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Luke 19:1-4
¹And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
²And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
³And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
⁴And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.

     Zacchaeus was not a righteous man.  His job was to oppress his own countrymen.  He was wealthy, but there was obviously something missing in his life.  Money did not buy happiness for this tax collector.

     You see, Zacchaeus didn't really know who Jesus was, but he had heard about him.  He wanted to see for himself if this man who performed miracles was somebody that might fulfill his need as well.

     Zacchaeus wasn't just curious about Jesus - he was desperate.  There were obstacles that had been placed in his way.  It would have been easy for him to just turn around and go home, after all, he was rich.  Did it really matter if he got to see this man who was causing such a stir in the region?  Nobody was going to help him because of who he was - a publican and sinner.  Nobody turned to say, "Hey, Zacchaeus, stand in front of me.  He was like the lame man at the pool of Bethesda - so close, yet so far.  But Zacchaeus didn't allow the obstacles in his way to become excuses.  He took action.  He did what he could.  It must have looked strange to some people when they saw this short, rich man climbing up into a tree.  But Zacchaeus wasn't worried about what other people thought.  He was focused on one thing - finding out who Jesus is.

     Desperation is not a bad thing.  In fact it is the most important thing that ever happens to many people.  After trying to find their way in a world that would just as soon chew them up and spit them out, God is often the only one to whom they can turn.  It doesn't always happen that way, but more often than not, those who turn to God in a moment of desperation have a life changing experience.  Jesus made it very clear that He will never deny access to those who are spiritually hungry.  They shall be filled.  Ask, seek, knock...do whatever it takes to get closer to God, and see if he won't change your life!