For whatever reason (probably the Holy Spirit) the Biblical story of Zacchaeus has been on my mind lately. You remember... one of the not-so-honest tax collectors of the time—wildly UNpopular in the public's eye—but who gained a bit of curiosity regarding Jesus.
His interest was so piqued in fact that he climbed into the branches of a tree that overhung the road—he was on the short side; I can relate—so he'd get a better view as Jesus was passing by. No doubt he never expected what happened next, and I muse that it may have surprised him so much that he may have nearly fallen out of that tree.
“When Jesus reached the spot, He looked up and said to him, 'Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.' So he came down at once and welcomed Him gladly.” -Luke 19:5-6
It was Zach's day to meet the Messiah; Jesus!
Consider for a moment that there are Zacchaeuses all around us—with hearts that have been prepared in one way or another by the Holy Spirit—who are ready to come to know Who their Savior is.
While this has been true all through the ages, I've personally been sensing an increase in the harvest field that the Lord cares so much about, and perhaps I'm not alone.
God's Word reminds us in 2 Tim. 4:2 “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.”
And in 1 Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”
As you and I worship and recharge in the Presence of the Lord, let's also be ready for Him to use us to offer that life-changing hope to that “Zacchaeus” the Lord might bring our way.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Check out our updated Top 20 Worship Songs list, and please visit our Facebook and Twitter pages. Let us know where you're listening from; we love to hear from our listeners!
We depend on listener donations to broadcast. If you'd like to help keep ElijahStreams on the air, please click on this page where it says "DONATE," or call: 1-866-967-3665 in the US, or +1-541-967-3665 (outside the U.S.)
As always, we are truly grateful for your prayers and for your support.
Thank you for helping us lift up the name of Jesus, and fill the internet, the world, and each of your homes and workplaces with a stream of worship that brings life.
Blessings…
-Aimee Herd, ElijahStreams Program/Music Director
