I thought the Apostle Paul's conversion was the spotlight of the New Testament. But then, after hearing Ken preach on Sunday, I may have to move Zaccheus' conversion to the top of the list. Wow. In Luke 19, we are introduced to a very wealthy and powerful man named Zaccheus. He is that is at the apex of of his career. Yet with all his wealth and influence, there is something terribly missing in his humanity. A higher purpose for his life. Isn't that pretty much our story also? We seek, we search, we hunt far and near looking for that elusive one thing that will fulfill the void inside. We discover that just having wealth, popularity, influence in the end all adds up to vanity. That is until we encounter Jesus.

What compelled Zaccheus' to seek out Jesus and climb a tree to scope Him out we may never know the true reason besides him and God. There is something in all of us that wants to be intimately close to God. All humanity is wired that way. We can't escape this tug. And we won't be satisfied until we have an encounter with Christ AND yield our lives over to Him completely. And when we experience an encounter with Christ, a visible conversion is forthcoming.

Jesus invited Himself to stay at Zaccheus' house that day. The presence of the living Christ will change any man. It is unavoidable and undeniable. Zaccheus' boldly proclaims his conversion. "Behold, Lord, half of my possession I will give to the poor, and If I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much." Jesus affirmed that salvation had come to Zaccheus and his household. This is a conversion everyone can see. The old Zaccheus' has gone bye-bye. A new Zaccheus has risen. It is very evident and undeniable.

With Jesus, the terms of eternal life are a total surrender of our lives to Him. The central idea in salvation is simple "follow me". Jesus offers eternal life in exchange for following him. Zaccheus proclamation of his willingness to give away his wealth is also a proclamation of his willingness to follow Jesus. After all isn't that the main intent of spiritual conversion? To follow the one who liberated you?

Last, when we take a close look at Zaccheus conversion, it is plainly visible. I believe Jesus is calling not just you or I but our entire church to become more visible. Ken made it plain that we all must play our part if the Kingdom of God is to become visible in the lives of others (one at a time), our community, our mission (Paramount/Compton). This will require a higher level of risk for ERC than it has ever encounter in its history. Yet I believe the time is ripe. If we (ERC) are dedicated to following Christ we will see more Zaccheus' conversions. It only takes a few of these type to transform a community and perhaps a city. It's time to step out of the closet and become visible like Zaccheus. What are your thoughts or plans to make this happen here at ERC? Blog back with your thoughts.