June 22

Zaccheus, make haste and come down, for to-day I must abide at thy house. - Luke 19:5.

BEHOLD the Saviour, how he “prevents us with the blessings of his goodness.” Behold what extensive knowledge he possesses. He knew the name of this individual, he knew his abode. With what authority and freedom, condescension and kindness, he speaks! “To-day I must abide at thy house.” Thus not only indulging his simple desire in seeing him, but giving him an opportunity to enjoy his presence and to hold conversation with him. What is all this to us? It is much every way.

First, That Jesus now comes and, asks for admission. He comes and offers himself in his people, and he that receiveth them receiveth him. He comes now in his word, which we have in our own language and in our hands. He comes in the public ministry, in the preaching of the gospel. He comes and stands before us with love in his eyes, with compassion in his heart, with salvation in his hands, that we may hear and receive him. He urges this upon us by the dispensations of his providence, by a thousand kindnesses, by personal and relative affliction, by the death of relations, by the convictions of conscience, and by the operations of the Holy Spirit.

Secondly, It becomes us to receive him. When he thus comes and invites himself he deserves to be entertained by us. Consider his dignity and greatness. The most magnificent titles become him. He said himself, “A greater than Solomon is here. Here is one greater than the temple.” Fine language for a mere man to make use of! He is greater than angels. As much above angels as he is above man, as also “above every name that is named, not only in this world but in that which is to come.” Consider his proprietary in us.

He is the lawful owner of the house, and it was designed for him, originally prepared for him. Every other possessor is an intruder, an usurper. Let us consider our need of Him. What are any without him but wretched and miserable, and poor and blind and naked-patients without a physician-wanderers without a guide-debtors without a surety. “He that hath the Son hath life, but he that hath not the Son hath not life, but the wrath of God abideth on him.” Let us consider the blessings he brings. When he enters salvation comes to the soul-a free, full, and everlasting salvation. “There is salvation in none other.” but with him is “plenteous redemption.” “To as many as received him gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe in his name.” “It hath pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell.”

In receiving him we receive all, and are “blessed with all Spiritual blessings in heavenly places in him.” Obededom received the ark under his roof, and God “blessed the house of Obededom for the ark’s sake.” Upon which Mr. Henry remarks that the ark is a guest that always pays well for entertainment; and surely it is much more the case here. If he be received as a guest, he will bring all his entertainment along with him.