March '26

I recently heard an awesome sermon from Pastor David Yan of Emmanuel Church in Auckland about the encounter of Jesus with Zacchaeus the Tax Collector. In that sermon he said this:

"God foreordained that this man would be born short so that on the occasion of his salvation, he would have to clamour up that tree to see Jesus." 

Luke tells us Zacchaeus was "short in stature" (Luke 19:3). In this passage we encounter Zacchaeus in this well-known moment, the one many of us know him for. But we forget that there is a whole life lived that led up to this moment.

As someone who hit puberty at 27, I know what it's like to be short. There were inconveniences. Athletics Day was a write off. I was not in the First 15 Rugby team. I'd be lying if I said I didn't occasionally complain about it. Likewise, Zacchaeus' height obviously was in inconvenience to him. Not only does Luke mention it, but apparently the man also didn't do well in crowds. To see a man pass by he has to climb a tree. I'm sure he found it to be frustrating experience. Surely he asked himself, "Why me?"

For you it might not be a height thing. Maybe it's chronic pain, or a condition that won't go away. Maybe it's finding social interactions more difficult than other people seem to. Maybe it's a complicated relationship that has thus far been unfixable. Or it could be any other of the problems we find ourself. In all these things, we are more than conquerers through him who loved us. Further, we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

For Zacchaeus, God worked his height for his introduction to Jesus. How many of us were brought to Jesus in the midst of a trial?

For some of us, we might have walked with Jesus for some time, and still your trouble persists. I don't know exactly why the Lord doesn't let up. But I do know he says this: "My grace is sufficient for you (2 Corinthians 12:9)." I do know that one day you'll rejoice as you see how the course of your life was orchestrated by him to ensure that you would be able to enjoy and make much of King Jesus.



His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flow’r.

                                           - William Cowper
 

Philip Brown