Tons of people, even famous ones have been, on occasion, booed from stages or platforms for their words or viewpoints. Perhaps they’ve been prepared for a warm welcome only to be confronted with eggs, tomatoes, harshness, destruction of property or rampage. In a word, outrage.
One would think that miracle-working and people-loving Jesus would have been welcomed everywhere He went. After His signs and wonders, why would anyone reject His ways? Sure, He was a common man. He dressed like those around Him and He even lived in the hood. He knew the ins and outs of everyday living. He loved on everyone He met; and that was the root of His issues.
The religious groups, like the Sadducees and Pharisees, upheld the law given by God to Moses. They didn’t mingle with the lower classes and felt that if Jesus was truly who He claimed to be, He’d know the types of people surrounding Him. How could He mingle with them?? How could He eat with them? How could He enter their homes? How could “A man of God” not know these were harlots, drunkards, thieves, homeless, lepers, and other lowlifes? Yet, it was for these that he came-sinners!
Check out this wonderful story: Jesus is passing through town and one short dude had a hard time seeing Him. Quick-thinkingly, he climbed a Sycamore tree for a better view. When Jesus saw Him, He knew him and immediately called him by name; Zaccheus, a tax collector, and told him He’d dine with him that very day. The religious people were outraged! I mean, that dude was a sinner! Royalty doesn’t share meals with peasants! To honor God, they felt, you had to keep rituals of the law which included staying away from “unclean,” or sinful and unrighteous individuals.
This is how our views on life keep us from entering the Kingdom of God! It’s how religion keeps people from getting close to Him. Check it out: “Draw near to me and I will draw near to you” said Jesus (James 4:8).
Zaccheus, a son of Israel, had repented and was willing to “make right” his ways with the public. He wanted to make amends with God and his brothers but they didn’t want that-yet they wanted to honor God.
Have you ever desired to make things right with God, but won’t make amends with those around you? Have you considered that God knows it all and sees it all? For a good reason He says, “If a man say, I love God, and hateh his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen”
(1John 4:20)? God has His bases covered.
What’s keeping you from “Entering in at the strait gate” (Matthew 7:13, 14)? Have you read the news lately?!! Have you noticed the wars and rumors of wars, the earthquakes and pestilences (Matthew 24:6-8)? Have you noticed things have gotten worse around you…? It’s time to make things right. Whether you’re short, tall, rich or poor, it’s time to have Jesus call your name. It’s time for Him to tell you, “Hurry up, dude (dudette, missy), cause I’m eating at your place today.” Share a meal with Jesus today.
God Bless!
Sam