I would like to share this with you.
I have been reflecting on the story of Zacchaeus, how Jesus saw him and called out to him and spent time with him at his house.
A few years ago God spoke to me through this story and reminded me of a time in my life when I was a child. I had climbed up a tree and got stuck. Stuck with fear. I could not move. I called out and my brother came to my rescue. He climbed up the tree and when he reached me, put his hands on mine, and my feet on his and gently inch by inch he guided me safely down.
In this same way Jesus rescued me. Gradually and gently, bit by bit he guided me through a process of healing, healing my fears, my pride, the issues that clouded my view of him and his of me.
As I reflect I can see his amazing redemptive work through my journey with him. In each letting go I found love, forgiveness, acceptance. In each letting go I found release, purpose and a wonderful sense of belonging to his family. I discovered a God who is always there through difficulty or ease, who teaches and corrects, affirming his love. A God who I can call father.
Jesus' victory over death meant that he came down from his 'tree' into to new life. In the same way Jesus wants this for us, not to be stuck in our old ways but to be turned around and in turn show others the same way.
