Today’s scripture: Luke 19:1-10 (NRSV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two before reading on.
My thoughts (Tammy Mills):
This scripture always gets to me because it is so real. I really relate to Zacchaeus. I can’t tell you how many times I have been in a crowd and unable to see because I, like Zacchaeus, am “vertically challenged”. I don’t think, though, that I’ve ever climbed a tree to get a look over the crowd.
Jesus spots Zacchaeus, up in the tree, and invites himself to dinner. Can you believe it! Zacchaeus had to have been blown away by Jesus response to him. Zacchaeus wasn’t a popular guy. Folks in town would have hated him because of his profession, but Jesus was different. Jesus wanted to get to know Zacchaeus!
I love that Jesus didn’t try to change Zacchaeus, or invite him to “church”. Jesus simply hung out with Zacchaeus.
Recently, at my kindergarten daughter’s “back to School night” the teacher stunned us by saying she planned to visit each of her student’s families in their homes. I couldn’t believe my ears! The teacher is coming to our house. Quick — CLEAN! Once the surprise wore off I found myself really moved by the teacher’s gesture. She loves our kid enough to really get to know us! The teacher will leave the safety of the classroom and risk building real relationships with the families in her room.
I am challenged by Jesus and Mrs. H to “invite myself to dinner”. I keep my distance and play it safe way too much of the time. Today I will slow down a bit, and really get to know the folks I encounter. I will try harder to accept folks where they are and value who they are. I can do this because Jesus daily invites himself to my house for dinner.
Thought for the day: Do you believe Jesus accepts you exactly as you are? Who in your life do you need to risk “having dinner” with?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. Use the item above as a starting point, or consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.