Commoners

“The Lord said, ‘Whom shall I send?’ I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” -Is. 6:8 Webster defines a “commoner” as “a person who does not have nobility.” In a class society, commoners are not entitled to the same privileges as those of highest status. But in God’s society, He loves to use the broken and weak. God delights in the humble and dependent spirit who leans on His power. What are the requirements for being used by God? What talents do we need to have? What gifting is necessary to be chosen instruments of Christ? Here is a composite list of significant people used by God in the Bible: Paul Paul was a tent-maker and once held an important position in Judaism. He tried to destroy the church and persecute Christians. He had been jailed but was eventually used in great ways to spread the Good News of Jesus across the ancient world. Joseph In the Bible Joseph becomes the Pharaoh's right hand man. Joseph can interpret dreams and he saves Egypt from a famine. Before Joseph was used by God in Egypt, he spent time as a slave and also spent time in prison. Moses Moses was a shepherd and his daily work consisted of herding sheep. He was undoubtedly shocked that God talked directly to him and revealed himself to him. God told him that he was going to lead his people to the Promised Land. Gideon God used Gideon to deliver Israel from Midian but before that Gideon was nothing more than a farmer. Jephthah Jephthah is used by God to deliver Israel from the Ammonites. Before that Jephthah was only known as being the son of a prostitute. David Like Moses, David was also a shepherd but David was just a boy when he defeated Goliath and he would eventually become king of Israel. Esther Like Joseph, Esther was a slave before God used her to save her people from being massacred. Mary Who did God choose to be the mother of Jesus? A famous actress? A celebrity? A great athlete? A famous politician? No, the mother of Jesus was a peasant girl. Matthew Matthew was one of the 12 disciples and wrote one of the Gospels that told about the life of Jesus. But before Jesus asked Matthew to join him he was just a tax collector. Luke Luke traveled with Paul giving him a companion to journey with and Luke would also write one of the four Gospels, but Luke was nothing more than a physician. Peter Many of the disciples were just common fisherman and would go on to do God's work. Peter is the best example as he would be an apostle, a leader of the early church and he would write two letters in the New Testament. I’m not sure how long your resume is these days. But all God requires of us is to be willing and available. As Leroy Eims used to say, “Don't pray ‘God use me,’ pray instead, ‘God make me useable.’” The common link of humility in the above list reflects His desire to use those with contrite hearts. Through prayer, simply ask God to use you, and He will. You may not be able to see the results, but the fruits of surrender to a loving God are always there. Yield to His will for your life and delight in being His instrument. What an honor to be a commoner… …being used by the Lord. By Eric Joseph Staples © www.lifeaid101.com