Pondering Jesus’ Words, ‘I Must Stay at Your House Today!

Life changes. The world in which we live changes. When I was ordained as pastor in 1979, I began a personal commitment of seeking to visit all the members of the congregation I would serve, in their homes. In those days the church was still an important and valued part of American culture, though the foundation was cracking. If the pastor sought to visit, people went all out to welcome him. In some ways it was as if royalty were visiting. I also sought to visit those who joined the congregation later. I believe it is important for the pastor to know those he is shepherding. And, it is also good for people to know their shepherd.

However, as the years progress, and as our world has changed, the idea of a visit by the pastor seems to have become more of a burden than a privilege. Where it was once common for 75-80% of church members to welcome a visit by the pastor, I would estimate that today only one third to as little as one fourth of church members welcome such a visit. I hear things like, “My house is a mess.” “My schedule is full.” “Maybe when we get settled.” Nevertheless, even if people sound interested in a visit, it is harder to accomplish today.

Now imagine another possible visit. In my devotions this week one of the Biblical accounts I read was that of Zacchaeus, found in Luke 19:1-10. Zacchaeus was the chief tax collector in Jericho, and therefore despised by the Jewish people as a thief and a traitor. Nevertheless, Zacchaeus had heard of Jesus and wanted to see Him. Because Zacchaeus was a short man, he climbed up in a tree. It must have been somewhat comical to watch as Jesus stopped under the tree where this important government official had unceremoniously climbed, and to observe their conversation. Jesus tells Zacchaeus, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today." (Luke 19:5)

How would we respond, how would you react, if the Lord of All indicated He was coming to your home, no question about it? Would you ask for time to clean your house? Are there pictures, or books, or videos which you might want to put away, or hide? Jesus is the Lord and Ruler of the universe. He is the Savior of all, Who loved us so much He died a torturous death for us. A visit from Jesus would be BETTER THAN a visit from any pastor. A visit from Jesus would be BETTER THAN a visit from royalty. Would you welcome Him? Or might you have excuses, at least to put the visit off until you were more ready?

I hope we are not missing the fact that Jesus IS in our homes, as He is in the hearts and lives of those who believe in Him. God’s promise concerning the Messiah is found in His name, “22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 ‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel’ (which means, GOD WITH US).” (Matthew 1:22-23) Jesus assures His disciples, “And behold, I AM WITH YOU always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20). John tells us of the ‘Incarnate Word,” “14 And the Word became flesh and DWELT AMONG US,” (John 1:14). Paul teaches, 20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but CHRIST LIVES IN ME. (Galatians 2:20) In the Lord’s Supper Jesus teaches, “26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is my body." 27 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you, 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matt. 26:26-28)

The truth is that Jesus has come to us in love, in humility, in His powerful, saving Grace. Jesus is waiting for us to receive Him by faith, joyfully. DO we welcome Him, and His love, His guidance, His forgiveness, His salvation? Or, even though the Lord of the universe has come to us, do we find excuses?

We can think that Jesus only spoke to Zacchaeus on that day as He traveled through Jericho on the way to Jerusalem in order to be crucified, to rise, and to save the human race. But, Jesus is speaking to us today, I must stay at your house today." Jesus comes to us. Will you receive Him joyfully?