Memorize: Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. Isaiah 60:1
Devotional Reading: Luke 19:1-4
Jesus had become so popular by the many miracles he had performed that he could no longer move around without being noticed. As he arrived Jericho, the news must have filtered through the entire city, which was possibly how Zacchaeus knew that He was in town. There is a possibility that the last time Jesus went into Jericho he caused a stir on the account of the miracles he performed making it difficult for Zacchaeus to SEE him. Apart from the crowd creating a bottleneck, there is also a possibility that he must have been undecided as to whether or not he wanted to SEE Jesus when he heard Jesus was in town such that by the time his mind was made up the window of opportunity was no longer available.This assumption is drawn from the fact that in our text, Zacchaeus ran ahead of the crowd when he heard Jesus had come to Jericho possibly to prevent a repeat of his last experience.
This is also indicative of someone who had identified and come to terms with his “previous carelessness’. At this juncture, it is important to highlight a couple of points.The first point to note is: no one is perfect, meaning that we all have “shortcomings”. The second point is: his genes determined Zacchaeus’ height, which is probably a function of his parents. This therefore means that he had no input, in determining his own stature, he was born with it. What were you born with that represents a “limitation” in your life, which is preventing you from coming into your destiny? My God will grant you the power today to rise above it and overcome those shortcomings in Jesus Name.
Zacchaeus must be given a lot of credit for identifying his shortcomings, and for exercising willingness to rise above it. He did not allow it deter him from his purpose, which was to SEE Jesus. Are you coming up “short” in certain areas of your life, your marriage, or your job? Are you falling “short” in your resources to the point that you are unable to pay your bills? I declare upon you today, God will help you overcome all your “shortcomings” in Jesus Name. Zacchaeus identified his shortcoming and did not allow it deny him the opportunity to shine by SEEING Jesus. Moses too didn’t allow his shortcomings to deter him of his precious calling. How about Peter who had fears of all kind, yet he made effective conscious efforts to overcome them. I don’t know what shortcomings you might have, I believe you too can overcome them if you strive vigorously and allow God help you. As we start the new month of September, be determined to rise and shine, overcome the shortcomings in your life and make your life count, let your life be a testimony to the glory of God
I pray that God will give you the grace and ability to rise and shine, so that you can fulfill your purpose and divine destiny in Jesus name.
Prayer point: O Lord, help me rise and shine in the name of Jesus.
Key Dose: It is not by power, not by might but by my Spirit saith the LORD.
Pastor James Ademuyiwa
Senior Pastor (IHPCT)
