Most have heard the story of Zaccheus. How he climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus because He was a short man and there was a crowd blocking his view. As we look at our verse today let's look at how badly we desire to see Jesus. Luke 19:4 NASB1995 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.
Jesus will return. How badly do you desire to see Him? Our text says Zaccheus ran ahead. He hurried and made sure He was ready. Have you been putting off getting right with Jesus? You must be careful because the time He returns will be a surprise. If you tarry, by the time you are ready, it might be too late. You need to get in a right relationship with Him NOW! Had Zaccheus taken his time and waited, he could have done everything else, including climbing the sycamore tree, only to see an empty street as he was too late. Jesus would have already passed by, therefore he ran. If you want to see Jesus when He returns on the clouds run and get that right relationship with Him NOW! Next, it said he ran AHEAD. Zaccheus planned to see Jesus. He had looked at Jesus' route. He checked and figured out what he needed to do to see Jesus. Have you researched what must be done for you to see Him? God gave us His word so we would know how to have a right relationship with His Son. Romans 10:9 NASB1995 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;
You must truly believe with the center of all that you are that Jesus is God's son. You must confess with your mouth, that is to seek and ask for forgiveness, and surrender all to Him as your Lord. Have you done this preparation so you will have a relationship with Jesus not only as Savior (redeemer, purchaser) but also as your Lord (Given COMPLETE CONTROL)? Zaccheus prepared and planned ahead, have you? Then our text says he climbed up into a sycamore tree. Zaccheus didn't just plan, he acted upon the plan. He followed through and did what was required. You see, knowing that you need Jesus as your Savior and Lord is not enough, you have to act on it. You know that you need to, but do you truly believe with all that you are? You know that you must seek (ask) Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, but have you surrendered all and asked Him to save you? God the Son (Jesus) did all the work. Will you receive His gift? Zaccheus could have known all the information, but had he not put in the effort to climb the tree, Jesus would have passed by and Zaccheus would have missed it all and only seen the crowd. Then the text says He was about to pass through that way. Jesus is going to pass by on a cloud and He will call His people to Himself. Will you be ready by being in the right relationship with Him? You need to plan for this and do it NOW! I have given you some research (scripture) that tells you clearly how to be saved. Will you put in the effort to believe and confess Jesus as Lord? It really takes almost no effort, but you must accept the gift to see Him then. I pray I will see you there. Ephesians 2:8-10 NASB1995 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.
Love Bro. Scott