“Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. And there was a man called by the name of Zaccheus; he was a chief tax collector and he was rich. Zaccheus was trying to see who Jesus was, and he was unable due to the crowd, because he was short in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up a sycamore tree in order to see Him, because He was about to pass through that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, “Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” And he hurried and came down, and received Him joyfully. When the people saw this, they all began to complain, saying, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner!” But Zaccheus stopped and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I am giving to the poor, and if I have extorted anything from anyone, I am giving back four times as much.” And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:1-10 NASB)
Maybe what I am about to say does not apply to you, but for many people it will be truth and nothing but the truth. Whether it applies or not, after reading the very next statement I am about to write, keep reading for you will find something beneficial for your life. It does not matter what type of dietary restrictions we have when we are on vacation and the place where we are staying has a magnificent buffet line.
This is a time where restrictions are not regarded, for the most part. The physician’s low-salt diet restrictions he/she gave you somehow seem to be placed in the lost and found section, at least until vacation is over. The nutritionist’s guidelines restricting your carb intake or steering you away from sugar consumption are suppressed, sit aside, much like your star player who will help you win a game is surprisingly benched during an important game. The small plate that is supposed to help you manage and restrict your food servings, well, you sat it on the table when you were packing and getting ready to leave for vacation and you “forgot it” – but not intentionally for sure. Right? Oh so often this has happened on our vacations when we have so many delicious choices on that buffet that definitely makes your mouth water. And I know some go prepared for the buffet, wearing clothes with expandable waist bands, shoes that will provide comfort for the many trips we make, and instead of a magazine or brochure, the reading material is one of the thickest books you carried along for the trip. The latter is a signal that we will be in no hurry.
Since we like those delightful buffets filled with so many delicious items, let me present you with a delectable buffet line that you can access right now, and we hereby declare it a time where there are no restrictions. This buffet is filled with foods, so many dishes that I cannot list them all. But place an imaginary check mark by each food listed below that is just perfect from you this morning. I better clarify that this food is from the inspired word of God. It is spiritual food, all found in the passage above. Go ahead and go through the buffet line right now. It’s self-serve and you can choose whatever will satisfy your spiritual needs or appetite! Are you ready? Here are your choices.
Item #1: The “Positioning Yourself To Be Closer to Jesus” appetizer!
Item #2: Our “Jesus Wants To Come By Your House Today” special!
Item # 3: Top Chef’s Recommended “Sinner to Saved” free dish (served daily)!
Item #4: Award Winning, Celebrated, “Seek and Save The Lost” must have more plate!
Item #5: “The To-Go Bag To Do Right!”
If you didn’t find what you personally needed, go back over the passage above and see if you can kind find more spiritual food to satisfy your need and fill your soul. It is all good! Don’t forget, restrictions are not regarded on this buffet! Go through the line(s) as many times as you desire! You will not be sluggish, but rather energetic and ready for the day! You will be filled, but that will be in a very good way! Be blessed!
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him.” (Psalm 34:8 NKJV)
Still committed to the climb, Mark L. King