So Great a Cloud of Witnesses
Hebrews chapter 12 begins: “Therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses… let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us…”
I love this imagery of being surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses… a group of people who have been touched by God’s grace. They are those who have been already run the race. They have been through tough times and made it. They are now here to support us, to encourage us, and to inspire us.
In my limited experience with running races, a crowd around you can definitely pull you forward. They give you energy you didn’t know you had. It is well documented that runners are able to go farther and faster than if they were running without the crowd. And of course, you can think about how this works in football. With the crowd behind them, the home team definitely has a competitive edge.
When I think about this crowd behind me, this great cloud of witnesses, I think about those who have nurtured me in the faith: My grandfather Popsi, Herb Meza, my pastor… my friend Billy who came alongside me early on… Roger and Carol Thompkins, Yenwith Witney, Jim Pellot – and I could go on and on…
And it is not just those who have gone on before us. There are other witnesses here and now. We, humans, have the capacity to encourage, inspire and empower others – when we tell what we have seen; when we tell our own stories and other people’s stories…
My prayer for you today is that you would give some thought as to the witnesses that surround you. What voices are with you along the journey of life? What voices give you energy, inspiration, and strength? And then, may you give thanks to God for them.
Let us pray: Gracious God, We thank you for the community of faith – for this great cloud of witnesses that spans history and time. And we thank you for our part in it; for the way that you have been so faithful to us. We are indeed grateful for those who have inspired and nurtured us along the way. Empower us in turn, to share our own stories of hope and grace. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Joe Albright
Joe began his ministry in Sarasota, Florida as an associate pastor, and it was in this capacity that he worked alongside the Reverend Dr. Roger Kunkel. Roger was a colleague who became a mentor and treasured friend. From Sarasota, Joe was called to Jacksonville, Florida where he served as the Head of Staff at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Currently, Joe and his family worship and serve at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Switzerland, Florida. Full Bio
