The Sheer Sweetness of Singing Eunuchs: Why I Marvel at God's Chosen Servants
Okay, friends, let’s talk about something that might make some of you squirm a little, but trust me, there's a beauty to it when we look at it through God's eyes. I'm talking about eunuchs. Yeah, I know. Not exactly a topic that comes up at Sunday brunch, right? But lately, I've been pondering the role of eunuchs in the Bible, and honestly, I find myself marveling at God’s plan. It's another one of those seemingly strange things in scripture that, when you really dig into it, reveals such a beautiful aspect of our Father’s heart.
You see, the Bible mentions eunuchs, often in service to kings and royalty. Think about it – these individuals, often made eunuchs through some form of surgery or accident, were chosen for these high positions. Now, we can see that through our 21st century lens and think, “wow, that’s horrific!” But that’s where I think we often get lost. We try to apply our understanding onto God’s. We need to examine things through a different lens. One of faith. One of purpose.
One of my favorite passages is Isaiah 56:4-5: “For this is what the Lord says: ‘To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, who choose what pleases me and hold fast to my covenant— to them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will endure forever.’” I mean, how powerful is that? God doesn’t just acknowledge them; He promises them a place, a legacy, a name that lasts forever! He saw them, *really* saw them. And that, to me, is profoundly moving. This makes me think about all the people we might see as "less than" in our world today, and how God not only sees them but has a purpose for them. He truly has a use for everyone.
This has especially resonated with me lately, as I’ve been trying to figure out my own purpose. I’ve always felt a bit “different,” you know? I've tried so hard to fit into different boxes, always feeling a little off-kilter. I went through a phase in highschool where I felt like an outcast, like everyone around me knew something I didn’t. I even went through a period where I thought I needed to abandon the Christian lifestyle to figure out what was “wrong” with me. I’ve spent years wrestling with what my gifts are, how I’m supposed to serve God, and it feels like everyone else has it all figured out. But then, I think about these eunuchs. They were in a position that was traditionally thought of as a sign of being an outcast, yet, they were so close to God. They weren’t seen as “less than” to God. And, as I reflect on this, I see that God has given me something to do, He has a plan for my life. The way I see it, maybe the places where we feel “less than” are actually where we are most perfectly poised to be used by Him.
I often think about Daniel, too, and his time in service in the king’s court. You think about all the political machinations, the temptations, the corruption… It had to be a difficult environment to navigate. Yet he stayed true to God. And I think this speaks to the eunuch’s character, a commitment and dedication to their tasks. Their service was not just about their tasks, but about offering themselves as a sacrifice to God. In this way, they serve as a powerful example of finding God in the mundane. We aren’t all called to be pastors or missionaries. Sometimes, we’re called to serve with our mundane, our routine, our every day.
Honestly, this perspective has completely changed how I approach my daily life. Every time I feel like my work is unimportant, I think of these eunuchs, faithfully serving in their unique roles. It reminds me that God can use even the most ordinary tasks to fulfill His purposes. Whether I’m helping at the church nursery, running errands, or even just cleaning my house, I try to do it with intention, knowing that it's a way I am serving the Lord. As Colossians 3:23-24 says: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
So, yeah, talking about eunuchs isn't always comfortable, but I encourage you to look beyond the surface and see the beauty that God has woven into it. Their lives can be so inspiring and offer such encouragement. It’s a reminder that God’s ways aren't always our ways and that He can use anyone, anywhere, for His glory. He truly can take the things that seem messed up, broken, or "less than" and turn them into something beautiful and holy.
What parts of scripture do you struggle with understanding? And, more importantly, what surprising truths did you uncover by leaning into those challenges?