THURSDAY May 9, 2019
Choosing the Insignificant
So Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all the young men here?” Then he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep.”
1 Samuel 16:8-11
All of Jesse’s seven sons passed before the prophet Samuel. Yet God had not chosen any from among them to be the next King of Israel. Finally, Samuel asked Jesse if he had any more sons. Jesse had only one more son left––the youngest. Surely Samuel did not want to see him? This last son was just a youth taking care of the sheep––he was seemingly insignificant.
God loves to use those who are humble and insignificant to others. Jeremiah was such a person. He was only a youth but God chose him to do something very significant. He was called to be a prophet in a very difficult time in Israel’s history:
…the word of the Lord came to me [Jeremiah], saying: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Then said I: “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.” But the Lord said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord (Jeremiah 1: 4-8).
As a young person, like Jeremiah, you may feel inadequate and think yourself insignificant, but do not be afraid to follow God’s call on your life. Step out by faith, do it, God is with you!
There is no one insignificant in the purposes of God.
~Alistair Begg~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
