Accept the Invitation

Read Luke 19:1-10

In this parable, a short man, well dressed, well known but probably disliked, elbows his way through a crowd, runs on ahead and climbs a tree. The folks there who know him probably think he's a little whacko. But Jesus finds him and tells him he has to stay at his house. Jesus simply asks Zacchaeus for hospitality.

Zacchaeus welcomes Jesus with joy and offers half of his riches to the poor without being asked. Nice contrast to the rich ruler who is told to sell all he has and his response is to walk away sad. Jesus tells the crowd that salvation has come to Zacchaeus' house. Salvation has come because Zacchaeus accepted an invitation from Jesus.

Salvation is available to us as well if we simply accept the invitation from Jesus. It comes for free. Nothing is required of us to accept it. There is no prayer that makes it available, no act of piety, no special ritual. Just accept the invitation.

What we do after we accept the invitation is a story for another day.

Lord God I thank you for your invitation to join you in eternity. Help us accept and help us show your love to others. Amen.