments… add one now }