Receiving Him Joyfully
Luke 19:6, "And he made haste, and came down, and received him joyfully."
The heart of this story is about a man, Zacchaeus, who as the chief among the publicans, wanted to see Jesus. His desire was so intense that he climbed up in a tree which is known to be very difficult to climb.
Matthew Henry states, "Those who sincerely desire a sight of Christ, like Zaccheus, will break through opposition, and take pains to see him. Christ invited himself to Zaccheus' house. Wherever Christ comes he opens the heart and inclines it to receive him. He that has a mind to know Christ, shall be known of him. Those whom Christ calls, must humble themselves, and come down. We may well receive him joyfully, who brings all good with him. Zacchaeus gave proofs publicly that he became a true convert. He does not look to be justified by his works, as the Pharisee; but by his good works, he will, through the grace of God, show the sincerity of his faith and repentance. Zacchaeus is declared to be a happy man, now he is turned from sin to God. Now that he is saved from his sins, from the guilt of them, from the power of them, all the benefits of salvation are his. Christ has come to his house, and where Christ comes he brings salvation with him. He came into this lost world to seek and to save it. His design was to save when there was no salvation in any other. He seeks those that sought him not, and asked not for him."
The fact of people turning to faith in Christ has several elements involved but one is the joy inherent when they trust Jesus. Oh, Yes, there is joy in knowing that our sins are forgiven and that Christ loves us in order that we might enjoy that forgiveness. Acts 2:41, "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there was added unto them about three thousand souls."
May we rejoice like Zacchaeus knowing our sins have been forgiven!
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. Do you possess a desire to see Jesus in your heart and soul? How so?
2. What obstacles might one encounter in coming to Christ for salvation and/or for fellowship?
3. Are you humble enough to realize you need Christ? Explain how you need Christ.
4. Describe the joy that overcame you when you trusted Jesus as your Savior. What kind of joy does He bring into your life today?