Exodus 4:10-15 NKJV
“Then Moses said to the Lord, “O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” So the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the Lord? Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.” But he said, “O my Lord, please send by the hand of whomever else You may send.” So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and He said: “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well. And look, he is also coming out to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. Now you shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth. And I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and I will teach you what you shall do.”
INSIGHT
-The story of Albert Einstein demystifies all odds of success amidst sure possibility of failure and hopelessness. Einstein while studying in elementary school, he was declared dumb for he could not understand nor comprehend anything in class and was expelled. Her mother Pauline Einstein took it upon herself to homeschool Einstein while praying for him. Isaiah 66: 13 reads, “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.” Like Einstein, Moses could not speak and requested God or send someone on the mission to deliver the Israelites from Egypt. He felt inadequate and unqualified, but the Lord helped him, and he was successful in his mission. Likewise in Einstein’s inadequacies, the Lord blessed him and make him a great scientist. He discovered the most popular formula in Physics E=mc^2 and he won a Nobel price. He became one of the greatest scientists of all time. God qualifies the unqualified and where one is rejected, disappointed, uneducated, disillusioned, an orphan, shy, failed, a widow, a widower, depressed, an addict, a gambler etc, Jesus delivers and saves.
PRAYER
Almighty Heavenly Father, we exalt Your name this day. We thank You for all You have done for us. Your works are so great and powerful, and none can be compared with You or do what You have done. Your promises are ever true and You are our ever-faithful God. We thank You for You have good plans for us, plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us a future and a hope. We thank You oh Lord for who You are and for everything in our lives and all around us. May You take all the glory for You are worthy of our praise and worship. Receive all the adoration and all the glory. Come and reign in all our lives, situations and affairs. Come and take over and do what only You can do. We surrender ourselves unto You and accept Your calling over our lives. We may not feel worthy but You always qualify the unqualified so that Your glory may be revealed. May You qualify us in all areas and spheres. May You forgive us for the many times we have not pleased You and we have even brought up excuses and disobeyed You. We truly repent and turn away from our sins. We pray that Your Holy Spirit shall fill us afresh and guide us in all truth. We pray for those who mourning the dead of their children and loved ones that You may grant them comfort and strength to push on. May You dear Jesus save our children from premature death and cover them with Your precious blood. Lord may You comfort and strengthen all the broken hearted, and save them from every adverse situation. We honor You Lord and give You praise. We pray all this believing and trusting in Jesus Name, Amen.
Further reading: Psalms 55:22
2 Samuel 9:3-7 NKJV
“Then the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, to whom I may show the kindness of God?” And Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan who is lame in his feet.” So the king said to him, “Where is he?” And Ziba said to the king, “Indeed he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo Debar.” Then King David sent and brought him out of the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, from Lo Debar. Now when Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, had come to David, he fell on his face and prostrated himself. Then David said, “Mephibosheth?” And he answered, “Here is your servant!” So David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually.”
INSIGHT
–Mephibosheth, son of Jonathan was a crippled man. He lived in a wasteland called Lo-Debar (which means “not worth mentioning”, or “nothing to say about it”). God preserved Mephibosheth during the state of trials and tribulations his family underwent. God allowed the rest to depart from the earth yet He chose to keep Mephibosheth. He further chose that He is the one who shall be blessed as a reward to Jonathan for being a good friend and assistant to David. Truly his crippled state did not keep God from doing good to him. This teaches us that we may have our shortcomings but God is able to overlook them and reward us irregardless. May we also learn from this that if God doesn’t look down on any of us, we should not look down on our fellow brothers and sisters who are disabled. We also learn how to love and do good to our brothers and sisters in times of need just as Jonathan did for David for in due time. His children reaped Jonathan’s reward and blessing. God is a faithful God and always reward, His faithfulness endures to all generations.
