DEMONSTRATION OF GENUINE CONVERSION.
The attributes of genuine conversion are the characteristics and qualities that demonstrate the life of a truly saved Soul like that of Zacchaeus. A lot can be learned from the encounter of Zacchaeus with Jesus Christ. Here was a rich man who was hated by his own people because he was a tax collector for the Roman government. He was a principled man who cared not about the impression of people about him, otherwise he would not have been able to encounter Jesus despite being a tax collector regarded as a sinner. Zacchaeus determined to see Jesus Christ by all means for salvation and he knew he had to get ahead of the crowd. So, no one ever achieved anything of value just by following the crowd. He was of short height and needed the aid of a tree perch to see Christ. When he heard the voice of Christ piercing the noise of the crowd, he responded by climbing the sycamore tree to achieve his purpose. So, no physical shortcomings should be allowed to hinder a genuine seeker from achieving his/her purpose.
Noteworthy was how Christ demonstrated godly affection towards Zacchaeus: “And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him; Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today. So he hurried and came down and Christ received him joyfully.” What a great opportunity! While Christ is always ready to receive sinners, they too must be quick to act when they have the opportunity to obey the call to salvation by the Lord. Zacchaeus knew that the opportunity might never occur again in his life and he had the sense to respond immediately so as not to miss the great opportunity. Likewise, believers must develop sense of quick response to matters bothering on eternal values. The encounter changed not only the life of Zacchaeus but also where he would spend eternity. His actions endeared him unto the Lord Who feasted with him in his house. Believers must know that their actions or inactions will determine which side of eternity they will end up after death.
Other lessons to learn from Zacchaeus’ encounter include: His life was changed! Also changed are his views about the world, about earthly riches and his attitudes towards others. He was a man of decision, who allowed the Spirit of God to enlighten his heart, moving him to follow through with the Lord. He made provision on the spot to give away a large portion of his wealth to become an investor on things of eternal value. To Zacchaeus, money was to be used for the advancement of the kingdom of God, having the joy of giving while he was living. We learned here that it is good to do our giving while we are still living because we cannot give in the grave. Zacchaeus demonstrated absolute faithfulness in the Lord Jesus Christ and was handsomely rewarded by hosting the Lord. What a great example for us to follow today! We are to seek the Lord when He may be found and to serve Him with all our time, all our talents, and our treasure as genuinely saved believers. This is in addition to total obedience to His command as revealed to us time to time to demonstrate the genuineness of our conversion.
