It’s worth reminding that every word of the Bible is alive, everlasting, truthful, meaningful and purposeful. That’s right; I told Zacchaeus that Jesus was coming but I never expected his reaction! I’d like to tell you a story. We "warm people up" with some fast songs (praise) and then we sing some mellow songs of adoration. It once was a prosperous commercial and agricultural region, heavily traveled by tradesmen and vendors in camel caravans from the nearby Jordan Valley and elsewhere. I call him friend now but in those days, I usually kept my distance from him. I bet some of you are singing it in your head as you read this! So, what do you think motivated Zacchaeus to drop his pride and climb the tree to see Jesus? This simple act of giving an offering in the temple caught the … Yet, his parents took the blunt of cruel jokes and ridicule from their neighbors. just 10 miles outside this city. As I've said before, we can worship our Lord through the written word. Maybe you have the answer. These were Jews; willing contractors to the Roman authorities and allowed to collect taxes as they saw fit. We are a prideful bunch! “Look Lord,” I heard him say, as he disclaimed his sinful past and offered to make restitution for his cheating. Yes, he was an adult and responsible for his actions outside their home. I’m sure that your tourist guide on the bus has told the story of Zacchaeus climbing a Sycamore-fig tree. There were Gentiles in the crowd and any one of them might have climbed that tree. The lyrics to this uplifting hymn, ironically, … You asked me earlier if I had become a member of “The Way.” Well, I did that day! The father ran to meet his long lost son, so I imagine that he raised his skirt or he would have tripped in the field. Did you know that when Jesus entered Jericho, he was only week away from his crucifixion? Can you imagine what alienation and hatred they suffered as a result of their son’s association with the Roman authorities as a tax collector? I see that you brought along your Bible, so go ahead and read Luke 19:1-10. The crowd was stunned by Jesus inviting himself to the home of a sinner of Zacchaeus. Criticize The Meaning Of Worship By Robohnya Surau Kami 1089 Words | 5 Pages. In fact, I am not mentioned anywhere in the Bible. I suppose that hardened hearts were incapable of seeing the very work of God before them. The Roman Tax Collector Core fell into 2 groups; The General Tax Collector who annually demanded lawful taxes for property such as farms, land and houses, individuals and, income taxes. Enjoyed hymn sings with extended family, many of whom are no longer with us. I and others might have missed out on a miracle of salvation that day. Zacchaeus quickly closed up his booth and ran into the crowd. There’s plenty time for telling this story. Writing stories about Jesus is very rewarding and brings me so much joy. Still, keeping the dust down was a great problem. That’s true. The practical understanding that many people have of this subject is that praise and worship is the first part of a church service. Kenneth Osbeck, 101 Hymn Stories , 1982. Still others didn’t seem to fully recognize that they had just witnessed a miracle. Families ate their meals and spent leisure time high up on roofs, away from the dust and dung of the crowded street. I knew I needed forgiveness; that I wanted what Zacchaeus had just received; that I could never live without Jesus anymore than could the new Zacchaeus. Never was there such commotion in all of Jericho!People have asked me, “Why did Zacchaeus run to climb the tree?” That’s a good question, one with many possible answers. You’ll find that in Luke 15:1-2. I saw it! He didn’t know what to expect but his deliberate and risky action didn’t go unnoticed by Jesus. Camel caravans and donkey carts had worn deep ruts in it; making walking was a bit precarious. "It Is Well with My Soul" by Horatio Spafford. The little man in the tree never expected what followed when Jesus looked up to speak to him. I pray they will bless you as I was blessed when I wrote them. GOD I NEED FOOD!! You must be curious about me. Web from United States writes: "John Miller -- Your story "Touching The Jesus in You" is excellent. Another for those who liked traditional worship. praise to God is a vehicle of faith which takes us into His presence and power! Slide 1 of 5. I noticed you staring at that big tree, and that’s why I approached you. For reasons I still don’t understand, I ran first to tell Zacchaeus. This Week at Praise & Worship: Sunday, January 10 @ 9:00 am: Sunday Morning Bible Study entitled: “Growing in God’s Word,” In-Person and on Zoom. The Jews hated paying tribute to Rome, funding the foreigners on their soil who oppressed them and worshiped their many gods displayed in surrounding public buildings and in Rome. Clearly, he needed nothing from Zacchaeus in order to grant him the gift of love, where only despise and hate had existed. Disclaimer: No Copyright infringement intended, contents belong