Hello My Name Is . . .
What hatred could not do, Jesus accomplished with love.
What rejection could not do, Jesus accomplished with acceptance.
What disdain could not do, Jesus accomplished with respect.
What insults could not do, Jesus accomplished with kindness.
With twelve words Jesus changed the life of Zacchaeus with the miracle of love and acceptance.
Nestled within the story of Luke 19:1-10 is an amazing subtle detail.
When Jesus came to that place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down! I must stay at your house today.” (Luke 19:5 NCV)
Jesus knew so much about Zacchaeus. Jesus knew that Zacchaeus was a lost soul – that he had an abundance of material things but needed something more.
Jesus knew that his own countrymen hated Zacchaeus – hated all tax collectors and “sinners” and determined to extend love where hate had taken up residence.
Jesus knew that generosity and kindness could be extracted from this turnip named Zacchaeus – not by force or pressure but by love and acceptance.
Most of all Jesus knew his name. Yes, Jesus knew the name of one of the most despised residents of Jericho.
Every spent much time considering the implications of the Savior of the world who knows you by name?
I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in his handsHe knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
and He hears me when I callI have a Father
He calls me His own
He’ll never leave me
No matter where I goHe knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
and He hears me when I call
As I told our church family yesterday, the cross of Christ saves me, centers me, sustains me, and unites me with other believers.
Yet, the cross makes no earthly sense! How our God has taken the simple things of this world to confound the wisest among us.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Peace.
Good thoughts. I preached through Luke over a period of 2-1/2 years and it was one of the most enjoyable chapters of ministry! We tried to go through the stories as if we’d never heard them before to let the Word refresh us and surprise us.
Hi Randy,
I have been reading your blog and I really wanted to comment on Greg England’s blog, but I have registered twice and I can’t seem to get through. Is there a way to have him get in touch with me? I have a message from Will and Lynn Fox
I forgot to congratulate you for seeing the light and switching to a MAC. I started with an Apple lle in 1985, moved up to a Macintosh Performa 5200, then to a G3 blue IMAC and now I have an iBook G4. I love Apple
Being a school (I didn’t use the “e” word) teacher I know the “power” and importance in knowing someone’s name. “Hey you” doesn’t go near as far as “Hey (to Tonight Show pun intended) Johnny.”
To know that I have a God that knows not only my name but my thoughts and actions is both comforting and disconcerting at times.
Hi again.
Randy, i tried to register on Tom’s blog (Blessings)
Can you register me with the same password that I’m using for your site?
Thanks.
It was a good sermon. I thought your opening thoughts were right on target. What condemnation and exclusion could not do…