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Seeing someone in real life is better than hearing about them.

My youngest sister and a friend wanted to see Elvis Presley perform. They purchased tickets for a concert, drove several hours, rented a motel, and finally sat in an audience of thousands to see their singing idol. They were ecstatic as they listened and watched him from a distance.

Zacchaeus was a curious little guy from Jericho. As a tax collector, he didn’t make as much money as he wanted, so he tallied a little extra on everyone’s bill. Others did it; it was no big deal. Doing so paid off. He wasn’t only the chief tax collector but also a savvy and wealthy businessman. But he didn’t get the satisfaction he thought his riches would bring. Then he heard about Jesus—a man who taught in the synagogues and performed miracles. So he made plans to see Him.

As Jesus neared Jericho, a blind beggar beside the road cried out to Jesus. Jesus asked the disciples to bring the blind man to Him and then asked the man a question. Following the man’s response, Jesus said, “Receive your sight, your faith has healed you.” Immediately, the man received his sight, followed along, and praised Jesus.

Herod asked to see Jesus, hoping to see something sensational. He looked for the supernatural, the unusual, and something to entertain him. He didn’t really long to see who Jesus was; he just wanted to see the miracles He did.

Perhaps Jericho was a-buzz with the account of Jesus’ miracles, but at some point, Zacchaeus heard Jesus was nearby. He wanted to witness Him. He wanted to know who He was. Something stirred Zacchaeus’ heart. So he shimmied up a tree, hid among the branches, and waited.

Wanting to see what Jesus does and desiring to see Him are different things. Zacchaeus hid in the tree to see but Jesus recognized the heart hunger of this tax collector and called to him.

Do you know a place where Jesus will show up? Is there a church nearby where His presence abides? Run to a place where you can see Jesus and get to know Him.

Look for a sanctuary where you can find out who Jesus is and what He can be to you. 

(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)

(For more devotions, visit us at Christian Devotions.)