[340 words]
“And there was a man named Zacchaeus. He was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not. because he was small of stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way” (Luke 19:2-4).
Have you ever wanted to see something really bad but couldn’t because your view was obstructed? Several years ago I had the opportunity to see an Ohio State vs. Michigan football game live and in person. Unfortunately, the tickets I had purchased were in the nosebleed bisection of the Horseshoe, and I was only able to see half the field of play. No matter how I positioned myself in that seat, I could not see the action going on below me. Only the scoreboard and the roar of the crowd kept me informed as to who was winning and losing.
Luke, by pen of inspiration, depicts a man who had a desire to see Jesus but couldn’t because his view was impeded. Isn’t this true, even today? Many, like Zacchaeus, want to see and know Jesus but find it difficult because their vision is obstructed; that is, there seems to be something always standing between them and the Lord. Riches impede the vision of many (Mat. 19:21-22; 1 Tim. 6:10). For others their vision is obstructed by false teachers and the traditions of men (Col. 2:8; Matt. 15:13-14). Worldliness keeps many from truly seeing the Lord (2 Cor. 4:4). Time and or convenience constricts the vision of some (Acts 24:25).
What is keeping you from truly seeing and knowing Jesus? May we, like Zacchaeus, have a desire to seek Him above all else (Mat. 6:33). May we be willing to cast off all fears and climb to new heights, setting our affection on Him instead of on things here below (Col. 3:1-2)!
Terry R. Townsend
Jasper, AL