A Cloud of Witnesses

   

       So, why am I writing this blog? I am writing this because I believe that there is so much to gain from those who are dead, other than a physical inheritance. There are things to be learned from those who are living, too, but as Robert E. Lee once wrote, "It is history that teaches us to hope[1]". So how does history help us?

       First, I read in Hebrews 12:1-2, "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (KJV)" When we know of the people who have gone before us it encourages us to lay aside our sin and anything else that keeps us from obeying Jesus. It also reminds us, and even inspires us, to look to and follow after our Savior.

    Which leads me to my second point, they are examples for us to follow. As Paul said, "Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.[2]" Paul was leading the way to Christ. Many others have done the same, and still are today.

     One such person was Abel. "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.[3]" By what he being dead yet speaketh? By faith. Through his faith and actions he showed that the most important thing to him was his God, the Creator of the universe. Abel has a message even for us today. Notice he still speaks. All of those who are followers of Christ, have a message for us, whether they are alive or not. However the question is, "Will we learn from them?"

     Today, I choose to do that. "Seeing also we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witness", this will be a lifetime endeavor. We are compassed about, we are surrounded. We have so much to learn. Will you join me?

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[1] In a letter he wrote to Col. Charles Marshall

[2] 1 Corinthians 11:1, KJV

[3] Hebrews 11:4, KJV