In the biblical narrative, the role of the ordinary is a profound theme that underscores God's use of everyday people and mundane circumstances to fulfill His divine purposes. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating that God often chooses the humble and the lowly to accomplish His will, thereby demonstrating His power and sovereignty.

Old Testament Examples

The Old Testament is replete with examples of God using ordinary individuals to achieve extraordinary outcomes. One of the most notable is David, a shepherd boy who was anointed king over Israel. In 1 Samuel 16:7, the Lord 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 as a shepherd underscore the biblical principle that God values the heart over external qualifications.

Similarly, Gideon, who described himself as the least in his family and from the weakest clan in Manasseh (Judges 6:15), was chosen by God to deliver Israel from the Midianites. Despite his initial doubts and fears, God used Gideon to lead a small army to victory, emphasizing that divine strength is made perfect in human weakness.

New Testament Illustrations

In the New Testament, the role of the ordinary is further highlighted through the lives of the apostles. Jesus chose fishermen, tax collectors, and other common men to be His closest followers and to spread the Gospel. In Acts 4:13, it is noted, "When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus." This passage illustrates that the transformative power of Christ enables ordinary individuals to perform extraordinary acts.

The parables of Jesus also emphasize the significance of the ordinary. In the Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32), Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed, the smallest of all seeds, which grows into a large tree. This parable highlights how God can use small, seemingly insignificant beginnings to produce great outcomes.

Theological Implications

The role of the ordinary in Scripture reveals several key theological truths. First, it underscores the doctrine of divine election, where God chooses individuals not based on their status or abilities but according to His purpose and grace. This is evident in 1 Corinthians 1:27-29: "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him."

Second, the use of ordinary people and circumstances highlights God's sovereignty and the principle that His strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). This encourages believers to rely not on their own strength or wisdom but on God's power and guidance.

Practical Applications

For contemporary believers, the role of the ordinary serves as a reminder that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or abilities, to fulfill His purposes. It encourages Christians to embrace humility and to be open to God's calling in their lives, trusting that He can work through them in ways they might not expect.

Moreover, this theme challenges believers to recognize the value and potential in everyday situations and relationships. It calls for faithfulness in the small things, as Jesus taught in Luke 16:10: "Whoever is faithful with very little will also be faithful with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much."

In summary, the role of the ordinary in the Bible is a testament to God's ability to use the humble and the lowly to achieve His divine purposes, demonstrating that His power is made perfect in human weakness and that His grace is sufficient for all.