to it's rightful owner. Loading... Unsubscribe from Kyei Amoako? It’s important that you understand his background. Web Ruble writes: I am a retired newspaper reporter of some 40 years, and a couple of those years I was religion writer at The Oregonian, Oregon's largest daily. Was he merely securing the best viewing post ahead of someone else? Let me leave you with this thought. Few of them ever admitted that the city’s most despised outcast was bound for heaven. The Bible says in Psalm 22:3 that He actually lives and dwells in our praises. Many people know the story of Zacchaeus in the Bible. These tax collectors were allowed to keep part of the revenue for themselves. And another for those who had a bad experience with church and were complaining about it. I’d say that Zacchaeus was well aware of the cost of his occupation to his parents; to himself. If Jesus said it, then I suspect that he was making an important point. God's grace and His justice, His omnipresence and His holiness, His majesty and His glory are not quiescent attributes, but are active and dynamic. I don’t think he saw me; at least he wasn’t looking my direction. Freedom Kids Bible Videos! Christian Short Stories By Sharon Niese . He fully intended to intrude into Zacchaeus’ life of pride and greed. No, I’m not crazy and you’re not dreaming. What does this say about love of money? I was a distant and curious follower of Jesus; just one of many faces among the crowds sitting on a hillsides. There was a lot of pushing and shoving. Jesus had a way, a commanding presence about him that I’ll never forget. But then, he wasn’t welcome at those shops unless he was spending money. Some there would never believe that this sinner could be saved. There is no new theology. karaoke; videoke; praise and worship song; easy to follow lyrics; great synchronization between music and text Some people say he was merely curious. Did he choose friendship with the Romans who held less prejudice against him? They had missed the miracle occurring right before their eyes; the conversion of Zacchaeus was the fulfillment of Christ’s very purpose for coming into the world. They probably overcharged him, just to get back at him for his greed. Let’s walk to that bench under its shade and I’ll get started. Frankly, I wondered why he didn’t go up on a nearby shop roof for a good view. Worship quote-63: Story “A worship that will have staying power is a worship that is firmly grounded in the old, yet aware of and concerned for new ways to respond to the old, old story.” ... “Teach your children to sing praise and worship to God―it is the purest form of prayer, especially praise, it is prayer with no self interest. Your generations have had many years to read the Bible and learn about what happened in the time of Jesus and here in Jericho. God's Word possesses all of His might and power. It’s not unimportant. Well, on with my story. Praise and Worship Prayers When leading worship during a church service or meeting, it can often be helpful to read an inspiring bible passage that reminds us of God's goodness and presence with us. This was the work of God in Jesus Christ! But certainly, rich Jews of the city would never climb a tree in the presence of others. He was a funny sight! At the time of Christ, the Jewish nation was under taxation by the Roman Empire. I bet some of you are singing it in your head as you read this! They wouldn’t believe you anyway. So much has changed in my city; my culture and yours; yet nothing has changed in the hearts of so many men. Did I become a member of “The Way?” I’ll tell you about that later. Obviously, Jesus saw it too because something supreme happened at that moment. Well, let me tell you. I could see that in his face, and he had no word of rebuke for Zacchaeus. I’m very amused by the vernacular of your day. The psalmist writes, “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: … What I’m about to tell you is based entirely on God’s word. Jesus’ response to Zacchaeus’ confession was not to judge him nor offer approval of his works of charity. A. Navis is one of Indonesia’s classical literary work which tells a story of an old man, kakek, who was very religious, but eventually suicide himself after he received a mockery for his religious acts from one of the characters, named Ajo Sidi. To remedy that, Phil Christensen and Shari MacDonald offer Celebrate Jesus: The Stories Behind Your Favorite Praise and Worship … Written material may not be duplicated without permission. As the Bible story progresses through Joshua, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel and 1 & 2 Kings, it becomes clear that the people of God are not giving God the worship he deserves. Although, I did hear Jesus speak of such a happening, when he told the parable of the Prodigal Son. Such is the impetus for this story told to an un-expecting tourist in Jericho by an imaginary onlooker from that day when Jesus came to Jericho. 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