Going To New Heights

Intro: Today I want to speak to you about going to new heights, and into the fulness of God. The church today has found its self in a state of weariness, waiting, and searching. We have grown weak and weary; the signs of the times have taken a toll on the church we have seen a fallen away of young and old alike. But church today I want you to know that God is still in control; the game is not over yet, but has just begun. For such a time as this for those that hunger and thirst after righteousness they shall be filled, for all that feel worn down and broken your time of restorations is at hand. The Word of God tells me in 1 John 4:4Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

I. In my opening scriptures I introduced you to a man named Zacchaeus that climbed a tree to see Jesus. His name which means “pure” or “justified” is with in its self a testimony to who he was, for a name during that time was important and spoke much about you.

A. But despite his name he was a publican or tax collect at that time in Jericho. And during that time all tax collectors were hated by the Jews because they were looked upon as collaborators with the enemy the Roman Empire; they were considered ritually impure due to their continual contact with the Gentiles; and were looked upon as thieves and extortioners. A far cry from his name meaning.

1. But on that day in Jericho; Zacchaeus learns that Jesus has come to town.

2. And seeks to see this man that all are making a noise about. Psalms 105:4 Seek the LORD, and his strength: seek his face evermore.

3. But he ran into a few problems that day, which I believe are relevant to us today for those that seek to see King and all His Glory.

II. The first obstacle in his way was the crowd.

A. Even though they too were looking for the King they were also a hindrance to Zacchaeus that too sought to see the King.

1. Though they may have had good intentions to see the King them selves they were preventing one from getting to the Lord.

2. You see sometimes others seem to get in the way of those that want to see Jesus.

3. Sometimes there are those that hinder others from getting closer to Jesus.

4. There are those that want to just sit back and see the Glory from a distance.

5. And don’t want to get any closer than they need too, cause their afraid that the Lord may ask more of them. Proverbs 8:17 I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.

6. While on the other hand there are those that want to get a little closer to Jesus. And don’t seem to care that when they get closer that He may ask more of them. Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

B. Sometimes the crowd prevents others from getting closer with their on zealousness.

1. They may want to just sit back and watch the Lord come by.

2. While others on the other hand want to make a little a noise when the Lord comes by. Psalms 32:11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all [ye that are] upright in heart.

3. They like to give a little a shout unto the Lord, a little leap for joy, a waving and lifting of the hands, and maybe a little song and dance for the King of Righteousness. Psalms 35:27 Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.

4. While the rest sit back and watch, ready to speak up and tell them they need to calm it down a little bit.

C. But you see when Jesus Christ comes in I can’t help but get a little excited because I know what he has freed me from. And I know where He is taking me to, so please excuse me I need to get to Jesus. Psalms 149:3 Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp.

1. I got to do more than just be still, I got to lift His name on High; I got to speak up about my King and there isn’t no one going to stop me. Psalms 34:3 O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together.