08/13/2026
Sometimes church is sitting in a pew listening to the preacher and sometimes it’s climbing an elders tree and picking some apples!
Seeing Christy in the tree reminded me of the story of Zacchaeus.
Zacchaeus was a rich tax collector in Jericho. Because he took extra money from people , everyone disliked him. Shunned him. Judged him.
INow Zacchaeus was a short man, so when he heard the news that Jesus was coming into Jericho, he climbed into a Sycamore tree to be able to see him. Of course that caught Jesus’ attention, and Jesus told him to “make haste and come down” because he’s going to his house. Now obviously that stirs a little commotion because , out of all the people, why would he choose to go to the mean, tax collectors house?
Instead of shunning him like everyone else did, Jesus gave him a second chance. Zacchaeus promised to give half his wealth to the poor and give fourfold to anyone he defrauded. When people feel truly seen, valued, and accepted despite their flaws, it creates the security needed to confront their own wrongdoing and choose a better path.
In Jewish culture, sharing a meal and staying at someone’s home was a sign of acceptance, honor, and spiritual unity. Salvation is not saved for just the socially accepted. Salvation is for everyone. You’re NEVER too far gone to be saved. Jesus died for the preacher , just as he did the alcoholic. He sat with sinners, but didn’t sin. Everyone deserves a chance.
Kristy