God calling for Zacchaeus perched in a tree; some say an unclean tree, to meet his Son. Criticize The Meaning Of Worship By Robohnya Surau Kami 1089 Words | 5 Pages. Let me fill in the blanks, so that you get the richest meaning of God’s message in those verses. I and others might have missed out on a miracle of salvation that day. All that was before him was the familiar surroundings seen from his favorite chair; his Bible, opened to Luke Chapter 19, rested in his lap. I call him friend now but in those days, I usually kept my distance from him. Praise and Worship Prayers When leading worship during a church service or meeting, it can often be helpful to read an inspiring bible passage that reminds us of God's goodness and presence with us. The Roman Tax Collector Core fell into 2 groups; The General Tax Collector who annually demanded lawful taxes for property such as farms, land and houses, individuals and, income taxes. What Jesus said next stunned the crowd. I’m sure that your tourist guide on the bus has told the story of Zacchaeus climbing a Sycamore-fig tree. The Jews hated paying tribute to Rome, funding the foreigners on their soil who oppressed them and worshiped their many gods displayed in surrounding public buildings and in Rome. No, the others can’t see or hear me as you do. I’d like to tell you a story. I have 2 children and 5 grandchildren. Doing all this is fine but the 30 minutes or so usually allocated to this does not constitute … This simple act of giving an offering in the temple caught the … Some there would never believe that this sinner could be saved. Your story had been in the praise-and-worship short story file for some time. Let me leave you with this thought. I was plain to me that Jesus was there to save his soul. But I felt drawn into his presence, into his love. Since they can see your face and reactions, let’s step away from the crowd so we can speak together, in private. Never was there such commotion in all of Jericho!People have asked me, “Why did Zacchaeus run to climb the tree?” That’s a good question, one with many possible answers. No need for panic…I’m harmless and you’ll probably never tell of this encounter with me to another living soul. To use your vernacular, Jesus is a game changer! Even the size or number of cart wheels could be taxed. He was the Shepherd who would save the lost.It was a dry, hot day. Sharon writes: "I am a housewife/writer. ), ________________________________________________, 1 Robert Preus, The Power of God's Word,http://www.mtio.com/articles/bissar101.htm, 2 Climbing High to See Jesus, Christian Family Fellowship, http://www.cffm.org/teachings/climb.shtml, © Copyright 2009 Praise-and-Worship.com But then, he wasn’t welcome at those shops unless he was spending money. Others who were curious and looking for a show, tagged along. He was not alone. Surely, Jesus must have been anticipating who Zacchaeus would become, once he embraced his divine love! I could see that in his face, and he had no word of rebuke for Zacchaeus. Power of Praise - Ultimate Praise & Worship - The Story Behind the Music Kyei Amoako. Your generations have had many years to read the Bible and learn about what happened in the time of Jesus and here in Jericho. This was the work of God in Jesus Christ! A Spirit-guided reading of this Scripture reveals much more than does the song; the truly wonderful message of God’s love and grace poured out on mankind, in the life of Jesus Christ. "It Is Well with My Soul" by Horatio Spafford. Imagine what a follower of Christ might have said about Zacchaeus at this point: “Today, Zacchaeus has passed through the eye of a needle!” Oh yes, it was the most splendid day in Jericho! I suppose that hardened hearts were incapable of seeing the very work of God before them. We will warmly invite all to belong and help everyone learn His story. Oh, I see that I have shocked you…that usually happens to everyone I meet. These tax collectors were allowed to keep part of the revenue for themselves. I don’t think he saw me; at least he wasn’t looking my direction. The following is a list of the stories I have written. Slide 1 of 5. All rights reserved, Stories by Dorothy (Dotts) Lewellyn Justice, The Night Disco Died, or Will the Real Jesus Please Sign in. Few of them ever admitted that the city’s most despised outcast was bound for heaven. Still, keeping the dust down was a great problem. I knew I needed forgiveness; that I wanted what Zacchaeus had just received; that I could never live without Jesus anymore than could the new Zacchaeus. There is a lot of emphasis in churches today on praise and worship. Oh well, I promised you a story, and there’s a mighty important one about the tree that caught your eye, and the little man named Zacchaeus. This is the mystery and the miracle of the breakthrough power and presence of God when we worship! Robert J. Morgan, Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World’s Greatest Hymn Stories, 2003. God's grace and His justice, His omnipresence and His holiness, His majesty and His glory are not quiescent attributes, but are active and dynamic. Nowadays, you carry around little devices loaded with of electronic books. Closer to the square and shops were cobble stone streets. Maybe you have the answer. You asked me earlier if I had become a member of “The Way.” Well, I did that day! I know now that it was because of his newfound seed of faith. The psalmist writes, “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: … Frankly, I wondered why he didn’t go up on a nearby shop roof for a good view. He quickly looked back to see that the old man wasn’t there either. There were Gentiles in the crowd and any one of them might have climbed that tree. Being poor, I had little access to the ancient scrolls of my time. All rights reserved. “Thank you for telling me the story,” the tourist said, he was otherwise speechless. David Sheward, "The Real Story … I prefer to think that he wasn’t going to let his wealth come between his soul and God. Christian Short Stories By Web Ruble. In Isaiah 55:11, as elsewhere in Scripture, God declared the power and purpose of his faithful word for us. As a Jew, somewhere in the depths of his soul he knew his Maker, and the talk of Jesus that had reached his ears had fulfilled a divine plan for the meeting at Jericho. I saw the effect of a beginning and endless faith, expressed in joy as he welcomed Jesus to go to his home. These were Jews; willing contractors to the Roman authorities and allowed to collect taxes as they saw fit. A sacrifice of praise is choosing to praise God in our brokenness a It has three topics connected with Terry Law: his work with World Compassion Ministries; the loss of his first wife and divorce from his second; and the power of prayer and worship in his ministry and personal life. God had a plan; God owns grace and poured it out on us that day. Sep 6, 2015 - Hymns have been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I pray they will bless you as I was blessed when I wrote them. Could this be the Messiah, they wondered, come to deliver them from their Roman oppressors? Well, on with my story. How could I not? I think that he already knew all about the little man in the tree. So, let me ask you…what do you think would have happened if Zacchaeus had held to his pride and ignored the pre-destined call from Jesus? I began “leading worship” long before I truly understood what it meant to live a life of worship. I see that you’re uneasy but I’d like to speak with you. I bet some of you are singing it in your head as you read this! So, why do you suppose that he choose to be a tax collector? Fortunately, the Holy Spirit did not let that happen. I can see by your face that you would never entertain that thought. What I’m about to tell you is based entirely on God’s word. I AM HAVING A HARD TIME. karaoke; videoke; praise and worship song; easy to follow lyrics; great synchronization between music and text He was considered to be a cheater, turncoat and sinner; although Scripture does not say that he cheated anyone. I decided to go back and re-read it. That old shop there, its roof patio is typical of the times. Children are taught a little song that is based on this Scripture. Camel caravans and donkey carts had worn deep ruts in it; making walking was a bit precarious. It’s worth reminding that every word of the Bible is alive, everlasting, truthful, meaningful and purposeful. I quickly found my time and place to surrender fully to my Lord. The crowd swelled as locals from shops joined them to follow Jesus across the dusty road nearing this very square. He had no Jewish friends and wasn’t all that friendly to locals and passers-by, except to the rich Gentile traders. Still others didn’t seem to fully recognize that they had just witnessed a miracle. He came home and his... Music, Hymn, Humor, Worship, Praise. He had sold himself out to the Romans and became wealthy at the expense of his own people! A. Navis is one of Indonesia’s classical literary work which tells a story of an old man, kakek, who was very religious, but eventually suicide himself after he received a mockery for his religious acts from one of the characters, named Ajo Sidi. He didn’t know what to expect but his deliberate and risky action didn’t go unnoticed by Jesus. Great teaching and learning resource for churches, parents and children. Thankfully, I was mentored by students, faculty and InterVarsity staff that modeled holiness for me in a way that spurred me on, and some of the IVCF staff members who were huge in my life during those years are our closest friends even today. But certainly, rich Jews of the city would never climb a tree in the presence of others. Carts were subject to search and their contents taxed, as was the animal pulling the cart or the people riding in them. Is that why he later opted to buy his acceptance among the rich? Whatever the cause, I always assumed that his life was empty, despite his wealth. praise to God is a vehicle of faith which takes us into His presence and power! Zacchaeus had surrendered to his Lord, Christ Jesus! It seems to me that your generation should have all the answers for living. Surely the Holy Spirit was at work here. Writing stories about Jesus is very rewarding and brings me so much joy. Now, to address your interest in Jericho. Well, let me tell you. The Jews considered the Jewish tax collectors to be robbers and thieves. You must be curious about me. Now, let me tell you about my friend Zacchaeus. Hard times set in on the elderly lady, and she prayed for GOD to send her some assistance. He fully intended to intrude into Zacchaeus’ life of pride and greed. Many were crooked, self-enriching men. After all, he was rejected by family and friends and became one of the most despised people in the city. Let’s walk slowly, I’m an old man. Shock and inexpressible joy combined in his facial features, as he jumped down from the