It Is So Good To Be Seen

Luke 19:1-10 He entered Jericho and was passing through. ² There was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.

³ He was trying to see who Jesus was, but he was not able because of the crowd, since he was a short man. ⁴ So running ahead, he climbed up a sycamore tree to see Jesus, since he was about to pass that way. ⁵ When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down because today it is necessary for me to stay at your house.” ⁶ So he quickly came down and welcomed him joyfully. ⁷ All who saw it began to complain, “He’s gone to stay with a sinful man.” ⁸ But Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, I’ll give half of my possessions to the poor, Lord. And if I have extorted anything from anyone, I’ll pay back four times as much.” ⁹ “Today salvation has come to this house,” Jesus told him, “because he too is a son of Abraham. ¹⁰ For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.”

This story really touched my heart.  Jesus made a special point to acknowledge a little man whom was desperate just to get a look at Jesus.  Zaccheus didn’t wave him down or demand the crowd to stop.  Chief tax collectors were not a favorite of the crowd.  They were despised for doing their jobs.  Considered traitors to the Jewish people because they collected taxes for Rome. He was a sinner.

Jesus stopped and took notice of this sinner and then went above and beyond as He usually does.  He invited himself to Zaccheus house! Because Jesus came to his house, Zaccheus made a bold decision to accept the salvation Jesus was offering.

Do you ever feel invisible?  Or maybe you think it would be best if you stayed invisible?  God can see you right where you are.   

I may look all put together and super confident but that isn’t how I feel inside.

I don’t do well with crowds.  I never have.  I feel so awkward trying to start up a conversation.

This doesn’t really help my “EVANGELISM” skills.  I’m supposed to go out into the world and share the gospel.  This mandate places all kinds of dread in my heart.  I’m alone writing this and I can literally feel the dread in my chest.

The strange thing is God has given me such a heart for the lost.  I will be walking in the grocery store and see someone and just think about how God knows this person in the cheese section.  He knows her very heart.  1 Chronicles 28:9 As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father, and serve him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands the intention of every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you abandon him, he will reject you forever. ¹⁰ Realize now that the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary. Be strong, and do it.”

I can sense she is not happy.  She isn't crying or doing anything particular to reveal what is going on in her mind.  But I still sense the unsettledness. Are they a Christian and going through something?  Or are they lost like I used to be with no real peace in their lives.  Usually they catch me staring at them and I have to give a quick smile and walk quickly away. 

Yeah I’m that person. 

I try and imagine myself walking up to her asking if there is something I could pray with her about.  I cannot.  Ugh!  I just can’t do it!  I don’t pray well out loud. I have a million excuses.  I walk away and pray for them but, to try and make that connection.  I’m not there yet.  Yet…

Will I ever be bold?  Am I just not built for that?

What does Jesus say?

#1- He has called me to share the gospel

Mark 16:15  Then he said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. 

#2 His Holy Spirit will teach me all things and will be with me always

John 14:25-27 I have spoken these things to you while I remain with you. ²⁶ But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you. ²⁷ “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful. 

John 16:7 Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you. 

#3 When I am weak, then I am strong

2 Corinthians 12:10 So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Philippians 4:13 For all things I have strength in the One strengthening me.

#4 I can rely on God to train me and I will one day be bold.

Ecclesiastes 3:11  He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also put eternity in their hearts, but no one can discover the work God has done from beginning to end.

Joshua 1:9 Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Philippians 1:6 I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

God sees me right where I am.  He knows how uncomfortable I am and I believe he is going to get me through this little quirk of mine.  For now, I always fall back on a song that Amy Grant sang in the 80’s that to this day, still helps me. 

“And all I have ever have to be is what he made me.  Any more or less would be a step out of your plan.  As you daily recreate me help me always keep in mind.  That I only have to do what I can find.  And all I ever have to be, is what you made me.”