October 24, 2011

Luke 19:5- When Jesus got to the tree, he looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down. Today is my day to be a guest in your home.”
So, what did Mrs. Zacchaes think when the mister comes home with Jesus and who knows how many others? We live in a world of personal space. There are lines and limits determining who (or is it whom) is allowed how close. We rarely enter a neighbor’s house anymore. That is reserved for family and special friends, by invitation only. When we moved into our house ten years ago we were one of the few that had a fence, which was erected for the dog of the previous owner. Now everyone on our block has a fence of some sort. They are nice people. We chat when we happen to be out front at the same time. We wave when we drive past in our cars. We have never been in each other’s home. Jesus crossed these interpersonal lines, often with people who were considered undesirables. In his book The Next Christians, Gabe Lyons describes what he has seen in some young believers: “They believe this kind of love is expressed best in tangible, physical acts of goodness. They show up. In fact, showing up is their defining practice” (page 73). The love of God went home with Zacchaeus. This week, where and for whom are you “showing up.”
Don