Who Does God Use?, Part 2

April, 2003

by: John Richard

In last month's article, we learned some very disturbing facts about several members of the hall of faith found in Hebrews 11. We learned that Rahab was a harlot, a liar and part of a wicked community. Gideon was from an unimportant clan and made excuses to the Lord. Barak was a coward, while Samson hung out with a prostitute, and was extremely gullible. Finally, Jephthah himself made an irrational vow, where his daughter was to be sacrificed. As a result of all these ignominious characteristics, I posed the question as how could these five individuals be in the hall of faith? How could the Lord use them? How could they be an example for us to follow? The answer to that question will be answered in this month's article.

Rahab was a liar and a prostitute, but yet she didn't disobey God as the rest of the people in Jericho did (Heb. 11:31). Rahab had never seen God or any of His marvelous works that He had performed for the Israelites. However, she had heard about them and believed that their God was the God of heaven above and earth below (Joshua 2:11). She was convinced of things that were not seen, having an assurance of things hoped for (Heb. 11:1). She was so convinced that their God was going to deliver them; she welcomed them in peace. She staked her life on the fact that God had said He would save and protect His people, Israel, and she wanted to be on His side. Even though she sinned, she was not recognized for her transgression, but for her confident trust in God and His Word.

Gideon and Barak were both called to fight for the Lord. However, at first they both equivocated on whether they should follow the Lord in His command. Gideon at first made excuses, while Barak was initially a coward. However, Gideon obeyed the Lord, fighting with only 300 men. This is an amazing act of faith, for the army he went against was as numerous as the sand on the seashore (Judges 7:12). However, he obeyed the Lord and trusted in Him that He was going to deliver him. Barak was told before he fought that he wouldn't get any honor for fighting, but that it would go to a lady. However, Barak believed God's promise of victory and was not concerned that a woman would get credit. He fought because He trusted God's promise. Both Gideon and Barak trusted in what God had promised.

The last two individuals also made some mistakes in their lives. However, both of them trusted in the Lord. Even though we usually describe Samson as a philanderer, he is listed as a man of faith. This is evidenced by the fact that at the end of his life, he threw himself completely on the mercy of God. He recognized that it was God who gave him strength (Judges 16:28) and he placed his faith in Him. Jephthah also embraced the Word of God, recognizing that it was God who brought the Israelites to where they were. He wasn't there when God brought the Israelites out of Egypt, but he believed that it was God.

God used all of these people, even though they were sinners. Now God didn't excuse their sin, but God still used sinners. They had turned from their sins and placed their faith in the Lord. They were so confident in Him and His Word, that God approved their faith. God can use anyone. He used David, a shepherd boy and Paul was a wicked hater of God. He raised up twelve disciples that were normal people. “It is not great talents that God blesses but a man who is like Christ.” (Robert Mc'Chenyne) God can use you, are you willing?

• Who Does God Use?, Part 1
• Who Does God Use?, Part 2