Recently Chip’s family returned from shopping and was shocked to see Bailey perched on the roof of their 2-story house. Apparently a window in our granddaughter’s bedroom was left open and Bailey took it as an invitation to explore the roof. When her family arrived she gleefully greeted them and seemed to be ready to demonstrate her ability to jump or fly from the roof. She was ordered to stop and go inside. Fortunately she complied.

A Bassett Hound on the roof seems incongruous and somewhat hilarious. After all cats don’t normally swim, dogs don’t fly – unless you’re Snoopy, and Bassett’s don’t perch on roofs. But Bailey has been unorthodox in most of her life. Loving life and true freedom many times requires an uncommon faith. Consider Zacchaeus, the hated chief tax-collector of the Jews. His uncommon faith led to a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. (Luke 19:1-9)

The Word of God tells us that Zacchaeus was a rich man. As the chief tax-collector working for the Roman government, he could extort exorbitant fees from his countryman – the Jews. The Jews hated him for it and the Romans disdained him. Zacchaeus had wealth but emptiness engulfed his life. One day he heard about Jesus and his many miracles. It was said that he was the Messiah. When Zacchaeus heard that Jesus was passing by his way, something stirred in his heart. He had to see Jesus!

The crowds lined the parade route. Zacchaeus, being short of stature, couldn’t see over the people. This dignified tax-collector ran ahead and climbed a tree. When Jesus passed by he saw Zacchaeus perched in the tree. Jesus called his name and invited himself to Zacchaeus’ home for dinner. Consider these lessons concerning Zacchaeus’ uncommon faith.

First – God RESPONDS TO FAITH NOT NEEDS. Zacchaeus’ uncommon faith got Jesus’ attention. It was so with the four friends of a paralyzed man. The crowds did not stop them. They went to the roof, tore a hole in it, and lowered their friend to Jesus. “When Jesus saw their faith” (Mark 2:4). Don’t be deterred, exercise an uncommon faith – miracles do happen.

Second – RELATIONSHIP FUELS FRIENDSHIP. Jesus went home with Zacchaeus. God doesn’t want religion – He wants a personal relationship with you. (Revelation 3:20; I John 1:7-8) The cross of Jesus makes that relationship possible. Bailey the Bassett craves human company but man was made to fellowship with the God of the universe and the Savior of the world. Like Zacchaeus don’t allow anything to keep you from Jesus.

Third – REPENTANCE BRINGS FREEDOM AND JOY. When Zacchaeus realized the mercy of God, he said that he would pay back four-fold what he had wrongfully taken. (Luke 19:8) Jesus tells us that there is joy in heaven when one sinner repents of their sin and comes into new life in Christ. (Luke 15:7)

Fourth – REWARDS FLOW FROM UNCOMMON FAITH. “And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham’” (Luke 19:9). The blessing of Abraham, salvation, and abundant life come through an uncommon faith demonstrated by Abraham and Zacchaeus. “For as many as received Him gave He power to become son’s of God, even as many as believed on his name” (John 1:12). Be free in Christ!