Hide and Seek! - 'The Son of Man came to seek and to save those who were lost'

The Bible is full of stories of people who played hide and seek with God. Zacchaeus was just one of them. Let's look at his story, which can be found in Luke 19 vs 1-10.

Zacchaeus was the Chief Tax Collector for the Jericho region of the Roman Empire. No one liked handing over their money. They hated the Romans and they hated Zacchaeus, for they knew that by overcharging he was making a tidy sum for himself. They were angry and resentful, and made their hatred of him very clear by shouting insults at him and using threatening behaviour. Being so short in stature did not help. To his accusers that was just another weakness of his. Zacchaeus felt insecure, lonely and isolated..

He needed a break from all the hurt that was now filling his heart and mind. Everyone was talking about this man called Jesus, who was due to pass through Jericho that very afternoon. Zacchaeus decided to go to town. Rumours said that Jesus was not only a compelling story teller, but also a healer and miracle worker. If that were true then Zacchaeus was determined to see Jesus. But he had also heard that nothing about you was hidden from Jesus; he knew it all. This disturbed Zacchaeus. He now felt uneasy and in his heart he knew why. If this were true, then Jesus would know he cheated people and stole from them. It was not the sort of thing a godly and righteous man like Jesus would approve of. Most likely Jesus also would turn away from him, reject him and treat him just like everyone else did – as an outcast.

As Zacchaeus entered Jericho he became nervous. He had never seen such a crowd. People were pushing and jostling each other, all in an attempt to get to the front so that they could see Jesus. That was what he wanted for himself but no one would let him through. Standing on tip-toe he tried to look over heads but the crowd was too big and he was too small. He was pushed out of the way. Words such as 'traitor', 'cheat' and 'swindler' reached his ears. Some even spat at him calling him 'scum'. He wanted to hide. All these people and he still felt lonely and rejected. No one was interested in him.

Lifting his head, Zacchaeus noticed a huge sycamore tree a little further on. Drawing nearer he saw it was densely covered in fresh green foliage - perfect hiding place! He climbed the tree and perched on a firm branch where he felt safe. He was hidden from the crowds and the searching eyes of Jesus. But he could not relax. Those uneasy feelings, which earlier had unsettled him, were stronger than ever. He began to think about all the people he had cheated and stolen from. He deserved to be called 'scum'. Oh, the guilt and shame! He leant deeper into the foliage and put his head in his hands. Then he heard it, a quiet loving voice calling his name. “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” Zacchaeus froze. “He called my name”. Trembling and with tears in his eyes he came down the tree to meet the one who had so lovingly called him. He gazed into Jesus' face. All he could see was kind acceptance, a deep knowing and love. Why hide from such a man? He had been found by someone who, rather than rejecting him, actually wanted to come to his house to spend time with him. How could he respond to such love? He promised to pay back all those whom he had cheated and to give half of his possessions to the poor. Jesus said that salvation had come to Zacchaeus. He felt different, changed even. No more

did he feel lonely and rejected but accepted and valued. The unease and restlessness were gone. Jesus had found him and had come into his heart and would stay with him. Time for tea and celebration!

When Jesus found him Zacchaeus was hurting, lonely and hiding in a tree. Today, whatever your situation, Jesus is seeking for you and gently calling your name. Let him into your house (heart) and let Him in to stay. He knows the pain and hurt you are carrying. Whatever it is, share it with Him, receive his unconditional love and experience His peace. Hide no longer. Hear the words Jesus spoke to Zacchaeus now being spoken to you, 'Today, salvation has come to you.'. (Romans 8 vs 38,39)

Alison Edwards