Monday, May 11, 2009

What MUST be?

I was reading the story of Zacchaeus this morning trying to be better prepared for Sunday. This is a bible story that I have taught at different times during my years as a Sunday school teacher, but today it struck me differently. I love how God's word is alive....it does not change....but God will use the same story to give different teaching at different times of your life.

As I read the story again, something that Jesus said surprised me. When He called to Zacchaeus, He said that He "must" come to Zaccheaus' house today. I thought that "must", was a very strong word. Like, today was Zaccheaus only chance, it "must" be today or that was it. Now, I know enough about the bible to know that Jesus does not give us one chance only. I know He patiently and persistently pursues us, giving us the opportunity to come into relationship with Himself. So why "must"?

God brought back to Zaccheaus response. Zaccheaus was going to give money, and by the sound of it a lot of money to the poor. He was also going to pay back people he had stolen from. That day, because Zaccheaus invited Jesus into his home, a whole lot of lives were changed. Zaccheaus' household, many poor people and anyone he had stolen from, were going to receive great blessings.

I think of my own life, and how sometimes I feel that God may be impressing something on my heart, but because of time, money or lack of energy I do not respond to the "must". I am thankful to God for second chances, no doubt, but what blessings have I missed out on? Have I missed out on blessing other people? If I go by the example of Zaccheaus' story, I probably have.

So today I pray that when I hear the "must", I may respond immediately. That I would put the potential blessings of God, before myself. To not wonder if God will bless, but to expect God to bless, when I do what "must" be.