Luke 19:1-4, “1. And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2. And, behold there was a man named Zachaeus, which was the chief among publicans, and he was rich. 3. And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. 4. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.”

Before we jump into this, let’s explore some key definitions:

Determination: firmness of purpose; resoluteness.

Curiosity: a strong desire to know or learn something. (Some synonyms for curiosity are eagerness, interestedness, intrusiveness, investigation, nosiness). It is the state of being curious; inquisitive, wondering, ready to poke around and figure something out.

Curiosity is the urge you feel to know more about something.

Some say there is a downside to curiosity, for there is an old proverb – curiosity killed the cat – which is used to warn of the dangers of unnecessary investigation or experimentation. It implies that being curious can sometimes lead to danger or misfortune.

However, the scriptures give us a different view. Deuteronomy 6:21-21 is an example of how God warn that future generations would have questions about what happened here (curiosity). God told them how they should respond. They were to provide all the details, keeping nothing back. 1 Peter 3:15-20, God advise the people that they should always be ready to give a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.

Curiosity is not a bad thing! 

Most of the time, when you have an urge, or desire, or curiosity – when it comes to God, the things of God, or making changes in your life – it is rooted in God.

I remember about 2015/2016, I had a strong desire to go natural with my hair. At the time, I did not know why. I was still living in Phoenix, AZ and dealing with the heat of the desert where having a relaxer was the easier way to go. But I had this strong urge to do it. I did have some female issues (I did not know at the time – they could be traced back to the use of chemicals on my hair), but no other reason to want to make this change. But I followed the urge and did a lot of research to satisfy my curiosity about natural hair lifestyle. After my research I realized the change was beneficial to my health. Additionally, we eventually relocated from Arizona to North Carolina in 2016. The change made sense for my new climate, it fixed some other health issues I was unaware of at the time, and my hair is stronger and healthier than ever. All because I followed the urge with prayer and research. I believe it was God’s will for me to make this change.

This is just one small example from my life. I am positive if you look back over your life, you can find your own examples.

When you have a pull or urge to make some changes or to make some moves don’t disregard it or blow it off. Prayerfully consider it, because it is probably God who is maneuvering you to the place he needs you to be. Let the Lord lead you!

Let us first explore Zachaeus’ story.

He had an urge (a curiosity) to see Jesus. He did not know him, but he heard about him. Zachaeus was curious to go see Jesus in person. He moved with determination (firmness of purpose, resoluteness).

He faced some roadblocks:

– He was chief among publicans.

– He was rich.

– He was short (little in stature and he could not get through the crowd that was around Jesus).

But he had some great qualities:

– He was persistent.

– He was smart.

– He was determined.

Zachaeus found a way to satisfy his curiosity. He knew the way Jesus was heading. He ran ahead of him and climbed a tree that would put him in a place to see Jesus.

Zachaeus thought he was just going to see Jesus, and that was that. But Jesus had other plans for Zachaeus. His curiosity put him in the place that God needed him to be. Jesus got to the tree and look at Zachaeus “…Zachaeus make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house.” Luke 19:5b. Just that quickly Jesus changed Zachaeus’ life. He gave to the poor and righted any financial wrong he may have committed. 

God had other plans for Zachaeus life. He used Zachaeus’ curiosity to propel him to the place God needed him to be. Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Earlier we spoke about the urge or curiosity being rooted in God. We may not understand what if pushing us to make moves, but it is God working his plan out in our lives. He is leading us to our expected end.

Now the people wanted to judge Jesus and despise Zachaeus. “And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, That he was gone to be a guest with a man that is a sinner.” Luke 19:7. But Jesus set the record straight. He reminded the people that Zachaeus is also a son of Abraham. Jesus told them plainly – “I came to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:9-10. 

Side note: we cannot let the opinion of others deter us from doing the will of God. It may seem strange to them. But just as Jesus was focused on his purpose – to seek and save that which was lost, we must have that same focus. Do not fear the judgment of people, because they are going to judge you. Rather stay focused on your purpose. Follow as God leads you.

Be encouraged to follow that pull or urging God has placed in you. You may not fully understand it now. But follow it prayerfully and God will get the Glory!

You asked God for a better life than your parents were able to give you. You wanted different for your children. You had this urge to go to nursing school. It may have been a farfetched dream for you. But the urge to do it was so strong you had to pursue it. You applied to a program and was accepted. You worried about how you were going to afford it and work at the same time. Then you found a program that would work with you schedule and they helped you with financing. All your roadblocks were removed. The next thing you know you are attending class and doing well. Then you graduate and become a nurse, fulfilling your dream. All this time, God was steering you towards your expected end. And he used your curiosity to set you on that path.

What is that thing in your spirit or constantly on your mind that you feel you need to do? Go after in in Jesus’ name. Seek him in prayer for direction and instruction. Do not expect people to understand or to give you the “okay” but know that God will give you an expected end.

Curiosity did not kill the cat. Curiosity that is God birthed leads to the will of God being fulfilled in our lives.

Be blessed by the work of God