Where Salvation "Shows Up"

Meanwhile, Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “I will give half my wealth to the poor, Lord, and if I have cheated people on their taxes, I will give them back four times as much!” Jesus responded, “Salvation has come to this home today, for this man has shown himself to be a true son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” [Luke 19.8-10]

If yesterday's article wasn't bad enough, here is the story of Zacchaeus... Let's look today at Zacchaeus' salvation experience, shall we?

First, and to be very clear, Jesus said, “Salvation has come to this home today...” indicating that whatever Zacchaeus had just done got him saved.

We can only assume that Zacchaeus "believed" because Jesus was never vague about that requirement. However the context does not directly infer that Zacchaeus believed. But what the story does directly say Zacchaeus did do was go straight to his pocketbook! It was this action regarding money that then prompted Jesus to say salvation had come to Zacchaeus' house.

Does this mean that every person who gives away their wealth is saved then? It might, but more than likely, not. What is does say is that true salvation "shows up" at least somewhere (faith without works is dead). For Zacchaeus, money was a big deal - probably to the point of idolatry. So, the obvious manifestation of salvation in Zacchaeus' life would be to turn away from his area of idolatry (money) and turn to Jesus. And, he did. And, he was saved.

Now, having said this, not everyone today serves money as an idol as did Zacchaeus. Right? Right? Right?

Father, may Your salvation "show up" in my life where it should - may my actions indicate where my faith is...