The theme of God's use of the humble is a recurring motif throughout the Bible, illustrating how God often chooses those who are lowly, meek, and unassuming to fulfill His divine purposes. This principle underscores the biblical truth that God's power is made perfect in weakness and that He exalts those who humble themselves before Him.

Old Testament Examples

1. Moses: Despite his initial reluctance and self-doubt, Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. In Exodus 3:11, Moses questions his own ability, saying, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" Yet, God reassures him, demonstrating that it is not human strength but divine power that accomplishes His will.

2. David: The youngest son of Jesse, David was a shepherd boy when God chose him to be king over Israel. In 1 Samuel 16:7, God tells Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart." David's humble beginnings and heart for God made him a fitting choice for leadership.

3. Gideon: In Judges 6, Gideon is called by God to deliver Israel from the Midianites. Despite his protestations of being the least in his family and from the weakest clan, God uses Gideon to achieve a great victory, emphasizing that it is God's strength, not human might, that brings deliverance.

New Testament Examples

1. Mary, the Mother of Jesus: Mary, a young woman of humble status, was chosen to bear the Son of God. In Luke 1:48, she acknowledges her lowly state, saying, "For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant." Her humility and obedience are central to her role in God's redemptive plan.

2. The Disciples: Jesus chose ordinary men, many of whom were fishermen, to be His disciples. In Acts 4:13, the boldness of Peter and John is noted despite their lack of formal education, highlighting that their authority and power came from their association with Jesus.

3. Paul: Formerly a persecutor of Christians, Paul became one of the most influential apostles. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, he writes, "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.'" Paul's acknowledgment of his own weaknesses allowed God's strength to be manifest in his ministry.

Theological Implications

The use of the humble by God serves as a profound theological statement about the nature of God's kingdom. It is a kingdom where the last are first, and the first are last (Matthew 20:16). This divine preference for the humble is a reflection of God's character, as He opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).

Practical Applications

Believers are encouraged to emulate the humility exemplified by these biblical figures. In Philippians 2:3, Paul exhorts, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves." This call to humility is not only a personal virtue but a prerequisite for being used by God in His service.

Conclusion

The biblical narrative consistently reveals that God delights in using the humble to accomplish His purposes, thereby magnifying His own glory and demonstrating that His ways are higher than human ways. This theme invites believers to trust in God's wisdom and to seek humility as a pathway to divine service.