“I have also seen this example of wisdom under the sun, and it seemed great to me. There was a little city with few men in it, and a great king came against it and besieged it, building great siegeworks against it. But there was found in it a poor, wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that poor man. But I say that wisdom is better than might, though the poor man’s wisdom is despised and his words are not heard.” (Ecclesiastes 9:13–16).
“Yet no one remembered that poor man.”
Many heroes are never known, they go unsung. Solomon saw this during his lifetime. He observed a besieged city rescued by the wisdom of a poor man within it. The city was delivered, the man was forgotten. Still, whether he was remembered or not, victory was won. The city was saved.
I am surrounded by unsung heroes. I have the honor and responsibility of standing before our church family quite often. There, I try my best to break the bread of God’s Word for everyone. I am attempting to use my gifts faithfully for His glory. He gave me a heart to do it, the ability to do it, and the time to do it. The glory is all His.
But, since I am visible, I am often thanked. Obviously, I sometimes receive the opposite of thanks, but I do receive thanks. But there are hundreds within our church family who are less visible, yet vital, to the work of God. Like the poor man and his wisdom, they may be forgotten at times, but their work will not be forgotten by God. He sees their strategic decisions, quiet faithfulness, and loving devotion. Eternally, it will not go unrewarded.
I think of the faithful children’s ministry teacher. He provides his class with a sense of normalcy through his faithful and weekly service. The little ones entrusted to his care become more comfortable with him as the weeks go by. Soon they look forward to their time at church, partly because of the atmosphere he has created.
I think of the faithful sound technician who labors in his craft as the weeks go by. He learns equipment and gains skill to mix well. Complaints may float his direction, but he is not discouraged. He dutifully moves forward, serving the church and musicians and singers so well.
I think of the faithful life group leader. She gathers her group together and loves on them with the love of Christ. Each woman in her group feels important because their leader has made them feel that way. She remembers them in prayer and contacts them often. Words of encouragement and life flow from her mouth.
I think of faithful ushers and greeters and groundskeepers and musicians and singers and the like. Together they accomplish a beautiful work. They may be sung of, but most likely they are unsung. Still, they are heroes who lay down their lives in an age when taking up your cross to follow Jesus is unpopular. Their contributions, however large or small, are seen by their Master in heaven. He knows. He will reward.
I think of the faithful servants who have laid down their lives for those struggling through alcohol or drug addictions. They love and serve them, never expecting thanks or praise. Often, for their efforts, they are stollen from or lied about. They experience bitter disappointment when someone turns back to the old life of sin. God sees their love and devotion.
Solomon may have seen a man forgotten, but Christ will not allow it to be so. He remembers the smallest of works in His name.