“3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd.
4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.” Amen
There are various obstacles or challenges that pose as threats to our success in life. In today’s text, 3 things can be identified as obstacles that could have hindered Zacchaeus from seeing the Glory of God:
1.His height — The Bible described him as a short man. This should have been enough excuse for him to relent. But this man realized that no amount of prayers and fasting could change that circumstance. There is therefore the need for us to also overlook any such challenges that we may not be able to change (ie. tribe, anatomy etc), and rather take up the challenge where necessary. Remember, God always uses the weak things of the world to confound the strong.
2. The crowd — His height would not have been a big challenge, if not for the huge crowd. Many people are chasing the same ‘dreams’ as you, but you are capable of catching the attention of Jesus if only you will not pay attention to the crowd, but to Him.
3. The sycamore-fig tree — Instead of seeing this 40 feet high tree (or so) as an obstacle to reaching his goal, Zacchaeus rather saw it as a stepping stone; climbing on higher heights to see Jesus.
The mountain before you today is a stepping stone provided by God. You only need to see it as such in faith, and take that bold step. “What are you, O mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel, you will become level ground.” (Zech 4:7)
Begin to pray for the grace to walk in faith.
