Zacchaeus' Song

i wrestle my way through the crowd
oh why with small stature was i endowed
my lungs gasping, grasping for breath
still one thought fills my head
i just want to see You

this thought i hold as i clamber up the tree
letting go of all my precious dignity
for among probing eyes darkened with contempt
i will be perfectly content
if i can just see You

and upon the tree You see me
out of the darkness You pull me
with eyes that dance with flame
and words my ears have never heard
“I want to see you”

i, with my prideful heart
i, with my broken spirit
i, the sinner of sinners
hiding in the deepest of shadows
who am i that You would see me?

You, with glory beyond compare
You, with grace that never ends
You, the King above all kings
ruling from a throne of perfect love
who am i that You would seek me?

no, it’s not because of who i am
but because of who You are
You, who would choose to enter my house
and walk with me for all eternity—
oh what a sight, my soul stirs and sings

how many nights have i wallowed in shame?
thirsting for glory yet never embracing my name
lurking in a castle built on sand and fears
but You alone see all my silent tears
and wipe them gently from my face

as You hold my hand through these waters
waves of grace wash me pure
born again, righteous as the name i wear*
to dwell in Your house, now my one desire
to seek Your face all the days of my life

my heart longs for assurance
in bright eyes, indulging words
ephemeral glints in a desert world
but You are the well that never runs dry
so may Your eyes be the only ones that satisfy

though i am small and weak
may my weakness magnify Your majesty
may my little lungs burst!
unbridled delight in Your presence
as i gaze upon my beautiful Savior

every breath You’ve gifted to me
every breath i pour in melody
to my dearest friend
to my loving Father
to the One who saw me in that tree

* Zacchaeus’ name means “pure” or “righteous”