Within the nation, as also the church, there are many unknown servants. They are the janitors, the secretaries, the people who park cars, the police, and those without whom no nation, business or church can survive. Yet, their names are seldom remembered. They serve in menial positions for minimal compensation. Furthermore, they often sacrifice more than God’s servants who rise to fame; but, they do not seek fame. They willingly perform their tasks with diligence, laying their hearts and even their lives on the line for us. Unknown servants of God are certainly not unknown to Him.
The wall was built, civil laws re-established including immigration reform, taxes, and tithes within Jerusalem. Now, Nehemiah had the people cast lots to determine who would reside in Jerusalem and who would go to the surrounding villages. Those going to the surrounding villages would be able to farm the land, have livestock, and live a life without the stress of the city. However, those who drew the “short-straw” would remain in the city. They would be tasked with being guards, cleaning the streets, maintaining the temple and the city. Laborers for the good of the people, who would most likely live lives without the abundance that those in the villages.
Nehemiah 11:1-2
And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities. And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.
Note, the people blessed all who willingly offered themselves to serve in these menial jobs with no personal glory. How often do we forget those who labor and sacrifice themselves for the good of the kingdom? What about the prayer warriors whose names we never hear? The unknown servants of God who quietly go about the tasks that God has called them to; despite, their having no proclamations of greatness nor wealth on this earth? Passionately driven by a heart of love for God, they perform the tasks God has called them too; regardless, of their lack of recognition on this earth.
If I were to list the tasks and positions they hold, I would go on forever. However, I wish to turn and acknowledge two groups serving our nation here in particular: the men and women who serve in the military and those who serve as law officers.
UNKNOWN SERVANTS: MILITARY
I am privileged every day to meet some of those who have served; because, I work as a nurse practitioner in the VA system. These men and women are each one very special. What a privilege it is to meet them, as each one enriches my life. Their stories, lives, and the depth of heart with which they love our country goes beyond anything that I might be able to write here. Humbly, they endure pains, sorrows, and memories with a stoic strength; I cannot even describe. Yet, each one says, they would do it all again; because, that is who they are. Although, they may be unknown servants to most; they are heroes, each deserving a plaque of honor. How blessed I am by God, to meet these heroes.
UNKNOWN SERVANTS: LAW OFFICERS
Another group whom we fail to give the recognition they deserve are the law officers who everyday go out to protect us. Underpaid, understaffed; they go out to face evils that many of us have never seen. We often don’t see it; because, they are there. Despite this, they are constantly under attack by our modern-day media and by those who promote chaos and lawlessness. For that reason, I want to share with you this poem I wrote several years ago. A reminder of their sacrifices. They are unknown servants who deserve our respect.
Not Tonight
Into the deepest darkest night
Where evil lurks-hid from his sight
An Officer goes-prepared to fight
With all His strength and all His might
Praying to God, not tonight
He gently pulls His children near
Their smiles can lift his heart with cheer
He kisses boo-boos wipes their tears
And as He leaves for work He hears
Daddy, don’t go, not tonight
She kisses him, to work he goes
And all the time, too well she knows
That he must face such evil foes
Phone clutched tight, her eyes then close
Lord, don’t let it ring, not tonight
A mother awakens to whisper a prayer
Protect my son from sin’s dark lair
Your warrior of truth-just and fair
Endowed by you with virtues rare
He’s yours to call, please not tonight
Forgotten and paid a pauper’s wage
Media and public he must assuage
While calmly holding back the rage
When violent criminals do engage
Pleading to God, not tonight
These officers protecting you
They sacrifice more than you knew.
When will you value what they do?
Or even stop to say, “Thank You”?
Shame on you, if not tonight
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
Let’s take the time to thank all those who are the unknown servants, through demonstrating the respect and love they deserve. We should be every day praying for them. Whether it be the cashier in the store, the secretary at work, the people parking cars at church, the law officers, the preachers willing to teach every Sunday in the small churches in rural areas, the veterans, and those who are serving in our military. Each of us need to let them know, they are not unknown servants; because, we know their name and God knows their name.
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.
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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
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