His Longing for Jesus is Greater than the Riches he had Acquired.

Jesus entered Jericho to see a man named Zacchaeus. He was on His way to Jerusalem, but it seems like He intentionally went to this city for a lost man who badly needs grace and restoration. Now, Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector. He was regarded as a rich guy, yet he had a bad reputation in the eyes of the Jews. He was considered as traitor who chose to rub from poor people. His image was tainted.

But then, this rich man wanted to see Jesus. Maybe he was so curious to know Him. Or perhaps, he longs for something that his riches could never satisfy to the point that he climbed up on a tree like a child waiting for Jesus to pass by. He could’ve paid the people so that He could properly see the Savior. But this was not part of his option. He had personally sought God. He went out of his way and forget about his riches.

Here comes Zacchaeus, who was a man who could buy anything he wants, yet chose to do an extraordinary act just to know who Jesus is. Just to see Him. Maybe the emptiness that Zacchaeus felt inside led him to climb the tree. Maybe, he realized that his longing for Jesus is greater than the riches he had acquired.

In a way, we are also like Zacchaeus in a sense that we sometimes trade God over the riches of this world. But Jesus is there to rescue us. His presence will remind us what matters most in life. He will make us realize that the things of this world could never satisfy the deep longing of our hearts. Only Jesus could fill the emptiness inside.

Prayer: Father God, you are good and amazing. Thank you for pursuing us again and again. I pray for more of your presence. That I may not trade you with the temporary riches. That I may choose to honor you and stay in your arms, despite all the temptations around me. Please remind me about eternity. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.