Any person, born this way could tell you that there are many growing pains for being 'short in stature.'
First of all, they would struggle with the question: why did God create me in this odd fashion? Secondly, they can't escape people's notice as they walk down the street. Thirdly, they may be publicly ridiculed and laughed at.
Some may be disowned or shunned by their parents or family for being a dwarf. Being born with the disadvantage of height, they learn quickly to adapt. For instance Zacchaeus couldn't see Jesus, he didn't feel sorry for himself, he quickly climb the sycamore tree.
Even though Zacchaeus started his life with a disadvantage, he learned to quickly adapt for survival. He actually did pretty well. The Gospel tell us that Zacchaeus is not just any tax collector. He is a 'chief' tax collector. He may have earned his own commission and the commission from the others who work for him.
Despite his success, Zacchaeus may still feel like an outcast because of his height. All the riches in the world doesn't change the fact that he is still strange-looking and better suited for a circus act.
But that is not the way with Christ. Christ wanted to spend time with Zacchaeus: today I will dine at your house. Christ did not shun him from his real ancestry. Zacchaeus is a descendant of Abraham. He belongs to the Old Covenant and the New Covenant with Christ.
Given that we are all unique individuals, we are bound to share commonalities with Zacchaeus. We may experience the feeling of being the oddball. Nevertheless, Christ loves each individual as he does with Zacchaeus.
Notice that is not just a generic story of about God's love. It's very personal and particular. Christ singles out Zacchaeus from the crowd. Zacchaeus also belongs to God's family. Christ also calls Zacchaeus to follow. Zacchaeus happily agreed, and even made amends for his corruption.
Glory be...
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