Basic HTML Version
Rich Man and God, October 23
Luke 19:1-10
If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in
the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he
shall not die.
Ezekiel 33:15
.
No sooner did Zacchaeus yield to the influence of the Holy Spirit than he
cast aside every practice contrary to integrity. No repentance is genuine that
does not work reformation. The righteousness of Christ is not a cloak to cover
unconfessed and unforsaken sin....
Every converted soul will, like Zacchaeus, signalize the entrance of Christ
into his heart by an abandonment of the unrighteous practices that have marked
his life. Like the chief publican, he will give proof of his sincerity by making
restitution....
If we have injured others through any unjust business transaction, ... we
should confess our wrong, and make restitution as far as lies in our power. It is
right for us to restore not only that which we have taken, but all that it would
have accumulated if put to a right and wise use during the time it has been in
our possession.
To Zacchaeus the Saviour said, “This day is salvation come to this house.”
Not only was Zacchaeus himself blessed, but all his household with him.... They
had been shut out from the synagogues by the contempt of rabbis and worshipers;
but now, the most favored household in all Jericho, they gathered in their own
home about the divine Teacher, and heard for themselves the words of life.
It is when Christ is received as a personal Saviour that salvation comes to the
soul. Zacchaeus had received Jesus, not merely as a passing guest in his home,
but as One to abide in the soul temple
When the rich young ruler had turned away from Jesus, the disciples had
marveled at their Master’s saying, “How hard is it for them that trust in riches to
enter into the kingdom of God!” They had exclaimed one to another, “Who then
can be saved?” Now they had a demonstration of the truth of Christ’s words,
“The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.” They saw
how, through the grace of God, a rich man could enter into the kingdom
[303]
40
The Desire of Ages, 555, 556
.
41
Ibid., 555
.
314