tree limb, scraping his knees on the ground. It’s important that you understand his background. I like to think that when I’m writing about the Lord, I’m actually worshiping Him. Anyway, I can tell you that he should never have ran in the street, because rich well-dressed men never ran with their skirt lifted to expose their legs. The father ran to meet his long lost son, so I imagine that he raised his skirt or he would have tripped in the field. Worship will help us Break through the Prison - Acts 16 Act 16:25 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. It once was a prosperous commercial and agricultural region, heavily traveled by tradesmen and vendors in camel caravans from the nearby Jordan Valley and elsewhere. Many people know the story of Zacchaeus in the Bible. His gratitude for saving grace had radically changed the life of the hated tax collector. When we worship, we affirm the truth of God’s Word, and it is being rooted deep in our hearts. Loading... Unsubscribe from Kyei Amoako? I’ll never forget the day that Jesus came to Jericho. He declared that Zacchaeus, who had been lost, was a son of Abraham. It’s not unimportant. There seems no end of ways for you to learn what’s important. But his life changed that day---forever! Obviously, Jesus saw it too because something supreme happened at that moment. The man formerly controlled by greed was now mastered by inexpressible, heavenly love. Such is the impetus for this story told to an un-expecting tourist in Jericho by an imaginary onlooker from that day when Jesus came to Jericho. I’m very amused by the vernacular of your day. ... “Worship is an act that develops feelings for God, not a feeling for God that is expressed in an... Worship, Quote. And as God is, so is His Word.1 It is only when we firmly trust His word that we dig deeply for its fullest meaning in our lives. Oh yes, that’s true. Praise and worship is the “gate-pass” which allows us to enter the sacredness of His glory. What if he had opted to stay at his tax booth and kept his false religion of money to himself? You know that Jesus said, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. But I was in Jericho to see Jesus enter our ancient city. A short story, titled Robohnya Surau Kami, by A. “Which one is this Jesus that I hear talk about?” He asked excitedly, “I want to see him.” “There, at the front of the crowd,” I replied. (© 2010 John Miller – All rights reserved. Another for those who liked traditional worship. His declaration of charity; his confession of past extortion; his offer of repentance were lost on the judgmental Jews that surrounded him. That was his game. There are dozens of books on the history and origins of famous hymns, but few on the contemporary praise songs that are used in evangelical Christian churches on Sundays. Well, the brochure you’re holding says that it’s the oldest city in the world. I think that Jesus anticipated finding the strange little man sitting up in a tree. The local vendors had left their shops unattended to join the townspeople who jammed the street to gawk at the visitors. Worship quote-63: Story “A worship that will have staying power is a worship that is firmly grounded in the old, yet aware of and concerned for new ways to respond to the old, old story.” ... “Teach your children to sing praise and worship to God―it is the purest form of prayer, especially praise, it is prayer with no self interest. My name? What precious times those were. That’s what “put us on the map,” as you moderns like to say. I’ll take it from there. That’s true. There was one for those new to the faith. There’s plenty time for telling this story. Jesus’ response to Zacchaeus’ confession was not to judge him nor offer approval of his works of charity. I was there for the miraculous feedings and always a little curious about his parables. Praise Choruses An old farmer went to the city one weekend and attended the big city church. Clearly, he needed nothing from Zacchaeus in order to grant him the gift of love, where only despise and hate had existed. PLEASE LORD, SEND ME SOME GROCERIES!!" “Look Lord,” I heard him say, as he disclaimed his sinful past and offered to make restitution for his cheating. You would have never read about the miracle of a soul converted in Jericho. He turned to go to the bus. See more ideas about hymn, praise songs, praise and worship. Yes, I was there on the hillside to hear it. No one in Jericho would have known that Jesus could change the most despised man in the city to become his follower. The Bible tell us that “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through #God to the pulling down of strong holds”– 2 Corinthians 10:4 They could only mutter condemnation of him and ridicule Christ. By the way, as I tell you this story, I want you to consider something important about Scripture. Just a short time before, Jesus had told about this in a parable to the Pharisees who objected to his association with tax collectors and sinners. The practical understanding that many people have of this subject is that praise and worship is the first part of a church service. We are a prideful bunch! There was a congregation that decided to have four worship services each Sunday. Also, (1) I’d like to share some of my short stories with you, and, (2) I hope you enjoy over 300 short stories from our Guest Writers here as well. Let’s walk to that bench under its shade and I’ll get started. He mission included intruding into Zacchaeus’ life to show him unconditional acceptance; to show him how to live through him. There is no new theology. 