Peek and Seek

Peek and seek.

Thought- Despite our reluctance to draw close, Jesus still seeks us when we peak.

Scripture- “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

Insight: As kids, we all loved to play hide and seek. This scripture above is the Biblical equivalent to that game, but the game is called peek and seek in Jesus’s Kingdom. I love this scripture above in Luke 19 about Zacchaeus, the Tax Collector’s, journey of faith because it reminds me so much of my own. Before I had a relationship with Jesus, I was oblivious to who He really was, but I still felt something attracting me to Him, like a magnet working on my soul. I started to take little peeks, to try and find out more, but initially was unwilling to “go all in” on my quest for knowledge. Eventually though as I took little “peeks” Jesus began to “seek” me, until the pull was like a gravitational force that I needed to surrender to and praise the Lord I did. My “peeks” were actually my own little “seeks” in my own timid way, and Jesus, knowing my heart was ready, grabbed me to himself.

 It is interesting to me how this all works, similar in my story to what Zacchaeus experienced. He was hiding out in a tree, trying to see the Lord Jesus, whom he had heard much about, but without trying to get too close. But Jesus instantly changes the equation by calling Zacchaeus by name, recognizing him hiding in the Fig tree and bringing Him instantly into the light of His kingdom. Notice above when Jesus calls, Zacchaeus immediately stops the charade and agrees to come down out of the tree. So, what does Jesus do to change the equation for Zacchaeus and for me and you? 1. He notices us and identifies us in a personal way, literally calling us out by our name. 2. He includes or invites us to join Him in His eternal kingdom. This instantly makes us surrender our guilt and shame as we feel ourselves being washed clean of our sin by His power to save. 3. He restores us. Zacchaeus was aware of his past sinfulness in stealing from the people. He was immediately willing to repent and give up 50% of his possessions to make things “right” in Luke 19:8.

Knowing this man’s heart has been changed, Jesus announces this man’s salvation through the admission of His guilt and willingness to be saved. Jesus then uses this occasion to reaffirm His earthly purpose in verse 10: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” The equation never changes: We must admit our need for a Savior before we can be saved. We must admit how much we have fallen short, regardless of our earthy status or what “success” we feel we have obtained. As we do so and begin to “peek,” which is really our timid way of seeking, Jesus will “seek” us out, call us by name, invite us into His Kingdom and restore us back to Himself. Radical love indeed!

Prayer: Father God, thank you that your love for us is so much greater than our sin, that you call us to yourself through your Son Jesus Christ. Your salvation rocks us into a whole new life, one designed to see you more clearly and to serve you more dearly as we walk more nearly to you.  Amen!