An unmistakably changed Life

 Read Luke 19.

In chapter 15, Jesus taught three parables in succession on the value of one person and the importance of individual repentance.  This same theme is here in the opening of chapter 19.  With a crowd of people desiring to see Jesus, He turned His attention to the one whose heart was spiritually open. 

This meeting with Zacchaeus and the subsequent parable falls within a string of Jesus' teaching about money.  The religious leaders of the day loved money and saw it as a sign of God's pleasure, except if the person was a tax collector.  These were Jews who gained authority from the Roman government to do this work.  The tax collector could then charge whatever and whenever he wanted.  The abuses resulted in great personal wealth but hatred from his countrymen.

Do not miss the two main outcomes of this encounter.  The man knew he had a need that only Jesus could meet.  Admitting that need was the first step in receiving forgiveness and eternal salvation.  It is for such people that Jesus came.  "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."  Second, a changed eternal destiny resulted in a changed behavior.  A changed life is the real proof of genuine faith.  "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Few things in life demonstrate our faith in God like our attitudes toward money and generosity.  The first response of Zacchaeus' new life was to make financial restitution and to demonstrate radical generosity.  A godly person is a giver, not just a tither. 

The lesson we must all acknowledge, sooner or later, is that God owns it all (Psalm 24:1).  The demonstration of faithful stewardship is found in our giving records.

One day there will come a reckoning of what we did with what the Lord allowed us to use during this life.  That accounting is foretold in the parable of the Ten Minas.  He expects us to use our God-given resources for "gain by doing business" (v.15) in this life on His behalf.  His reward is not only in receiving His pleasure but also in responsibility in that future earthly kingdom.

The question is this: Does my giving record show my life has changed and that I am practicing generosity?