Posted by: Shirley Smith on Wed, May 5, 2021
Luke 19:4-5
He ran ahead and climbed a sycamore fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." Luke 19:4-5 (NIV)
I love the story of Zacchaeus the tax collector, whose very occupation was associated with sin. Yet, when he heard Jesus was coming to town, he rant to meet Him, Crows blocked his view, until he spotted at tree. There the story took a radical turn.
Jesus sees everything, so I doubt He was surprised to find the tax man straddling a branch overhead. But in the story, it's not Jesus or Zacchaeus that captures my attention-it's the tree. Because God had planted it years earlier for that specific purpose: to grow until one day a short man in need of salvation would climb it to see His Son. God's wisdom astounds me. That He cares so much about one small sinner leaves me in awe.
It's time I recognize the "trees" in my life-the people and things Jesus has planted in the path of my salvation.
Years ago, before I knew Christ, a friend invited me to an intensive international Bible Study. I attended, and over time I grew to love Jesus and gave my life to Him. Thirty years later, I lead a group in that very same Bible study. Who was the "tree" here? My friend? The study itself? Being in the Word daily? I think Jesus planted an entire forest for my short, scrawny soul.
Now it's my turn to be a "tree". Who can I pull up out of the world's cares and help him or her see the Savior?- Heidi Gaul
Faith Step: On a paper, list the "trees" God planted in your life to help you see Him better. Give thanks for each one. Think of people for whom you can be a "tree".
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