Unknown To Us, But Known By God And Part Of His Plan Series

Unknown to us, but known by God and part of His Plan

In the grand narrative of the Bible, there are individuals whose lives and actions, though briefly mentioned, play significant roles in God's unfolding plan. Here, we explore a dozen such figures, drawing upon the insights of renowned Christian authors and preachers to shed light on their importance.

Iddo

Iddo was a prophet and seer during the reign of Solomon and later Rehoboam. His writings are referenced in the biblical books of Kings and Chronicles. He played a role in chronicling the history of his time and provided divine counsel.

1 Kings 4:34 (NLT): “And kings from every nation sent their ambassadors to listen to the wisdom of Solomon.”

2 Chronicles 9:29 (NLT): “The rest of the events of Solomon’s reign, from beginning to end, are recorded in The Record of Nathan the Prophet and in the Prophecy of Ahijah from Shiloh and also in the Visions of Iddo the Seer concerning Jeroboam son of Nebat.”

“Iddo’s role reminds us that chronicling God's work in history is a prophetic task, revealing His faithfulness through the ages.” — Charles Spurgeon

Junia

Junia is mentioned in Romans 16:7, where Paul refers to her as "outstanding among the apostles." This reference has sparked significant discussion about the role of women in the early church.

Romans 16:7 (NLT): “Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, who were in prison with me. They are highly respected among the apostles and became followers of Christ before I did.”

“Junia, recognised as an apostle, signifies that the early church acknowledged the contributions of women in spreading the gospel.” — N.T. Wright

Sheerah

Sheerah is noted in 1 Chronicles 7:24 as the builder of the towns of Lower and Upper Beth Horon as well as Uzzen Sheerah. Her mention highlights her remarkable achievements in a male-dominated society.

1 Chronicles 7:24 (NLT): “He built the towns of Lower Beth-horon, Upper Beth-horon, and Uzzen-sheerah.”

“Her legacy as a builder reflects the potential for leadership and influence regardless of gender.” — Beth Moore

Asenath

Asenath was the Egyptian wife of Joseph and the mother of Ephraim and Manasseh (Genesis 41:45). Her marriage to Joseph symbolises the union of different cultures under God’s sovereignty.

Genesis 41:45 (NLT): “Then Pharaoh gave Joseph a new Egyptian name, Zaphenath-paneah. He also gave him a wife, whose name was Asenath. She was the daughter of Potiphera, the priest of On. So Joseph took charge of the entire land of Egypt.”

“Asenath's story is a beautiful reminder of God’s inclusive plan that transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries.” — John Piper

Jochebed

Jochebed, the mother of Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, is noted for her faith and courage in hiding her baby Moses to save him from Pharaoh's decree (Exodus 2:1-10).

Exodus 2:1-3 (NLT): “About this time, a man and woman from the tribe of Levi got married. The woman became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She saw that he was a special baby and kept him hidden for three months. But when she could no longer hide him, she got a basket made of papyrus reeds and waterproofed it with tar and pitch. She put the baby in the basket and laid it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile River.”

“Jochebed’s act of faith changed the course of history, demonstrating the power of a mother’s love and trust in God.” — Elisabeth Elliot

Priscilla

Priscilla, along with her husband Aquila, was a key figure in the early church, known for her theological knowledge and for mentoring Apollos (Acts 18:26).

Acts 18:26 (NLT): “When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately.”

“Priscilla’s ministry partnership with Aquila exemplifies the vital role of women in teaching and strengthening the church.” — John Stott

Zipporah

Zipporah was the wife of Moses and the daughter of Jethro, the priest of Midian. She played a crucial role in Moses’ life, particularly in an episode where she circumcised their son to save Moses from divine wrath (Exodus 4:24-26).

Exodus 4:24-26 (NLT): “On the way to Egypt, at a place where Moses and his family had stopped for the night, the Lord confronted him and was about to kill him. But Moses’ wife, Zipporah, took a flint knife and circumcised her son. She touched his feet with the foreskin and said, ‘Now you are a bridegroom of blood to me.’ (When she said ‘a bridegroom of blood,’ she was referring to the circumcision.) After that, the Lord left him alone.”

“Zipporah’s decisive action highlights the importance of spiritual obedience and partnership in marriage.” — Francis Chan

Aquila

Aquila, the husband of Priscilla, was a tentmaker by trade and a significant figure in the early Christian movement. He worked closely with Paul and hosted a church in his home.