A Man Named “Pure”
(4 minutes)
How we approach the King determines what changes in us.
Yesterday, we saw a picture of a rich, young ruler trapped in religion. Everything seemed right on the outside. By the world's standards (and the church's) he was considered successful. His physical posture even seemed right as he ran to Jesus and knelt before Him to ask his question. We learned through their conversation that this wealthy, young man carefully obeyed the law. This man's life would likely cause others to marvel and think to themselves, "This guy has God's favor all over him. He really loves God."
But as we continued to read the story, we saw something entirely different unfold. The thing that religion produced in this man was fear. He was successful and carefully obeyed the law, yet he was afraid of eternal punishment and had absolutely no assurance in his spirit of God's love for him. When fear rules your life, you do everything you can to protect yourself. And the rich, young ruler's encounter with Jesus, from beginning to end, was flowing from a place of self-protection and self-love.
Pastor Tim highlighted another story on Sunday that you may be familiar with, but throw away the old lens that you've used to read this story in the past. Ask the Spirit to give you new eyes as you read it again. It's the story of another wealthy man named Zacchaeus, which means "pure."
On his way to Jerusalem, Jesus had to pass through Jericho. There lived a very wealthy man named Zacchaeus, who supervised all the tax collectors. He was very eager to see Jesus and kept trying to get a look at him through the massive crowd. Since Zacchaeus was a short man and couldn't see over the heads of the people, he ran on ahead of everyone and climbed up a blossoming fig tree to get a glimpse of Jesus as he passed by. When Jesus got to that place, he looked up into the tree and said, "Zacchaeus, hurry on down, for I must stay at your house today!" So he scurried down the tree and found himself face-to-face with Jesus. As Jesus left to go with Zacchaeus, many in the crowd complained, "Look at this! Of all the people to have dinner with, he's going to eat in the house of a crook." Zacchaeus was amazed over his gracious visit to his home and joyously welcomed Jesus. Zacchaeus stood in front of the Lord and said, "Half of all that I own I will give to the poor. And Lord, if I have cheated anyone, I promise to pay them back four times as much as I stole." (Luke 19:1-8)
We have another wealthy man, eager to see Jesus, running in the same way that the rich, young ruler ran. What's different about Zacchaeus' encounter?
I believe the true meaning of Zacchaeus' name gives us a good picture. His heart was pure in his pursuit of Jesus. He wasn't being fueled by fear of punishment, and he had more reason to fear than the rich, young ruler did because this man's wealth was established on the backs of the people in his town. He was the man in charge of all the tax collectors. He had way more reason to fear punishment and be afraid, but his heart was pure. Pastor Tim noted on Sunday that the blossoming fig tree is a symbol of devotion and intimacy. Zacchaeus' heart wasn't stooping down in shame... it was climbing high in devotion and intimacy, just wanting to catch a glimpse of the Son of God. Zacchaeus was after a face-to-face encounter with Jesus, and that is exactly what he got.
There's so much more to say, but for now, let's hold these two stories in our hearts and listen to what Abba is wanting to say to us. How are we approaching the King? This matters. The posture of our hearts as we encounter Jesus determines so much of the outcome. After reading these two stories, it seems like the posture of our hearts will determine whether we walk away sad from Jesus' presence or amazed over His grace. It's the same Jesus in both stories. But it's two different hearts.
Abba, as we climb high in devotion and intimacy, would you speak to us about the posture of our hearts?
We want a pure heart, restored to innonence, that doesn't fear You but is fully convinced that You are pure light, having no trace of darkness at all. We want to enjoy this face-to-face union with You and be utterly amazed at the grace You pour out on us until it fills us to overflowing with joy. Religion walks away sad from Your presence, but You have lured us out of religion, into perfect love. In this wilderness place, we're learning to be loved by You. Abba, take us by the hand, and let's descend even deeper today into Your goodness!
What bliss you experience when your heart is pure! For then your eyes will open to see more and more of God. (Matthew 5:8)
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Worship: "I Lose My Ability" by Jonathan David & Melissa Helser
Honor: Give Online to The Wilderness Place
Share With Us: We would love to hear how you're encountering Abba in your daily walks. Don't hesitate to share what you're hearing, seeing, or sensing in His presence. Email us here!
