From my earliest years I have admired people who live their lives in the shadows. They often feel the pressure of much responsibility, yet they bear up under it without seeking to be noticed. They do great work, thanks to their God-given skills and seasoned experience. Many fill significant roles and contribute greatly to the accomplishment of important tasks, all the while remaining virtually anonymous. Without applause and usually without public awareness, these faithful men and women press on, knowing that their names will never be in lights. To be honest about it, they would feel uncomfortable if they were. All that attention and acknowledgment makes them nervous. They don’t do what they do to be noticed or to call attention to themselves; they do it because it’s their role to fill; better stated, it’s their calling. Quietly and efficiently, they serve and give of themselves. The world is a better place because of them.

As the song goes, they are the wind beneath our wings. They are the unsung heroes in the battle, the folks who do the work behind the scenes, the people who pick up the pieces, the ones who make sure everything in the project flows freely. As a matter of fact, if you ever take the time to find out, you’ll discover that many are downright fascinating individuals with stories to tell that hold you in rapt attention. They may be unknown, but they are not insignificant. They may be overlooked by the public, but in private they fill roles that are invaluable.

While I have been busily engaged in writing this book, my wife and I have been overseeing the construction of our new home. Since it’s going to be the last home we will build, we’re making it special in many ways. No need to go into all that, except to say that we’re taking our time and doing it right. It will be full of reminders of our more than fifty years together as husband and wife—places we have traveled, sights we’ve seen, books I have collected from all over, people we have met, friends we have cultivated, and memories we have made.

Cynthia and I love things that represent deep roots—old beams, fine architecture, seasoned-looking wood floors, aged bricks, great stone and tile work, stately fireplaces, and of course, splendid woodwork. Those things require close attention to detail, which calls for skilled individuals with a commitment to excellence in craftsmanship. Rare are those who qualify as true, seasoned workmen who know their craft, who take pride in doing their work well, and who do it all to the glory of God. Need I tell you? Those ranks are mighty thin these days. We are fortunate in having chosen a family of brothers to build our home—men who have the unusual blend of skill, experience, taste, and touch. It’s doubtful that you know any of them, but they are the ones who deserve the credit for the finished product. Our gratitude for and pleasure in their work are reflected in my dedicating this book to them. I’m convinced they were “called by God” to construct our final house.

Moses certainly felt the same way about Bezalel and Oholiab.

Never heard of them, have you? See what I mean? They stand as classic examples of fascinating people whom everybody has forgotten. Even though they were literally called by the Lord to do a significant work, they represent unknowns in the minds of most people. Who were they? According to the inspired record, they were the lead craftsmen who were called by God to construct the original tabernacle.

Charles R. Swindoll, Fascinating Stories of Forgotten Lives: Rediscovering Some Old Testament Characters (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2011), xi–xiii.