Brandon: We're all valuable to Christ

I have seen three Presidents in my lifetime. I was at the National Prayer Breakfast some years ago in Washington, DC. and heard George W. Bush speak. Then in the 50s, Dwight Eisenhower made a stop in Clovis at Cannon Air Force Base and we attended. But it was when I was very young that I came face to face with Harry Truman.

We were in Kansas City at a hotel in downtown Kansas City. My parents were attending a church convention that was headquartered there.

On the second day of our stay, the news spread throughout the hotel that former President Harry Truman was in the building and he would be leaving soon. So Susie and I asked the desk clerk which exit the President would be using. That seems crazy in today’s world, but I suppose the desk clerk thought there would be minimal risk in telling two little girls. He pointed his pen toward the elevator door so towards the elevator we went. We kept

Judy Brandon

watch as the crowd grew and the area was roped off in front of us.

Suddenly, the elevator doors opened and out walked former President Truman. He looked right at us and then said “Hello, girlies.” (I had forgotten until Susie reminded me of that just last week.) We watched Truman as he turned, walked down the hall and out of sight. When we went back home, our biggest news was that President Truman had called us “girlies.” We were nothing to President Truman yet seeing him was important to us.

I suppose some ways, Susie and I were much like Zacchaeus.

Zacchaeus no doubt had heard that the Jesus who raised the dead and healed the sick was coming to town. News had spread all through the region about the miracles and wonders Jesus had performed. So Zacchaeus wanted just a glimpse of Jesus.

But Zacchaeus was a nobody. He had no status in the community and people had issues with him because of his crocked tax dealings. His reputation was sour. He could push his tiny form around when it came to collecting taxes, but as far as occupying a front space to see the Savior, Zacchaeus had no chance.

Yet, something constrained this little man try to get a look of Jesus. The Bible notes his solution. "And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him; for He was to pass that way." (Luke 19:4) Knowing that his chances among that large crowd were nil, Zacchaeus knew he would have an excellent view high up in the tree. He watched as Jesus made his way down the main street and through the crowd.

Then it happened. When Jesus reached the tree where Zacchaeus was sitting, Jesus stopped, looked up and said to him: "Zacchaeus come down. For today I am going to eat at your house." Jesus was going home with Zacchaeus to eat dinner. Out of all the people, Christ chose him, that little wretched man who had made so many people’s lives miserable.

Jesus went home with Zacchaeus and Zacchaeus was never the same again. But on that day in Jericho, Jesus already knew about Zacchaeus and knew he was in the tree. Jesus called Zacchaeus and Zacchaeus had an encounter with Jesus that changed his life. In fact, Zacchaeus repented and paid people back much more than what he had ever cheated them. (Luke 19:1-10)

Susie and I were not important enough to have a personal encounter with the President. It was merely a temporary thrill and my life was not changed in any way because of it. But years ago when I was a little girl, I had an encounter with Christ that did change my life ... just like Zacchaeus’ life was changed. I have never been the same since and that relationship is still the most vital part of my entire existence.

We all are valuable to Christ, no matter who we are or what we have done. He calls us each one and we are all treasured in His eyes.

Judy Brandon is a Clovis resident. Contact her at:

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