A Little More Zeal

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A Little More Zeal

Andrea Lende • November 3, 2021

Luke 19:4-6

A Little More Zeal

You can listen to the devotion and prayer at: https://anchor.fm/andrea-lende/episodes/A-Little-More-Zeal-e19nfni

Luke 19:4-6

“So he ran on ahead and climbed up in a sycamore tree in order to see Him for He was about to pass that way.”

“And when Jesus reached the place, He looked up and said to him, Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.”

“So he hurried and came down, and he received and welcomed Him joyfully.”

Of course, this is the story of the short man, Zacchaeus, wanting to catch a glimpse of Jesus.

The word ‘hurry’ stood out to me today.

Zacchaeus ran to climb a tree just so he could see the Man he’d heard about.

He was a sinner of great proportion.

Yet, somehow, he felt the need to check Jesus out.

And he was not going to give up his opportunity.

So, he ran to a position where he could see Him.

Jesus came up to him and told him to ‘hurry’ and climb down the tree.

Our passage tells us he “hurried and came down.”

And I wondered do I hurry to spend time with Jesus?

Certainly not like Zacchaeus.

He ran, he climbed, he hurried to get just a glimpse of our Lord.

I find I need to put a little hustle into spending time with Jesus.

Our passage also says Zacchaeus welcomed Jesus joyfully.

And again, I wondered do I welcome Jesus joyfully?

Sometimes.

But sometimes I view it as a chore or task to open my Bible and read.

I am always so much more blessed than my intentions would predict.

Even if I am slow to make the time, God blesses me extraordinarily as I read His Word.

I find His love when I read about Him.

I find His tenderness, mercy, and grace when I read His Word.

So, why wouldn’t I run, climb over the obstacles in my life, and joyfully welcome my time with Jesus and His Father?

Zaccheaus found salvation and a changed heart because of the zeal he had in seeking the Lord.

Today I choose to run to the Lord with anticipation of being exceedingly blessed by Him.

May you find an extra measure of zeal in spending time with God today.

Daily Prayer:

O Lord, my God, thank You for changing my lukewarm heart to a heart that is on fire for You. Thank You for Your Word that continues to transform my spirit and soul. Thank You for the people You use to bring me a new understanding. May I chase after You as Zaccheaus did. May I be invited to dine with You and receive the transformation of heart he did. Father, You are Almighty and all powerful. You are mercy and grace. Impart an extra measure of zeal and desire to learn more of You. Help me see You everywhere. Keep my eyes on You today, Lord. Help me bless someone this day. Thank You for hearing my prayer.

Answer: I AM the with you My child, and the fire of truth and wisdom burns within you.

Response: Keep me at Your feet, Lord.

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