Unlikely Candidates
Matthew 21:1-11 (NET)
Now when they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, telling them, “Go to the village ahead of you. Right away you will find a donkey tied there, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you are to say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.”
Throughout history, God has chosen the most unlikely individuals to accomplish His purposes. Whether it was Moses, who was hesitant and fearful, or Gideon, who was full of doubts, God has consistently used those whom the world might overlook. Consider Rahab, a prostitute living a sinful life, yet God used her to protect the Israelite spies and secure her place in the lineage of Christ. Esther, an orphaned Israelite girl, was plucked from obscurity to save her people. David, the youngest son and a shepherd, was anointed as king. And Mary, a humble teenage girl from Nazareth, was chosen to carry the Savior of the world. God's choices often defy human logic, as He selects the unlikely to fulfill His divine plans.
This pattern of God's choice continues in the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Jesus chose to ride on a donkey, an animal often perceived as stubborn and lowly, rather than a majestic warhorse. This choice was symbolic, fulfilling the prophecy that the King would come "unassuming and seated on a donkey" (Matthew 21:5). The world might have expected a grand entrance befitting a king, but Jesus’ choice of a donkey demonstrates that God’s ways are not our ways. He uses what the world deems foolish or weak to confound the wise and strong (1 Corinthians 1:27).
The same principle applies to us today. You may feel unworthy or unqualified to be used by God, but His selection is not based on our qualifications. Jesus chose twelve ordinary men—fishermen, a tax collector, and others without religious credentials—to ignite a movement that would change the world. These men were not qualified by worldly standards, but Jesus called them to carry His message. Just as He needed the donkey for His triumphal entry, He needs us to carry His name and His burden to the lost and broken. Though He is self-sufficient and needs nothing (Acts 17:24-25), He chooses to involve us in His work.
Let us remember that God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called. We might be unlikely candidates in the eyes of the world, but in God’s hands, we become vessels for His glory. May we embrace our calling, knowing that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing the unlikely to accomplish Your will. Help us to embrace our calling, even when we feel unqualified. Use us as vessels to carry Your name to those who need You most. May we trust in Your wisdom and surrender to Your plans, knowing that Your ways are higher than our ways. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Now when they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, telling them, “Go to the village ahead of you. Right away you will find a donkey tied there, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you are to say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.”
Throughout history, God has chosen the most unlikely individuals to accomplish His purposes. Whether it was Moses, who was hesitant and fearful, or Gideon, who was full of doubts, God has consistently used those whom the world might overlook. Consider Rahab, a prostitute living a sinful life, yet God used her to protect the Israelite spies and secure her place in the lineage of Christ. Esther, an orphaned Israelite girl, was plucked from obscurity to save her people. David, the youngest son and a shepherd, was anointed as king. And Mary, a humble teenage girl from Nazareth, was chosen to carry the Savior of the world. God's choices often defy human logic, as He selects the unlikely to fulfill His divine plans.
This pattern of God's choice continues in the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Jesus chose to ride on a donkey, an animal often perceived as stubborn and lowly, rather than a majestic warhorse. This choice was symbolic, fulfilling the prophecy that the King would come "unassuming and seated on a donkey" (Matthew 21:5). The world might have expected a grand entrance befitting a king, but Jesus’ choice of a donkey demonstrates that God’s ways are not our ways. He uses what the world deems foolish or weak to confound the wise and strong (1 Corinthians 1:27).
The same principle applies to us today. You may feel unworthy or unqualified to be used by God, but His selection is not based on our qualifications. Jesus chose twelve ordinary men—fishermen, a tax collector, and others without religious credentials—to ignite a movement that would change the world. These men were not qualified by worldly standards, but Jesus called them to carry His message. Just as He needed the donkey for His triumphal entry, He needs us to carry His name and His burden to the lost and broken. Though He is self-sufficient and needs nothing (Acts 17:24-25), He chooses to involve us in His work.
Let us remember that God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called. We might be unlikely candidates in the eyes of the world, but in God’s hands, we become vessels for His glory. May we embrace our calling, knowing that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing the unlikely to accomplish Your will. Help us to embrace our calling, even when we feel unqualified. Use us as vessels to carry Your name to those who need You most. May we trust in Your wisdom and surrender to Your plans, knowing that Your ways are higher than our ways. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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