Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
SALVATION: GIFT OF GOD
Jesus said to him, “Today
salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham.
Luke 19: 1-10 helps us
understand what Christ is telling us about this free gift. Luke introduces us
to a tax collector named Zacchaeus in chapter 19. Luke mentions that Zacchaeus
is a wealthy tax collector. Zacchaeus was not a very well-liked individual by
the people because of his position as a tax collector. He
was not satisfied with his wealth and position; there was still something
missing that Zacchaeus was searching for. Christ, the “Prince of Peace” and the
“King of Kings” was also a King of controversy as we all know. Christ always
welcomed those that were pushed outside from the society and challenged us to
think/act beyond the written laws. He challenged us to value humanity. Zaccheus
being the tax collector and working for the government surely came to know of
Christ. When Zacchaeus heard that Christ was passing through his town, he was
eager and curious to see him. Zacchaeus’ physical stature prevented him from
moving past the crowd and seeing Christ. Most of us might have stopped trying
after a few attempts but Zaccheus didn’t let his circumstance stop him.
Instead, he climbed up on a tree and changed his circumstances so he could see
Christ (Luke 19: 3-4). Are we willing to change our circumstances to see and
experience Christ?
Next, we see that
Christ recognizes Zacchaeus and asks him to come down from the tree so that he
may dine with him. Christ welcomes/accepts those that are despised by the
society. Christ says in verse 10, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save
the lost”. This was a turning point in the life of Zacchaeus. He came down from
the tree having realized that Christ had accepted him and had invited himself
in. Zachaeus became a new creation. He was no longer a sinner. He no
longer had a broken relationship with God. Christ renewed him and renewed his
relationship. Zaccheus accepted Christ and he confessed to give up his
possessions to the poor and pay back four times the amount to anyone he cheated
(Luke 19: 8). When Christ enters our life, we can see all that is dark and
sinful within us. We feel the urgent need to strip ourselves of anything that
will harm our relationship with God. We want to empty ourselves of the worldly
burdens and possessions that weigh us down from climbing that tree to see
Christ; that weigh us down from humbling ourselves to accept Christ. Zaccheus did
exactly that; he repented and got rid of all his burdens.
Verse 9 and 10 - Jesus
said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is
a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”
Zaccheus received salvation because of his repentance, through the grace
of God. Are we ready to accept Christ if he wanted to dine with us tonight? Are
we ready to welcome him, repent and give up what is weighing us down? Are we
ready to transform and accept salvation which is the gift of God?
Prayer: Thank you Jesus
for the gift of salvation. Help us to remain in that experience. Amen
Thought for the day:
“Salvation has come to this house”
Leena
R Abraham, St John’s MTC. NY
Theme of the Week:
Salvation: the gift of God