The Unqualified
1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (NET)
Consider your calling, brothers and sisters. Not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were born to a privileged position. But God chose what the world thinks foolish to shame the wise, and God chose what the world thinks weak to shame the strong. God chose what is low and despised in the world, what is regarded as nothing, to set aside what is regarded as something, so that no one can boast in his presence.
The calling of Jesus often defies our expectations. He does not seek out the qualified, the accomplished, or the powerful by worldly standards. Instead, He calls those who seem unqualified, even those who have been overlooked or disregarded by society. When Jesus selected His twelve disciples, He didn’t choose the religious elite or the socially influential. He called fishermen, a tax collector, and others who were seen as ordinary or even despised. These men had no formal training, no religious authority, yet Jesus saw something in them that the world did not.
This theme is echoed throughout Scripture. Moses, who doubted his ability to speak, was called to lead Israel out of Egypt. Gideon, who saw himself as the least in his family, was chosen to deliver Israel from the Midianites. David, a young shepherd boy, was anointed as king over Israel. Even Paul, who once persecuted Christians, was transformed into one of the greatest apostles. God’s pattern is clear: He calls the unqualified and equips them with His power, so that all glory goes to Him.
The story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem highlights this truth. Jesus chose a donkey, an animal that had never been ridden, to carry Him into the city. By human standards, this donkey was unqualified for such an important task. Yet, Jesus used it to fulfill prophecy and to demonstrate that His kingdom operates on principles vastly different from those of the world. In the same way, Jesus calls us to carry His message, even when we feel unqualified. He doesn’t need us to be perfect or experienced; He needs us to be willing and available.
God’s call on our lives is not about our abilities, but about His purpose. When we respond to His call, He equips us with everything we need to accomplish His will. Our qualifications come not from ourselves, but from the Holy Spirit who empowers us. As we walk in obedience, we become vessels through which God’s power is displayed. Let us, therefore, embrace our calling with humility and confidence, knowing that it is God who works through us to achieve His purposes.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us, even when we feel unqualified. Help us to trust in Your wisdom and to rely on Your strength as we carry out the tasks You’ve assigned to us. May we remember that our sufficiency comes from You and that You are able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. Use us for Your glory, and let our lives be a testimony of Your power at work in the unqualified. In Your name, we pray. Amen.
Consider your calling, brothers and sisters. Not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were born to a privileged position. But God chose what the world thinks foolish to shame the wise, and God chose what the world thinks weak to shame the strong. God chose what is low and despised in the world, what is regarded as nothing, to set aside what is regarded as something, so that no one can boast in his presence.
The calling of Jesus often defies our expectations. He does not seek out the qualified, the accomplished, or the powerful by worldly standards. Instead, He calls those who seem unqualified, even those who have been overlooked or disregarded by society. When Jesus selected His twelve disciples, He didn’t choose the religious elite or the socially influential. He called fishermen, a tax collector, and others who were seen as ordinary or even despised. These men had no formal training, no religious authority, yet Jesus saw something in them that the world did not.
This theme is echoed throughout Scripture. Moses, who doubted his ability to speak, was called to lead Israel out of Egypt. Gideon, who saw himself as the least in his family, was chosen to deliver Israel from the Midianites. David, a young shepherd boy, was anointed as king over Israel. Even Paul, who once persecuted Christians, was transformed into one of the greatest apostles. God’s pattern is clear: He calls the unqualified and equips them with His power, so that all glory goes to Him.
The story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem highlights this truth. Jesus chose a donkey, an animal that had never been ridden, to carry Him into the city. By human standards, this donkey was unqualified for such an important task. Yet, Jesus used it to fulfill prophecy and to demonstrate that His kingdom operates on principles vastly different from those of the world. In the same way, Jesus calls us to carry His message, even when we feel unqualified. He doesn’t need us to be perfect or experienced; He needs us to be willing and available.
God’s call on our lives is not about our abilities, but about His purpose. When we respond to His call, He equips us with everything we need to accomplish His will. Our qualifications come not from ourselves, but from the Holy Spirit who empowers us. As we walk in obedience, we become vessels through which God’s power is displayed. Let us, therefore, embrace our calling with humility and confidence, knowing that it is God who works through us to achieve His purposes.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us, even when we feel unqualified. Help us to trust in Your wisdom and to rely on Your strength as we carry out the tasks You’ve assigned to us. May we remember that our sufficiency comes from You and that You are able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. Use us for Your glory, and let our lives be a testimony of Your power at work in the unqualified. In Your name, we pray. Amen.
No Comments