Nougat 3

If you got your heart’s desire right now how would you respond? Please bear that in mind as you chew on today’s Holy Nougat

“He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭19:3, 6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The one thing Zacchaeus desperately desired was to see Jesus. He would have been happy with a glimpse given his status and stature. He was short, couldn’t see much when others were standing; and, due to his ‘vocation’ as a tax collector, he usually tried to make himself invisible.

That created a double challenge on the day Jesus was in town; but you didn’t get to the level of tax collection under Pax Romana without being shrewd. You had to in order to survive. He had explored all the possibilities and thus potential vantage points before Jesus actually came to town. And the sycamore tree suited his needs and bore his weight just fine. Being small had some advantages!

His preparation served him well – he saw Jesus the Messiah and His entourage from the distance. Before he could lean over to get a better look; Jesus Himself stopped and commended him for his efforts. In fact, Jesus invited Himself to his house – yes, to his Zacchaeus’ house for a meal.

Zacchaeus couldn’t get down the tree fast enough. This was his heart’s desire on steroids! He wasn’t giving Jesus a chance to change his mind. He did not feel the burrs or anything, so intent was he on having that conversation with Jesus. He wasn’t concerned that his decision was to be exemplary in the future; he just wanted to be with Jesus.

Nevertheless; it was. And because of his actions we are challenged to be equally excited to entertain Jesus in our homes and hearts. Hopefully we’re equally excited to be with Jesus.

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May all we seek be found in Christ