The fruit of the sycamore tree, photographed by Eitan f, a Wikimedia contributor, July 8, 2006.
In his life, as Jesus journeyed from place to place, diverse persons would ask him what it would be like if they followed him. Often Jesus would just say, “Come and see.” The roadmap was that unclear. Trust was paramount.
Trusting in the Spirit, Jesus strongly encourages each of us to positively and energetically use our talents and resources, to let our lights shine, and to pull together in communion. One day while Jesus was spreading this message, the Spirit inspired Zaccheaus to climb a sycamore tree to get a better look at Jesus. Zaccheaus was a hated tax collector, and he was literally out on a limb with that day’s crowd. Probably some of them expected or feared that Jesus would invite Zaccheaus to the synagogue for the upcoming Sabbath. But Jesus, like Zaccheaus, was intent on exploring new horizons, and so he called out, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly, for today I must stay at your house.” Jesus’ journey to Zaccheaus’ home and Jesus’ communion with Zaccheaus brought scandal, but Zaccheaus had climbed above life’s challenges, trusted in the new perspective, and boldly changed his life.
Thursday evening, September 30, 7:00 P.M., is the Future of the Gulf – Community Brainstorm. It’s at the Coastal Response Center – 7385 Highway 188 in Coden, Alabama.