The Humble Heroes

Biblical lessons from the humble heroes

We have seen dashing heroes in the Old Testament. For example, mighty judges like Samson, Jehu, Jephthah. Mighty men of God like Abraham, Job, and Moses. The list goes on and on. But the New Testament presents people with humble backgrounds being used by God in many simple ways.

We have Ananias here, a small character—for him, not many verses are allocated. He obeyed God and went to meet Saul, who was changed into Paul by God. Though he was afraid to meet him because he was a persecutor, he listened to the voice of Jesus and obeyed. (ESV: Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias." And he said, "Here I am, Lord.")

Acts 9:17

Hey friend, how great it would be—how simple life would be—if we are able to listen to the instructions from Jesus like Ananias. And the result of that simple obedience gave birth to one of the greatest apostles who ever lived: Paul. The man who defeated arguments, faced trials, stood before kings, challenged storms, challenged witchcrafts, and whatnot.

Then comes another humble heroine—Tabitha, a believer in Joppa. She took her own space in chapter 10 in Acts. The Bible says she was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor. How beautiful the Bible exemplifies the character of this New Testament woman.

Acts 9:36

Then we have another humble fellow—a hard worker, a man who had a tough job for his livelihood. He worked as a tanner of hides. He helped Peter to stay in the town for a long time with him. Historically, tanners played an important role in societies by supplying leather for clothing, shoes, belts, armor, and tools. However, the work was considered unpleasant due to the strong odors and manual labor involved.

Hey friend, no matter how unpleasant his job was, or how lowly his place seemed, he had a heart to help Peter to stay with him. No matter how small or big you are in the church, we can be like this tanner—Simon—to build the kingdom of God with what we have got.

Acts 9:43

These people are there in the Bible so that we can learn from them. God honoured Tabitha, Ananias, and Simon—and every simple act of faith and obedience they did. May He help us to do the same.

Dear God, thank you for this life. Help us to be useful to you. May we glorify you with our acts of kindness and helping tendency like Tabitha. May we make room for ministers like Simon. May we hear and obey your voice like Ananias. Use us, Lord, like these humble people of yours. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.