How should we respond when God uses unexpected people for His purposes? Eldad & Medad: When God Breaks the Mold “Numbers 11:26: ‘However, two men, Eldad and Medad, had remained in the camp; they were listed among the elders, but they had not gone out to the tent. Yet the Spirit rested on them, and they prophesied in the camp.’” • The scene is startling—God’s Spirit settles on men who skipped the public gathering, and they begin prophesying right where they are. • Moses’ aide, Joshua, wants them stopped (vv. 28–29), but Moses refuses. • God is showing that His call is His to give; human expectations can’t fence Him in. Recognize the Source: God’s Sovereign Spirit • Numbers 11:29: “Would that all the LORD’s people were prophets, and that the LORD would put His Spirit upon them!” • 1 Corinthians 12:11: “All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, who apportions them to each one as He determines.” • Isaiah 55:8–9 reminds us His ways are above ours. When God works through the unexpected, the first response is worship—acknowledging His absolute right to choose any vessel He pleases. Reject Jealousy, Choose Joy • Joshua’s protective impulse (Numbers 11:28) mirrors the disciples’ complaint in Mark 9:38–40. Jesus answers, “Do not stop him… whoever is not against us is for us.” • Philippians 1:15–18—Paul rejoices even when rivals preach Christ from wrong motives; the gospel is advancing, and that is enough. • Guard your heart: envy corrodes fellowship; joy multiplies testimony. Discern the Message, Not the Résumé • 1 John 4:1: “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God.” • Acts 17:11—Bereans examine Scripture daily to verify Paul’s teaching. • The measuring stick is faithfulness to revealed truth, not the pedigree of the messenger. If the content aligns with Scripture, celebrate God’s voice. Celebrate the Body’s Diversity • 1 Corinthians 12:18: “But in fact, God has arranged the members of the body, every one of them, according to His design.” • Acts 2:17–18—sons, daughters, young, old, servants: no demographic off-limits. • Acts 10:34–35—God shows no partiality. Welcome every Spirit-filled contribution; each part supplies what others lack. Stay Available for Your Own Assignment • Moses doesn’t sulk; he keeps leading. Our calling isn’t diminished when God surprises us with someone else. • Romans 12:6—“We have different gifts according to the grace given us.” • Focus on faithfulness: keep obeying, keep serving, keep listening. When God moves through others, let it spur fresh surrender, not discouragement. Putting It All Together When God uses unexpected people, respond by • honoring His sovereignty, • rejoicing instead of resenting, • testing everything by Scripture, • embracing the variety of gifts in His family, and • recommitting to your own Spirit-empowered role. In doing so, the whole body is built up, Christ is exalted, and the camp resounds with the surprising, glorious work of God. |
    |