Beyond The Background: Learning from Lesser-Known People in the Bible - Part I

By Tharun Kumar G

Diving into the rich tapestry of the Bible, we encounter God's unveiling of His character, salvation plan, and desires for righteous living. This sacred text opens doors to profound understanding of God, guiding us through moral teachings, wisdom, and ethical instructions. Within its pages lie principles and examples that navigate our mo

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tharun Kumar G
• Release date: Feb 16, 2024
• ISBN: 9789356737389

Book preview

Beyond The BackGrOunD

Learning from Lesser-Known People

in the Bible – Part I

Tharun Kumar G

All scriptural content in this book is derived from the Holy Scriptures, which is in the public domain. The additional content provided by the author holds no specific copyright. Feel free to share and use this material responsibly, particularly for study in small groups or teachings. Permission to utilize is granted by the author.

Publication Month: February

Copyright Ⓒ Tharun Kumar G

Table of Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgements

About the Author

Endorsements

Foreword

Introduction

JETHRO – The Wise Counselor

BENAIAH – Courage, Bravery & Loyalty

ELIHU – Youthful Wisdom and Discernment

MORDECAI – Art of Influence and Unwavering Faith

BARNABAS – Generosity and Encouragement

APOLLOS – One Who Watered

JONATHAN – Friendship

DEBORAH – Leadership and Courage

ELIZABETH – Being Expectant and Spirit Lead

JOSEPH of Aramathia

Conclusion

m

Dedication

To God who is sovereign.

l

Acknowledgements

Above all, my heartfelt gratitude to God for being the wellspring of inspiration, for setting forth the vision, and for igniting within me the fire of purpose.

Ashish Raichur: Your dedicated effort in reading through the manuscript and your gracious addition of the foreword have bestowed a wealth of wisdom and insight upon this book. Your guidance has been both a privilege and a blessing.

Benny Prasad, Rajkumar Ramachandran & Ben H Berson: Thank you very much for taking time out of your busy schedules to go through the manuscript and for the endorsements. I extend my sincere gratitude, your recognition lends credibility and significance to its message.

Praveen Sangal & Irene Tirozzi: Praveen Your creative brilliance in crafting the book cover has not only adorned its exterior but has also captured its essence. Irene for adding to the design of the book cover, you transformed it significantly in a short time. Thank you very much.

AMZ Publications Team: To the entire team, your diligent work in transforming words into a tangible book is nothing short of commendable. Your dedication and expertise have turned a vision into reality.

My Family: To my beloved wife Leena, cherished son Jace, supportive parents Gowri Shanker & Geethanjali, sisters, extended family, and friends. Thank you for your unwavering support.

Siju Rajappan: Your prayers have been a guiding light throughout this journey. Your spiritual support has been a pillar of strength.

All Peoples Church and Bible College: I extend my sincere gratitude for being the conduits of divine blessings and for your in-depth teachings of the Word. Your role as channels of profound wisdom is deeply cherished.

Ralph Stice and The Bridge International Church: Thank you for the opportunities you've provided for service, they have been instrumental in shaping this endeavor.

Creators of Online Resources: To the creators of resources like e-Sword, PreceptAustin, Reedsy, ChatGPT, BibleGateway, and more, your contributions have been invaluable. Your tools have aided in the exploration of depths, understanding and in shaping them.

With deep appreciation, I extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you. Your collective contributions have not only shaped the essence and purpose of this book but also are going to enrich the lives it touches. May God bless you all.

About the Author

Tharun is a multi-faceted author with expertise in technology, leadership, and ministry. With degrees in BTech, BTh, and an MBA, he brings a unique blend of technical knowledge and spiritual insight to his writing. Tharun's extensive volunteer work, including roles as a service coordinator, content writer, and preacher, has enriched his understanding of human dynamics and effective communication.

As a lead six sigma black belt and lean coach, Tharun has honed his skills in process design and operational analytics, making him a sought-after speaker on change management and continuous service improvement. Outside of his professional pursuits, he is an avid chess player, biodiversity ambassador, and naturalist, finding inspiration in the beauty of God's creation.

Tharun's spiritual journey began with a transformative healing experience at 27, leading him to immerse himself in the study and application of the Bible. Combining his technical expertise, leadership insights, and spiritual wisdom, Tharun crafts impactful writings that uplift and resonate with readers.

