THE VIEW FROM THE TREEHOUSE

Right now we are going through a change in our church building.  As I look out my window, I see construction equipment tearing down parts of our church that had been there for years.  In the beginning, I embraced the change that was about to take place, but now, I am flooded by the memories of the almost 20 years that I have spent in those now ever changing structures.  I am told that change is good, but I will miss some of the old things as they make way for the new.  

I am reminded of  story in the Bible of a man named Zaccheaus.  He was set in his ways for a long time and many thought that he would never change.  He had lived his life getting rich by cheating and putting harsh taxes on the people and they hated him for it.  Then one day, he found out that Jesus was going to pass his way.  

You know the story.  The Bible tells us that he runs ahead of the crowd, climbs up in a tree, and waits.  Then as Jesus passes by, the master stops and tells Zaccheaus that He wants to go to his house and stay for a while.  Can you imagine?  Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords wants to visit with this terrible excuse for a human being.  Zaccheaus had a decision to make:  Invite Jesus into his home, or make like a tree and leave.  

Zaccheaus' response tells us that he wanted change in his life.  Luke 19:6 says, "So he made haste and came down and received Him joyfully."  Even though he was a sinner, because he believed that and encounter with Jesus could change his life forever, he welcomed Jesus into his home quickly and joyfully.  He did not wait to think about it.  He didn't care about his former life.  He wanted change.

There are three things to note here if we want change in our lives:  

One, we must WATCH for change.  The Bible says in Luke 19:3 that Zaccheaus "sought to see who Jesus was".  He was looking for Jesus.  He was waiting for Jesus.  He was a rich guy who climbed a tree.  When was the last time you climbed a tree to see anything.  We must be willing to climb whatever to seek out Jesus.

Second, Zaccheaus WELCOMED change.  Here was Jesus inviting Himself over.  Zaccheaus could have said, "wait till I get my house cleaned, then come over".  He wanted Jesus in his home no matter what it looked like.  Don't wait till you have it all perfect for Jesus to come in.  He is asking to come over.  Welcome Him in.

Last, Zaccheaus WORKED toward change.  The Bible tells us that immediately Zaccheaus promised to give half of his wealth to the poor and to repay those he had cheated fourfold (Luke 19:8).  He was not just wanting to change on the inside, but to show that he was different on the out as well.  We must not just know we need to change, but do something about it.  

That's when Jesus proclaimed that salvation had come to Zaccheaus' house.  He had changed and allowed change to take place in him.  Change is not always easy, but if we are watching, welcoming, and working toward change, it will transform our lives.  So, let it happen today.  Climb a tree.  You never know what you might see up there.