By Pastor Stephen Gibson
February tips the scales as the littlest month. We might say it’s the least of the months, but its importance can be measured only in light of eternity.
Luke 19 records the story of Jesus’ visit to Jericho and His interaction with Zacchaeus. The tax collector was a little man. This word is often translated least in the New Testament. In many ways, Zacchaeus was the least. He seemed the least likely person in Jericho to be a candidate for salvation. He was a selfish, thieving, self-centered character. Who would think he had any interest in Jesus and a message of love to God and others? Zacchaeus seemed the least likely to be on Jesus’ visit list for this trip to Jericho. Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem to be the perfect lamb slain for the sins of the world. Did He have time to hang out in Jericho with a self-absorbed tax agent?
While we might not have rated Zacchaeus high on the ‘interest list’, Jesus knew he was fruit ready for picking. Jesus reached out to him and gave Zacchaeus a personal gospel appeal.
So as you assess people and pray for wisdom in presenting them a gospel appeal, remember that the one least likely to seem open to receiving the good news of salvation may be the one most feeling their need of a new beginning, a new start with God. The one we cross off the list almost without further thought, may be the one God is calling to Himself at this time, the least of the months.
The good news of the gospel is that if we are the least, we are on God’s list. We are on His radar. While we may not be feeling significant or productive, we may be in the most usable condition for God’s assignments. He is looking for ones who can serve Him and recognize that He is the One doing the work. He is the One able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). So why not ask Him to do an abundant work in this part of the vineyard as we invite people to follow Him this month? Then the glory will go to Him as God’s power is revealed in a mighty way (Ephesians 3:21).