26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. They probably overcharged him, just to get back at him for his greed. The Widow’s Mite: Mark 12:41-44. We "warm people up" with some fast songs (praise) and then we sing some mellow songs of adoration. I see that you brought along your Bible, so go ahead and read Luke 19:1-10. Let me tell you a little more about Zacchaeus. And another for those who had a bad experience with church and were complaining about it. Kenneth Osbeck, 101 Hymn Stories , 1982. Did you know that when Jesus entered Jericho, he was only week away from his crucifixion? They wouldn’t believe you anyway. I saw it! Thank you so much for sharing your view on that old Gospel story. They collected taxes from Jews and traveling vendors of other nations for such unreasonable things such as each person crossing a bridge (in both directions) and exiting that bridge, also to enter certain properties or areas of the city. Blessings by Laura Story. That’s right; I told Zacchaeus that Jesus was coming but I never expected his reaction! You needn’t worry about the bus leaving without you. Can you imagine what alienation and hatred they suffered as a result of their son’s association with the Roman authorities as a tax collector? I pray you are blessed and enjoy them as much as I have. Praise & Worship will continue to be a Christ-focused body of believers; making disciples and sharing the Good News of Jesus with all of southwest Missouri and beyond. By the way, do you know that there is no other recorded case where Jesus invited himself to a home? The name Zacchaeus means “righteous one or pure one.” His parents must have expected something great of him to give him that name. Cancel Unsubscribe. Writing short stories is an amazing experience as I allow my imagination to create people, places and situations that I can share with you, the reader. I bet some of you are singing it in your head as you read this! Did you know that your #praise and worship is very powerful and is a weapon that can unlock doors, close doors, break chains, bring healing and deliverance, cause the enemy to back up and take his hands off you, your love ones and community?. The little rich man was tucked in a tree, his eyes glued on the Messiah trudging along in the dusty street. God bless you! You can read about that in 1 John 4:9. I’m curious why that is. This Week at Praise & Worship: Sunday, January 10 @ 9:00 am: Sunday Morning Bible Study entitled: “Growing in God’s Word,” In-Person and on Zoom. In my day, we took time to let stories linger in our thoughts, so we wouldn’t forget the meaning of the smallest word. The Bible says in Psalm 22:3 that He actually lives and dwells in our praises. Web Ruble writes: I am a retired newspaper reporter of some 40 years, and a couple of those years I was religion writer at The Oregonian, Oregon's largest daily. When I saw the dust rise in the road, kicked up by the feet of the approaching throng of intruders to our city, I knew it had to be Jesus and his followers. Did he choose friendship with the Romans who held less prejudice against him? DIVINE INTRUSION AT JERICHOBy John Miller. Was he ridiculed for his small size? How about that! Yet, his parents took the blunt of cruel jokes and ridicule from their neighbors. Many people know the story of Zacchaeus in the Bible. I noticed you staring at that big tree, and that’s why I approached you. Right before me, Zacchaeus’ face revealed that his hardened heart was changed, its door had swung wide open and it was filled with grace. In fact, I am not mentioned anywhere in the Bible. He was a funny sight! Jesus had a way, a commanding presence about him that I’ll never forget. © Copyright 2009 Praise-and-Worship.com The little man did well to climb the tree. As part of His family, we will continually reach out to the lost. Well, Zacchaeus was a Jew and a chief tax collector who sat at a booth. I see that your bus is loading, so you better get aboard. He rose awkwardly to his feet to stand before Jesus. God is eternally active. I’d say that Zacchaeus was well aware of the cost of his occupation to his parents; to himself. I hope you enjoy these stories and I pray they will encourage and give you hope. No, I’m not crazy and you’re not dreaming. They greeted him as he traveled to the holy city, attracted by his preaching and miracles. Let’s go deep together to learn the whole story of Jesus and how He is inviting all of us to participate in His mission to restore all things! One for those who had lost their faith and would like to get it back. To remedy that, Phil Christensen and Shari MacDonald offer Celebrate Jesus: The Stories Behind Your Favorite Praise and Worship … You sir, are a top-drawer writer, and obviously a devout Christian. One of the merchants stared up at him, sneering and murmuring snide comments, while others strained their necks to see Jesus over the shoulders of taller people. Was he merely securing the best viewing post ahead of someone else? You’ll find that in Luke 15:1-2. Families ate their meals and spent leisure time high up on roofs, away from the dust and dung of the crowded street. Web from United States writes: "John Miller -- Your story "Touching The Jesus in You" is excellent. Enjoyed hymn sings with extended family, many of whom are no longer with us. That raised a peculiar question in my mind on that day…but I’ll get to that later. I learned to read and count using the writings and numbers scratched into pieces of broken clay that were used by the traders and in the shops. Some shops wouldn’t trade with them. What does this say about love of money? 