Thank God For A Tree

Thank God For A Tree

While praying recently God reminded me of the story of Zaccheus. He also asked a challenging question that I will share in a moment.

If you went to Sunday School as a child you have probably heard the story and sang the song about Zaccheus. That wee little man that climbed a tree so he could see Jesus. The story is found in Luke 19 verses 1-10. I want to read you three from the middle.

Luke 19:3-5 NASB

3 Zaccheus was trying to see who Jesus was, and was unable because of the crowd, for he was small in stature.

4 So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree in order to see Him, for He was about to pass through that way.

5 When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.”

The question that came to my mind has two parts. First, what is keeping you from seeing Jesus.

In life there are so many distractions that can keep us from seeing Jesus. We know He is there and concerned for our circumstances but we can only see the interference.

Everyday living brings us great joy as we follow Christ but it also brings the unexpected. An unanticipated financial need. A child in trouble. A friend or family member that receives a startling medical diagnosis. In the midst of living our lives things can come our way that at least temporarily block our vision of Jesus.

Very quickly our enemy will take advantage of our circumstances. Where was God, he will tell us. This is all your fault, God won’t help you. Every possible discouraging and hurtful word will come to your mind. Sometimes from the people that you look to for support.

So all of a sudden you can’t see Jesus. The second part to the question is what are you going to do about it. Zaccheus and his answer was simple. Climb a tree. That would elevate him above the crowd. The circumstances of his height would no longer be a problem.

Your solution is not very different than His. You have to evaluate your circumstances. Look at the interference as nothing more than a distraction. No matter how serious an event has taken place there is a way to rise above it.

It may take some time and some effort. Prayer and support from your church family and friends. There may even be times that in your life experiences you will have to stand alone. Remember that in Christ you are never alone.

Let me leave you with this. God placed the tree that Zaccheus would climb long before he needed it.

He has also placed in your life a means to rise above your circumstances. You must have faith and put that faith to work. Climb out of your depression and do what you can to change the circumstances. Put Jesus in your line of sight.

Sometimes it can be hard, difficult to hold on. Almost like climbing a tree.