Zacchaeus, come down out of that Tree!

The more I learn about Jesus the more I want to learn about God and His Holy Spirit. Do you remember the first time you heard Jesus’ name, or a story about Jesus, maybe at Christmas or at Easter? What was it that held your attention?

Children soak up a story don’t they, especially when mom and dad use their funny voice and funny face in describing a person or place. God has gone to great detail from Genesis to Revelation in teaching us about the beginning for man and the end of this earth as we know it today. I can’t see God making a funny face but I most definitely hear His voice. His voice, the Word of God is very convicting wouldn’t you agree? If you and I want the fullness of His power to do the work He needs done, then we must recognize that it is the Word which convicts. If we want change in our lives or in the lives of others, there must be a conviction, a pricking if you please.

Ac 2:36-37 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

Do you see and hear what is happening in Acts 2? They were hearing TRUTH as the Word of Truth pricked their hearts. They were convicted and needed to do something, right then. Go back to your day of salvation and ask yourself what brought YOU to conviction?

Ac 9:5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
Ac 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Prick:  To affect with sharp pain; to sting with remorse. When they heard this, they were pricked in their hearts. Acts 2. Ps.73 (Webster’s 1828 Dictionary)

God uses His Word to convict as it pricks our heart. Our stories from the scripture will gain their attention, but it is the Word of God which will bring conviction. Therefore, it is important to remember to give them the Word. We must know the Word or at least know where to go in the scriptures in order to give the Word.

1Pe 1:23-25 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. ¶ For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

This Word of God not only has the power to convict but has the power to regenerate. It is one thing to get saved so as by fire, but another to be regenerated and walk in the fullness of God’s Power. 

As I read another sermon by Brother R. A. Torrey I thought, “How can we get this message of regeneration to children, young and old and do they really want to change?” We are their witnesses, folks. What they see and hear in us will either draw them to God or turn them away. I want the fullness of the Spirit so that I can give a good account to God one day. How about you?

The young people walked in chapel and I chose several students to act out the story of Zacchaeus trying to see Jesus. He was a short man as they were. If Jesus came to Ocala I wanted them to understand that He would "see" them as well as see adults, too. This can be fun and rewarding but it also can be dangerous and detrimental. You have to know your group before allowing this kind of activity.Terror comes across my face thinking about it sometimes, but then a smile stretches wide with other groups.

Lu 19:1 ¶ And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
Lu 19:2 And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
Lu 19:3 And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
Lu 19:4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.
Lu 19:5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.
Lu 19:6 And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully.

The students remembered the tree (ladder on the stage), the crowd pushing each other around, the short man and Jesus but they also remembered the part of Jesus forgiving Zacchaeus and going to his house. Why? The Word was given and emphasized throughout the story.  The Holy Spirit will always do His job!

The children had to turn to the scriptures with me as I read. We all know that a second grade student cannot read totally for understanding of every scripture given, but we must have them open the Book, guiding them to the Words and having them look at the Words of God. Will the words jump up and like a supernatural spirit teach them? No, but it IS the Word which convicts. God’s Holy Spirit will take care of what we cannot do. Just give the Word! We can teach them to practice what will become a habit, hopefully, one day.  So it is with adults. They need to go to the Book, hold it in their hands and read it for themselves.

Thank you brother Torrey for reminding us that the Word convicts and regenerates! Zacchaeus was a perfect example of hearing God's Word and making application to his own life. 

Get out of your tree and get busy living for Jesus!


Until next time, Lord willing.

Sharon