Three Relative Unknowns

Scripture: Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off. Acts 13:1-3

Observation: As the church in Antioch has thrived, it is said there are good men there leading it. Saul (Paul) and Barnabas are then set aside - along with Mark as an assistant - and sent on a new mission work.

Even non-Christians have heard of Paul and Mark, and many will gladly tour places named after them to this day. Barnabas is known by Christians. However, most of us have never thought twice about Niger, Lucius, and Manaen. These are three men who simply, obediently, led one of the most important churches in the history of the world. They were at the epicenter of the early church movement, and may even have been the ones fully leading the effort as Barnabas and Paul both came after the church was functional and then left. In addition, we have no record to letters written by Paul to this church, meaning that - perhaps - he was confident in the leadership that they never required his guidance.

Niger, Lucius, and Manaen are names that perhaps we should know. Then again, God did know them, and that is likely the point ... they served for God's glory, not theirs, and thus it doesn't matter who might recall their names two thousand years later.

Application: I continue to struggle with pride. I find that the mistakes are make are mistakes of pride, based on immediate selfishness and/or self-centered thoughts. I consider myself as someone who should be able to self-direct my decisions, and then do so. Even my sloth is based on the idea that maybe I should be doing something else, and thus do not focus on where I am now.

These three men I've never heard of need to instruct and inform me. They were where they were set by God, given instructions, and 'sentenced' to historical obscurity. From there, they likely influenced the world for Jesus more than almost anyone else in history ... and few if any know it.

Who knows what God could do if I would simply place him first in my life, and serve his properly where I am? It could be that, in the end, no one would still know, and that would be ideal.

Prayer: Lord, today again I set aside pride. I wish to tear that vile weed out of my soul, and give to you my softened, open, and loving heart. My actions, my every action, should reflect only your will and your love. May I do that this day and every day. Amen.