Evaluate your life

By Donovan Thomas, Contributor

THERE IS always another hurdle in life. Sometimes there seems to be such emptiness...such a vacuum. The way we respond to the challenges and opportunities of today determines our preparedness to face tomorrow. St. Luke 19 v 1-10 relates the meeting and interaction between Zacchaeus and Jesus. Let us reflect on three aspects of the story:

INITIATIVE TO SEE JESUS

Zacchaeus represented riches, rejection and probably respect. Yet he had a deep desire to see Jesus. On hearing that Jesus was passing by he took the initiative, climbed into a tree, to see Jesus. Many of us yearn for Jesus' intervention in our lives but we expect him to meet us on our turf by criteria that we have set.

A physical tree was able to help Zacchaeus to see Jesus. Let us take the initiative to see Jesus as we reflect on nature, read the Bible, attend church and recall his kindness in our lives.

INTEREST FROM JESUS

Zacchaeus must have had a good aerial view of Jesus. Surprisingly for him, Jesus looked up at him and called him by name, "Zacchaeus, quick, come down! For I am going to be guest at your home today" (v5). Everyone was shocked and some were

angry and upset as it was not rejection, rebuke and reprimand that flowed from Jesus to Zacchaeus; instead it was genuine interest, unconditional acceptance and complete concern. What a life changing experience for Zacchaeus!

INWARD CONVICTIONS , OUTWARD EXPRESSION

As Zacchaeus came into a relationship with Jesus he learnt that it could no longer be 'business as usual', but it was time for unusual business. He committed himself to share his wealth with the poor, and I believe, as an act of repentance, to repay four times as much to anyone he overcharged (v8). When we speak about a relationship with Jesus let us make sure that our lifestyles are consistent with such expressions. May our inward convictions be supported by outward expressions.

PRAYER

Dear Jesus, I thank you that you accept me just as I am. Please help me to take the initiative to see you as I go through life. Give me the strength to rise above hypocrisy and to live a consistent lifestyle. Amen.

Donovan Thomas is national director, Jamaica Youth for Christ..... E-mail: jamaicayfc@mail.Infochan.com