Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see Him, since Jesus was coming that way.
When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed Him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner” (Luke 19:1-7)
O God of mercy and grace, thank for Your loving kindness to all. Thank You that our Lord Jesus, "The Son of Man, came to seek and save the lost" (Luke 19:10).
Lord, You know every heart that desires to see You—every soul that longs to know who You are. All, who like Zacchaeus, seek ways around the challenges, the obstacles, and distractions in this world that keep you from view.
Thank You that no one is ever lost in the crowd—Your eyes see us even when we do not see You. Thank You that You call the unlikely, the disreputable, the despised, the invisible. You call us out of the shadows, into Your light of life (John 8:12) and draw us into the intimacy of friendship and fellowship.
We pray for those who are still seeking. For those who feel lost in the crowd, overlooked in the shadows. Turn them back from the pit, that the light of life may shine on them (Job 33:30). Awaken them to the "great light" that has dawned "on those living in the land of deep darkness" (Isaiah 9:2).
Come into our homes today.
God of mercy, God of grace,
Show the brightness of Thy face,
Shine upon us, Saviour, shine,
Fill Thy church with light divine;
And Thy saving health extend
Unto earth's remotest end.
Let the people praise Thee, Lord,
Be by all that live adored;
Let the nations shout and sing
Glory to their Saviour King;
At Thy feet their tribute pay,
And Thy holy will obey.
Let the people praise Thee, Lord;
Earth shall then her fruits afford;
God to man His blessings give,
Man to God devoted live;
All below and all above
One in joy and light and love.
~ Henry Francis Lyte ~ 1834
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