We arrived at the Saturday morning matinee a little later than planned and it was my fault. I was trying to fit in a few too many tasks before the start time which caused our family to run behind schedule. And this wasn’t just any movie – it was Star Wars and the theatre was packed (even on a Saturday morning). We managed to snag seats for the family together but it was at the end of a row (not at all our preferred seating of being smack dab in the middle where all the action is on display). And speaking of action, Star Wars had it going on (although not the point here).
But then our situation changed. The theater manager came in and spoke with authority that everyone had to “move in closer” as all seats had been sold. Somehow we managed to have great seats after the announcement. OK, maybe not exactly center, but enough that we were all smiles about it. Such a win! And I got my tasks accomplished before the movie (definitely not the point here).
Since that December morning, I keep thinking about those words “move in closer”. They seem familiar to me. Those wise words ring like an excellent piece of advice for the new year. In fact, someone else has told us to do just that and not just through His teachings but also His actions. When Jesus walked the earth He poured into many people of all walks of life through teaching, performing miracles, and even demonstrating His amazing love on the cross. But in addition to His overwhelming reach, He made an effort to move in closer to several people along the way.
Sure, He poured greatly into the twelve disciples that He called to join him in the journey. But I also love how He went out of his way to connect with those that would have perhaps been overlooked by everyone else. Those special encounters that required him to not view them as interruptions or taking Him off the planned path. He wasn’t so focused on the tasks to be accomplished that day that He failed to recognize the opportunities in front of him (yes, that hits home for me!). And He cared enough about these people to ask real questions of concern, to speak truth, and to show them what real love looks like.
One such example of this is the story of Zacchaeus (which I love!). Perhaps its because I’m short and can identify with not being able to see over a crowd. Or maybe it’s because I still enjoy singing the Sunday School song that shares about this “wee little man.” You have to give Zacc credit (surely, that’s what people really called him) as he was fairly determined to see Jesus that day climbing the Sycamore tree to get a better viewing. I truly doubt he thought Jesus would ever glance his way. He was probably so ashamed of his past that he really didn’t want Jesus to look at him. And yet he had to get closer. But Jesus did much more than make eye contact. Rather than writing Zacc off as a cheat and a liar the way everyone else did, Jesus called to him, went home with him, and spent the afternoon in his company.
Jesus made such an impact on Zacc that day just by moving in closer, and He encourages us to do the same to those around us. In a world where we feel connected by scrolling through our Facebook feed to view the highlight reel, it is easy to get a false sense of closeness with those we care about. But when we actually move in closer, we realize there is so much more. And just like Jesus’ example, we must make time for others, to truly care for them, to speak truth (without judgement), and more than anything to show love. Just as we are told in 1 Peter 4:8 to love each other deeply!
My prayer is that we ask the Lord for discernment and direction on moving in closer, that we make this a priority in our lives, that we look past the surface and small talk and instead seek to care more, and that we show His type of overwhelming love to a world in need.
