Of the entire crowd, Jesus singled out the little man in the sycamore tree and called him by name. That was awesome. Surely, the Lord stepped boldly into Zacchaeus life. The Lord not only invited Himself to his home, He hardly gave the little man time to think twice about it. Some would say that Jesus was a bit bold to presume upon Zacchaeus. Telling a host he must open his home to you? That was bold, but it was the boldness of love. Jesus ensured that His command would be well received, for He inclined the heart of Zacchaeus to welcome Him.

We sometimes feel that God’s love is too bold, persisting, and stubborn. We know that He love us, but we’re certain that that He’s irritated with our sins and annoyed with the constant ups and downs of our spiritual walk. If the Lord of the universe is offering us a bold love, so personal that He calls us by name, why shouldn’t we be with Him? God always uses such intimate language when He relates to us. He paints warm images of sheltering us under His wings, holding us in the palm of His hand, or drawing us close to His breast.

Maybe we fear total surrender to Him because of what may happen if we let go and love. But “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives our fear, because fear has to do with punishment” (1 John 4:18).

The words of 1 John 4:19 are so intimate: “We love because he first loved us.” If you desire to be free of fear, memorize and meditate on portions of Scripture that describe God’s love and your need. Read parts of John’s gospel to hear the heartbeat of Christ just hours before the cross. Read Psalm 51 to grasp the bitterness of sin…then enjoy the Song of Songs to find warm and intimate language of love.

The love of God is bold, daring and courageous. When you consider that it’s the Lord of the universe who steps up to the door of your heart and knocks for entrance, only a fool would refuse Him entry. Like Zacchaeus, Jesus invites Himself into your life, bringing His own joy and welcome. And just as He did with Zacchaeus, He tells you not to hesitate.

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelations 3:20).