When a Nobody Becomes a Somebody

1 Cor. 1:27, “God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise…”

As we enter the Christmas season each year, I love studying small sections of the Christmas story. While all four Gospels give us insight into the Christmas story, were it not for Luke, we would not know some of the beautiful details leading up to the birth of Christ. For instance, Luke’s Gospel is the only narrative that shares:

Elizabeth and Zechariah’s account
Mary and Gabriel’s visit
Mary’s visit with Elizabeth
Mary’s song
John the Baptist’s birth and childhood
Shepherd’s account
Jesus’ birth

These accounts are treasures! Look at all we’d miss if not for Dr. Luke! I’m so grateful that he took the time to share these important details.

As I look at the whole account of the Christmas story, something else that stands out to me is how God delights in using ordinary, everyday people. He chose:

a disgraced, barren woman described as “well along in years,” to become the mother to the “prophet of the Most High who would prepare the way for the Lord.”
a young, poor female to carry out one of the most important acts of obedience ever asked of anyone – to become the mother of the world’s Savior.
a band of shepherds to share the greatest and most important news ever relayed.

Notice God did not choose the elite of the world or people who deem themselves important. But God chose common, ordinary people to be players in the greatest account in history.

“Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise…” 1 Cor. 1:26-27

God chose people who seemed to be nobodies in the world’s eyes to become somebodies in heaven’s eyes. Somebodies used for His great purposes.

God does the same today. As believers, we have God-given purposes. He tells us to “go and bear lasting fruit.” A fruitful life is predicated by our willingness to “abide in Him,” allowing His Word to be the guiding compass of our lives. (John 15:1-6)

Then everywhere we go, we take the reality and message of Jesus into the world beneath our own two feet, knowing we have been sovereignly placed by God to make a difference.

When we do, we, just like Elizabeth, Mary and the shepherds, become a somebody in heaven’s eyes.

Don’t miss December’s Newsletter! Includes: