Where God is present, everything changes. This sermon traced that theme from ancient Israel to a tax collector in a tree. We focused on 1 Samuel and Luke 19 to show one pattern. Wherever God shows up, idols fall and hearts change.
The Ark Was Never a Good Luck Charm
We opened in 1 Samuel with a nation in trouble. The Israelites lost a battle to the Philistines. Therefore they carried the ark of the covenant into the next fight. However, they treated that ark like a lucky charm. In fact, they worshiped false gods while expecting God to rescue them. As a result, they lost again, and the Philistines captured the ark.
Where God Is Present, Idols Fall
The Philistines set the ark beside their idol Dagon. However, God refused to share the room. First Samuel 5 says Dagon fell face down before the ark. Furthermore, the next day its head and hands lay broken off. Therefore the Philistines panicked and sent the ark home. Where God is present, idols fall.
Zacchaeus Only Wanted to See Jesus
We then jumped forward to Luke 19 and Jericho. Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. Moreover, he collected far more than Rome required. Because of this, the crowd despised him. Nevertheless, he climbed a sycamore tree just to see Jesus pass by. Luke 19:5 says Jesus stopped and called him down by name.
A Transformed Heart, Not a Payment
Jesus invited himself to dinner, and the crowd grumbled loudly. However, Zacchaeus welcomed him with joy. In response, he gave half his goods to the poor and repaid the cheated fourfold. Parker noted that Zacchaeus never asked how little he owed. Instead, joy moved him, because his heart had changed. As a result, money lost its grip on him.
The Son of Man Came to Seek the Lost
Jesus responded with words that summarize the gospel. Luke 19:10 says the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost. Furthermore, this was Jesus’ last personal encounter before Jerusalem. Salvation reached that house because Zacchaeus gave himself to Christ. Additionally, Luke 18:27 reminds believers that God does the impossible. Therefore no heart sits beyond his reach, not even a rich tax collector.
We returned again and again to one refrain: “where God is present, idols fall, hearts are transformed, and we are victorious.” That truth held for Israel, and it held for Zacchaeus. Likewise, it holds for anyone who seeks Jesus today. Where God is present, real and lasting change follows.
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