Problems of life: facing them with Zacchaeus model from the Sycamore tree

The Concise Oxford dictionary of Current English defined a problem as a doubtful or difficult matter requiring a solution. Anything that stops you from achieving a set goal is a problem. Problems need solution.

Problems are like obstacles in our journey of life. We face them daily. They contribute to our being successful or unsuccessful in life. A lot depends on how we face them. This article is to share some thoughts with you on reflections on an old bible story. As a child I read this story in the Sunday school and we had a song which was used to remember the story:

It's about a short man called Zacchaeus. He was a short man indeed. He climbed the Sycamore tree in order to see Jesus. When Jesus came where he was, he looked up and asked Zacchaeus to get down; for today I shall be in you house and have supper with you.

The story didn't make much meaning to me then, but recently I began to reflect more on the story and it's implication for living. If you have time you can read the story in St. Luke's gospel Chapter 19: 1-9.

In a nutshell, it's a story of a man who was on a mission to see Jesus who was passing through Jericho. There was an obstacle on his way- the crowd pressing on him prevented him from achieving his dream, to see Jesus. His height and stature didn't help his situation. He quickly, used an object around the environment to his advantage; he climbed a Sycamore tree to have a clear view. In the end Zacchaeus became a changed man after meeting the Lord.

There are practical lessons in the story. In your life, what do you want to see? What stops you from achieving it? In the life of Zacchaeus, he heard that Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. His status and stature didn't stop him from reaching his set goal. He sought to see Jesus: who he was. But there was a problem- the crowds pressed on him because he was little stature. He didn't start crying or mourn over his physical limitations. He ran and climbed a Sycamore tree to see Jesus. He used his thinking faculties to figure out that Jesus was passing that way. What if he had panicked when he faced the problem? Probably, he wouldn't have been in a right mood to think. But he changed his strategy. Did Zacchaeus achieve his mission? Yes! He did. Remember, he sought to see Jesus; who he was.

‘And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him; and said, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down, for today I must abide at thy house.'

His determination and persistence robed off. He saw Jesus and also had him as his guest. We won't go into the question of how Jesus knew that Zacchaeus was on the tree, for this isn't the reason for this discourse. The interesting thing is how Zacchaeus surmounted the obstacle on his way in order to realise his dream. It is faith and persistence.

What is the problem in your life? What do you want to see? What stops you from achieving it? Look around you for your ‘Sycamore tree'. May be you're very tall and therefore you've stuck with the crowd. Think like Zacchaeus - you may have to crawl, walk or run to the pathway to solving it.

Zaccheus did and the result was the salvation of his soul. Very amazing! You too can Zaccheus it

Benjamin Ugoji Publish- iT- © 2006