September 11, 2023 - Luke 19-21

Zaccheus could not see Jesus because of the crowd. Not only would he have been pushed to the back, but he was a small man. So, he ran ahead, found a tree along the way Jesus would walk, climbed it, and waited. He wanted to see Jesus. He really, really wanted to see Jesus. And so, he found a way. Isn’t that how it is with anyone who wants to see Jesus? That person will find a way. And, after all, the Savior is not hard to find. The only reason a person will not see Jesus and have him as Savior is that that person refuses to look for Jesus. But for those who look, for those who search, they will find.

After the parable of the ten pounds, Jesus “went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem” (19:28) and so began the beginning of the end (of Jesus’ incarnational life and ministry). The colt, the entry into Jerusalem and Jesus weeping because of its lostness, the cleansing of the temple, and all the opposition; oh my, how Jesus was opposed! But, always, among the enemies the faithful remain. The poor widow who gives her two small copper coins, all she had. God will always have his people. Let us be those, those who seek Jesus, who give our all to him.

A charge to keep I have,

a God to glorify,

a never-dying soul to save,

and fit it for the sky.

To serve the present age,

my calling to fulfill,

O may it all my pow’rs engage

to do my Master's will!

Arm me with watchful care

as in Thy sight to live,

and now Thy servant, Lord, prepare

a strict account to give!

Help me to watch and pray,

and still on Thee rely,

O let me not my trust betray,

but press to realms on high. -- Charles Wesley (1762)