When I listen to the Bible, I frequently come across stories of people that God used whom I think are the most unlikely candidates God ever chose. Then there are other people who seemed to have it all right, have it going swimmingly for them, and God passes them over as useless.
What makes the difference? In this case, I took some examples of kids and how they turned out.
Jacob deceived his infirm, blind daddy to gain the blessing of the firstborn which was rightfully his older brother Esau’s. Jacob lied, impersonated Esau and tricked a dying Isaac into bestowing that firstborn birthright onto himself.
The blessing of Jacob stood, and he became a father of many nations. It was through Jacob’s family line that the whole earth is blest through Jesus Christ.
If you heard of a grown son doing this today to his dying father, what would you think? You probably wouldn’t think too kindly on such a person.
Judah, son of Jacob.
Through a series of poor personal choices and unfortunate events, he pays to have sex with his daughter-in-law whom he does not recognize. She becomes pregnant and Judah condemns her to death by stoning. Until he discovers that HE is the father of her unborn twins. How twisted is this story? Imagine the gossip mill with a piece like that!
Judah became a ruling tribe in the nation of Israel, with kings such as David, Solomon, and eventually Jesus Christ.
Samson, son of well-respected parents.
Legendary warrior and judge of Israel. Also undisciplined, impulsive and promiscuous. Samson had a weakness for pretty women. God worked powerfully through Samson, punishing the Philistines and guiding the nation of Israel for 40 years.
Prophet Samuel’s sons.
It was reported that they perverted justice in favor of bribes. They loved money more than righteousness. The people of Israel rejected them as successors to Samuel and instead, asked for a king.
The Rich Young Ruler.
Impeccable resume. Good family name. Wealthy. An outstanding citizen. Religiously moral. Never broke any laws. This guy did everything right.
Imagine how proud his parents must have felt. Wealth in the Jewish mind is equated with God’s blessing. Everyone in the community revered and honored this young man.
Everyone, that is, except Jesus.
Jesus told his disciples later: “How difficult it is for the rich people to enter heaven.”
One thing is clear: God does not look on the outward, as humans do. He considers the heart. Your family name, popularity, education, wealth, or lack thereof matters nothing to God. Your mistakes, your past, your regret, or sins do not keep you from seeking God. He draws near to those who are of a broken and contrite heart. Humility catches God’s attention.
Pride is what keeps us from God. Proverbs states that ‘God rejects the proud. He opposes them and looks for ways to trip them up. His hand is against pride.’
While we may view the façade of a person, God ponders the heart.
What we see may look beautiful, perfect, and God-worthy. Or, we might only see brokenness, insecurity, a brash and confident personality, and an unlikely candidate. God sees beyond the physical shell. He examines the heart.
The best part? He uses anyone who is willing.
For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him.
2 Chronicles 16:9a
Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you.
Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.
God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important.
As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.1 Corinthians 1:26-29
God uses willing people.