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.
All who saw it began to grumble and said,
“He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.”
—Luke 19.5-7
Like two old friends,
God and the sinner.
Here’s the scandal:
The Beloved actually, really
wants to be with you.
Imagine that.
The Loving One sees you
in your awkwardness,
uncomfortably hanging on
in your ridiculous perch,
knows all about the gossip,
and still can think of nothing
more desirable
than being with you.
At your place. On your terms.
It’s this simple.
The Holy One wants to be with you.
No condescension.
It’s no job requirement.
God likes being with you.
God likes being with you.
God likes being with you.