Pentecost 21 — Seeing Beyond the Crowd

Seeing Beyond the Crowd

Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4 and Luke 19:1–10

Sometimes faith begins with a question. Habakkuk looks at a broken world – violence, injustice, systems that fail the vulnerable – and cries out, “How long, O Lord?” He doesn’t hold back. And God doesn’t silence him. Instead, God promises a vision – one that will come, even if it seems slow.

Centuries later, a tax collector named Zacchaeus climbs a tree just to see Jesus. He’s not welcomed by the crowd. He’s small, disliked, and overlooked. But Jesus sees him. Calls him by name. And in that moment of being seen, Zacchaeus is changed.

These stories speak to us today. When the world feels unfair, it’s okay to be honest with God. Our cries aren’t signs of weak faith – they’re acts of trust. And like Zacchaeus, we can respond to God’s presence with generosity, humility, and transformation.

Faith isn’t just believing – it’s acting. It’s waiting, watching, and staying open when things don’t make sense. It’s choosing justice, kindness, and hospitality even when it's hard. And it’s allowing ourselves to be interrupted by grace.

Honest prayer deepens faith. Bring your doubts, anger, and hope to God – faithfulness begins with truth.

Transformation starts with being seen. Like Zacchaeus, we are changed by love that notices us and invites us in.

Ngā mihi
Philip

p.s. Worship leaders: You can buy a complete Order of Service and Sermon based on these readings here: https://philipgarsidebooks.com/products/worship-at-hand-pentecost-21-2-november-2025