Are You Babbling

Warriors Arise: February 7, 2022

Luke 19:1-8 (NKJV) Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6 So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. 7 But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.” 8 Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”

This is the first record of Zacchaeus speaking. At the sycamore tree Jesus speaks to Zacchaeus, but there is nothing recorded about a verbal response. I wonder if he babbled, the excitement, the unexpected, the awe of Jesus seeing Him and speaking to him. Remember Peter babbled, speaking of nonsense at the Mount of Transfiguration.

Matthew 17:1-6 (NKJV) Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; 2 and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. 3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. 4 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” 6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid.

If I could double underline Hear Him!, I would. Peter was babbling nonsense. God was not wanting there to be three tabernacles built, that would turn into shrines. There was no need for Peter to speak. He was there to observe only. Maybe Luke was gracious to Zacchaeus and did not record his babbling. When the Lord shows us something, it really isn't time for us to begin talking. Generally, we have already been talking we have already been praying. Daniel was praying for 21 days and the angel arrives to tell him what God said. Daniel listened (Daniel 9:20-27). Gabriel talked with him. Then we have John the Baptist's father, Zachariah. When the angel came to him, he questioned the angel and was mute until John was born and brought before the priests at the temple. This makes me wonder, about my own private time with the Lord. Do I babble? Do I continue what I am doing or do I stop, listen and learn? Do I speak when I should be listening?

Father, I want to be one who respects Your presence. I want to recognize when You are near. I want to stop what I am doing. I want to listen to what You have to say. I want to comprehend what You are saying and learn from it, about it and apply it to my life. I ask to have the sense about me to learn from You. When You arrive You generally aren't there to hear my prayers one more time. If this is a personal visit You want to look into my eyes, but most importantly You want me to look into Your's. You want me to know the depth of Your love, the peace of Your presence, and the stability of Your power. When You come and look at me it is time for me to pay attention. It is time for me to know You intimately. It is time for me to hear You. I pray I would stop what I am doing, listen to what You are saying and learn from You, to comprehend You ways. I pray I would have the courage to look into Your eyes and allow You to look into mine in Jesus' name amen.

A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,

Veridee Joy Hand

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