A WEE LITTLE MAN IN A GRAND STORY by Barbara M. Britton

A WEE LITTLE MAN IN A GRAND STORY by Barbara M. Britton
Saturday, July 3, 2021 by Patti Shene

FEATURED BOOK: Lioness: Mahlah’s Journey

AUTHOR: Barbara M. Britton

PUBLISHER: Pelican Book Group

GENRE: Biblical Fictiont

SERIES or STAND ALONE: Stand Alone

(readers can continue on with the daughters of Zelophehad)

TARGET AUDIENCE: 13 and up

IT IS MY PLEASURE TO WELCOME AUTHOR BARBARA M. BRITTON TO PATTI’S PORCH. BARBARA SHARES A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON THE FAMILY STORY OF ZACCHAEUS AND THE SYCAMORE TREE.

BARBARA IS OFFERING A GIVEAWAY! SIMPLY LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW TO ENTER THE DRAWING FOR WINNER’S CHOICE OF A PRINT OR EBOOK COPY OF LIONESS: MAHLAH’S JOURNEY.

A WEE LITTLE MAN IN A GRAND STORY

Barbara M. Britton

Have you ever sung the song, Zacchaeus was a wee little man, a wee little man was he? If you have, then you probably made it to the verse about climbing into a sycamore tree. Recently, I taught the story of Zacchaeus to elementary students. At first, I thought they would be bored since they most likely learned the popular story from Luke 19 throughout the years. But as I dug into Scripture, I realized the story had been taught upside down. Zacchaeus may have climbed a tree to get a better look at Jesus, a man who had healed the blind and also healed a group of lepers, but the key to the story was that Jesus was seeking Zacchaeus, not the other way around. How do we know this?

The Bible tells us that when Jesus reached the spot where Zacchaeus was perched, Jesus looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately, I must stay at your house today” (Luke 19:5).

Zacchaeus didn’t know if Jesus was a healer, a teacher, the Messiah, or all three. But Jesus knew Zacchaeus by name. The two had never met. Jesus also states that he must stay at Zacchaeus’s house. Why at the chief tax collector’s house? The key is found in Luke 19:10, a key verse in the gospel of Luke. What has Jesus come into Zacchaeus’s city to do? Verse 10 tells us from Jesus’s own lips, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”

Was Zacchaeus lost? Tax collectors were known for cheating people out of more money than the taxpayer owed. The people didn’t like being cheated. This is the only place in the Bible where the position of chief tax collector is mentioned. We have heard of tax collectors before because one of Jesus’s own disciples was a tax collector. To be a chief tax collector meant you skimmed off all the tax collectors. A thief among thieves. We see the dislike of Zacchaeus in verse 7 when the people are muttering about Jesus’s choice of Air BnB.

We don’t know what was said over lunch, but we see the transformation in Zacchaeus.

~ Zacchaeus calls Jesus, Lord (verse 8). Not teacher. Not rabbi. Not friend. Lord!

~ Zacchaeus is going to give half of his possessions to the poor. His wealth is insignificant in the blessing of knowing Jesus.

~If Zac has cheated anybody (and he has), he is going to repay them back four times the amount.

Wow! This is quite a change in Zacchaeus. He’s giving, not taking. Not only is Zac’s life changed, but Jesus says in verse 9a, “Today salvation has come to this house.” Not only had Zacchaeus’s eyes been opened to who Jesus truly was, but his household’s eyes had been opened, too. We don’t know who was at the lunch table, but dining with Jesus changed their hearts.

Jesus calls Zacchaeus a son of Abraham in verse 9b. Zacchaeus may have been from Abraham’s bloodline, but it’s his faith that is compared to Abraham. Jesus tells us his mission right after this declaration. Jesus had come to seek and to save the lost. Fooled you, Zac. You thought you would glimpse Jesus from the tree, but Jesus had his sights set on you from the moment his sandals shuffled towards Jericho.

When we truly know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, then our hearts are changed. We have a relationship with the Son of God and receive the Holy Spirit. We don’t look at earthly possessions the same way as they mean nothing in our heavenly home.

Children sing about a short man seeking a glimpse of Jesus. Zacchaeus saw Jesus, and then he had a chance to really see Jesus. Zacchaeus broke bread with the Bread of Life. Zac came face to face with the Son of God, the Savior who stepped into time to seek and to save the lost, giving them eternal life through the shedding of His own blood.

