Throughout the Bible, God consistently demonstrates His sovereign power and wisdom by choosing the lowly, the humble, and the seemingly insignificant to fulfill His divine purposes. This theme underscores the biblical truth that God's ways are not man's ways, and His criteria for selection often defy human expectations.

Old Testament Examples

1. Moses: Despite his initial reluctance and self-doubt, Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. In Exodus 3:11, Moses questions his own worthiness, saying, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" Yet, God assures him of His presence and power, demonstrating that it is not human ability but divine appointment that matters.

2. David: The youngest son of Jesse, David was overlooked by his own family when Samuel came to anoint the next king of Israel. In 1 Samuel 16:7, God 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 boy did not hinder God's plan to establish him as a great king.

3. Gideon: In Judges 6, Gideon is called by God to deliver Israel from the Midianites. Despite his protestations of being the least in his family and from the weakest clan, God uses him mightily. Judges 6:15-16 records Gideon's hesitance and God's reassurance: "But Gideon replied, 'Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father’s house.' 'Surely I will be with you,' the LORD replied, 'and you will strike down all the Midianites as one man.'"

New Testament Examples

1. Mary, the Mother of Jesus: A young, humble maiden from Nazareth, Mary was chosen to bear the Savior of the world. In Luke 1:48, Mary acknowledges her lowly state, saying, "For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed." Her selection highlights God's preference for the humble and His ability to exalt the lowly.

2. The Disciples: Jesus chose His disciples from among fishermen, tax collectors, and other ordinary individuals. In Acts 4:13, the boldness of Peter and John astonishes the Sanhedrin, who recognize them as "unschooled, ordinary men." Yet, these men were instrumental in spreading the Gospel and establishing the early Church.

3. Paul: Formerly Saul, a persecutor of Christians, Paul describes himself as the "least of the apostles" in 1 Corinthians 15:9. Despite his past, God uses Paul to become one of the most influential figures in the early Church, authoring many New Testament epistles and spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles.

Theological Implications

God's use of the lowly serves as a profound reminder of His grace and the upside-down nature of His kingdom. In 1 Corinthians 1:27-29, Paul writes, "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 in His presence." This passage encapsulates the divine strategy of using the humble to accomplish His purposes, ensuring that all glory is directed to God alone.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to embrace humility and trust in God's power rather than their own abilities. James 4:10 exhorts, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you." This principle invites Christians to rely on God's strength and wisdom, recognizing that He often works through those who are willing to submit to His will, regardless of their social status or personal capabilities.