5.0 out of 5 stars The Sacrifice of Praise: Stories Behind the Greatest Praise and Worship Songs of All Times Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2008 This is a terrific book for use as a devotional book or a resource book. Zacchaeus quickly closed up his booth and ran into the crowd. The crowd was stunned by Jesus inviting himself to the home of a sinner of Zacchaeus. Although, I did hear Jesus speak of such a happening, when he told the parable of the Prodigal Son. He had suddenly recognized Jesus as his Master! Jesus’ divine intrusion at Jericho had great purpose; to show incomprehensible love, forgiveness and mercy. Yes, I knew Jesus, at first as “Teacher,” as did most people at the time. A Funny Little Story about Hymns and Praise Songs - by Author Unknown Articles on the Christian Walk, Systematic Theology and Practical Theology Today, many Christians are turning back to the puritans to, “walk in the old paths,” of God’s word, and to continue to proclaim old truth that glorifies Jesus Christ. God's Word possesses all of His might and power. The second Tax Collector Group, known as Deputy or Under-collectors, sat at booths alongside roads, bridges and at entrances to the public buildings and the main parts of town. So much has changed in my city; my culture and yours; yet nothing has changed in the hearts of so many men. The little man in the tree never expected what followed when Jesus looked up to speak to him. I was a distant and curious follower of Jesus; just one of many faces among the crowds sitting on a hillsides. Luke 19:1-10, right? Bible Studies. After all, as you see in the Bible, Jesus is the Good Shepherd searching for his wayward sheep. She stood on her porch and shouted "PRAISE THE LORD. I must stay at your house today.” I remember the surprised look on Zacchaeus’ face when Jesus called him from that tree. The lyrics to this uplifting hymn, ironically, … They had missed the miracle occurring right before their eyes; the conversion of Zacchaeus was the fulfillment of Christ’s very purpose for coming into the world. Freedom Kids Bible Videos! It wasn’t there. Children are taught a little song that is based on this Scripture. Find album reviews, stream songs, credits and award information for Bible Story Songs - Praise & Worship on AllMusic - 2003 For reasons I still don’t understand, I ran first to tell Zacchaeus. There was a lot of pushing and shoving. If Jesus said it, then I suspect that he was making an important point. Written material may not be duplicated without permission. Now I am a novelist and short story writer. Well, I’m a poor Jew, born in 4 B.C. Yes, he was an adult and responsible for his actions outside their home. just 10 miles outside this city. As I've said before, we can worship our Lord through the written word. Imagine that! It’s from the Bible. I’m really here before you. Disclaimer: No Copyright infringement intended, contents belong to it's rightful owner. Therefore, our worship must be informed at every point by the Word of God as we seek God’s own instructions for worship that is pleasing to Him.” — R.C. Did I become a member of “The Way?” I’ll tell you about that later. GOD I NEED FOOD!! Some people say he was merely curious. As the Bible story progresses through Joshua, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel and 1 & 2 Kings, it becomes clear that the people of God are not giving God the worship he deserves. I found myself fully and completely in love with Jesus Christ. Some books of your generation say that the Sycamore-fig tree of Judea was considered unclean because its fruits were used to feed the pigs.2 I won’t say one way or the other, but surely Zacchaeus would not have climbed that tree, if he hadn’t traded his pride and willingly suffered great embarrassment for the opportunity to see Jesus up close. My stories were written with love, so enjoy them for what they are. So, what do you think motivated Zacchaeus to drop his pride and climb the tree to see Jesus? At the time of Christ, the Jewish nation was under taxation by the Roman Empire. Of course I knew Zacchaeus! Next thing I see is Zacchaeus perched in this tree, his outer garment dirty and torn by the limbs. Shop there, its roof patio is typical of the hated tax collector that Jesus said it then... Learn his story oh, I wondered why he didn’t know what to but! Next thing I see that your bus is loading, so enjoy them as much as I was to... 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Along in the hearts of so many men that is based on this Scripture think... Empty, despite his wealth come between his soul mellow songs of adoration give hope. On a hillsides a peculiar question in my mind on that old Gospel story important about Scripture Luke... Out on a nearby shop roof for a show, tagged along in fact, I knew Jesus, first! Some fast songs ( praise ) and then we sing some mellow songs adoration. Way.€ well, the holy Spirit did not let that happen a that., rich Jews of the World ’ s word, and he sold! Lord through the written word years to read the Bible went to the square and shops were cobble streets! He came home and his... Music, Hymn, praise stories I have written praise and worship stories!