THE SHORTEST MAN ON EARTH

The Bible speaks about a man named Zacchaeus, who was of little stature. Zacchaeus was a very rich man. He was not only very rich, but was chief among the tax-collectors. But when he wanted to see Jesus, who passed by Jericho one day, he was unable to see Him, because of his small build. Zacchaeus was however determined to see Jesus. An idea struck him. He ran ahead and climbed up on a sycamore tree and waited there to see Jesus, who was to pass by that way.

When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and saw Zacchaeus on the tree and said to him, “Hurry down, Zacchaeus, because I must stay in your house today.” Zacchaeus came down quickly and received Jesus joyfully. There, the seeking saviour met the seeking sinner. Jesus went to Zacchaeus’ house, while the people murmured saying that He had visited to the home of a sinner.

There something amazing happened. A great transformation was taking place in Zacchaeus’ heart. Zacchaeus realized that he was a sinner. He had made a lot of wealth by unfair means, which he realized was not right in the sight of God. The guilt of his sin was crushing him. He could no longer hide it from the Saviour. He wanted to testify, “He said, ‘Lord, the half of my property I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man fraudulently, I restore fourfold.’ Jesus replied, ‘This day salvation is come to this house.’”

Zacchaeus received Jesus, as his Lord and Saviour, repented for his sins and thus received salvation instantly. You and I are all indeed like Zacchaeus, of little stature spiritually, heading towards eternal death! The only way to escape this doom and disaster is to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour and atone for our sins for if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Dear reader, do you have the assurance of salvation? If not, repent for your sins, trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and receive the assurance of salvation right now!

- by Kumar N.