Powerful Lessons Learned from a Tree-Climber
I recently stopped by a friend’s house unexpectedly to surprise her with a gift. I anticipated her response and the joy I would feel when I spoiled her just a bit. What I didn’t expect was how my simple visit with her would leave me feeling so understood.
As she and I chatted I knew I was “seen.” Know what I mean? I didn’t have to explain every thought or opinion. She listened with patience, seeking to understand my point of view, and then she affirmed me, not necessarily agreeing with everything I said. She broadened my perspective with gentle suggestions that pointed me to Jesus.
As I drove home, I gave grateful praise to God for nudging me to go see her. I knew God had sent me there to remind my heart that He sees me; with Him I am always “seen.”
With God, we are ALWAYS “seen.”
Nancy BRewer
GOD WITH US
The idea that God is with us is found throughout Scripture. During the Christmas season we talk much about Emmanuel, God with us. If someone is experiencing a difficult season and feels as if God isn’t paying attention, we reference Genesis 16:13 where Hagar gives God the name El-Roi, “. . .the God who sees me.” The stories of Daniel in the lion’s den, and Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego remind us that God sees us, and is with us, in the most harrowing of circumstances.
Do you find yourself fearing God doesn’t see you, nor is He with you, because your situation isn’t desperate? I think we sometimes see God like we view each other, limited by time and space. We know friends and family will come if we really need them, but until then, we are on our own. When we are at our wits end, God will show up and be with us.
LOST IN THE CROWD
The day before I visited my friend, I felt alone. Not in an I-wish-someone-would-come-sit-with-me way, but because I was lost in the crowd of opinions that are currently circulating. I was exhausted from hearing arguments from any and every side. My own thoughts were jumbled and irritated and tired.
I had read the story of Zacchaeus in my quiet time and had made some notes. The impact of what God was speaking to me didn’t gain its full effect until after I had visited my friend. The experience with her gave me context and God sent me back to look at the story of Zacchaeus.
ZACCHAEUS AND THE CROWD
It’s emphasized in the story that Zach is a short guy. It’s easy for us to leap to the conclusion that it would be hard for him to see Jesus with a big crowd hanging out. But, there’s more to this interaction between Zacchaeus and the crowd.
Zach was not a well-liked dude; he was not on friendly terms with the crowd. In fact, the public viewed Zach as a traitor because he worked with the Romans to collect taxes. Greg Laurie describes him as “the kingpin of the Jericho tax cartel.”[1]
My imagination constructs a testy crowd pushing Zacchaeus around and away from being able to see Jesus. I envision a frightening crowd mentality; everyone believing no one can really see what each is doing, plus each individual believing the crowd will allow however he chooses to behave. A crowd mentality creates an atmosphere where people say and do whatever they feel like in the moment.
THE CROWD AND US
Like it or not, I think we are currently living with a crowd mentality. Regardless of your opinion on the various issues, there is someone pushing and demanding you to believe and respond as they do. Even within the crowd you would claim as your own, there are those coercing you to act and react in ways that align more with what they think is right. It’s so easy to see people from an “us vs. them” point of view. We are battling the crowd and the crowd is us.
As I envisioned the story of Zacchaeus, it occurred to me that Jesus is never part of the crowd mentality. Jesus isn’t pushed along or swayed by what everyone else is saying or doing. Jesus doesn’t use the crowd to help Him feel safe in what He wants to say, nor does He use the crowd to condemn those who disagree with Him.
ZACCHAEUS AND THE TREE
Zach was desperate to get a glimpse of Jesus. He did a couple of things that were some serious social no-nos. First of all, he ran. In our culture, we run all the time! We are busy people, and we continually rush to catch up with all that needs to be done. In that time period it was undignified for a person of Zacchaeus’ status to run. Not only did he run, but he climbed a tree! It’s like a double whammy.
I think Zach risked his employer’s disapproval because he was joining what could become an unruly crowd. I also think, Zach knew that being in the crowd with all the Zach-haters could be detrimental to his health, or his life, and therefore his ability to do his job. Add to those risks, the climbing of the tree and Zacchaeus found the ideal scenario to not score points with his employer.
JESUS AND THE TREE
The passage in Luke 19 says that when Jesus came to the tree He looked up and saw Zach (verse 5). I’m not sure how easy it was to see Zacchaeus and I don’t know how often Jesus looked for people in the trees. It was an unexpected, though understandable, place for Zacchaeus to be.
Zach wasn’t in the crowd. Zach wasn’t sitting by the side of the road. Zach didn’t jump down from the tree right in front of Jesus. Zacchaeus had placed himself where he might see Jesus, but I think he was surprised that Jesus saw him!
It reminds me that Jesus sees us, even when we are in unexpected places.
Jesus sees us, even when we are in unexpected places.
Nancy brewer
JESUS SEES YOU
Wherever you are today, whether you are lost in the crowd, hanging out in a tree, or some place else, Jesus sees you. He isn’t hindered by the crowd, nor is He put off by finding you where you aren’t necessarily supposed to be. In fact, Jesus is looking for you.
If you listen, you can hear Jesus calling your name, just like He called Zacchaeus. He’s inviting you to come from where you are to where the two of you can be together. Zacchaeus had to come down from the tree to be with Jesus. You also may need to move a position to be with Christ.
HOW DESPERATE ARE YOU?
We often find ourselves in unexpected places, living through unwanted circumstances. Sometimes our unexpected place is caught in the crowd. There are moments our unexpected place is some place socially unacceptable. There are seasons our unexpected place is a place of our own choosing due to habits or selfishishness.
The intriguing thing about Zacchaeus is that he was willing to do just about anything to catch a glimpse of Jesus. How often do we find ourselves desperate to see Christ? He is Emmanuel and He is El-Roi. He is the same God who rescued Daniel, and hung out at the BBQ with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. How much are you willing to risk to come face to face with Jesus?
WE ARE ZACCHAEUS
In Luke 19:10 Jesus says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” We are the lost. We can be right on so many issues, and still be wrong because we aren’t right with God. Each of us needs God’s grace, every day, all day. We are all Zacchaeus.
I don’t know how you fit into the crowd. I don’t know if you belong or if you would be pushed aside. It doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is meeting Jesus. I know I need to spend some time climbing a tree and getting over myself so that I can experience God’s grace. What about you?
Be encouraged, God sees you. Whether you are in the crowd or an unexpected place.
I’m praying for you.
[1] Laurie, Greg. “When Jesus Came to Town: A New Beginning.” Oneplace.com.
Little Girl Photo by Edi Libedinsky on Unsplash
