Throughout the biblical narrative, God consistently employs human instruments to accomplish His divine purposes. This theme underscores the sovereignty of God and His ability to work through flawed and ordinary individuals to fulfill His will. The Bible provides numerous examples of God using people to carry out His plans, demonstrating His power and wisdom in orchestrating history.

Old Testament Examples

1. Moses: One of the most prominent examples is Moses, whom God called to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. Despite Moses' initial reluctance and self-doubt, God assured him of His presence and equipped him for the task. In Exodus 3:10, God says, "So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt."

2. David: God chose David, a shepherd boy, to be king over Israel. Despite his humble beginnings and human failings, David was described as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). Through David, God established a royal lineage that would ultimately lead to the Messiah.

3. Prophets: The prophets, such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, served as God's messengers, delivering His words to the people of Israel. They were often called to speak difficult truths and call the nation to repentance. In Isaiah 6:8, the prophet responds to God's call, saying, "Here am I. Send me!"

New Testament Examples

1. The Apostles: Jesus chose twelve ordinary men to be His apostles, entrusting them with the mission of spreading the Gospel. Despite their initial lack of understanding and moments of doubt, they became powerful witnesses of Christ's resurrection. In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells them, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

2. Paul: Formerly a persecutor of Christians, Paul was transformed by an encounter with the risen Christ and became one of the most influential apostles. His missionary journeys and epistles played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity. In Galatians 1:15-16, Paul acknowledges God's call: "But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles..."

3. Mary: The mother of Jesus, Mary, was chosen to bear the Son of God. Her humble acceptance of God's plan is evident in Luke 1:38, where she responds, "I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen to me according to your word."

Principles of God's Use of Human Instruments

1. Divine Sovereignty and Human Agency: God's use of human instruments highlights the interplay between divine sovereignty and human agency. While God is fully capable of accomplishing His purposes independently, He often chooses to involve humans, allowing them to participate in His work.

2. Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: The empowerment of the Holy Spirit is a recurring theme in God's use of human instruments. The Spirit equips and enables individuals to carry out tasks beyond their natural abilities, as seen in the lives of the apostles and early Christians.

3. Faith and Obedience: Those whom God uses are often characterized by their faith and obedience. Despite their imperfections, they trust in God's promises and are willing to act according to His commands.

4. Transformation and Redemption: God often chooses individuals who have experienced personal transformation and redemption. This is evident in the life of Paul, whose dramatic conversion exemplifies God's power to change hearts and use them for His glory.

In summary, the Bible presents a rich tapestry of accounts where God uses human instruments to achieve His divine purposes. These accounts serve as a testament to God's sovereignty, the transformative power of His grace, and the vital role of human participation in His redemptive plan.