PRAYER
Father we gather at Your feet today in humble adoration and exaltation of Your beautiful name. We enthrone You for there is none like You. Lord we thank You for You are a good and merciful Father. Your faithfulness endures to all generations and Your love is forever more. Lord we thank You for all the benefits You have bestowed upon us and Your promises that never fail. Dear Lord You chose to preserve and bless Mephibosheth despite of his crippled state. You have no partiality in You. We bless Your name oh Lord. May You preserve us through all adversity and all situations. May You remember us when our time of remembrance come. For Your love and faithfulness endures forever. Lord we pray that You will look upon our lowly state and cause Your face and countenance to shine upon us. May You also forgive us where we have sinned against You and even looked down upon Your creation and the disabled in the society. May You cleanse us by Your precious blood. May You heal all those who are sick and disabled among us and restore their health. May You touch those who are struggling and help them at their point of need. We pray this in Jesus Mighty name, Amen.
Further reading: Mark 2:3-12
John 5:2-9 NKJV
“Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked. And that day was the Sabbath.”
INSIGHT
-There was a state of hopelessness at the pool of Bethesda where many lay sick and frustrated. They waited for the angel to visit and cause a supernatural occurrence at a particular time possibly once a year where he stirred the water and one victim could gain wellness. At the pool next to the sheep gate, a man had suffered for thirty eight years, and Jesus made him well at an instance. The man was devastated while attempting to get well through the angelic action but he was unable. Jesus is a miracle working God, and nothing is impossible with Him. Many among us are sick and tired, they have tried various medicines, consultants and strategies to gain good health but they are unable. We are reminded to run to Jesus our Healer our Deliverer and we will never be disappointed.
PRAYER
God You are our Refuge and Strength, a very present help in trouble. We will not fear even though the earth be removed and the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. Though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. We have hope for there is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. For You Lord are in the midst of her and she shall not be moved and You shall help her, just at the break of dawn. The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved; Lord You uttered Your voice and the earth melted. Lord of hosts You are with us, God of Jacob You are our refuge. We run to You Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. We run to You Jesus with our troubles and tribulations knowing that You will never disappoint us. We run to You Jesus with our sicknesses and pain knowing that You will heal us. We run to You Savior with our heartbreaks and burdens knowing that You will never turn us away. May You heal all those who are sick and suffering in hospitals and at home. May You heal the hearts of all those who are mourning the loss their loved ones. May Your name be praise and exulted in all the heavens and the earth. We praise You and worship You Lord, and it is in Jesus mighty name we pray. Amen
Further reading: Psalms 46:1-11, Luke 8:43-48
1 Samuel 16:10-13 NKJV
“Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all the young men here?” Then he said, “There remains yet the youngest, and there he is, keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him. For we will not sit down till he comes here.” So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!” Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah.”
INSIGHT
–David the shepherd boy was forgotten; he was the last born and considered the least in his family. When Samuel came to anoint the sons of Jesse, David was no where to be found, for he was tending for his father’s sheep. Samuel chose Eliab in his heart because of his physical appearance, but the Lord had chosen David, a man after God’s own heart. David was anointed as king of Israel and the Holy Spirit fell upon him. He was a strong leader, a brave ruler and trusted in God fully. We are reminded that even though we may feel as if we are forgotten in our personal progression, at the workplace, in our families and places of influence, the Lord has not forgotten us. Let us remember to seek the Lord always and wait on Him for at His appointed time and season we shall be transit from one level to the next, for the glory of God.
