Taking credit for other people’s achievements is quite common. Politicians, bureaucrats, scientists, businesspeople, religious leaders and others. Sadly, some like to credit for the work of God. Prophet Isaiah writes: “Shall the axe boast over him who hews with it, or the saw magnify itself against him who wields it? As if a rod should wield him who lifts it, or as if a staff should lift him who is not wood!” (Isaiah 10:15)
Chosen instruments: Paul was a chosen instrument or vessel of God. (Acts 9:15) All God’s chosen people are His instruments. God works in this world through His people, His instruments. God chose Peter as His instrument to preach the gospel to Cornelius, though an angel was sent to announce the details of Simon Peter. (I Corinthians 10)
Instruments of worship: God has chosen His people to be worshippers. Everyone who has breath may worship the Lord. (Psalms 150:6) God is worthy of all worship, praises, and thanksgiving. All created including angels must bow down before Him. Disciples joyfully worship Him. Others who reject Him will acknowledge Lord Jesus as Lord. (Philippians 2:10-11)
Instruments of righteousness: Paul states that in the world there are only two options. Humans could become willing or unwilling, instruments of unrighteousness in the hands of Satan or become willing instruments of righteousness in the hands of God. (Romans 6: 13) God’s people, the church, the apostles, and missionaries went to new areas and turned the world upside down. In any part of the world, if there is educational progress, social peace, and economic upliftment; there would be a grave of missionaries who toiled there.
Instruments of proclamation: All disciples are called to be His witnesses. (Acts 1:8) The Psalmist writes that his tongue is like the pen of a skillful writer or a scribe. (Psalms 45:1) Proclaiming the gospel to the world in the mandate on believers. When humans fail, God can use the stones to cry out. (Luke 19:39-40) Yes, silicon made out of sand in the form of microchips proclaims His glory.
Do I humble to be His Holy instruments in His hands?