Scripture to Read: Luke 19:9
We know salvation is only possible through a personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ through believing fully in his death, burial, and resurrection, by surrendering to Him as Lord and Savior, and then walking in obedience to Him all the days thereafter. Many claim to know Jesus, but it seems fewer and fewer are actually walking in obedience to Him. As we have seen through Zaccheus’ life, a truly changed life is evident through the actions that follow. God even had Luke record these words from our Lord Jesus in Luke 19:9, “And Jesus said to him, ‘Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham.’” Jesus leaves no doubt that Zaccheus had responded in faith and repentance to our Lord. Jesus even called Zaccheus “a son of Abraham,” meaning he now belonged among God’s covenant people, not just because of his ancestry, but because he had placed his faith in Jesus as Lord, and his actions proved it. That is why God had James write this in James 2:18–20, “But someone may well say, ‘You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.’ 19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. 20 But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?” Again, the evidence of a changed life is seen through a renewed heart and mind, resulting in renewed actions that show others our lives have been changed by Christ.
Challenge & Application
Why had salvation come to Zaccheus and what was the proof?
How did salvation come to you, and what works do you do that you never did before being saved?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!