Jan 19 2009 Gen 47-48, Ps 10 Luke 19

Scripture
And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way
Luke 19:2-4

Observation
In these verses we read about a man named Zaccheus. Zaccheus had everything most people would want in life; position, power and money. But with these things also came a problem.

The problem was he was an outcast of society. Why was he an outcast, because he was tax-collector. It was felt that he was betraying his countrymen and cooperating with the Romans. In the Gospels, when tax collectors were mentioned, they were mentioned together with "sinners" and "prostitutes". It wasn’t just his stature that caused people to look down upon him.

Application
So often in my life I think I know what will make me happy only to find out when I get it, it doesn’t. Zaccheus may have had money and power but what he and every other person needs is acceptance, forgiveness and fulfillment

Zaacheus was born for something great. His name meant “righteous one”. The entire time he was away from God, he was a walking contradiction. I too believe I was created for some great purpose and until I come to Christ on His terms, I will never live up to my name.

Prayer
Lord, I believe I was created and destined for some great purpose. Having taken the name of Christian, my prayer is that I will never be a walking contradiction.