Articles
Small in Stature but Big in Character - Luke 19
Small in Stature but Big in Character - Luke 19
Some people are easier to identify with than others. For me, such a person is Zaccheus’ who ALSO was ‘small in stature’. Yet, he was a tax collector, a rich tax collector. As such, he was considered a ‘sinner’. I have little doubt that Zaccheus, like all the rest of us, indeed was a sinner having sinned towards God in many things. Yet, not all tax collectors were hard hearted towards Jesus, just as not ALL Pharisees rejected Jesus. Also, while being rich in this world often corrupts one’s spiritual life, here is one who overcame such love of riches and found mercy in Jesus. There are few such rich people mentioned in the Bible, but there are SOME.
Zaccheus shows the nature of a character that can find such mercy. He sought his relationship with God through Jesus. Coming to Jesus, he found salvation (Luke 19:9). It is interesting to note yet again that such coming to Jesus was accompanied by a transformation of life. The fruit of repentance can be seen in his proclamation: “8 Zaccheus stopped and said to the Lord, "Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much." (Luke 19:8)
In comparison to many that are truly wealthy in material things, we may be ‘poor’. Such is more because of our comparative wealth and poverty. In comparison with almost the whole rest of the world, we rich. How are we handling such possessions? Have they become the center and foundation of our heart? Do we see such as a stewardship, to be used in the very service unto God? OR, have we set our hearts upon a selfish relationship with such worldly possessions? Have we not read all of the teachings of Jesus and His apostles concerning such earthly wealth? Have we not seen His parables about those who are rich in this world’s goods but poor in righteousness?
I am thankful to see in Zaccheus the right attitude towards such. I must strive to identify with his character! Let us not be like those in church at Laodicea. Jesus says to them:
“15 'I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot.
16 'So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth.
17 'Because you say, "I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing," and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked,
18 I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.” (Revelation 3:15-18)
Indeed, earthly possessions are simply difficult to handle rightly, but it can be done, Zaccheus did and found salvation. How are you doing with your earthly wealth?
Hugh DeLong
