SUNDAY SERVICE

This week we hear about little people.  I was very short most of my formative years.  I ended up about average but it was slow getting there.  Some guys grow tall very young and then stop and end up short.  I was the other end of the spectrum - in the long run, I had the better of it but it was tough at the time.

Once when Jesus was coming into a town, a tax collector was very anxious to see him.  A crowd had gathered when Jesus and his disciples strode in and the short man couldn't see over those who got to the road first.  He found a tree and climbed it so he could see Jesus.  Remember now, most of the people considered tax collectors were the same as criminals.

Jesus saw the man in the tree and called him down.  He told the short fellow he wanted to stay at his house. This was a shock for his disciples and all those following Jesus because they couldn't understand why he would want to stay with a criminal.

Of course, it was to teach them (and us) a lesson.  The man repented for his sins; collecting excess taxes, keeping too much for himself, causing injury to those who could not pay their taxes.  Jesus showed us that anyone can be saved; anyone can draw God's favor - if they only repent their sins.

Amen.
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