On the List

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses…let throw off…let us run…let us fix our eyes on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:1)

Why is it important to be ready?  It is beginning to seem like a lot of work.  In fact, it might be easier to pick another path…you know…go with the flow.  Something with a little less sacrifice.  Something with a little less cost.  When we begin to think  like that we must back up and read the beginning of this passage which is written above.  Friends, we are part of a bigger picture!  It is not just about you.  Our world has become so focused on the individual that we have forgotten that our lives are woven into the fabric of the world as a whole.  We tend to say things like, “It is my life and I can do whatever I want” or “It’s none of anyone’s business what I do”.  The Bible tells us that yes, we are free to make choices, but those choices do have an impact on others around us.

These verses in Chapter 12 of Hebrews are preceded by Chapter 11 (I know…duh).  But, we are very familiar with this chapter because it is the faith chapter that defines faith and lists examples throughout history of those who lived by faith.  We learn that we stand in a long line of people who suffered and persevered so that we would know the message of the Gospel.  Hero’s whose lives did not always end heroically in the world’s eyes but victoriously in God’s eyes.  After the many examples are given for our encouragement the chapter ends with this statement:

“These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received whatt had been promised.  God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.  Therefore…” (Hebrews 1:39,40 and first word of 12:1)

Our faith journey is intertwined with the history of God’s plan for His people and…with the future!  The list in Hebrews 11 is one that has continued.  The last entries in that heavenly script have the names of people you know who were people of faith in your life.  People whose faith sparked faith in you!  Now the same pen that scribbled the name of your grandmother or Sunday school teacher is writing your name.  That’s right.  You are on the list.

You see, our journey does not have a distinct beginning.  God knew you and had plans for you before you were born.  It does not have a distinct ending.  All who believe will have eternal life.  We are simply called to be faithful with our part of the Kingdom work that God has called us to at the moment.  Why?  To be faithful to the testimony of those who have gone before (cloud of witnesses) and to pass on the heritage of faith to those to come!