In the biblical narrative, God's confirmation of His servants is a recurring theme that underscores His divine approval, empowerment, and guidance of those chosen to fulfill His purposes. This confirmation is often manifested through signs, wonders, prophetic affirmations, and the fulfillment of His promises.

Old Testament Examples

1. Moses: One of the most prominent examples of God's confirmation is seen in the life of Moses. When God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, He provided several signs to confirm Moses' divine appointment. In Exodus 4:1-9, God gave Moses the ability to perform miracles, such as turning his staff into a serpent and making his hand leprous and then restoring it. These signs were meant to convince both Moses and the Israelites of God's presence and authority.

2. Gideon: In Judges 6, Gideon sought confirmation of God's call to deliver Israel from the Midianites. God graciously provided signs, including the famous fleece test, where Gideon asked for dew to appear on a fleece while the ground remained dry, and vice versa (Judges 6:36-40). These signs confirmed God's choice and empowered Gideon for the task ahead.

3. Samuel: The prophet Samuel was confirmed by God through the fulfillment of his prophetic words. In 1 Samuel 3:19-20, it is noted that "the LORD was with Samuel as he grew, and He let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground." This divine endorsement established Samuel as a trustworthy prophet in Israel.

New Testament Examples

1. Jesus Christ: The ultimate confirmation of a servant of God is found in Jesus Christ. At His baptism, God the Father audibly confirmed Jesus' identity and mission, saying, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased" (Matthew 3:17). Additionally, Jesus' ministry was marked by numerous miracles and fulfilled prophecies, which served as divine confirmation of His messianic role.

2. The Apostles: In the early church, God confirmed the apostles through signs and wonders. Acts 2:43 states, "A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs." These miraculous acts validated their message and demonstrated God's power working through them.

3. Paul: The Apostle Paul experienced God's confirmation through both miraculous events and the fruit of his ministry. In Acts 9:15-16, God declared to Ananias that Paul was a chosen instrument to carry His name before Gentiles, kings, and the people of Israel. Paul's subsequent ministry, marked by church planting and the writing of epistles, confirmed his divine calling.

Means of Confirmation

1. Prophetic Affirmation: Throughout Scripture, God often uses prophets to confirm His servants. For instance, the prophet Samuel anointed David as king, confirming God's choice (1 Samuel 16:12-13).

2. Miraculous Signs: Miracles serve as a powerful means of confirmation. In Mark 16:20, it is recorded that the disciples "went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked through them, confirming His word by the signs that accompanied it."

3. Fulfillment of Promises: God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises is a significant form of confirmation. For example, the birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah in their old age confirmed God's promise to make Abraham a father of many nations (Genesis 21:1-3).

4. Inner Witness of the Holy Spirit: In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in confirming God's servants. Romans 8:16 states, "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children," providing an inner assurance of divine calling and identity.

God's confirmation of His servants is a testament to His sovereignty and faithfulness. Through various means, He assures His chosen individuals of His presence and purpose, equipping them to carry out His divine will.