Topical Encyclopedia
Throughout the biblical narrative, God consistently demonstrates His sovereignty and wisdom by choosing individuals who, by human standards, might seem unlikely candidates for His divine purposes. This theme underscores the principle that God's ways are higher than human ways and that He often delights in using the weak and humble to accomplish His will, thereby magnifying His own glory and power.
Moses Moses is a quintessential example of God using an unlikely person. Born a Hebrew slave and raised in Pharaoh's palace, Moses fled to Midian after killing an Egyptian. When God called him from the burning bush to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses protested, citing his lack of eloquence and questioning his own worthiness (
Exodus 4:10). Yet, God assured him, "Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say" (
Exodus 4:12). Despite his initial reluctance, Moses became one of the greatest leaders in Israel's history.
Gideon Gideon was another unlikely hero. When God called him to deliver Israel from the Midianites, Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide from the enemy. He questioned God's choice, saying, "My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house" (
Judges 6:15). Nevertheless, God assured him, "Surely I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites as one man" (
Judges 6:16). With a small army of 300 men, Gideon defeated the vast Midianite forces, demonstrating that victory comes from the Lord.
David David, the youngest son of Jesse, was a shepherd boy when Samuel anointed him as king over Israel. His own father did not initially consider him when Samuel came to anoint one of Jesse's sons (
1 Samuel 16:11). Despite his humble beginnings, David became a man after God's own heart and the greatest king of Israel. His account illustrates that God looks at the heart rather than outward appearances (
1 Samuel 16:7).
Rahab Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute in Jericho, is another striking example. Despite her background, she recognized the power of the God of Israel and hid the Israelite spies, declaring, "For the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below" (
Joshua 2:11). Her faith and actions not only spared her family but also placed her in the lineage of Jesus Christ (
Matthew 1:5).
Mary, the Mother of Jesus Mary, a young virgin from Nazareth, was chosen to bear the Son of God. Her humble response to the angel Gabriel, "I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen to me according to your word" (
Luke 1:38), exemplifies her faith and submission. Despite her lowly status, she was honored to be the mother of the Savior, fulfilling the prophecy of the virgin birth (
Isaiah 7:14).
The Apostles The apostles were a diverse group, including fishermen, a tax collector, and a zealot. They were ordinary men with no formal religious training, yet Jesus called them to be His closest followers and entrusted them with spreading the Gospel. Their transformation from fearful and doubtful individuals to bold proclaimers of Christ's resurrection is a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit working through unlikely vessels.
Paul Paul, formerly Saul of Tarsus, was a zealous persecutor of Christians. His dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus (
Acts 9:3-6) and subsequent role as the apostle to the Gentiles highlight God's ability to transform even the most ardent opponent into a powerful instrument for His kingdom. Paul himself acknowledged his unworthiness, stating, "For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God" (
1 Corinthians 15:9).
These examples, among many others, illustrate a consistent biblical theme: God often chooses the least likely individuals to fulfill His purposes, thereby demonstrating that His strength is made perfect in weakness (
2 Corinthians 12:9).