The wee little man met the Son of Man--just as Jesus had planned before the idea to scramble up a tree entered Zacchaeus’s mind. I think we need to add one last line to the song about Zacchaeus…

For I’m going to your house today,

And I’m going to show you a brand-new way.

A few years ago, I learned a new-to-me Bible story about the daughters of Zelophehad. I had missed this amazing story about five orphaned sisters for too long. When I discovered the girls, I decided to write a story about them and their big ask to inherit their deceased father’s land. “Lioness” tells about their bravery to ask for something that had never been given to daughters.

My next Biblical Fiction release will be in February of 2022. The Ebook of Defending David: Ittai’s Journey is already on Amazon and B&N for preorder.

Book blurb for Lioness: Mahlah’s Journey:

While the Israelites struggle to occupy the Promised Land of God, Mahlah bat Zelophehad is orphaned and left to care for her four sisters. But daughters of the dead are unable to inherit land, and it will take a miracle for Mahlah to obtain the means to care for her sisters and uphold the vow she made to her dying mother.

Mahlah must seek Moses, the leader of her people, and request something extraordinary—the right for a daughter to inherit her deceased father’s land. A right that will upset the ox-cart of male inheritance and cast her in the role of a rebel.

But, God is the protector of the orphan and the widow, and five orphaned daughters need His help. With God, anything is possible. Even changing man’s tradition.

Buy links for Lioness: Mahlah’s Journey

Amazon

B&N

Wherever books are sold.

Libraries can order the novel, too.

DON’T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT TO BE PLACED IN THE DRAWING TO WIN CHOICE OF A PRINT OR EBOOK COPY OF LIONESS: MAHLAH’S JOURNEY BETWEEN NOW AND TUESDAY, JULY 13^TH AT MIDNIGHT MDT.

BY LEAVING A COMMENT, YOU GRANT PERMISSION FOR YOUR EMAIL TO BE REVEALED TO THE AUTHOR IF YOU ARE THE WINNER TO FACILITATE RECEIPT OF YOUR BOOK.

Barbara M. Britton lives in Southeast Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. She is published in Biblical fiction and enjoys bringing little-known Bible characters to light in her stories. Barb’s WWI Historical released in June of 2020 --Until June. Barb is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Romance Writers of America, and Wisconsin Romance Writers of America. Barb has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. Find out more about Barb’s books at http://www.barbarambritton.com/books.html

Follow Barb online:

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Comments

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 7/12/2021 1:51:27 PM

Hi Becky! So many of us remember this story through the song. I won't sing it again in the same way after studying the story. Isn't the Bible awesome! I appreciate you joining us.

Becky Van Vleet From CO At 7/12/2021 12:29:48 PM

Barbara, I grew up singing this song since I was a "wee" little girl. And it's been a joy to pass this song along to my children and grandchildren. I never thought about it being an upside down story the way we usually view it. Thank you for sharing this insight and lessons we can learn!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Becky. Thank you so much for stopping by and adding to the discussion by sharing your own experience with your children and grandchildren. Have a blessed day!

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 7/12/2021 10:54:05 AM

Hi Morgan. Thanks for joining us. I am so glad I discovered the story about the daughters of Zelophehad. I've been a Christian a long time and only discovered them recently. Their faith is inspiring.

Morgan Klinger From OH At 7/12/2021 8:13:14 AM

The summary sounds so good another book to add to my tbr list.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Morgan. Thank you for stopping by and letting us know you were here. Have a blessed day!

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 7/7/2021 11:41:41 AM

Hi Pam. Thanks for joining us. Thank you for your kind words about the post. Isn't it fun how new information pops out to readers of the Bible?

Pamela S Thibodeaux From LA At 7/7/2021 9:29:51 AM

What wonderful insight on this character in Jesus' story! Enjoyed the post very much. Good luck and God's blessings PamT

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Pam. Thank you for stopping by and contributing to the conversation. Have a blessed day!

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 7/6/2021 9:22:40 PM

Hi Natalya. I'm in awe at how these five sisters had the wherewithal to go to Moses and ask for an inheritance of land. They must have had a strong faith in God and His provision. I'm glad you joined us.

