But you … though you are little among the thousands …yet of you shall come forth to Me the one to be ruler in Israel.’’(Micah 5:2).
To be ‘little’ or to be ‘the least’ connotes: It could be to be small in size or in stature; it could mean you are disadvantaged somehow. You could be physically challenged; fate could have made you to be looked down upon. Circumstances or challenges may make one to be belittled: education, social status, the kind of job one does, one’s placement in the family line by birth etc. Whichever way, the tendency is that such people think that they can’t achieve or do much or amount to anything significant. They have low self esteem and weak will power; their subconscious tells them there is no need even trying.
In judges, chapter six, verse fourteen, God saw an ability latent in the young man called Gideon. God knew given the right opportunity, Gideon will perform. Hence, God put Gideon on his mettle when He said,‘Go in this thy might and thou shalt save Israel …. ’ Gideon on the other hand saw differently; for his family was poor in Manasseh, and he was the least in his father’s house (Judges 6:15). He was actually saying: ‘’no one recognizes my family nor myself, We are little, unrecognized and can’t influence anything significantly’’ When God was saying, ‘’man wake up the sleeping giant in you.’’
Saul the son of Kish who later became the first king in Israel was also of the same opinion as Gideon when Samuel told him, “And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on thee and thy father’s home?’’ Saul replied, “Am not I a Benjamite of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? And my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin?’’(1 Sam. 9:20-21). Saul found Samuel’s remark too expensive. So many people reason like Gideon and Saul, believing they can’t amount to anything.
Further study on Gideon and Saul tells us that God wants to and will always give us assignments bigger than ourselves. He has given to everyone divine ability to accomplish great results. For there is “a power that works in us.’’ A divine enablement embedded in God’s abounding grace made available to us; to make us labour abundantly and accomplish more beyond our human thinking. No wonder why Paul said, “I am the least of the apostles….But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace towards me was not in vain, but I laboured more abundantly than they all, yet not I but the grace of God which was with me.’’(1Cor. 5:9-10).
Just as God brought the ruler of Israel (David) out of Bethlehem Ephrathah which was little among thousands; made Gideon who was the least in his father’s house and whose family was poor in Manasseh to save Israel from the Midianites; and Saul whose family was the least in all the families of the tribe of Benjamin to become king over all of Israel, He is reminding you too that, He (God) who lives in you is greater(mightier) than whatsoever you can imagine(1Jonn 4:4).
If you consider yourself so little, something that will affect humanity is in you because all of God’s grace is available and at your disposal. What the wise man meant when he said “go to the ant… consider her ways and be wise ….’’(Prov. 6: 6-8), is: if as little and insignificant as the ant is, yet it can behave wisely, how much more you who is the image of God. For the ant will never consider the thought ‘I’m too little.’ No wonder, the ant will pick up a load several times its size Are you despised? Do you feel despised (considered worthless)? Do people say or make you feel you’re fit for nothing?
Consider Jephthah’s story. Born by a harlot to the father, his brothers and people despised him and he became an outcast. But after a while, “…the elders…went to fetch (to get, to bring) Jephtah … and said…come be our … captain (our leader, our commander) …’’ (Jud. 11: 5-6). Jephthah who was forsaken was later sought out. You will be sought out.
It was said of Nazareth, “can any good thing come out of Nazareth?’’(John 1:46). This town before and during Christ’s life time had a certain measure of seclusion, as it was situated in the mountains, halfway between the ocean and the sea of Galilee. People from this town were despised by other tribes in Israel. It is so funny that the people of Nazareth themselves despised one another. No one ever wanted to associate with a Nazarene. Yet, never a better person came from any place on earth than Jesus Christ. “Being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the off scouring of all things…”(1 Cor. 4:13 NKJV).
May I say here that even if you are rich, successful, and prosperous or well to do, people may despise you for some reasons. King David was despised by his wife Michal 2 Sam. 6:16). Nehemiah and the Jews were despised by some people when they were rebuilding the fallen wall of Jerusalem. (Neh. 2:19). For whatever reason, someone may despise you. Never bother, for your God says, “Fear thou not for I am with you, be not dismayed for I am your God, I will strengthen … help … uphold you…. Behold all they that were incensed against you shall be ashamed and cofounded….”(Isa.41:10 -11).
“… Don’t be afraid little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the kingdom.’’(Luke 12:32 NLT). “Thou shalt no more be termed forsaken neither shall thy land be termed desolate…thou shalt be called sought out, a city not forsaken.’’ (Isa. 62: 4, 12).
Friend, for you to fulfill God’s purpose in life, keep at the under mentioned:-
- Believe that God is with you (Rom. 8:31, Psalm.118:6).
- Search and meditate on the scriptures always (Rom. 15:4, John 5:39; Ps. 1:1-3; Prov.3: 1-2; Josh 1:8).
- Make the choice to live a holy life; to be a person of uncompromising integrity and transparent honesty in every detail of life(Eph.1:4, 1 Pet.1:15-16; Prov. 3:3-4).
- Trust in the Lord with all your heart, commit all your ways and plans into His hands (Psalm 37:3-6, Prov. 3:5-6).
- Make pleasing God your utmost goal in life.
- Don’t cast yourself off even if people do(1Tim. 4:12).
- Be diligent in whatever you do (1Tim. 4:15; Prov. 12:24).
Though you are little, God will make you sit among princes, even the princes of His people. Though you are desolate, God will lift up your head, strengthen you, make your feet like hind’s feet and cause you to walk upon your high places. Do not cast yourself off, there’s something great in you that the world is waiting for. You are valuable.
