Instruments versus Men or Women of God

What does it mean to be Instruments versus Men or Women of God?

I was reading in the Bible today about King Jehu of Israel and how he removed all of King Ahab’s family. He did what God wanted, except in the matters of the heart. He continued in the sins of Jeroboam. You can read about these things in 2 kings 9-10.

Then I read about young King Joash of Judah, who followed the Lord as long as he had the priest Jehoiada as his spiritual mentor.When he died, Joash wanted to be popular and was influenced by Officials in his court.

When Joash was young. He helped restore the temple. When he was old, he abandoned the temple and allowed idol worship. Read about this in 2 Chronicles 23- 24. What Jehoiada did with Joash did not stick. Perhaps he did not have a personal relationship with God. Anyway, whatever he was taught he abandoned.

These stories, challenged me with this thought,

Do I want to be an instrument of God or a man of God? Anyone be an instrument of God (even an evil person because God can use anybody he wants for his own purposes). What does it mean to be a man or a woman of God? What do you think?

Who are some Biblical examples of those who were instruments in the hand of God?

Is it wrong to be an instrument of God? I mean, you wouldn’t call Samson a man of God, would you? And, you can be a good instrument of God, can’t you? Yes, in the book of Romans, the Apostle Paul instructs those who follow Jesus,¹³ Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.

Who are some Biblical examples of men or women of God, and why are they so? There are several examples: Samuel comes to my mind even over King David. But what makes them so special?

Samuel was attentive to God. Even as a child he learned to listen to him. When Eli, the high priest was old, Samuel talked with the Israelites, and his words did not fall to the ground. This means the people recognized him as a prophet. Samuel spent much time praying, but when God gave him a difficult task, he did it. He was not a perfect father, but he was an honest man people would visit to pray and seek God’s counsel.

David trusted God would give him the strength, ability and courage to face the giant Goliath. And, although guilty of a horrible crime, he confessed his sin and repented. He and his family suffered terrible consequences and loss, yet David always worshipped God and looked to him for his wisdom and strength. Many Psalms he wrote catalogue his experiences from tragedy and betrayal to worship and praise of God.

Going backwards a bit, in Genesis the Bible says Enoch walked with God. What does that mean? It probably doesn’t mean he ran ahead of God or dragged his feet. To walk with God seems to imply he watched God and walked the path he chose for them to walk, faithfully.

In Exodus, Moses was called the friend of God. He cared about God’s glory and reputation. Do we? When we pray, do we care about that?

Gideon, in spite of his fear, obeyed God by tearing down idols and leading a small band to attack huge Mideonite forces. One with God is a majority.

Caleb courageously trusted God would help the Israelites to defeat the giants in the land of Canaan, He obeyed God and conquered the land and people for his inheritance.