Dave’s Monday Blast – June 20, 2016

I read an interesting passage this morning in Luke 19:1-9. This familiar passage articulates the requirements of Servanthood. When Jesus left His home in heaven, He didn’t come to earth to be a superstar. He very INTENTIONALLY came to serve. As His disciples, we’ve been left here on earth to follow His example and serve a lost and hurting world. I was reminded of this reality the last two weeks as I watched the tragedy unfold in Orlando.

The compelling story of Zacchaeus shows us some Christ-like qualities that we need to develop in order to serve as the Lord did:

Awareness: Although surrounded by a crowd, Jesus stopped and took notice of one particular man perched in a tree. Zacchaeus was hated and rejected because he was a tax collector. Although he was rich, there was something missing in his life, and Christ recognized his need. There are people all around us “hanging in trees” who are needy, empty, and searching for hope. But all too often, we are so preoccupied with self that we don’t even notice them. Or if we do, we don’t see them as Jesus did.

Availability: Think about this! Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem to carry out the most important act in human history: our redemption. Yet He stopped to have a meal with a spiritually needy man. What could be so important that it keeps you too busy to give others what they need most…our time? That is convicting to me!

Acceptance: Although Zacchaeus was a notorious sinner, Jesus didn’t say, “Clean up your act, and then I’ll come to your house.” We are called not to fix people but to share with them the transforming power of the gospel. This brings glory to God and that is our primary purpose!

How are you doing at serving those around you? Maybe it’s time to slow down and open your spiritual eyes to see all the needy people around you. God places opportunities before us every day, but if we aren’t attentive, we will miss them. Charles Stanley says, “Sometimes you just have to look up to see who’s in the trees.” That’s good isn’t it!

I would like to recommend a book to you that our Staff and Ministry Team Leaders are going to read this next season. Max Lucado’s – “Just Like Jesus” (learning to have a heart just like His).