“…he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him…” – Luke 19:4 (NKJV)
Because of his short stature and the throngs of people around Jesus, Zacchaeus climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Jesus as He was passing. Pinning himself to the top, he wanted a bird’s-eye view of the Messiah since a sycamore tree can grow seventy-five to one hundred feet long.
Friends, Jesus knew Zacchaeus’s heart that led to his perseverance to ‘see’ Him. As Jesus came to the tree, He looked up and told him to “…make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house.” (Luke 19:5 – KJV). Why? Because as man sees the outward, God sees the inner man. Thus, Zacchaeus made haste, came down, and received Jesus joyfully at his residence.
As Jesus entered Zacchaeus’s life, Zacchaeus stood and proclaimed that he would give to the poor and restore fourfold whatever he had gained by ill-gotten gains. Salvation had come to Zacchaeus’s house, Jesus declared (Verse 9). The Kingdom of heaven had arrived, precisely what Zacchaeus was seeking.
When the Kingdom of heaven comes into our lives, it causes hearts to positively change, turning away from sin with repentance. Zacchaeus gave back more than he took. He is our example as we live this life. Persevere until you find Jesus!
Testimony
Upon entering the University of Guyana, I was unaware that I would be positioned at a pinnacle, inspiring younger individuals who contemplated withdrawing from the programme but persevered upon recognising my age. Despite challenges, opposition, and discouragement, I continued to persevere. I remained firm and relentless in the face of adversity, maintaining a clear purpose to perform what God had called me to do on this earth. My determination caused me to focus on God. He has never failed me, on the contrary, He caused me to be successful.
Read: 1 Chronicles 16:11; James 1:2-4
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 23:10-18; Galatians 6; Isaiah 49:8-26; Isaiah 50; Isaiah 51:1-16