SALVATION HAS COME (11-17-13)

Luke 19:9-10

“Today salvation has come to this house… For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost”.

Tax collectors during the time of Jesus, like Zacchaeus, are very wealthy people… but they are also greatly hated by the people.  They cheat people and whatever he collected over the amount required would be for him to keep.  But Jesus has other plans.  Instead of hating Zacchaeus, Jesus called on him so He can stay for dinner at his house.

Zacchaeus is overjoyed.  Here he was, a social outcast being offered the opportunity to host one of the most famous men in the country.  He scrambles down the tree and welcomes Jesus.  At the end of the day, another soul was saved, as what Jesus has come to accomplish.

We are called to a dinner with the Lord.

We are called to eat with Him.

He is inviting us to dinner, because He wants us to eat a piece of Himself. 

He knows our longing for Him and our faith in Him. 

Jesus’ invitation is for providing salvation and forgiveness and He is waiting for our repentance.  Jesus takes our shame upon himself willingly, waiting, hoping that we will understand and repent.  

What grace!

What mercy!

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost”.

That means, you and me.

Let us pray +

Lord Jesus, as I read about Zacchaeus, I think of my own selfishness.  Help me to see you at work in people around me.  Help me to be willing to risk whatever reputation I have to join you.  I long to see your salvation shine more brightly through me.  In your holy name, I pray.  Amen +

The Lord upholds me.