Endorsements

There is a romantic history of biblical names. Though many despise genealogical lists, bible names are fragments of ancient history, revelations of divine purposes, expressions of hope, and prophecies of the future. In this one-of-a-kind book, the author observes the truth taught by biblical names and opens up a field of pleasant and profitable investigation to all true lovers of Scripture. Personal qualities, symbolic or prophetic features, family and religious relationships, and their significance in our modern day and age have been carefully studied and analyzed in an easy-to-read style for the reader’s benefit.

The Bible revolves around personalities, and as Augustine put it, The sacred record, like a faithful mirror, has no flattery in this portrait. The biographies of these carefully chosen lesser-known men and women outlined in (this book) are akin to Harrington Lee’s description in his arresting chapter on Composite Portraits in The Joy of Bible Study, … present to the reader a veritable gold mine of experience to us if we can remember the fact that they lived similar lives and triumphed by faith.

The author shrewdly collects all the relevant bible passages, analyses the character of the man or woman, sets down the elements of power and success, describes the evidences of weakness and failure, elaborates on victory over difficulties, suggests various helps to success, and fills in the details of life. From the biblical gallery of superb characters, the author has chosen the lesser sung heroes and makes a delectable offering for the reader’s palate, Proverbial style, like words fitly spoken- apples of gold in settings of silver.

Reading the book left me impacted by the lives of the characters who standout like beacon-lights, warning us of dangerous vices to avoid, and encouraged by these saints at hand, guiding us heaven ward whilst also challenging me to be of earthly use to God Almighty. May you also have a similar experience!

Ben H Berson

Grace Family International Ministries

Kochi – India

This book does a fantastic job of resurrecting the words of lesser-known figures from the Bible, who provide some of the Bible's deepest truths. Their experiences were often overlooked, yet the principles they taught us remain relevant today.

Benny Prasad

Chai 3:16

Bangalore, India

Do you know who Benaiah is? Better yet, do you know what we can learn from him? In this fascinating, practical book, Tharun highlights several lesser-known biblical characters and draws numerous lessons from each of their lives. Read this book to expand your knowledge of Scripture’s heroes, but also to learn how to imitate these unsung godly men and women. I’ve never read a book like this, and I’d wager that you haven’t either!

Ralph Stice

Senior Pastor

The Bridge International Church

Paris France

This book offers a unique perspective of Biblical Characters overlooked by most authors who have written books about the Bible. None of the ten Biblical Characters highlighted by the Author figure in the 11th chapter of Hebrews popularly referred to among Biblical scholars as the chapter on 'Hall of Fame' of Faith. Yet their contribution to the Biblical narrative is so crucial and profound. The book underlines the fact that God can use anyone to fulfill His purpose. It is a must-read for individuals who feel they are not qualified or worthy to serve the Living God. I strongly recommend it to all who love the Lord and want to serve Him.

Rajkumar Ramachandran

Evangelist and Bible Teacher

Foreword

This book is unusual in that it puts the spotlight on the commoner, the nobody, the unknown, the non-celebrity. This is rare in our times. In general, we are programmed to focus on the big names, the celebrities, the influential, and the powerful. We often fail to recognize those who have been instrumental in the achievements of the high achievers. What does it take to be one of those who thrive in obscurity, who are not any less in skill or competence but are satisfied in remaining hidden behind the scenes? What character, what virtue do these people carry, who find their joy, assignment, and greatest accomplishment in seeing the Kingdom advance and are satisfied that they remain unnoticed? What life lessons do they teach us? Perhaps these life lessons are what all of us need to learn since they are rarely told. This book serves to draw our attention to such lessons. I have personally known Tharun Kumar G for well over a decade. Though already an established professional in the tech industry, he started out serving very simply and humbly at our local church community. He would do anything he was assigned. No task was too small or menial. He did it well. He was committed. He was faithful, dependable, and went beyond the second mile. Over time, he was entrusted with leadership responsibilities among the teams that were serving at church. He led well. He led with humility. Leadership did not corrupt his virtue of humility, passion, faithfulness, or servanthood. He began to teach and minister God’s Word at every given opportunity. God was raising up another one of His men at this hour. Tharun took up the challenge of doing a three-year Bible college degree along with family and professional responsibilities, which he successfully completed. This was a demonstration of sheer passion and commitment. Tharun is one of those people whose character, virtue, and inner-person I would consider ‘extra-ordinary’. It is not very often that we come across such people. His life more than amplifies the contents of this book.

This book is one with many truths, insights, and practical principles from the lives of men and women in the Bible who often go unnoticed. Tharun does an excellent job of presenting these insights in simple yet impactful ways. This book will serve as an inspiration to many sermons which can powerfully transform hearts and minds for God’s Kingdom. Read it. Practice it. Share it.

God bless!

