ABOVE THE FRAY

                                                              ABOVE THE FRAY

 

Do you sometimes feel that you need to get above the fray or in other words to get away from the bluster, the noise, the turmoil of the world just to see beyond what is around you?  Are you looking for a reprieve?

Well, look no further because there was a person in the Bible during Jesus' time who, it appears, was anxious to see things from a different vantage point.  That person was Zacchaeus.

In Luke 19:1-6 it says, “As Jesus was passing through Jericho, a man named Zacchaeus, one of the most influential Jews in the Roman tax-collecting business (and of course, a very rich man), tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowds.  So he ran ahead and climbed into a sycamore tree beside the road, to watch from there.  When Jesus came by He looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name! “Zacchaeus!” He said, “Quick!  Come down!  For I am going to be a guest in your home today!”  Zacchaeus hurriedly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy.”  (The Living Bible)

Zacchaeus was a rich man who was one of the despised people in those days because he was a tax collector.  Yet even, he, with all of his riches, must not have been satisfied because he was searching for more.   Hearing the words of Jesus and not being able to see the Messiah, Zacchaeus chose to go above the obstacles in his way by climbing a tree to get a better vantage point.

Why did Jesus point out Zacchaeus?  I think that maybe Jesus saw the extra length that he went to so that he could see with his own eyes, the Messiah.  Jesus saw his heart and his efforts and even though others criticized Jesus for going to a notorious sinner’s house, Jesus knew that  Zacchaeus  was seeking to have a relationship with Him and that he did not care who saw his actions because he had come to a realization of Who Jesus was.

What is our vantage point?  Are we looking at things that are seen or should we be looking at things unseen?  How many times do we get so caught up in everyday life and all the noise around us and take time to search out the Savior, Jesus, and spend time with Him? 

What are the obstacles in our lives that keep us from taking time to be with our Savior?  There are so many distractions around us that we need to let go of and carve out special time to be with the Lord.  We need to live above the fray of the world that would seek to keep us in a state of anxiety or fear.  The Word of God says that we should not be conformed to the things of this world but be transformed by the renewing of our minds.  Colossians 3:2 says, “Let heaven fill your thoughts; don’t spend your time worrying about things down here.”  (Living Bible)

Jesus is walking your way today.  He sees you.  He knows your heart. Don’t let Him pass by without joining Him.  Salvation came to Zacchaeus’ house that day.  I’m sure that the angels in heaven rejoiced that day. 

If you have not made a commitment to make Jesus your Lord and Savior or want to recommit your life to Christ, pray this prayer:

Salvation Prayer:

Dear God,

I come to You in the name of Jesus

I believe that Jesus died on the cross

For my sins and rose again

I ask you to forgive me for my sins

I turn away from my sins

I ask You Jesus to come live in my heart

I surrender my life to You

Thank you Jesus, for dying for me

And giving me eternal life

Amen

A Prayer for Peace of Mind

Almighty God, We bless you for our lives,
we give you praise for your abundant mercy and grace
we receive. We thank you for your faithfulness even
though we are not that faithful to you.
Lord Jesus, we ask you to give us all around
peace in our mind, body, soul and spirit.
We want you to heal and remove everything that is
causing stress, grief, and sorrow in our lives.

Please guide our path through life and make our
enemies be at peace with us. Let your peace reign in our family,
at our place of work, businesses and everything we lay our hands on.

Let your angels of peace go ahead of us when we go out
and stay by our side when we return. In Jesus’ name, Amen.