The opening verse of the passage, along with the living waters in 14:8, further the theme of the Well for this week. Apocalyptic images will have you feel the connection with the Book of Revelation as the energy of the year’s end mounts to conclusion. Also, see if you can find some verses that Matthew and Mark place on the lips of Jesus in the narrative of the Passion.

The nineteenth century German philosophy Nietzsche said: “That which doesn’t destroy me makes me stronger.” Zechariah expresses a similar conviction in using the image of the refiner’s fire as suffering comes upon the people. Who or what in your life are you resisting that, if embraced and accepted, would lift you to a higher place, as Zacchaeus, so that you can see Jesus?

Zechariah 13—14

Mondays are dedicated to the reading of the Hebrew Prophets.
In the season of Kingdomtide we read Habakkuk to Malachi.

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Refine me as fire, O Lord. 13:9

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.

One would have to know the kind of person Zacchaeus was before knowing Christ, to appreciate who he became afterward. He was a publican, a tax-collector, just as the one who prayed in the Temple with great repentance in last Sunday’s Gospel. Zacchaeus benefited from his short, stocky build to move cautiously and carefully amid God’s people. They hated him, because he, a Jew, exacted the taxes due to the Roman Empire.

However his soul, short and crouched as his body, expands and lifts itself to the height the tree he climbs to see Jesus. He had heard about Jesus and witnessed the power of the Kingdom near at hand from the disciples that went ahead of Jesus as Jesus made his way to Jerusalem. These faithful disciples opened up a well of deep, spontaneous love in Zacchaeus, breaking the bonds of greed and self-centeredness that bowed him to the ground. Who will want to see Jesus because of you?

Luke 19:1–10

What are “Bible Breaths”? Learn More…
Example: Out on a limb for Jesus v. 4

Sundays are dedicated to the Gospels from the Revised Common Lectionary.
In year C, we generally read from the Gospel of St. Luke.

For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook.  You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.