There are several Bible characters who are anonymous. Most of them are referred to simply as A certain man or A certain woman. In some cases, others are simply also referred to as A certain prophet or seer, A certain girl or A certain boy, etc. The temptation at first is to conclude that such anonymous characters are insignificant and irrelevant and are simply being used to fill gaps in Bible stories or encounters. Far from that. Over the years I have personally been intrigued by the great achievements of most of those unnamed Bible characters. I have also confirmed that they have become a subject of increasing interest among theologians and Bible commentators. Indeed preachers and writers can use stories of of these anonymous characters to encourage others.
Everybody is anonymous to several people.
In a sense everybody is both anonymous to others while they are completely well known by people close to them. To those who don’t know them much they are simply – a certain person – man, woman, boy or girl. It would therefore not be proper to suggest they are insignificant simply because a section of people do not know their names. Referring to someone as A certain person in a sense defines the individuality and uniqueness of the person – separating him or her from all other people. It kind of puts him or her in his or her own world – a world which can be influenced by others, and out of which he or she can also influence others – positively or sadly, negatively at times.
Being in Somebody’s World
There are no real loners in this world as God created us all to depend on others. Knowingly or unknowingly, and consciously or unconsciously – each of us is constantly having our private worlds being influenced by others – also from their private worlds. This should make us appreciate the power that is within us and therefore the need to be responsible for the way we influence others. It should also challenge us to appreciate the role others have in shaping the destiny of our private worlds, and vice versa. Hence, we need to learn interpersonal skills which would improve our relationships with other people. We also need to depend on the Holy Spirit who is able to mold our characters.
Each person is a seed and has a seed.
I believe that when God created our first parents – Adam and Eve – He gave each of us their offspring the very same seed which had the power to populate the world, as well as the mental seed or ability to tend the earth. This is true of animals and plants as well. Every seed you hold in your hand has the God given ability to produce forests.
We should avoid killing seeds.
Every time we prepare food to eat in a sense, we are killing some seeds and denying them the opportunity to reproduce. It is worse when we kill fellow human beings – you are destroying seeds. Our actions towards others should involve nurturing, encouraging, and making them more fruitful and not the reverse.
They are unsung heroes.
Even in real everyday life we are aware of people who do work in the background and are rarely known, recognised or even acknowledged. I encourage you from today to pay more attention and try to understand the importance of A certain man or woman first in your life, the those you come across mentioned in the Bible whenever you read it. You will be fascinated. I hope to do the same and hopefully write more articles in future to encourage you and others. I will end this article by encouraging you from two examples.
Captain Naaman healed of leprosy.
2 Kings Chapter 5
In 2 Kings Chapter 5 we are told of an unnamed young slave girl from Israel who served as a maid in Naaman’s house. She told her mistress:
“I wish my lord could go to the prophet in Samaria he would be healed of his leprosy.” He made the trip to Samaria to meet prophet Elisha and indeed he got healed of his leprosy – all because of the slave girl’s testimony.
David recovered all
1 Samuel Chapter 30
In 1 Samuel Chapter 30 we are told of the distress King David and his men went through following an invasion in Ziklag by some Philistines. All their wives, children and animals were taken as a result. David enquired of the Lord if he should pursue the enemy and if he would recover all. He indeed pursued the enemy and recovered all according to God’s word. What was the turning point that brought him the victory? It was an unnamed sickly Egyptian boy who had been left and abandoned to die by his masters. He knew where the enemies had camped and he revealed it to David who made a surprise attack on his enemies and achieved victory. In conclusion I want to say that a great majority of people doubt their own relevance and significance and tend to disqualify themselves from being used of God to bless others. I have personally been prey to the teeth of procrastination and self-doubt. I am determined to change and take charge of the tide. Yes – I am just ‘A Certain man’ – willing to stand in my calling and be a blessing to others and change Somebody’s World positively – God being my Helper. Will you decide to do the same? Look out for the next article.
God richly bless you.
