Monday, July 24, 2017

I Want To See Jesus


A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus…He wanted to see who Jesus was…
Luke 19:2-3

“Stand with me on the precipice of life,” the pastor said. “What do you see?” The murmurs running through the congregation indicated that some were actually seeing visual images in their mind’s eye. “What do you see?” he repeated. “The struggle you’re in? Material possessions? Relational problems? What caught your attention?” He paused, and then asked, “How about Jesus? Did anyone see Jesus?” Everyone turned their heads to look at their neighbor…
When no affirmative response came, he posed the question, “Did any of you look for him?” After a moment he said, “If our focus is on the world our outlook will be dismal. But! If we look for Jesus, even in the roughest of times, our perspective will automatically brighten! Because with Jesus there are unlimited possibilities!”
Stepping out from behind the pulpit, he said, “That’s what the world needs to see in us, folks...hope for the future! If we walk around with our heads hanging…” he dropped his chin to his chest to emphasize, “…there is nothing about us the world wants. We are to be examples of hope! Not zombies walking around clouded in gloom. And the only way we can do that is to allow the Holy Spirit to raise us above the things of this world, where we can catch a glimpse of Jesus!” Amens and hallelujahs echoed in the sanctuary.
It can be difficult to see Jesus when the world gets in the way. But we have a choice in whether we continue to let it cloud our vision. We don’t have to wallow in self-pity, or keep Him at arms length because of shame or guilt.
Look at Zacchaeus; a man of ill repute. Yet, he wanted to see Jesus…so he climbed a tree! And once he saw Jesus, his life was radically changed! “Zacchaeus, come down immediately.” Note that Jesus acknowledged him the moment Zacchaeus began looking for him!
The same thing can happen for us if we truly begin looking for Jesus. If we look we will see Him! And once that happens, our lives will never be the same!

Prayer

“I want a clear view of You, Jesus. Reveal Yourself to me right now as I spend a moment seeking Your face…Amen!”

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