May the mumbling commence!
Man, it is HOT. I find myself grateful for air-conditioning. When I am outside, I find myself grateful for shade and breezes (if they are not to “blow-dryer-like”). I am grateful when I see clouds up in the sky… Maybe the clouds could portend the rain we so desperately need.
When I am stuck in the dog days of summer, I look at the passage from Hebrews that starts chapter twelve in a different light. It speaks of a cloud of witnesses. Chapter eleven of Hebrews is the great chapter of faith – being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see (11:1).
In that chapter, the faithful of God’s children are listed – from Abel and Enoch to Moses and Rahab. These men and women (and many more) are our cloud of witnesses. Read from the beginning of chapter twelve:
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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him 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 sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Verses 1-3)
You and I are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses. Does that mean that we have clouded thought and sight? While our thoughts and sight may be clouded, it is NOT due to this cloud of witnesses. The cloud means so much more.
Clouds often meant the presence of God. Think about the pillar of cloud and fire that led and protected the Israelite people in the wilderness. Think about the cloud that descended upon the Mount of Transfiguration. God is in the clouds. Sometimes those clouds give life-sustaining rain (May it be so!).
Clouds can protect us from the crazed heat of impetuousness in this world. Our eyes will be shaded from the glamorous deceptions of this world. Clouds of witnesses can remind us daily to fix our eyes on the only goal that matters. Let us remember our cloud of witnesses so that we are reminded that our goal is to be Christ-like.
And this faith – our faith – has been authored and perfected by Christ Jesus. Jesus endured suffering and shame. He was bone weary and still did not lose heart. Yes, let us remember Jesus and those who followed in his footsteps after him but before us. Who is it that we need to remember? Who is in that great cloud of witnesses? They are more than the people of the Bible. Read from Hebrews chapter eleven:
And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated – the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.
These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. (Verses 32-39)
The list of faithful followers of God in Hebrews chapter eleven is not exhaustive. It continues to our day. Some of the cloud is pillars of the church that our denominations stand on today. Some of the cloud is people that we have known and who have passed on. Indeed, some of the cloud of witnesses still is alive and active in our lives.
Let us continue the race that was begun far before we were born. Listen. You will hear the cheers and encouragement.
Enough mumbling for now…
Peace Out
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