Day 38 - LIFE 4: In great excitement and joy

Jesus entered Jericho and made his way through the town. There was a man there named Zacchaeus. He was the chief tax collector in the region, and he had become very rich. He tried to get a look at Jesus, but he was too short to see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree beside the road, for Jesus was going to pass that way.

When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come down! I must be a guest in your home today.”

Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy.

Luke 19: 1-6

As we all know, life is not always exciting.

The experiences we have, and those we share, vary considerably: the loss of loved ones, experiencing unemployment, injury, misunderstandings and many other heartaches. However, our life and times can format the basis of continuing trust and obedience. These are ultimately followed by God’s gift of eternal life.

Of course, we do not have a date on our life calendar to check before we go to bed each night! But we have God’s faithful promise that our life here will be continued by entering eternally into His presence for keeps! I cannot think of anything more exciting than that, can you? His way forward is exciting indeed!

‘Living he loved me, dying he saved me

Buried he carried my sins far away.

Rising he justified freely, for ever,

One day he’s coming, o glorious day.’

J. Wilbur Chapman, 1859-1918

Listening, Inviting, Focussing and Exciting. May I suggest you spend some time thinking over LIFE in all its fullness that has been made available to you.

Gracious God, thank you for all of your blessings in our lives.

Thank you for surrounding us with your love and presence.

Thank you for giving us the gift of your beautiful world.

Thank you for the thrill of celebrations and the enrichment of music.

Thank you for all of the animals and creatures that you made.

Thank you for giving us the promise of eternity and everlasting life.

Whenever we bow our knees in humble adoration please remind us of all of the many reasons why we should be thankful and excited.

Guide our lives toward your grace and mercy.

Amen.

Ray Avent