Speak, Lord

When Jesus passed through Jericho on his journey to Jerusalem for the last time, there was a man there called Zacchaeus who had an interest in Jesus, but who wanted to keep that interest a secret. He even devised what he imagined was a clever plan by which he could see Jesus and remain hidden. So he climbed a tree and perched himself on a branch.

Zacchaeus was pleased that he had such a good view of Jesus, but what he did not realise was that Jesus had a better view of him. Jesus knew about Zacchaeus’ secret interest, but he had no intention of letting Zacchaeus keep it a secret. The problem of having a secret hiding place is that Jesus knows how to turn it into a place of public witness to him. Zacchaeus who had wanted to keep his mouth shut with regard to Jesus found himself having to speak about Jesus. 

The tax collector also discovered that Jesus wanted to spend some time with him. Jesus did not intend to climb up the tree and speak to Zacchaeus there. Instead, he wanted to chat to Zacchaeus as they walked together along the road. Not only did Jesus want to speak with him on the public thoroughfare, Zacchaeus discovered that Jesus wanted to speak with him right along the street on which he lived. Jesus wanted all of Zacchaeus’ neighbours to know that their neighbour had a secret interest in Jesus. 

But Zacchaeus was to discover more. Not only did Jesus want to speak to him outside, he also wanted to speak to him inside the house. The possessions of a tax collector would be interesting. But we are not told what they were. Instead, we are told that the effect of Jesus speaking to Zacchaeus was to cause Zacchaeus to want to speak to Jesus. Whatever else can be said about his words, they express his intention to do what Jesus would want him to do. That is normally the effect of spending time listening to Jesus.

Talking was not yet finished, because Zacchaeus discovered that Jesus now wanted to speak about him to those within range of hearing. Although he was speaking about him, Jesus was also speaking to him because his words of commendation were also words of assurance. And that is still the way of obtaining assurance – do what pleases Jesus and he will bless.

Imagine what Jesus would want to say to you and what you would want to say to him. And then think about what he could say about you that would give you assurance. Because he still speaks.