Steve Bradshaw preached at Woodland this morning.  His message was Divine Hide and Seek, from Luke 19:1-10.  Jesus invites himself to Zacchaeus’ house, when he sees him up in a sycamore fig tree.  Some people were angered because Zacchaeus’ was a tax collector.  Tax collector’s were known for their treachery.  They were basically legal thief’s.  (Our city’s treasurer was sitting in the second row.  At this point Steve said, “How many of you know that all tax collectors are sinners?”   There was laughter, and I looked at her laughing and shrugging her shoulders.  She’s a good sport! )

After Jesus’ visit, Zacchaeus’ life was transformed when he put his faith in Christ.  Zaccheus’ encounter with Christ radically changed his heart and how he interacted with people.

I liked his comparison of the Shepherd looking for the lost sheep to the game of Hide and Seek. Remember when you played Hide and Seek, and you were found by whoever was “it.” Then you helped them find your friends who were hiding.   Steve said, “Jesus is the greatest it there is.  He is what it is all about!”

Aren’t you glad, Christ found you? Now that you have been found, go and find your lost friends and bring them to Christ.

“The Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” Luke 19:10, NLT

Peace!