Luke 19:9-10 NKJV
And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; [10] for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."
Imagine the most notorious swindler suddenly being asked by Jesus to take Him for tea to his house? Jesus rubbing shoulders with that blatant "sinner" is scandalous in our eyes, isn't it?
Or, what about Russell Brand getting baptised to be re-born in Jesus - isn't that a bit shocking to us respectable Christians? Oh no, that's just like Jesus... cutting through the veneer of our perceived goodness, shattering norms!
He sees through to the core of each human being and looks at the heart as only He can.
So many are living out their lives not realising that they are lost.
The saddest state to be in is to be oblivious to "lost-ness..."
"I'm alright as I am" - that's a pitiable plight.
Zac, in the passage above, knew he was lost. His nefariously amassed riches meant nothing to his parched lost soul. So he went looking for hope and meaning (even hidden from human eyes).
We have neighbours, friends and associates stuck up their own "sycamore trees", secretly looking for that something or someone to break into their broken lives.
You or I may just be that messenger of Hope and Salvation in Jesus.
Through love and understanding call them down from their hiding places and introduce them to the Way, the Truth and the Life.
It may be through an invitation to your home or for a coffee somewhere. Be aware and available.
Also Jesus spoke of the church that has no idea of their wretched state before Him:
Revelation 3:16-19 NKJV
So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. [17] Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'-and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked- [18] I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. [19] As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
Lord Jesus wake me up to my own and others' lost-ness and let me be more zealous to share You with others.