ZACCHEUS

Today's reading: Luke 19-20

"Zaccheus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy. But the crowds were displeased. He has gone to be the guest of a notorious sinner, they grumbled. Meanwhile, Zaccheus stood there and said to the Lord, I will give half of my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have overcharged people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!" Luke 19:6-8 NLT

I've sang about Zaccheus for about as long as I've been able to talk.

I've heard about Zaccheus since I could sit and listen.

I've seen the account of Zaccheus on Sunday School cards, flannelgraph and acted out on a country church stage.

I've read about Zaccheus since I could read.

But today?

Today I noticed a very important word in the life of Zaccheus. A word that gave me pause. A word that the entire account hinges on...

Meanwhile...

Did you notice it...

Meanwhile...

It means, 'at the same time, or in the intervening time.'

While the people were grumbling about Jesus going to Zaccheus's house...

While the crowds were quibbling over Zaccheus's worth...

While the crowds were bemoaning the fact that Jesus chose Zaccheus AND Zaccheus chose Jesus...

While all that was going on, Zaccheus was present in Jesus's presence.

The murmuring didn't stop him.

The complaints didn't sway him.

The ridicule didn't keep him from giving his life, and his wealth, to the Lord.

Meanwhile...

What's stopping us? Who are we listening to? How are we allowing 'them' to douse the fire Jesus places in our bellies?