It is good to read about those who have gone before us. They
really aren’t that different from us. They lived for God, tried their best to
follow His leading, and trusted Him to take care of them. He still does that
today. Around you are saints of today who will become part of the “cloud of
witnesses.”
The Scripture reads: “Therefore, since we have so great a
cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and
the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race
that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of
faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame,
and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
Whitney Hopler, Crosswalk.com, wrote: “There is no limit
to the amount of people who can join that great cloud in heaven. Although the
book of Hebrews presents famous examples of faithful people who are in the
great cloud of witnesses, it doesn’t exclude others. It looks forward to other
people of faith who will experience the rewards of heaven. Every single soul
who chooses to live in faith through a relationship with God can become part of
the great cloud of witnesses.“
We are not alone. People through the ages have experienced
what we are going through today. We can be encouraged by their stories and the
stories of those living today who have overcome great difficulties and
heartbreak.
“We can have no doubt about the great truths which we
believe, for we are compassed about with a cloud of witnesses . . . Having
therefore no room for doubt let us throw our whole strength into our high
calling and run with patience having our eyes always fixed upon Him, the
beginner and finisher of our faith.” Charles Spurgeon
Romans 15, verse 4, reinforces the benefit to find
encouragement and hope from the past: “For whatever was written in earlier
times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the
encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
Who are your cloud of witnesses? Could it be a grandfather who has passed on to be with Jesus? Maybe there's an aunt who has touched your life with her faith. What friends do you have that have helped you through difficulties with biblical answers? Is it that teacher in your church who always brings God's Word to life?
Choose your friends wisely. Stay connected with that family member who encourages your growth in God's Word. Are you a cloud of witness to someone?
As Whitney Hopler said, "Every single soul who chooses to live in faith through a relationship with God can become part of the great cloud of witnesses."
By His Grace . . .
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