THE SHORT MAN WHO CAN STAND TALL
Luke 19:9-10
Zacchaeus had a steady source of income and a booming business. “He was a chief tax collector and was wealthy (19:26). Zacchaeus had it made. However, as tax collector, he was hated by the Jews for two reasons. First, he served the interests of Rome, not of Israel, so Zacchaeus was viewed as a traitor. Second, he demanded higher taxes from the Jews, which found their way into his pockets. The Jews looked down on him in the same low social level as thieves and prostitutes. Since he was physically short (19:3), people would belittle him wherever he went. He could never stand tall.
When Zacchaeus met Jesus, the tax collector was never the same again.
Jesus took notice of him; “Zacchaeus, come down immediately, I must stay at your house today” (19:5). He was so honored by that statement that he quickly accepted the offer, and later declared to Jesus, “I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount” (19:8). Immediately Zacchaeus could stand tall, for the Lord sought him and saved him from his lost lot.
Like Zacchaeus, may the Lord touch us so deeply that we would never be the same old person that we are. May we become willing to shed off areas in our lives that displease God, depreciate others, and discredit ourselves. Let’s stand tall!
Meditation:
Think about Zacchaeus’ radical faith and obedience. Decide to give up a disastrous habit or negative attitude that you still hold on to.
Prayer:
Our merciful God, have mercy on me. Make this merey so real that I would give up my ways that show no mercy to others.
