The spiritual zone of influence Week 12, 2017

When Zacchaeus met Jesus and turned from sin Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham” Lk 19:9(ESV). Take note Jesus said “this house” not just “this man”. Am we trying to teach that once a man is saved automatically every member of his household is saved whether they believe or not, whether they accept Christ or not? No; not by any means. However there is sufficient word of scripture to indicate that when a man gets saved it is expected his entire house will follow suit. Follow suit in the same example of repentance and faith.

Do you remember Noah? Then the LORD said to Noah, "Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation” Gen 7:1(ESV).  It is from this place we begin to see salvation’s effect on the household. His wife, sons and daughters in law were included in the call. The patriarch Abraham was chosen by God and expected to impact his household as well. For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring to Abraham what he has promised him Gen 18:19(ESV). Ever wondered why God chose you, ever doubted His assignment and target for your prayers and effort? Here’s a certain one.

Have you considered the demand of the angels in Gen 19:12(ESV) when they came to bid Lot escape from Sodom? "Have you anyone else here? Sons-in-law, sons, daughters, or anyone you have in the city, bring them out of the place”.  Notice it was the same set of individuals: sons or daughters, and sons in law that they requested - as with Noah. I believe this is the minimum zone of influence God expects. It should not therefore surprise us when Paul and Silas said similar words to the repentant Phillipian jailer. And they said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." Act 16:31(ESV).  God has placed you within a household to influence them for Him, to influence them for the purpose of salvation. Many a miracle was performed by Jesus on a child in response to the faith of a parent, and on a member of a household for the master. Was not the parable of the friend at midnight not on behalf of someone just coming into a man’s household? A friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him Lk 11:6(ESV).  You have a locus standi in the spirit over members of your household. When Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek, Levi who was yet to be born through Abraham was deemed as having paid tithes too. One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him Heb 7:9, 10(ESV).  So exert your spiritual influence today. Lay claim on it and in the spirit bid everyone under that influence to begin to bow.