Guidance from Overlooked Men and Women of the Bible
For some reason, as I get older, I’m drawn to paintings of old men sitting around talking. Lakhovsky was Ukrainian, so maybe these guys are talking about the wheat harvest? Or the Soviet government? Or the growing Nazi threat? Or their meager diets after Stalin collectivized the farms? Or sports, or their wives?
Regardless, the quiet pleasure that a simple conversation brings should never be overlooked.
The Bible is filled with thousands of names of people. It is really astounding how many different men, women and children are listed in some form or fashion. In Esther 1, King Xerxes sends for his queen, and the 7 eunuchs who served him went to collect her. Their names were: Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Karkas.
Eunuchs were valued for their trustworthiness. Usually captured as boys and castrated, eunuchs often served as messengers, or teachers of children, or guardians of the royal harem. In this case, Xerxes sent several trusted messengers to carry out his orders.
But I’m more interested in the fact that the author of Esther took the time to list their names. These were servants, taking no more role in the story that follows. But the Bible is like that, people are named, listed, remembered. People matter. There are no “little people” in the eyes of God.
So, next time you pick up your Bible, turn to one of the many lists of names you’ll find. Remember that each name was a living person, with hopes and dreams and jobs and families and a future and a past. Just like you. Know that God loved them, just as he loves you. Let these lists of odd-sounding names remind you that the Lord knows you, and loves you, as well.
Above is the recently translated Italian version of the book I wrote and published in 2015, GO: Following Jesus to the Ends of the Earth.
The leaders of the Italian Cru ministry, called Agape in Italy, plan to use the book like we do here in the States, to encourage people to engage in missions in Italy and around the world.
My Italian language skills are limited to restaurant menus, and I’m not even very good at that. Regardless, it’s cool to see how God can use a work written in English, with Americans in mind, to influence young people around the world.
“We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world” (John 9:4-5, English Standard Version).
Today is the time to go. Now. In fact, there’s never been a better time in history. Travel is easier than ever, even if airline seats are smaller than ever. With a few notable exceptions, the world is open like never before. Communication is unmatched. Find yourself in Africa and need to touch base with someone in Europe? No problem, you can email, phone, text, video call or chat online. You can even send a letter the old-fashioned way. Lost in a city? Relax, just get on your smartphone and download directions. Want to share a passage of scripture with an interested person but cannot carry a Bible? No worries, just show them the text, in their own language, on your phone.
It’s been said that history runs in cycles. Countries that are open to the gospel today will be closed tomorrow. Seemingly impossible barriers, like the Iron Curtain separating Eastern Europe from Western Europe, fall overnight. Our role is to go. We go where we can and we pray for doors to open into places we cannot. How long will our current era of openness last? We don’t know, but we do know that we must go while we are able.
You may say, “I’ll go once I’ve completed my internship”, or “I’ll go when my relationship status changes.” Or maybe you’re concerned about your career being adversely affected by serving as a missionary overseas. Other barriers like finances or parental approval might feel insurmountable. There will always be reasons why “now” might not feel like the right time to go. But what if God is calling you to go now?
As you finish these weeks of reading, consider these questions. Will you consider going somewhere in the world to share God’s love with lost people? Are you willing to put certain life and career goals on hold if that is what God is calling you to do? Pray that no barriers stand in your way as you follow God’s calling on your life. Finally, as you’ve done each day, pray for courage to follow wherever the Lord may lead.
If you are interested in checking out a mission trip right now, you can see the variety of trips offered by Cru at: cru.org/opportunities.
If you’d like to read more, you can order my book, GO: Following Jesus to the Ends of the Earth.
Stories to encourage you with the leadership experiences of overlooked men and women of the Bible. Their lives will inform your story, and move you to step out and lead.
This book contains reflections on the Lordship of Christ, the Great Commission, and a life of adventure and eternal significance. Read this book and you won't be able to sit still!
I find the people of the Bible fascinating. I love digging into their stories and navigating the world guided by their wisdom. I read through the Bible every year, and always unearth something unexpected. Along with being a reader, I'm an author, teacher, traveler, husband, father and grandfather. I’ve worked in ministry for 39 years. Along with a degree in Biology, I also hold Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees. In my free time I enjoy the outdoors, working in the garden, playing golf, and reading good books.
© 2026 Dave Dishman
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