The concept of divine purpose in unlikely instruments is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, illustrating God's sovereignty and His ability to use any person or situation to fulfill His divine will. This theme underscores the belief that God's plans are not limited by human expectations or societal norms, and He often chooses unexpected individuals or means to accomplish His purposes.

Old Testament Examples

1. Moses: Moses is a quintessential example of an unlikely instrument chosen by God. Initially, Moses was a fugitive and a shepherd in Midian, having fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian. Despite his reluctance and self-professed inadequacy in speech, God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt. In Exodus 3:10, God commands, "So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt." Moses' account demonstrates that God equips those He calls, regardless of their perceived weaknesses.

2. Gideon: In Judges 6, Gideon is introduced as a hesitant and doubtful individual, threshing wheat in a winepress to hide from the Midianites. Yet, God addresses him as a "mighty warrior" (Judges 6:12) and chooses him to deliver Israel from Midianite oppression. Despite his initial doubts and requests for signs, Gideon becomes a leader who, with a small army, achieves victory, showcasing God's power in using the seemingly weak to confound the strong.

3. David: The selection of David as king is another profound example. As the youngest son of Jesse, David was a shepherd boy, overlooked by his own family when Samuel came to anoint the next king of Israel. Yet, God saw his heart and chose him, as stated in 1 Samuel 16:7, "The LORD does not see as man does. For man sees the outward appearance, but the LORD sees the heart." David's rise from shepherd to king illustrates God's ability to elevate the humble for His purposes.

New Testament Examples

1. Mary, the Mother of Jesus: Mary, a young virgin from Nazareth, was chosen to bear the Son of God. Her humble status and the miraculous nature of the virgin birth highlight God's power to work through those whom society might deem insignificant. In Luke 1:38, Mary responds to the angel Gabriel, "I am the Lord’s servant. May it happen to me according to your word." Her faith and obedience exemplify how God uses the willing and faithful to fulfill His divine plan.

2. The Apostles: Jesus' selection of His apostles further illustrates this theme. Many of them were fishermen, a profession not typically associated with religious leadership or scholarly pursuits. Yet, Jesus called them to be His closest followers and entrusted them with spreading the Gospel. In Acts 4:13, the boldness of Peter and John astonishes the Sanhedrin, who recognize them as "unschooled, ordinary men," yet they had been with Jesus, demonstrating that God empowers the ordinary to achieve extraordinary things.

3. Paul: Formerly known as Saul, Paul was a zealous persecutor of Christians. His dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) transformed him into one of the most influential apostles and a prolific writer of the New Testament. In 1 Timothy 1:15-16, Paul reflects on his past and God's grace, stating, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. But for this very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life."

Theological Implications

The use of unlikely instruments in the Bible emphasizes God's sovereignty and the principle that His ways are higher than human ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). It challenges believers to trust in God's wisdom and timing, recognizing that He can use anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, to accomplish His divine purposes. This theme encourages humility, faith, and openness to God's calling, reminding believers that their limitations do not limit God's power.