Being Used By God as a Flawed Person (Devotional)
“James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder)” (Mark 3:17 ESV).
Greg has a habit of nicknaming his closest friends (and me). It’s a sweet connection! A nickname is an identifier, something that either characterizes you as a person or references the relationship you have with the other person.
Jesus liked to nickname His friends, too. Simon, for example, became Peter, or Cephas (“rock”). Thomas was called Didymus (“the twin”).
. . . and then we meet James and John. They weren’t just called “brothers” or “fishermen.” No, Jesus called them Boanerges, which translates to “Sons of Thunder.” The Bible doesn’t specifically tell us why, but their track record hints at it.
Sons of Thunder
In Luke 9, for example, the Samaritans brush Jesus off. James and John’s instant response is, “Lord, how about we call down a little heavenly fire to sort them out?” Can you see that thunderous response? Not the most loving or diplomatic play.
“Sons of Thunder” fits them both like a glove. These two brothers were no shrinking violets—they were outspoken, fiery-tempered, and quick to step up. But here’s the interesting twist: Jesus didn’t roll His eyes and move on. He spotted the potential, took time to temper that heat burning in them, and channeled it for good.
Being Used by God
Have you ever been called something that seemed . . . let’s say, less than savory? Perhaps you also have a fiery temper or a loud, rash demeanor. Maybe you’ve found yourself in bad groups or lived as the rebel child for a while.
In the world of “perfect Christianity,” this might seem to count you out. But Jesus sees all you have to offer and how that fire can serve His purpose. He understands you better than you even know yourself, and He says, “Yep, that one! I’m going to use her!”
Nothing counts you out from being used by the Lord! No matter your patterns, personality, or past, the Lord can and will use you, if you’ll let Him.
Acts 12:2 proves the fire in the Sons of Thunder wasn’t just bravado. James was the first Apostle to bow out as a martyr. He, at one time, may have had a short fuse, but what a huge, honorable first-place finish. I imagine that fire drove him to determination, to fight to the end for his faith. And John? He grew from “smite the neighbors” to “love one another.” He wrote a Gospel and letters to share his faith boldly and without apology.
Jesus turned these raw, zealous, eager beavers into strong pillars in His church. Because that’s what Jesus does: He transforms us!
Whatever your nickname, however you would be defined, Jesus can use you for His glory. If we let Him shape us, He’ll use it all for good!
You have a special purpose designed just for you. The more we are in fellowship with Him—letting Him transform us through prayer and time in His Word—the more He can use all that we are, even those “Daughters of Thunder” tendencies. The Lord has a plan and a purpose for you. Let Him shape you!
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Cathe Laurie is the founder and director of the Virtue women’s ministry. She is also a featured speaker on The Virtue Podcast, at Harvest events, and the author of As I See It. You can find her weekly articles here on harvest.org.
