Unnamed Heroes.

The book of Revelation has A LOT of meat in it and so much to take in, but Revelation 12:11 mentions that “we overcome by the Blood of The Lamb and the word of our testimony.”

Have you ever thought about how many testimonies we read and share again and again, but they belong to someone who is “unnamed?” In fact, since we don’t know the names of the people who these testimonies belong to, we often introduce them and retell their stories based on their “issue” or their “circumstances.” Hang with me here…..

✝️ John 4 introduces us to a woman we know as either “The Samaritan Woman”
Or “The Woman at the Well.” We don’t know her actual name. What we do know is that she came to the wel looking for a drink of water and found The Living Water! This woman had moved from man to man, marriage to marriage, and was currently living with someone to whom she was not married.

✝️ Luke 23 introduces us to a criminal we know as “The Thief on the Cross.” He and another man just like him were being crucified along with Jesus…..one spewed out anger and bitterness; one asked to go to Heaven.

✝️ 2 Kings 4 introduces us to a woman we know as “The Widow and Her Jar.” Her husband had passed away and the creditors had come calling. She had nothing to give – other than her two sons and one empty jar.

✝️ John 6 introduces us to someone only mentioned as “a young boy.” That young boy was in the midst of thousands of people and he didn’t have anything to offer….except his presence, some fish and some bread.

✝️ Mark 5 introduces us to a woman we refer to as “The Woman with the Issue of Blood.” We know that society deemed her as “unclean,” unwanted, and rejected.

None of these heroes of the faith were named. We relate to them based on their “issue” or circumstances. In today’s society, most would be offended because their story was told without giving THEM the credit. We may not know their names…..but I feel certain that Jesus did. These testimonies (and so many more in Scripture) are showcases of God’s power alone….and probably why we continue to tell them time and time again.

So, what happened with these “unnamed heroes?”

✝️ The Woman at the Well had a life changing encounter with Jesus. Her son was confronted, but she was not shamed. She went away from there amazed and told everyone who she had met. Her life was changed eternally…..and she carried that hope to so many. No matter how “deep” or far back your story goes – it can all become a story of redemption when it encounters a Redeemer.

✝️ The Thief on the Cross asked Jesus to remember him in His Kingdom. Jesus told “the thief” that today he would be with Him in paradise!!!! That thief never had the opportunity to hop down off the cross and “do enough good” to pay for his sins and make his way to heaven. The good news from his testimony? We don’t have to either, because Jesus did it all!

✝️ The widow in 2 Kings 4 talked to Elisha, who told her to bring what she had…..only a flask of oil…..and to borrow some others from her neighbors. She did just that and the oil continued to multiply until every jar was filled. Her testimony reminds us that being obedient with what seems little in our eyes opens the door for God to bless and multiply our obedience.

✝️ That “young boy” just happened to be there…and he gave what he had to help solve a dilemma. We might discount young people and what they have to offer. However, THIS young boy was there, was available, was generous, and led to the feeding of many thousands of people in a time of need. We see that we can’t discount what Jesus can do through anyone who will be available….including YOU!

✝️ The Woman with the Issue of Blood lived in her isolation for too long and finally responses out of courage. She had to make the decision that risking getting to Jesus was far better than another 38 years hemorrhaging in isolation. She just had to touch the hem of His robe….something that was touching Him….and He rewrote her story. What issue is keeping you in isolation? He is better.

See? Unnamed heroes have POWERFUL testimonies. And so do WE. We tell their stories because we find ourselves in them. We relate to “the characters” and we definitely relate to “the issues.” More than any of that….when we find Jesus in the midst of all circumstances – everything changes.

I know the testimony of Jackie. And Kyle. And Caleb. And Macy. And Jerry. And Mary. And Angel. And Kim. And Beckey. And Vanessa. And Liz. And Lisa. And ________________. (Yes, you.)

They’re not unnamed anymore…their testimonies continue to impact me and others. Don’t doubt that yours does the same!!!