21 Days of Prayer for the Lost: Day 6

Are you short like Zaccheus? Jericho was packed with people who wanted to see Jesus. Zaccheus was there and wanted to see who Jesus was. He knew he’d have to be in the front row of the crowd to see Jesus, and because he was a hated tax collector, no one would let him in. So he ran ahead of the crowd and climbed a tree. When Jesus came to that place, He looked up at Zacchaeus and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” Jesus knew Zacchaeus was seeking Him.

Zacchaeus didn’t let his shortcomings keep him from getting to Jesus. In humility, he did what he needed to do to get to Jesus. And even though Zaccheus was a sinful tax collector, cheating his own people out of their hard earned money, Jesus initiated this encounter with him.

And notice Jesus’ first words when he looked up at Zaccheus. He called him by name. Jesus knew who he was. Then Jesus said “Hurry.” Why would Jesus say that? Because there was an urgency. “Today I must stay at your house.” Not later this week, or next month when I have some free time. Now is the day of salvation.

Zacchaeus wasted no time, he hurried, came down from the tree, and received Jesus gladly. He opened his house to Jesus symbolizing that he was opening his heart to Jesus. And Jesus said “Today salvation has come to this house.”

In Matthew 9:37-38, Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few; Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

These verses tell me that there are people in proximity to us every single day who are Zacchaeus’. They are seekers. And Jesus says we need to pray for the Lord to send out workers to bring in the harvest. But, sometimes we can pray that and think it’s someone else’s job. It’s not. It’s your job. It’s my job.

Jesus knew the heart of Zaccheus. But we don’t know the hearts of our non-Christian friends. So how can we identify someone who is interested in knowing about the hope we have? We have to get to know them. Have meaningful conversations about things that matter. Observe their actions. Listen to the words they use and look for signs of spiritual openness. Ask good questions about hope, faith, and peace. See what they know about Jesus.

What is one step you can take today to follow Jesus’ example and talk to a seeker? Not focusing on their sinfulness, but focusing on their heart. Being prepared to share the gospel and the difference Jesus Christ has made in your life. Jesus came to change lives. And we are the tools He uses.

Things to pray for today:

• Give me compassion for my non-Christians friends
• Lord, help to me sense when You open up an opportunity to share with my non-Christian friend

English Standard Version (ESV)
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.