Evidence

In the book of Hebrews, we read, “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 the imagery of being surrounded by so great a crowd of witnesses. Just the word witness is rich. In mediation, we attempt to witness our own breathing and thinking. There is also the legal context of the word: something or someone that serves as evidence.

I remember a pastor I know telling me that when he was a teenager he struggled with racism. It was how he grew up. He said, “I definitely did some things and said some things I’m not proud of…” But today he works in a ministry for racial reconciliation and justice… When I think about him, I think that is evidence of God’s grace.

In addition, a witness can be someone who has seen something and tells what they have seen. They have experienced God’s healing grace and they tell what they have experienced. As humans, we all 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.

Hebrews reminds us that we are surrounded by this great crowd of witnesses. These are people who have been touched by God’s grace. They are those who have been through tough times and made it. They are now here to support us, to encourage us, and to inspire us.

Today, may you take a moment and reflect on the give some thought as to the witnesses that surround you. And then maybe you could ask yourself: what have I seen? How has God’s grace touched my life? What story do I have to tell? How am I a witness to God’s love and grace?

Let us pray: Gracious God, thank you for those people who inspire us, lift us and bring out the best in us. Give us the courage and the words to inspire and lift others. In Christ’s name. Amen.