All Have Fallen Short

 Zacchaeus, a really short tax collector, wants to see Jesus, but he can’t. He climbs a tree. [I wonder what he is thinking to himself. “I wish I were taller so I would not have to embarrass myself roosting on a tree.”] People around waiting for Jesus do not even waste a second on him, except to shoo him away like a stray dog. Now, they do not even notice he has positioned himself on a branch having a birds-eye view of the procession.

Jesus is coming. The eyes that see everything focuses on Zacchaeus rather than the crowd around him. He makes His way through the people. Jesus, whom the crowds follow, spots Mr. Z. up on a tree. Does Zacchaeus feel scared that Jesus will make fun of him, too? Does he feel so surprised with Jesus’ approaching the tree that he almost loses his footing?

Just like Zacchaeus, we sometimes feel invisible and long for recognition. Just like him, we are “short” because we have fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We feel unworthy but still, rely on our earthly resources to make up for it.

Jesus sees us no matter how invisible we might feel. He knows us. After all, He made us. No one is out of His radar. He has His eyes on all of His creation, even sparrows. How much more will He keep us in His sight?

So, there is no reason to strive to earn the attention of our Creator. He has had His eyes on us since before the beginning. We are His bride, and He is preparing a place for us in heaven. Do you ever let yourself daydream about what kind of a place Jesus is getting ready for us?

Dare to dream with me, friend!

God bless you and your loved ones!

Meryem Kennedy