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 7/6/2021 9:20:32 PM

Thank you, Stacy. I'm glad you liked the post. February seems like a long way off, but with how fast time is going, my next novel will be here soon enough. Thanks for joining us.

Stacy Simmons From TX At 7/6/2021 7:53:50 PM

You're welcome, Patti.

Natalya Lakhno From CA At 7/6/2021 6:41:34 PM

Changing man’s tradition must be very hard! Intrigued!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Natalya. Thank you for stopping by and contributing to the discussion. Have a blessed day!

Stacy Simmons From TX At 7/6/2021 6:35:05 PM

What a great post, Barbara! Congratulations on your new novel, it sounds wonderful! Blessings!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Stacy. Thank you so much for stopping by and letting us know you were here. Blessings!

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 7/6/2021 11:28:24 AM

Hi Carol. Thanks for your kind words about "Lioness." I'm glad you enjoyed the story. I had so much fun writing about Zelophehad's daughters. And teaching about Zacchaeus, too. Thank you for joining us.

Carol James From Georgia, USA At 7/6/2021 10:29:37 AM

What great insight into a story I’ve heard all my life. Thanks for sharing, Barb. And I loved “Lioness.” What a beautiful story of God’s provision.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Carol. Thank you so much for stopping by and joining in the discussion. Blessings on your day!

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 7/5/2021 2:39:04 PM

Hi Amre. How true it is about the Lord bringing His Word to life. He knows what we need to hear. I'm happy you joined us on "the porch."

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 7/5/2021 2:36:41 PM

Hi Lual. I enjoy writing Biblical Fiction because I learn so much while I am researching and writing my books. I'm glad you discovered me. Thanks for joining us.

Amre From Idaho At 7/5/2021 11:49:14 AM

I enjoyed both your info on Zacchaeus and Mahlah! It's interesting how we miss things that are right under our noses until the Lord shines a spotlight on them!! Guess that's the time He knows we're ready to hear and learn... :)

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Amre. Thank you for stopping by and joining the conversation. Have a blessed week.

Lual Krautter From MT At 7/5/2021 7:56:02 AM

Hi, Barbara. You are a new-to-me author, so would love to win a print book of your most recent biblical fiction! Your WWI story sounds like something I'd be very interested in as well:) Thanks for the opportunity to enter a giveaway! I invite you to go to: www.facebook.com/LualOKrautter

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Lual. Thank you for stopping by. I have read several of Barbara's books. They are most enjoyable. Blessings on your week.

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 7/4/2021 6:39:32 AM

Hi Donna. I'm always happy to "meet" new Biblical Fiction readers. I enjoy writing about Bible stories.. Thanks for joining us on the Porch.

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 7/4/2021 6:36:51 AM

Hi Deena. I had never put the verse about Jesus seeking the lost with the story of Zacchaeus. What a blessing to find that in the Bible. I'm so glad you joined us.

Donna Liston-Pippin From Oklahoma At 7/4/2021 1:07:26 AM

I am so excited to "meet" a new to me author! Reading has always been my favorite activity. I especially enjoy Biblical fiction. It enables me to better imagine the lives of those who came before, the struggles they endured, their joys, how they lived, worked, and celebrated.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Donna. I have read several of Barbara's books and am sure you will not be disappointed. Thank you for stopping by and sharing with us. Have a blessed and happy Fourth of July holiday.

Barbara M. Britton From Wisconsin At 7/3/2021 10:26:18 PM

Hi Brenda. I sang the song for years and now I think we need to change it. I love how Jesus knew Zacchaeus's name. Thanks for joining us.

Deena Adams From Virginia At 7/3/2021 10:06:06 PM

I love how Jesus had His sights set on Zacchaeus before he even thought about looking for Him. What a great God we have! Thanks for sharing this, Barbara!

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Deena. Thank you so much for stopping by and adding to the discussion. Blessings on your Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Brenda Murphree From MS At 7/3/2021 10:02:46 PM

Wow! Never thought of it like that. We sung the song ever since I can remember.

Reply by: Patti Shene

Hi Brenda. Thank you for stopping by and adding to the conversation. Interesting perspective on the story. Have a safe and blessed Fourth of July weekend.