PRAYER
We sing joyfully to You Lord, for You are Righteous and Just. We honor You Lord of hosts for it is fitting for us to praise You. We praise You Jesus with harp; make music to You on the ten-stringed lyre. We sing to You a new song, play skillfully, and shout for joy for You are our great King and, in Your presence, there is fullness of joy. At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore, we thank You for showing us the path of life. Your word Lord is right and true, and You are Faithful in all You do. Lord Jesus, You love righteousness and justice, the earth is full of Your unfailing love. Lord Your Just and full of love, righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne, mercy and truth go before Your face. May Your justice and righteousness reign in our hearts, our homes, families, society, nation and entire world. May You establish the work of our hands and prosper us in every area of our lives. May Your purposes for us prevail and transform us that we may follow You wholeheartedly. May You bless us and help us to bear much fruit according to Your great love. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and forevermore. Amen
Further reading: 1 Samuel 13:14, Romans 12:1-2
John 8:3-11 NKJV
“Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”
INSIGHT
-A woman disqualified by the conduct for was caught in the act of adultery. Even though the Pharisees and Scribes resorted to prosecute her for her prostitution, Jesus introduced the law of love. He ignited the flame of penance and re-evaluation of one’s conduct. All were guilty of sin and deserved to be punished. Therefore none was worthy of stoning the woman for her sin. Jesus then instructed the woman to cease from sin. Jesus is our Lord and God, our Savior and Father. He calls us to follow Him fully and cease from sin for His grace is sufficient for us.
SUMMARY
God qualifies the unqualified is a vital thematic exposition that conveys the message that God is able to use anyone for His purposes, regardless of their perceived abilities or qualifications. As we have analyzed this week, human limitations or shortcomings are not barriers to being used by God. Instead, God empowers and equips us with what we need to fulfill our purposes or calling, often turning weaknesses into strengths. Knowing that God is the lifter or men, encourages us and gives us hope when we feel inadequate or unworthy, reminding us that divine grace can make all things possible. Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, despite his initial reluctance and his own admission that he was “slow of speech and tongue” (Exodus 4:10). God provided him with Aaron to speak on his behalf and gave him the power to perform miracles. Moses’ story shows that God’s calling comes with divine support and provision. Gideon was called by God to save Israel from the Midianites, even though he came from the weakest clan in Manasseh and considered himself the least in his family (Judges 6:15). God assured Gideon, “I will be with you,” and demonstrated His strength through Gideon’s perceived weakness. David was a young shepherd boy when he was anointed to be the king of Israel. He was the youngest son of Jesse, and even his own family did not consider him a likely candidate for kingship (1 Samuel 16:7-13). Yet, God saw his heart and chose him to become one of Israel’s greatest kings. King David showed kindness to Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan his friend who was crippled. At the age of five Mephibosheth got an accident while fleeing with his nurse and became lame in the feet (2 Samuel 4:4). David considered him worthy to seat at his table and dine with him constantly despite his physical condition (2 Samuel 9:3-7). God has a place in His heart for the people with disabilities and calls us to show love and compassion to them. Jesus showed mercy to a man who had laid sick at the pool of Bethesda for thirty-eight years. At this pool many were sick, blind, lame, paralyzed and waited for the angel to come and stir the water for a divine encounter. Jesus instructed the man to rise up, take his mat and walk, and immediately he was healed (John 5:2-9). Jesus chose ordinary fishermen, a tax collector, and others who were not considered highly educated or religiously qualified to be His closest followers (Mark 1:16-20). They became apostles, spreading the gospel and establishing the early church, empowered by the Holy Spirit. We are encouraged even though we may feel unworthy or inadequate God works through those who feel the least qualified. He equips and empowers us if we put all our trust in Him. God calls us in whatever capacity we are in to go into all the nations and make disciples for He is with us to the end of the age.
PRAYER
Almighty Heavenly Father, our able God, Great and Mighty King, Your name is awesome and powerful above every other name. No one can stand against You or be compared to You dear Lord. Father we thank You for holding our hands and lifting us above our weaknesses and inabilities. Thank You for healing us and blessings us. Thank You for opening doors and opportunities for us that we could otherwise never access. Thank You for Your presence in our lives, thank You for Your grace that is sufficient for us and Your power is made perfect in weakness, and when we are weak then we are strong for You are in us and with us. We thank You for You died and ransomed us with Your precious blood, may You forgive us and sanctify us dear Jesus. May You bless us and keep us. May You shine Your face towards us and be gracious unto us. May You show Your countenance unto us and give us peace. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and forevermore. Amen.
Further reading: 1 Corinthians 1:27-29, 2 Corinthians 12:9