I have been reading again through the Old Testament historical record of Nehemiah. It is full of names and genealogies, and I am learning to pay attention to the lesser-known characters of Scripture. They often hold a much-needed message for us all. Mattaniah was such a man.

His name means “gift of Yahweh.” While all children are a gift from God (Psalm 127:3), some people are indeed a special gift from God to a nation, a church, or the world. Mattaniah was such a man.

Mattaniah was a descendant of Asaph (1 Chronicles 9:15) and one of the many Levites who labored in the Temple worship. But there is something distinct about this musician. God assigned him a work, and the Holy Spirit marked him with a word, which is one of the most vital in all of Scripture.

We too often think of prayer simply as asking, but a key part of sincere prayer is giving of thanks. Thanksgiving gives entrance to prayer (Psalm 100:4), imbues faith in our prayers (Philippians 4:6), maintains an attitude of prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18), and cultivates gratitude in prayer (Ephesians 5:20). It is the giving of thanks that gets our eyes off of ourselves and our needs and on the God who is good and gracious to hear us. We are to be people of prayer and thus people of thanksgiving. Mattaniah was such a man.

Everybody wants to be in charge, but could God put you in charge of giving thanks? Mattaniah was charged with leading in thanksgiving! He “was the principal” giver of thanks. This does not mean that he alone offered it, but that he led the way. This is more than singing; it is a spirit. Giving thanks is a command and therefore a choice. It has “to begin” somewhere, and it has “to begin” with someone. Be the leader in thanksgiving in your family and among your friends. Let it begin with you. Mattaniah was such a man.

Thanksgiving is God’s word, and it is to be Godward. When we give thanks, He alone gets the glory. But He has designed it so that as we give Him glory, it also gives so many good things to others. One man was instrumental “to begin” but it affected many, “and his brethren.” In fact, the entire congregation was touched by it. Yes, one thankful heart will honor God and help others. Mattaniah was such a man.

Those who recognize God’s good gifts in their lives should be the first to give thanks back to God. You may feel like one of the Lord’s “lesser-known” characters in this world, but you can be well known at the throne of God. And through your thanksgiving, you may lead many others to the goodness of the Lord. Mattaniah was such a man…and I want to be one too.