"Unsung Heroes"

“Unsung Heroes”

 

In his book George Washington’s Secret Six Brian Kilmeade tells of a spy ring in the New York City area which infiltrated the British forces and provided Washington with vital intelligence, arguably saving the American Revolution. While five members have since been named one, a woman known only as Agent 355, hasn’t received her deserved recognition because after 240 years she’s never been identified. Truly a group of unsung heroes!

In the late 1960’s the work of the Navajo Code Talkers during World War II became known. The Japanese weren’t able to decipher their language which the Allies used to communicate with each other leading to major victories in the Pacific. They were justifiably honored by President Reagan in 1982. But in his book Secret Heroes Paul Martin tells of members of the Choctaw tribe who used their language (which has 26 dialects, most of which hadn’t been written) to send messages which contributed significantly to Germany’s defeat in World War I (a generation before the Navajo exploits). It wasn’t until 2008 under President George W. Bush that their work was recognized. There’s no way of knowing the extent to which these unsung heroes may have changed the course of 20^th century history.

Does Scripture tell of unsung heroes who greatly aided God’s work anonymously? How about the four men who carried their sick friend to where Jesus was and tore a hole in the roof of a house so He might touch and heal him (Mark 2)? Or the young boy who gave his lunch to the Lord who used it to feed a huge crowd (John 6)? Then there are the 100 unnamed witnesses who prayed with Jesus’ disciples and family before Pentecost (Acts 1). And let’s not forget Saul of Tarsus’ traveling companions on the road to Damascus who led him into the city when he was blinded after meeting the Risen Christ (Acts 9). Where would the first century church have been without these and many other nameless saints? (See the article “Beyond the Box Score” for another look at this theme.)

God has many unsung heroes in our world today (especially in places where His people are being persecuted) who are standing for and serving Him. They may be unknown to you and me but certainly not to their (and our) Lord. I pray that by my words and actions I’ll be counted in their illustrious company. I hope this will be your prayer as well.

Blessings!

Jim McMillan