Have you ever heard of “the Gap” theory? Well, here it is: it takes place in Jericho a town which Jesus was
passing through. There was a man there named Zaccheus, and he was small in stature. Or to hear the kids sing it, “He was a wee little man…”

Anyway, Zaccheus had some gaps in his stature — he was a short guy. He also had a gap in his self-esteem. Because he was a Jewish tax collector (and a chief one at that) he was very rich in money and very poor on friends and a social life. Okay, he was hated by all his neighbors because as a tax collector he would basically rip them off for his own gain. No one liked a tax collector. But Zacceus was aware of one other gap that wasn’t so obvious to the on looker. He had a gap
in his spirit. He was missing something and it wasn’t just friends. He was missing peace, eternal security, hope.

So when he heard Jesus was passing by, he believed Jesus might be able to help — so when he couldn’t get a
glimpse of Jesus because he was short, and not liked by anyone so he wasn’t going to get any help seeing Jesus
from the crowd, he ran ahead and climbed a tree so he could see the one he hoped would be the answer.

This is where the gap theory comes in; “When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus,
come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. (Lk 19:5 7) Jesus closed the gap! As a result of meeting and receiving Jesus, Zaccheus didn’t get any taller, but everything else changed! His spiritual gap was closed and brought such change that everyone (including Zacceus saw him in a different way. What Gap has Jesus closed for you? Who else has been affected by your gap theory?

Dr. William Burnham is pastor of Point of Grace Church in Covington. He can be reached at burnhamw@charter.net.