Luke 19 – November 1

Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus but couldn't because of his short stature. The truth is: we all “come up short” in life somewhere. Zacchaeus’ short stature and his desire caused him to go the extra mile; he climbed into a tree, setting aside his dignity. We will always have opportunity to focus on where we are lacking, or we can just focus on Jesus and do whatever it takes to go after Him. Zacchaeus choose to focus on Jesus that day and not on what he was lacking. You may have problems and things you are trying be free from; if you do what you can, Jesus will "come into your house." Like Jesus spoke to the church of Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-22), He knocks on the door of our heart and will come in when we acknowledge our need for Him.

Verses 12-27 contain a parable spoken by Jesus to help his disciples understand that they needed to be patient because there would be some time before the kingdom of God would fully manifest in the earth. They needed to work for what was coming and not just respond to what they saw with their eyes. Verse 21 says the man who wasn't faithful to his lord “feared.” We need to believe the Lord Jesus, not fearing to lay down our life to His will. We will miss out in some things in this short age to be faithful to Him, but He will reward us greatly.