Ordinary Enough To Be Used

Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

Luke 2:25

Among the wondrous lessons of the Christmas story is this one: we don’t have to be famous, great, wealthy, talented, experienced, or extroverted to serve the Lord. The “stars” of the Nativity story are unknowns—a young working-class couple from Nazareth, an unknown resident of Bethlehem who loaned them a cave, a handful of smelly shepherds, a devout fellow named Simeon, and an aged widow named Anna.

They were ordinary enough to be used by God.

When we are reminded of this, it helps us overcome our fears of being unqualified to serve the Lord. It isn’t highly trained specialists the Lord needs most, but devout people who, like Simeon, are faithful to the house of the Lord and who wait for God to work. Remember what Paul said: Not many great people are chosen. Not many wise or noble or famous (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). It is simple, humble, ordinary people that God uses most often so that the glory will be His alone.

Let’s all be sons of Simeon—just and devout, touched by the Holy Spirit, and available at a moment’s notice.

Too many are missionaries by proxy but not in person. God’s program begins where we live.

VANCE HAVNER