Salvation Comes Home

Daily Reading: Luke 19

Scripture Focus: Today salvation has come to this house. (Luke 19.9)

Devotional Thought: Two millennia ago, in a tiny village outside Jerusalem, there was a humble home with an "inn" or guest room. However, on the night it was needed the most, it was occupied. Because of that, a young couple had to lodge for the night in the home's stable. There, in that place of welcome shelter and privacy, but lacking in comforts and cleanliness, the Baby Jesus was born. "Salvation" came to that humble home!

Over thirty years later, in the town of Jericho, another home was blessed when "Salvation" came to it. Zacchaeus' house welcomed the Man Jesus. Jericho was one of the chief cities of priests, but Jesus went to the home of a sinner. Jericho was a city rich in the nation's freedom heritage, but Jesus went to the home of a Roman agent.

"Salvation" came to this seeking sinner when the seeking Savior said, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today!" You see, Jesus recognized in Zacchaeus what he failed to find in others - a seeking heart. Was Zacchaeus' understanding perfect? No! Was his morality impeccable? No! Were his motives pure? Probably not at first. But that's why "Salvation" needed to come. The very need of this man and his family compelled Jesus to come!

This Christmas season, may "Salvation" come to our hearts and homes. May we find comfort and assurance that it is our very need that compels the love of God to come to us. Let us receive him joyfully!

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for coming to my heart and home. I receive you joyfully. May I also share you with everyone around me, just as Zacchaeus did when you came to him. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 1 Hear my prayer, O LORD; give ear to my pleas for mercy! In your faithfulness answer me, in your righteousness! 2 Enter not into judgment with your servant, for no one living is righteous before you. 3 For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead. 4 Therefore my spirit faints within me; my heart within me is appalled. 5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands. 6 I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Selah (Psalms 143:1-6)