Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Salvation Comes Home

Bible Reading: : Luke 19: 1-10

Key verse:  

9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

DEVOTION

Throughout Jesus’ ministry, we find recurring themes in His parables. In stories like The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin, and The Prodigal Son, we see the heart of God rejoicing over restoration and return.
The story of Zacchaeus beautifully embodies this same truth— both figuratively and literally. His encounter with Jesus is perfect reflection of God’s desire to find us where we are.
Zacchaeus was a tax collector, a man despised for exploiting others and enriching himself through a corrupt system. However, having heard of who Christ was, he raced ahead of the crowed coming through Jericho. Desperate to see Him, Zacchaeus ran and climbed a tree—an act considered undignified for a man of his position. 
When Jesus saw him, He called him by name and said, “Come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” In that invitation, Jesus extended not only fellowship but also the opportunity for salvation. He met Zacchaeus exactly where he was—flawed and broken—and chose to come into his home.
This encounter didn’t just offer eternal hope; it sparked immediate transformation. Zacchaeus responded by repenting and repaying those he had wronged, while also giving away half his possessions.
We may all desire to get a better look at Jesus, but as Jesus calls us by name, we must be reminded that He chooses to come into our hearts as we are, broken and messy. Like Zacchaeus, He seeks to bring us peace and, in turn, transformation. This is not simply a promise of eternity, but if we fully repent, a change that begins in us, in the here and now. And as Christ begins to live in us, that transformation that starts now will continue on forever. 

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, 
Thank You for Your unrelenting love and never ending desire to find us wherever we may be. Lord continue to mold our hearts according to Your will and allow us to lead lives pleasing to your sight. By Your grace, let the love of Christ be reflected through us. In Your Holy and Precious Name,
Amen  

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

God loves you just the way you are, but he refuses to leave you there. He wants you to be just like Jesus. 
-Max Lucado

Dr. Ryan Jacob Long Island Mar Thoma Church

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