Go Climb a Tree

(Luke 19:1-10)

Are you feeling the tug and pull of life, are you getting battered and bruised by the crush of life?

Are you missing out on the really important stuff, because of all the little pressing stuff?

Are you barely moving along in the stream of life because you feel as though you are going up stream rather than going with the flow? Are you using all the strength that you have to battle the crashing waves?

STRESS. Stress hits us all like a ton of bricks at times, or sometimes sneaks up on us almost unawares. It can make us feel like a rusty old cog of the wheel--neglected, screaming, squeaking for some oil.

So, what can you do? Climb a tree. Yep! That's right! Climb a tree. Doesn't matter whether it is an apple tree, oak tree, a plum tree, or a sycamore tree, just find a tree. Did the sycamore tree remind you of anyone? Do you remember the little song you sang as a child about a wee little man? Do you remember the little guy, literally caught in the hustle and bustle, the push and the shove, the stampede of life? He tried to fight his way through the pressing mob, but to no avail. So, instead, he climbed a tree to get up above all of it. He was little more than a cog, but he knew he was important enough to need some oil. He knew he needed to see Jesus. To do that, he had to get out of the crowd and out of the push and shove of life. That was the only way for him to see Jesus. It was then, when little Zacheaus escaped the crush of the crowd and of life, that he also knew Jesus saw him.

It's not easy to climb a tree. It takes effort. But what a view from up there. The view from there makes all the difference. It gives you a different perspective. You can see what really is going on. Suddenly, all that pressing little stuff really does look little. Clinging to that vine, Zacheaus saw "what" was really important in life, and that "what" was Jesus.

Jesus did the same thing. Whenever the crowd pressed Jesus, He departed for a quiet place alone. He got out of the throng. Why? you might ask. Afterall, that throng was composed of the very people He was sent to seek and save. So why depart? Why sneak off? Just like Zacheaus he needed to get out of the hustle and bustle, and focus on God. He knew that the only way He could truly see the needs of each person, was away from the crowd, and through the eyes of God.

So, go ahead, and find your tree. Take time to claim a tree, a garden, a closet, or a mountain top. Just be alone with God. Sink into His arms and rest, relax, and be refreshed.