Recognizing “The Others”

I sometimes notice little things in the Bible, and my curiosity causes me to focus on what are, probably, minor details. I try not to “major in minors,” but sometimes I just notice something and it just sticks with me.

Recently, I was reading the book of Ezra. Ezra 2 is one of those chapters that most of us would rather skip over, since it basically just contains a long list of names that we struggle to pronounce. However, there is one name on that list that I noticed, and it is the basis for this post.

In Ezra 2:31, as we are being told of those who led groups back from the exile, mention is made of “the sons of the other Elam.” Back in verse 7, there had been reference to “the sons of Elam,” so this man in verse 31 is called “the other Elam.”

When I read that, my mind just started racing. I began to ask myself, “Do I ever feel like ‘the other'”? In other words, do I sometimes feel like I’m just another name on a list, and that I’m nothing important?

Then, I began to think, do we have some “others” who do faithful work, but are behind the scenes, and rarely get recognized? I’m sure we do, and it’s time to start recognizing the “others.”

I know a congregation where there were two men who shared the same name (and I’m changing the name in this post). One was a very visible figure who had been a member of that congregation for many years. Nearly any time some referred to him, he was “Brother Bill” (again…not his real name). There was another man in the same congregation who moved there a few years later. He was also a hard worker, but his work was usually more behind-the-scenes. It was amazing and faithful work, but rarely was it made as public. This man was also not as strong of a public speaker as “brother Bill.” When folks talked of this “other” Bill, he was just “Bill.”

I’ve often wondered why one was “Brother Bill” and the “other” was just “Bill.”

We need to realize that there are some “others” in our congregations. This “other Elam” also had descendants (1254 of them, in fact, oddly, the exact same number as the Elam of verse 7) who came back from the exile. He had a heritage. And, while it’s obvious, it bears notation: God chose to include this man in Scripture!

What “other” do you need to encourage today? What “other” could use a card or call stating appreciation? Most “others” are not looking for that sort of recognition, but it never hurts to give a little praise where it’s due.

Thank God for “others!”