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?
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