MOMENT OF ENCOUNTER DEVOTIONAL
By Prophet Dr. Abiodun Adesida
Topic:
The Zacchaeus Positioning System (When Desire Climbs Above Excuses)
Text:
«"And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way." — Luke 19:3–4 (KJV)»
Devotional Message
Life has two categories of people: those waiting for opportunities to knock and those who climb through the window when the door is crowded!
Zacchaeus belonged to the second group.
He had money but no peace.
He had influence but no acceptance.
He was rich enough to buy a mansion but too empty to purchase joy.
One day he heard Jesus was passing through Jericho. Perhaps someone whispered, "Remember Matthew? Jesus even ate in his house!" Hope suddenly woke up inside him.
He said to himself, "If Matthew was not too dirty for Jesus, maybe I am not too dirty either."
There was only one problem—he was vertically challenged.
But thank God Zacchaeus had a short body, not a short vision!
Many people are taller than Zacchaeus physically but shorter than him spiritually. They have long legs but never run after God. They have healthy hands but never lift them in worship. They have good eyes but never look unto Jesus.
Your size has never been God's problem. Your desire is.
Zacchaeus refused to let his limitation become his destination. Instead of complaining about his height, he elevated his position. Instead of blaming the crowd, he climbed above it.
Some people spend their entire lives explaining why they cannot succeed.
"I was born poor."
"My family is against me."
"I didn't go to the best school."
"I have made too many mistakes."
Excuses have never impressed heaven.
Faith does.
The Zacchaeus Positioning System
1. Desire That Refused to Die
"He sought to see Jesus..."
Every genuine encounter begins with genuine hunger.
Nobody accidentally experiences God. People encounter Him because they passionately pursue Him.
2. He Refused to Blame His Limitation
He was short, but his determination was taller than the crowd.
Your weakness is not God's excuse to abandon you; it is His opportunity to demonstrate His grace.
3. He Ignored Public Opinion
Imagine a wealthy chief tax collector climbing a tree!
Some people probably laughed:
"Look at that rich man behaving like a monkey!"
But Zacchaeus understood something many never learn:
People who laugh at your pursuit today may celebrate your testimony tomorrow.
4. He Ran While Others Walked
The Bible did not say he strolled.
It says he ran.
Divine opportunities rarely wait for lazy people.
Many pray for open doors while sleeping beside the key.
5. He Climbed Above the Crowd
The sycamore tree became his altar of positioning.
Sometimes your "tree" is prayer.
Sometimes it is fasting.
Sometimes it is repentance.
Sometimes it is sacrifice.
Whatever brings you above distraction becomes your platform for divine visitation.
The Reward of Positioning
Then something extraordinary happened.
Jesus stopped.
The King of kings interrupted His journey because one determined man climbed a tree.
He looked up and called him by name.
The crowd saw a sinner.
Jesus saw a son.
The crowd remembered his past.
Jesus announced his future.
One encounter accomplished what years of wealth could never buy.
Today's Application
Every Sunday, churches are filled with "Zacchaeuses."
Some genuinely want Jesus.
Others simply came because it is Sunday.
Some come to impress people with new clothes.
Others come to express their hunger for God.
Many iron their garments but never iron out the wrinkles in their hearts.
Many polish their shoes but never polish their character.
Many charge their phones on Saturday night but never charge their spirits before coming to church.
The difference is not attendance.
The difference is positioning.
Don't merely occupy a seat.
Occupy a place in God's presence.
Don't just hear the sermon.
Hear the voice of the Holy Spirit.
Don't leave church saying, "The choir sang well."
Leave saying, "Jesus called my name today."
Reflection
The crowd pressed.
One man climbed.
Many watched.
One man pursued.
Jesus passed by.
But He stopped for the one who positioned himself.
Heaven still responds to desperate seekers.
Reflection Questions
1. Am I still hiding behind excuses, or am I climbing above them?
2. Do I come to God's presence out of routine or genuine hunger?
3. What "sycamore tree" must I climb today, prayer, repentance, sacrifice, obedience, or faith?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, give me the hunger of Zacchaeus. Deliver me from excuses, laziness, and spiritual complacency. Help me to rise above every limitation and position myself for divine encounters. As You pass my way today, stop for me, call me by name, and transform my story for Your glory. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.
Moment of Reflection
Those who merely join the crowd see Jesus passing.
Those who position themselves experience Jesus stopping.
Don't just attend church, position yourself for an encounter.
Your Brother,
Prophet Dr. Abiodun Adesida
CAC IBUDO ONA ABAYỌ cacsolutioncenter@outlook.com
0700-7002462