Misfits

Moses, David, and Paul. When you read these names, do you think of them as great biblical leaders? How about as misfits? The amazing truth is, they were both. While they accomplished incredible things, they were not the kind of people you would expect to lead. Moses did not speak well and hesitated to lead the people of Israel. He also killed an Egyptian man for beating up a Hebrew slave. David was the youngest of his brothers, and he had blood on his hands too: David intentionally sent Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah, to the front lines of battle to be killed so he could have Bathsheba. Paul persecuted and killed Christians before he came to know Jesus. Yet God chose these misfit, broken, and sinful people to transform into redeemed leaders for His kingdom. He worked through them, transforming them the same way Jesus transforms His people today (Philippians 2:13; Ephesians 2:8-10). When God handpicks broken people to carry out His work, He shows us His power and sovereignty (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). God is perfect, but He can and does empower imperfect people to fulfill His plans through the Holy Spirit. That’s great news for us. It means we don’t have to be perfect to be a part of God’s kingdom. If you know Jesus, He lives in you and He works in and through you to accomplish God’s plan, just like He worked through Moses, David, and Paul. Despite our flaws and shortcomings, God loves us and chooses to include us in carrying out His plans. Naomi Zylstra In Christ, we find true worth, love, security,and forgiveness, despite our shortcomings. When have you felt unworthy of leadership? How does knowing your worth doesn’t come from what you do affect your view of yourself? How might God be calling you to serve in His kingdom? Who is a trusted Christian in your life you can talk with about thissuch as a pastor, camp counselor, or friend? Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (NIV)

Read Verses:

Ephesians 1:3-6; Titus 3:3-7