“For we are God’s handiwork” ~Ephesians 2:10

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” ~Ephesians 2:10

Long before Zacchaeus (a wee little man from Luke 19) couldn't see Jesus, the tree was planted to meet his need. God adores His creation so much that He prepared this planet for mankind intimately, uniquely and personally. It's mind-boggling!  Not just for the human race in general, but for every single person who has and will walk this earth!

In the original New Testament language of Greek, Ephesians 2:10 describes this so eloquently; we cannot capture it completely in English. 'For we are His masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.'

Here, it says that God created mini-worlds or scenarios in which we move about our life - our own personal promised land (although, we don't see it that way!) Everything we need is there.  God knew that Zacchaeus would be too short to see Jesus over the crowds, so He made sure a tree would grow at the right time to be the right size for Z to climb!  And not just any tree, but a sycamore tree!  (I love how God put that detail in scripture.) A sycamore has large leaves and spreading branches close to the ground - perfect for climbing and hiding - perfect for Zacchaeus!

Whenever I see "tree" mentioned in the Bible, I think of the tree of life, which threads thru the whole scripture, from Genesis to Revelation, climaxing at the Cross.  Zacchaeus' tree is no different - it represents forgiveness, new beginnings, restoration and reconciliation.