It’s not fair!
Preacher: Revd Mandy Ralph, Minister, Annbank linked with Tarbolton Church of Scotland
Readings: Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4 ; Luke 19:1-10
How boring is that? I couldn’t think of anything worse, and neither could my children, if there was more than one of me!
Jesus changes Zacchaeus life forever and for the better. Despite the crowds of people lining his route, Jesus not
only notices Zaccheus in his leafy perch but fulfils his
worst nightmare by drawing everyone else’s attention to his embarrassing situation. Zacchaeus is not shamed by Jesus’ words, however, and seems impervious to the disapproving murmurs all around him.
He jumps down instantly, honoured and delighted to be chosen to offer hospitality to this charismatic stranger who amazingly did not treat him with contempt but with warmth and respect.
Jesus can change our lives forever, if we just let go of our preconceived ideas, our inner prejudices and open our hearts and minds to the possibilities of following in faith. When we willingly and honestly understand than none of us is worthy of God’s grace, but in God’s mercy we are granted it, and in doing so we realise just how humbling that is.
For not one of is better than the other, we are all one in Christ. But we are only all one in Christ, if we all respect, acknowledge and as Jesus asks us to do treat each other with respect, embrace our differences, not just tolerate.
Why do I say that? Well, you can tolerate something I can tolerate turnip on my plate I don’t like it but I’ll tolerate it. We can do the same with people. We can tolerate them doesn’t mean we really like them.
Whereas embracing means you accept that person wholly for who they are and what they bring to life and so as we embrace each other, and just a disclaimer here I don’t mean you have to hug everyone you meet, not everyone is a hugger, but when we recognise and embrace people, then can do as Jesus asks of us and love one another.
Because if we are honest with ourselves at the moment when it comes to those, we don’t feel cut the grade, do we deem ourselves better than them?
Or do we make an attempt to bring them into the fold, and share the love of God?
Jesus is willing to roll his sleeves up and get his hands dirty for our salvation. As the Good shepherd, he calls us by name and seeks for the lost until he finds them. Jesus reaches out to all and to him there is no in-crowd and side-lines, no margins. For each and every one of us is important to him, important to God and we all have something precious to give, to contribute to building the kingdom.
And so, in faith and in love, let’s remember that we are all included, just as we are, in the messiness of life.
For by God’ grace we are loved, and we are redeemed by the Saviour’s blood.
Let us pray:
God of compassion,
Today’s story can be painful for some of us,
Reminding us of times when we have been
The butt of people’s jokes, the one whispered about,
The cause of anger and resentment,
Help us to see that whatever our situation,
whether just or unjust,
whether deserved or undeserved,
you restore us when our souls are willing,
and invite us into a new ministry
of generous hopefulness and loving kindness.
Lord in choosing us
In being the guest of a sinner, being among us
In reaching out to us wherever we find ourselves
May we be enabled to reach out to others
In our communities, in workplaces, in our families
Reach out and share the good news
Reach out and offer hospitality,
Welcome and inclusion
As we follow in faith and serve in discipleship. Amen