Day 6: Two Men I Love

I LOVE the apostle Peter. He fills the silence with his enthusiasm. He makes BIG promises. He leaps before he looks and then falters when he looks.  And yet despite some of his boneheaded moves he preaches to thousands during Pentecost, Jesus calls him a Rock, Paul called him a pillar of the church, he was a strong advocate for the Gentiles and he was part of the inner circle.

Peter and I are kindred spirits. I can’t count the number of times that I speak before I think (like the other day when I told someone I could kiss them in front of a group of volunteers). My desire to help and show support for people often leaved me making promises that I can’t keep. Despite these failures Jesus calls me friend, He helps me overcome my fears, He allows me to share His word with thousands of people and He sees me for who He thinks I can be.  

I also LOVE Zacchaeus. Firstly, his name is so much fun to say! Plus he is short and eager and a great problem solver. He is not very popular. He puts dignity aside to satisfy his curiosity. He climbs trees!

Every time I hear this story, I picture myself in that crowd, lagging behind, climbing that tree. I imagine Jesus (laughing inside at me) calling out to a shocked me in the branches. Unfortunately, I also imagine that people look at me and whisper about how unjust it is that Jesus would pick me. I also sorta think that it would be kinda fun to smile at everyone as Jesus walks side-by-side with me on the road to my house. Is that naughty?