Bible Passage (NKJV): Luke 19:1–10
- Then Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.
- Now behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich.
- And he sought to see who Jesus was, but could not because of the crowd, for he was of short stature.
- So he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was going to pass that way.
- And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I must stay at your house.”
- So he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully.
- But when they saw it, they all complained, saying, “He has gone to be a guest with a man who is a sinner.”
- Then Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold.”
- And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham;
- for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
EXHORTATION
Welcome to Mercy Speaking Devotional, and welcome to this Friday—a day that reminds you that God’s call over your life is not based on public opinion, but on divine purpose.
In Nairobi, Kenya, a man named James Mwangi built his early life on dishonest business practices. Known in his community for manipulation and exploitation, he gained wealth quickly but lost trust just as fast. By 2016, though financially stable, he was emotionally empty and socially isolated. People tolerated him but did not respect him.
One Sunday afternoon, he reluctantly attended a church service after persistent invitations from a colleague. The message that day was about Zacchaeus—the man everyone labeled a sinner, yet Jesus chose to visit. That story unsettled James deeply. For the first time, he saw himself not just as a successful man, but as a lost one.
What broke him was not condemnation, but acceptance. Jesus did not wait for Zacchaeus to change before calling him—He called him first. That realization led James to surrender his life to Christ that day.
The transformation was evident over time. He began making restitution where possible, changed his business practices, and eventually became known not for corruption, but for integrity. Today, he mentors young entrepreneurs, teaching them to build with character.
What changed James was not pressure—it was a call.
In Luke 19, Zacchaeus was not just a sinner; he was publicly rejected. His profession alone made him an outcast. Yet, while others saw a man unworthy of association, Jesus saw someone worth saving.
Verse 5 is powerful: “Zacchaeus… today I must stay at your house.” That was not a suggestion—it was a divine decision. Jesus chose him.
This is the nature of God’s call. He does not wait for you to qualify yourself. He calls you in your brokenness and transforms you through relationship.
Many people today struggle with feelings of unworthiness. They believe they must fix themselves before God can accept them. But the gospel works the other way around—God accepts you first, then transforms you.
Zacchaeus did not climb the tree as a righteous man; he climbed as a curious sinner. Yet that small step positioned him for a life-changing encounter. Sometimes, all God is asking from you is willingness.
Notice also that the crowd complained. When God calls you, not everyone will understand it. Some people will remember your past and question your transformation. But God’s call is not subject to human approval.
The moment Zacchaeus encountered Jesus, his life began to change. His actions shifted, his heart softened, and his priorities were reordered. True encounter produces visible transformation.
Jesus concluded in verse 10 that He came “to seek and to save that which was lost.” That includes you. No matter your past, your mistakes, or your reputation, God’s call is still extended to you.
Today, hear this clearly: God calls you worthy—not because you are perfect, but because He has chosen you.
Do not reject yourself when God has accepted you. Do not disqualify yourself when God has called you.
Your worth is not determined by your past—it is defined by God’s purpose for your life.
Food for Thought
Are you resisting God’s call because you feel unworthy, or are you willing to respond and let Him transform your life and make you worthy?
Prayer Points
- Father, I thank You for calling me, even when I felt unworthy.
- Lord, help me to respond to Your call with obedience and humility.
- I reject every voice of condemnation and accept my place in You, in Jesus’ name.
- Father, transform my life so that my actions reflect Your grace.
- Lord, use my life as a testimony of Your mercy and calling, in Jesus’ name.
