Zacchaeus’s tree

 

I love to see the back of a woven tapestry because it reminds me of how Jesus is working in me daily.  It looks messy but when you turn it around you can see the beauty He is creating.  When I look at events and things around me, I try to see them in a different perspective as well.  I want to see the deeper meaning.  What is God sharing with me through the ordinary items?  That brings me to today’s story.

So many people have heard the story of Zacchaeus and his encounter with Jesus.  How awesome was it that Jesus spoke directly to Zacchaeus and announced that He was heading to the tax collectors’ home?  That statement alone causes me to pause and reflect on the awesomeness of Jesus who sees everything around as He walks into Jericho.  Zacchaeus had an appointment with the Living God, and nothing was going to deter it that day.

As I reflected on the event, I was once told to look at the tree Zacchaeus climbed to get a glimpse of Jesus.  It was an ordinary sycamore-fig tree.  Zacchaeus was smaller in stature and needed a lift.  So, the tree seemed to be the best solution. 

What is amazing is that our God, who knows the beginning from the end, knew that encounter was going to take place centuries before it occurred.  So, in preparation, He allowed the seed to be planted and nurtured in the spot where the tree grew.  Sun, rain, and hardships occurred over many years to nourish and strengthen the tree until it was strong enough to hold Zacchaeus.  He placed the tree in the path of Zacchaeus so that he could climb upon it on that specific day to meet Jesus.

God puts things in our path every day that have been prepared and planned for many years.  What are we overlooking that have been a blessing in disguise from our Heavenly Father?  Look around you today and marvel at His works and His timing. <><

 

Luke 19:1-6 (NIV)

1 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.  5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.”6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

Revelation 22:13 (NIV)

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

Copyright © 2022 Peggy A. Priest. All Rights Reserved.