Most rich men are over confident and proud. But if you ever want to be saved, you'll come to Christ with great humility. Zacchaeus was a rich man who defied riches and other odds to seek the Saviour. His life is a challenge to rich men who think riches will get them salvation. But it will never happen! Money can buy favour but not salvation.
Zacchaeus was determined to live above mundane things because riches and money can never satisfy. Solomon who had more of it than anyone concluded that 'vanity upon vanity, all is vanity'.
The story of this exceptional rich man is well written in Luke 19:1-10 to teach us transforming lessons to make us be closer to God and reorder our priorities.
The Ancient Undiluted Story
'And behold there was a man named Zaccheus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.
And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him; for he was to pass that way.
And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zaccheus, make haste, and come down; for today I must abide at thy house.
And he made haste, and came down and received him joyfully.
And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, that he was gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner.
And Zaccheus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him four fold.
And Jesus said unto him, 'This day is salvation come to this house, for so much as he also is a son of Abraham.
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost'.
The Life-Changing Lessons From Zacchaeus
Zeal In Seeking God: That's what he demonstrated by his strong desire to see and know the saviour. Today, if you seek the Lord, you'll find him. But you must seek him with all your heart.
Acknowledgement Of Limitation: Zacchaeus knew his own limitation. He was short and never pretended otherwise. Self-deception and hypocrisy will deny you of God's salvation. Sin is a limitation. Accept responsibility for your sin and the first step to receiving pardon.
Conquest Of Limitation: Though limited in height, he never allowed it to stand on his way. He rather found a way out of the limitation by climbing the tree. You need to remove all obstacles keeping you away from the Lord and his salvation. Jesus offered a free way out of sin by his blood. Believe that He has the power to forgive you because the vilest offender who truly believe shall receive pardon from Christ Jesus.
Concentration On Just Knowing Christ: Zacchaeus was single-minded about his desire to know Christ. He focused on it and eventually attained his goal. Your life can receive a fresh start with Jesus if only you can focus on him. Look unto Jesus. He is the author and finisher of our faith. (Heb 12:2)
Happily Received Christ: When Christ eventually came calling, Zacchaeus joyfully accepted him. The grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men through Christ. He is knocking at the door of your heart. Joyfully open the door for him with awe. He'll enter as he promised and sup with you.
Accepted Christ's Invitation: He accepted the proposal from Christ. You too need to accept God's offer of salvation through Christ. It is a gift of God. If you reject it, you'll never have it.
Embraced A New Life: Zacchaeus practically refused the old life and embraced a new one. You should be ready to forget the past and learn from Christ, your new master. He wants you to follow him as a disciple. Would you?
Uncovered His Sins: Zacchaeus uncovered his sin and declared his readiness to make restitution. If you cover your sin, you cannot prosper. Uncover your sin to God. Beg for pardon. Once forgiven, go ahead to put things right with those you had offended. This is one of the physical evidence of genuine conversion.
Surrendered Absolutely To God: Zacchaeus didn't keep anything away from Christ. He was the instrument of transformation for his household. Once you are saved, work and pray for the salvation of others in your family. Like Joshua, be ready to say 'But for me and my house, we will serve the Lord'.
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