Change of plan

Luke 19:1-6

Jesus and Zacchaeus

 He entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore tree to see him, because he was going to pass that way. When Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down; for I must stay at your house today.” So he hurried down and was happy to welcome him.

What made Jesus look up

and see Zaccheus?

And then what persuaded him

to change his plan

and stay with the tax collector?

Jesus - on a mission

with an appointment

with a cross

took time

to meet this little person

and change his life

and the life of his community

forever.

For such radical change

is rarely restricted

to the one in whom it is wrought

but ripples out

to affect others

- for good or evil.

What if we were more intentional

about our passing encounters

recognising their potential

to change lives

to change communities

to change plans

both now

and for generations to come?

To all whom we encounter this day

may we bring love and compassion

and a change of direction

for the good of all.