Hidden Figures

Here at our house, we recently rewatched Hidden Figures,a movie which highlights the story of Black women who computed mathematical equationsthat helped put our American astronauts into space in the early 1960’s. Thesewomen’s names were not known or forgotten by most of us until the movie broughtthem to our attention. With this story fresh on my mind, my daily Bible readingtook me to the twentieth and twenty-first chapters of Acts.

I came across  Sopater, Aristarchus, Secundus, Tychicus, Trophimus,and Timothy. Except for Timothy, these names are not household words, but theyhad been chosen to accompany Paul as delegates from the various churches to takemoney to the Jerusalem church—importantwork.

Then In chaptertwenty-one, with Paul still on his way to Jerusalem, we find this verse, “Someof the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us and brought us to the home ofMnason, where we were to stay. He was a man from Cyprus and one of the earlydisciples.” Mnason (correct spelling), provided lodging for Paul and hiscompanions just before they reached their destination. Luke, the writer ofActs, thought his contribution to the church significant enough that he notedhim as an “early disciple.” Yet, though I had read this verse many timesthrough the years, I did not remember his name.

Though severalof these names are mentioned other places in the New Testament, still, theyremain mostly “hidden figures.”

Jerry pastorsa church which started in the 1820’s probably as a brush arbor birthedout of the second great awakening. I’ve often thought of the “great cloud of witnesses”who have passed through the church in the two hundred years since its foundingbut who may only be remembered now by a weather worn monument in the cemetery.And yet, their faithfulness continues to help spread the gospel in this cornerof the world.

If there is amarquee in heaven, I wonder if on it we might see names we never knew on thisside, but whose lives were integral in what God wanted to do in the world. Thosewould be the ones who prayed behind closed doors, who labored in unseen jobswhich supported the church, who persevered despite criticism, and who did notseek recognition.

Though ourwork may not be footnoted in the annals of church history, our faithfulnessmatters. If you sometimes feel as if your work is unseen, God sees it. Hissmile is on you. From his perspective, you will never be a “hidden figure.”

“Therefore,since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw offeverything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us runwith perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, thepioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured thecross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God”(Hebrews 12:1-2).

 

Beverly Varnado's most recent book is In Search of the Painted Bunting, a middle grade historical from Elk Lake Publishing, #1 in new releases in its category. She is also the author of several small town romances from Anaiah Press including her latest, A Season for Everything. All are available at Amazon. To explore the web version of One Ringing Bell, please visit bev-oneringingbell.blogspot.comTo sign up for her newsletter, go to http://eepurl.com/dHNdsX Beverly Varnado copyright 2023