A Great Cloud of Witnesses

Hebrews 12:1-3 - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Who is your great cloud of witnesses? Hebrews 11 has a great list of the Old Testament patriarchs including Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Joseph, and Moses. Plus there’s Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets. Then we have New Testament saints like the apostles, Paul, Timothy, Luke and more.

In more recent history we have examples like Martin Luther, St. Francis, D.L. Moody, Jonathan Edwards, Mother Teresa, John Wesley, Billy Graham, Charles Stanley, Chuck Swindoll and others you can name those who have been meaningful for you.

In my life I have people like my father in law, Vera Carol and several saints who have gone to be with the Lord, three mentors (J, P & T), my pastor Darrell and some great seniors in the church that I look up to. I also have a lot of people connected with camps I have worked with.

In addition I have some young people who have become an inspiration to my faith. Some have taught me to worship more freely, express my faith in different terms and rediscover God’s Word. As in the song Hosanna by Brooke Fraser says, I see a generation rising up to take their place with selfless faith. They are indeed doing that.

Those who went before us paved the way for all who follow. We benefit from the sacrifices of our predecessors, and we all leave a legacy for those who come after us.  Whose great cloud of witnesses am I part of? I hope I can be part of that cloud for my summer staff, SALTers and campers. I hope I’m part of a cloud for the youth at church and the young up and coming camping leaders. And for my girls and Tim too.

Whose great cloud of witnesses are you part of?