’Twas a warm Sunday evening and as the cool breezes blew across the Country Towers high-rise apartments in Bank Hall, St Michael, a group of worshippers gathered, armed with Bibles and song sheets. A few travelled with chairs, but most remained standing as they ministered.
These were members of the Whitepark Wesleyan Holiness Church, and they were commencing their second week of open-air services in this relatively new district.
Their voices rang out in song. This was followed by shared testimonies from members of the group, led by senior pastor Reverend Joel Cumberbatch.
Soon, children and adults gathered on patios to listen and sing along.
Among those sharing personal testimonies were Sister Sheila Archer and Sister Jennifer Barker, while Gloria Mason led in worship.
When Reverend Cumberbatch stood behind the microphone to share his message, he read from Luke 19 – the story of Zacchaeus – who climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus as he passed by.
Cumberbatch appropriately entitled his message The Desire To See Jesus, and started his sermon with the following words:
“For some of us it would be a great opportunity to see the president of the United States, the Queen, or someone of dignity, but to talk about seeing Jesus is something incomparable.”
Cumberbatch noted that “back in those days it was considered a great opportunity to see Jesus, since he healed the sick, cast out demons from the demon-possessed and did other wonderful miracles. It was not surprising therefore that many people followed Jesus and longed for a personal encounter with Him.
“This was true of the woman with an issue of blood, of Lazarus who was raised from the dead, and of Zacchaeus.”
He next told those within earshot that just as Zacchaeus had the opportunity to dine with Jesus, they too “can have the opportunity to do so”.
“Zacchaeus had a burning desire to see Jesus; to catch a glimpse of Him. Like Zacchaeus who seized the opportunity to climb the tree when Jesus was passing by, you too must make use of opportunities,” he preached.
“Life is about opportunities. Some of you only need a push, an inspiring word of encouragement when others seek to oppress and keep you down.”
He told the residents life would always be filled with setbacks and obstacles, but the onus was on them to get back up if ever they were knocked down.
“Zacchaeus was a short man, and he recognized the need to elevate himself – thus his climb up the tree,” Cumberbatch added.
He next charged his listeners not to let anything get in their way of serving Christ in 2012.
“In this new year, it cannot be business as usual. Commit what little you have to God and He will cause it to germinate. God loves you and you are special to Him.
“Jesus told Zacchaeus, ‘I want to dine with you’.”
“He is making the same offer to you today. He is saying, ‘Come unto me, all who labour and are heavy burdened, and I will give you rest’.”
He stressed that while the Pharisees and self-righteous were focusing on the fact that Jesus dined with a man like Zacchaeus, Jesus saw a man in need of transformation.
“Jesus is walking through this complex this evening and knocking at each door. He is saying ‘come’, because he wants to dine and fellowship with you.
“There is no fitting verse to conclude this sermon, but that the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.
“I do not know your situation or obstacle, but whatever it is, burdens are lifted at Calvary.”
