Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. (Luke 19:1-6)
I used to love money. I babysat and got a job when I was sixteen. In later years I changed jobs for increased salary even if I was happy at my old job. I hoarded the money, never spending it unless I had to. Money meant security. As my faith increased, I knew God would always provide for me. I began spending money on experiences that would make our family grow closer.
Wanting security, nice things, or experiences, we all desire money. We think if we had more, we would be happier. But Zacchaeus discovered being wealthy doesn’t make one happy. He was especially unhappy because he obtained wealth by cheating people. Working for the Romans, he was looked upon as a traitor to the Jews, collecting more taxes than the Romans required so he could pocket some.
Zacchaeus didn’t want to be blind to God anymore. Being short, he saw the backs of the waiting crowd, so he climbed a tree to see Jesus. Jesus saw his heart and called Zacchaeus to himself and stayed with him.
If you are looking for God, He wants you immediately. He wants to send His Holy Spirit to stay at your house.
Dearest Father God, thank you for providing me with security and peace. Help me see Jesus for who He is, my Savior. Give me an extra dose of your Holy Spirit to help me change and become more like Him. In Jesus’ precious and holy name I pray, amen.
Zacchaeus, sounds like he was a tax collector with a heart and a conscience. Jesus went to his house because he knew his heart. What happens after this? Does he continue to be a tax collector and cheat people out of their money? It is nice not to worry about paying bills and to have enough money for food etc. I don’t know how true this is but I have heard people say that the more money you have, the less happy you are. Maybe if you are very wealthy, you always want for more money and that is sad. In my mind that is putting money before God.
I assume Zacchaeus continued being a tax collector but didn’t cheat people. Who knows; the story ends there.