The Desire for Recognition
Where everybody knows your name,
And they’re always glad you came;
You want to be where you can see,
Our troubles are all the same;
You want to be where everybody knows your name.
Jonathan had an idea. “Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the LORD will work for us, for nothing can hinder the LORD from saving by many or by few.” And his armor-bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul.” (1 Samuel 14:6-7) And the Lord honored their faith and zeal and delivered all of Israel a great victory that day.
Today, when we recount this story and tell of God’s greatness, we remember Jonathan, son of Saul, as the one who God used. But we do not know the name of his armor bearer. That man joined right along with Jonathan, risking his own life, stepping out in faith, and fighting right alongside Jonathan. Jonathan got the recognition, his armor bearer did not.
When God punished the sin of the world by bringing a flood upon the face of the earth, He spoke to Noah about saving his family and the animals. Over one-hundred years later God shut up Noah and his family into the ark – Noah, his wife, their three sons and their wives. Today, we recall the story of Noah and the ark, but we do not know the name of Mrs. Noah. She too entered the ark along with her three daughters-in-law and the world was repopulated by them, but we do not know their names.
In 1 Kings 13 we have two men used of God to further his purposes during the reign of King Jeroboam – ‘the man of God from Judah’ and the ‘old prophet.’ Both were used of God during their days to speak the truth to the king, but we do not know their names. They died and were buried together, unknown to many except God Himself.
How important is it that you are recognized – that everybody knows your name? Many will serve God in obscurity, never being recognized for their faithful service, not seen as important or having the spotlight upon them. But God does not forget. He rewards those who serve Him. There will be a time when all are recognized for their contribution and labor. God knows your name!!!
“I will give you the treasures of darkness, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord , the God of Israel, who summons you by name.” Isaiah 45:3 NIV 84
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV
PS A Primer for Kingdom Leaders: 100 Reflections for Improving Your Leadership – A collection of 100 of my most popular blogs – compiled, edited and available for FREE download. See Tom’s Books page above to download.
Developing Kingdom Leaders - Tom Yeakley 