The God who sees

Do you sometimes have the feeling of being invisible? Maybe people turn away when they see you and start whispering to their neighbor about the scandalous things they've heard about you. Maybe you lied once in a difficult situation and suddenly you're considered a liar everywhere. And the more you fight to get rid of this stigma, the more glaringly every little half-truth you tell is illuminated.

Zacchaeus probably felt the same way. The tax collector knew it was wrong to enrich himself from the other Jews, but once he started, no one wanted anything to do with him, so at least he could make a nice life for himself with the money, right? But then he hears about Jesus and how he changes the lives of the people who meet him. Zacchaeus knew that it was extremely unlikely that Jesus would see him, yet Zacchaeus' desire to see this Jesus with his own eyes was so great that he climbed a mulberry tree and was able to look over the crowd and catch a glimpse of Jesus. And then something happens that changes the tax collector's life forever. Jesus looks at him and says to him: "Come down quickly, because I have to stay at your house today. Jesus shows him that Zacchaeus does not have an infinite amount of time, but must make a decision now. Will he accept Jesus today or not?

You are probably not sitting in a mulberry tree, but Jesus is also looking at you and asking you whether you want to let him in today and have fellowship with him. What do you decide? Will you follow his invitation? Jesus doesn't say he wants to, but that he MUST stay in Zacchaeus' house today. Do you also find it astonishing that Jesus speaks of "staying"? He doesn't see the tax collector's house as a stopover that he can leave strengthened after the meal, but he wants to go to his home, his most personal place, his innermost being. Jesus wants us to welcome him into our home, he wants nothing more than for us to open our hearts to him and allow him to be a permanent guest with us. Not just on special occasions, but every day, every hour, regardless of whether today is a stressful or relaxed day. Jesus wants to be by your side, he wants to show you what is possible with him. An encounter with him has changed the lives of countless people in a supernatural way. Imagine what is possible if you can tap into this power every day because your almighty God is always by your side and supports you with all his resources? Do you really want to say no to that?

Next Step: How would you prepare your home if you knew Jesus was coming to visit tonight? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you the areas of your life from which you have excluded Him so far.