Jesus: Extreme Seeking

How can we learn to find Jesus more in our daily life? How can we feel closer to him as we go about our work each week? And how can we find pieces of ourselves with in the pages of our Bible text?

Recently, I heard myself say that I felt like Zacchaeus trying to see Jesus through the crowd of people, but I just couldn’t manage a clear view of him and I was frustrated.

Jesus summoning Zacchaeus the publican to entertain him at his house, English Bible Artist William Brassey Hole 1846-1917, who traveled to Palestine in 1900 to work on a series of illustrations called “The Life of Jesus of Nazareth.” this book includes some 80 illustrations of the life of Jesus.

During this time, I also traveled to one of my favorite spots, Charleston South Carolina. I am always amazed at the rich diversity I can find there within a few short blocks and so it was fascinating that in the course of one day, I had an in-depth conversation with a Catholic Nun on the art of prayer and then later I enjoyed witnessing the very exuberant style of an African American evangelical prayer service. One was very into the idea of preparation and practice, the other was filled with the spontaneity of the Spirit. One placed an emphasis reverence and personal reflection, the other more spontaneously exuberant, high energy and fellowship oriented.

Amazing the diversity of styles that have been developed overtime to commune with God and to find spiritual refreshment.

Christ the Redeemer Statue, Rio de Janeiro Brazil, 2nd largest Art Deco statue in the world and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. 1922-1931, Designed by Heitor da Silva Costa, Paul-Maximilien Landowski Sculpter. Stands atop the Corcovado Mountain at an elevation of 2,300 feet at the peak. Visible from a distance of 20 miles, 130 ft. tall 98 ft. wide, 635 tons

So this week, I thought it might be just a little fun to celebrate all those who are the extreme seekers of Jesus and to remember that Jesus said:

“I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep..I am the gate; who-ever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out and find pasture. I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”          

John 10: 7-10

So let us remember this week that Jesus is our center, our fulcrum around which all turns. It is Jesus that gives us access to the Father and brings us into community through the Spirit.

And let us honor the spirit of all those who earnestly seek him past and present as we read about Zacchaeus:

“He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd so he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.”  

Luke 19: 1-2

And the spirit of Zacchaeus continues here in this video. Watch as it takes your breath away:

Jesus the thrill ride:))

Dear Lord,

Help us this week as we see the heart of all our fellow Christians and as we endeavor to learn from all the variety of ways people seek Jesus. As we honor their initiative, let us learn to reveal ourselves more fully to you Lord…to hide nothing… to hold nothing back in our praise of the gift of our Redeemer and let us be inspired by these extreme thrill seeks.

PS. I think I will go now and have a quiet cup of Tension Tamer Tea:))

Peace be with you!