Ashish Raichur

All Peoples Church, Bangalore, India

July 2023

Introduction

God unveils His character, His plan for salvation, and His desires for how people should live through His written word, the Bible. The Bible allows us to know and understand God more deeply. The Scriptures provide guidance for living a righteous and fulfilling life. They contain moral teachings, wisdom, and instructions for ethical conduct. The Bible offers principles and examples that guide us in making decisions, discerning right from wrong, and pursuing a life that is morally right. The Scriptures inspire and motivate us to live faithfully and obediently. They contain stories of faith, examples of perseverance, and accounts of God’s faithfulness to His people. The Bible’s narratives and teachings inspire us to follow God’s commands, trust in His promises, and seek His guidance in our daily lives. The Bible features numerous significant individuals who played crucial roles in biblical history and the development of faith. While Jesus Christ is undoubtedly the central figure, there are many other notable individuals in the Bible. Moses is one of the most important figures in the Old Testament. He was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, receive the Ten Commandments, and guide the people through the wilderness. Moses is revered as a prophet, lawgiver, and intermediary between God and the Israelites. Abraham is considered the father of the Jewish people and a key figure in Christianity and Islam. He received God’s covenant and promise of descendants, land, and blessing. Through his faith and obedience, Abraham became a model of righteousness and a central figure in the Abrahamic religions. David, the second king of Israel, is renowned for his courage, leadership, and musical talents. He is best known for his defeat of the giant Goliath, his reign as king, and his authorship of many Psalms. David is regarded as an ancestor of Jesus and a symbol of the ideal king in Jewish tradition. Paul, originally known as Saul, was a prominent figure in the early Christian Church. After his conversion, he became a fervent missionary, spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ throughout the Roman Empire. Paul’s writings, found in the New Testament, provide theological insights and guidance for early Christians. Mary, a young Jewish woman, was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus. Her willingness to accept God’s plan and her faithfulness make her a revered figure in Christianity. Mary’s presence is prominent in the birth and early life of Jesus. Solomon, the son of David, is known for his wisdom and wealth. He was the third king of Israel and is associated with the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem. Solomon’s wisdom is showcased in the biblical account of the two women claiming to be the mother of a baby. There are many who are well-known and extensively taught in Sunday schools, and learning from them is part of several Sunday sermons and preaching.

However, the Bible also presents numerous characters who may not receive the same level of recognition or attention. These individuals are often described as being behind the scenes or small but mighty because their contributions may go unnoticed or be overshadowed by the more prominent figures. They may be silent witnesses, overlooked individuals, or seemingly insignificant background characters. These lesser-known characters, like Ruth, Esther, Joseph (Mary’s husband), or the unnamed Samaritan woman at the well, often demonstrate remarkable faith, resilience, and courage in the face of adversity. Their stories highlight the importance of humility, loyalty, compassion, and obedience to God’s will. Despite their seemingly minor roles, they play a vital part in the larger narrative of God’s plan for humanity. The Bible’s inclusion of these characters reflects the diversity of human experiences and highlights the idea that every individual has a role to play in the grand narrative of God’s work. It teaches the value of humility, service, and recognizing the worth of all members within the community. By showcasing characters from various walks of life and levels of prominence, the Bible invites readers to reflect on the multifaceted nature of humanity and the significance of even the seemingly insignificant individuals in the overall scheme of things. Reading through their struggles, triumphs, and ordinary moments, we will gain a deeper understanding of the complexity and diversity of the human experience, the ways in which God works in the lives of people from all walks of life, and the power of the gospel to transform even the most unlikely of heroes. May their stories inspire us to seek God more deeply and to live lives of faith, courage, and compassion.

The book is an attempt to go beyond familiar stories of well-known characters such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and David, to name a few. The lesser-known individuals covered in this book have stories that are just as intriguing and important as those of the more well-known characters, and some of these are like the vital internal organs of the body. 1 Corinthians 12:18-25 is a passage from the New Testament of the Bible that addresses the unity and diversity within the body of Christ, comparing it to the various parts of a human body. The passage begins by stating that God has appointed and arranged the members of the body, referring to the members of the Church in a way that pleases Him. It emphasizes that each member has a unique role and function within the body, just as different body parts serve different purposes. We know the importance of diversity within the body. It highlights that if all the members were the same, the body would not be complete or functional. In other words, if everyone had the same gifts, talents, or roles, the body would lack the necessary diversity and effectiveness. Each member is necessary and has value, even if they appear weaker or less honorable. The passage concludes by stating that God has arranged the body in such a way that the parts that lack honor or recognition are given greater honor, ensuring that there