What other biblical examples show God using people to deliver crucial messages? Setting the Scene: God’s Messengers in 2 Samuel 17:21 “After they had departed, the men came up out of the well and went and informed King David. They said to him, ‘Arise and cross the river quickly, for Ahithophel has advised such and such against you.’” • In the heat of Absalom’s rebellion, God positioned Jonathan and Ahimaaz to carry Hushai’s warning to David. • Their timely word preserved the king’s life, the Messianic line, and the covenant promises. A Pattern Woven Through Scripture From Genesis to Revelation, the Lord consistently works through ordinary people to deliver pivotal messages that steer nations, rescue lives, and advance redemption’s storyline. Old Testament Snapshots • Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh – Exodus 5:1 “Afterward Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, ‘This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: “Let My people go, so that they may hold a festival to Me in the wilderness.”’” – Two brothers speak divine liberation into a superpower’s court. • Nathan to David – 2 Samuel 12:7 “Then Nathan said to David, ‘You are the man!’” – Confrontation brings repentance, keeping the king—and the throne—aligned with God’s plan. • Elijah to Ahab – 1 Kings 17:1 “As surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, … there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.” – One prophet stands before a hostile monarchy to spark national awakening. • Huldah to Josiah – 2 Kings 22:15–16 “‘This is what the LORD … says: I am going to bring disaster on this place…’” – A faithful woman interprets the rediscovered Law, igniting sweeping reform. • Esther before Xerxes – Esther 7:3–4 “‘If I have found favor in your sight, O king, … let my life be spared and the lives of my people.’” – A queen’s courageous plea thwarts genocide and safeguards the covenant people. • Jonah to Nineveh – Jonah 3:2–4 “‘Arise, go to Nineveh… and proclaim to it the message that I give you.’” – A reluctant prophet turns an entire city from wrath to mercy. • Daniel to Belshazzar – Daniel 5:17–28 “MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN” – God reveals impending judgment through an exile-turned-statesman. New Testament Highlights • John the Baptist to Israel – John 1:23 “‘I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, “Make straight the way for the Lord.”’” – Preparing hearts for the Messiah’s arrival. • Mary Magdalene to the disciples – John 20:18 “Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, ‘I have seen the Lord!’” – The first resurrection witness commissions discouraged followers. • Ananias to Saul – Acts 9:17 “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus… has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” – A little-known believer ushers the future apostle into ministry. • Peter at Pentecost – Acts 2:14-41 “Repent and be baptized… and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” – One sermon flings open the doors of the church. • Agabus the prophet – Acts 11:28; 21:10-11 – Warns of famine and later of Paul’s arrest, enabling strategic preparation. Common Threads to Notice • God selects varied messengers—men and women, rulers and servants, locals and foreigners. • The message is always timely, specific, and anchored in His revealed word. • Obedience, often risky, is the key human ingredient; outcomes rest with Him. • Each episode safeguards the unfolding promise that culminates in Christ. Takeaways for Today • Expect God’s word to arrive through people you might least anticipate. • Measure every claimed message against Scripture’s clear, authoritative truth. • Courageous obedience in small moments can ripple into history-shaping impact, just as Jonathan and Ahimaaz’s midnight run preserved David and, ultimately, the lineage leading to Jesus. |
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