March 15, 2019: Do They Really Know?!

Today, we look at a Day 3 text from this year’s summer curriculum, “Transformed Community:  God’s Agent of C.H.A.N.G.E.”
Prayer:  Dear Lord Jesus, you know the contents of my heart. You challenge me to live a life that is worthy. May I be transformed more and more each day to become deeply generous and reconciling with anyone that I may have hurt. Guide me to make reparations and further your Kingdom with each healed relationship. In the name of Christ, Amen.
 
Reading:  Luke 19:1-10 (Click to read text)
 
Stop and GROW:  After reading the text, discuss/ponder the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's Book of Faith questions, which are part of Camp Mount Luther's GROW Time with campers.

QUESTION 1:  What scares, confuses, challenges, or doesn’t make sense to me in this text?
QUESTION 2:  What delights me in this text or is my favorite part of the story?
QUESTION 3:  What stories or memories does this text stir in me? 
QUESTION 4:  What is God up to in this text? 
 
Reflection:  There are so many thoughts that come flooding with the story of Zacchaeus. It is one of those kind of texts in the Bible—it evokes memories and feelings. For a short while, I had a love/hate relationship with it. It was the preaching text for our entire introduction to preaching class! I heard too many sermons on this text! However, the punchline is unforgettable. How could I possibly argue against, “The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost.” Who actually likes to be lost?
 
I also have the strong sense that singing the “Wee little man” song, while catchy, misses the point. Like many powerful sacred texts, there are multiple meanings and often a big one that ties them all together. The big one is often a bit hard to swallow, so we usually focus on one of the other ones, like being found. No, the big one for this text is not being found, but the total willingness to be transformed into a generous person. Zacchaeus recognized the depth of discipleship and the gap from his past attitude and behaviors. As much as he loved money, he saw his love was misplaced. He realized that money is a tool, and that in relationships it follows the adage “Love isn’t love until you give it away!”
 
--Andrew Fitch