TREE CLIMBING
Today's reading: Luke 19-20

"He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowds. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree beside the road so he could watch from there." Luke 19:3 NLT

I never realized how very much I had in common with Zaccheus, the wee little man.

First, we're cut out of the same cloth--the short bolt, that is. Neither of us stood heads above anyone. Not either of us had the problem of bumping our heads on a lot of things. And when it came to Jesus, we both come up really, really short.

Secondly, we're both tree climbers. Zaccheus and I both heave ourselves up and down 'sycamore projects' in order to catch of glimpse of Christ. We are so intrigued that we'll go to extreme lengths and physical exhaustion trying to get into His presence. Extremes really, because it's so much simpler to be with Him than any of us want to admit.

Thirdly, there are times when just watching is all Zacchues and I want to do. There are services when sitting on the pew is all I plan to do. There are instances when God speaks and I politely say, 'Today, Lord, I just want to watch.' I don't want to dirty my hands, break a sweat or to be quite honest, be bothered by it all.

But then Jesus comes along. He knows my stature, physically and spiritually, and is full aware that I'll never measure up--but He has fallen in love with me!

Then Christ climbs the tree and helps me down when I'm frayed and worn, when my desire to serve has turned to a determination to compete.

And? And there are the times when He sees me sitting in the tree, on the sidelines, on the back pew, and bids me come to Him--and I cannot resist.