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God is more than a divine grandfather

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  • Wes Bloomquist •
  • Originally published January 16, 2009 at 5:04 p.m., updated January 16, 2009 at 5:04 p.m.

Teachers ask students questions to check their understanding of the specific subject matter and to test the individual's comprehension of the greater truths of the lesson.

Jesus, the greatest teacher, asked a blind man in Luke 18 what he wanted. He responded he wanted to see again. The individual had lost the primary sense for humans. His whole life had changed, he could no longer provide for his family.

Jesus' response not only returned the man's sight, but restored his former lifestyle as well.

In the next chapter of the Gospel, a small, corrupt public official wanted to see also. Zacchaeus was in charge of the regional tax office in Jericho, and as such was not a local hero.

As April 15 looms, taxpayers begin to complain about having to give their hard earned money back to the government that will use it for programs of which the individual disagrees.

Government is also perceived as wasteful. There is a story of one man digging and another filling in the hole when the first was finished. When asked about this one of the men replied that the guy who plants the tree was off that day.

The cartoon character Snuffy Smith was always on the lookout for the dreaded "Revenuers" who wanted him to pay taxes on his 'shine.

Zacchaeus was also viewed as a collaborator with the Romans. The Romans were the military occupiers of the of the Bible lands, and just about the rest of the known world at that time. They took advantage of the people; the Roman soldiers would force people to carry their equipment for a mile, build their roads.

The Romans were a very religious people. However, their religion was paganism. They had gods for every occasion. The gods were consulted before any major decision was made, from battle to marriage. Yet, these gods were not very ethical. They were used to justify immoral attitudes; physical, economic, and political. Because the Romans were militarily successful, their gods were superior to any other deities.

For these reasons, Zacchaeus was not welcome in his hometown. When he heard that Jesus was coming to Jericho, the tax collector climbed a tree in order to see the traveling rabbi. But, out of the mass of people that surrounded Jesus, he saw Zacchaeus. As a result of his encounter with Jesus, he chose to abandon his former occupation and lifestyle.

What does the reader want? Do they want to change the way the world sees them or the way that they see the world. This can only be achieved through the power of the Living God. Scripture reveals a God that is not only the creator, but is also personal. God is more than a divine grandfather, but deity that is concerned with every nuance of a problem. One that is willing to transform and renew.

The Rev. Dr. Benjamin W. Sheeran, D.Mn., is pastor of Hochheim Baptist Church.



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