Short But Determined

Luke 19:2-4 – “And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.”

Zacchaeus was short but he was zealous! He had decided to see Jesus despite the handicap of his size. Running ahead of the crowd that always surrounded Christ, he found a high “grandstand” seat in a sycamore tree so he could see the gracious Teacher who was reported to be kind even to tax gathers and sinners. As Jesus passed by, He looked up and saw the spiritually hungry face of that despised revenue agent, and lovingly said, “Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house.” The Master not only knew his name but also his need. Gladly he responded, climbed down from his place of concealment and received the Lord. That little man, short but determined, had quickly found a way to meet the Savior. As true of all sincere seekers, salvation was his reward.

Someone once said with tongue in cheek, “I have noticed that there is apt to be a sycamore tree near every eager Zacchaeus!” Somehow or other, the “short man” and the tall tree of opportunity always exist in close relationship to each other. In fact, I will lay it down as a law of life that if anyone really wants to meet Christ, he will always find his “sycamore tree.”

Not one of us is worthy of God’s grace. We all “come short” (Rom.3:23), but the uplifting branches of a Heaven-aspiring faith stand conveniently along our pathway. God’s forgiving love is ever available to the willing and contrite soul who is determined through power of grace to know the Savior!