WITNESSES WHO ENCOURAGE
The #FiveMinuteFriday word prompt this week is witness. The word can be a noun or a verb. What I first think of is someone who sees something firsthand and tells about it. Some of the synonyms at Rhymezone are: watcher, viewer, spectator, onlooker, observer.
I thought of several Bible verses that mention witnesses, but this is the passage that caught my attention.
Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
(Hebrews 12:1-2)
You may wonder why this scripture caught my attention rather than some of the others. I think it’s because I have family and friends as part of that cloud of witnesses who encourage, those who have gone before. Included in this cloud are those mentioned in Hebrews 11, giants of the faith.
Most recently, in 2019, my son, Stephen, joined that group. I like to think that Stephen and my parents are part of that cloud cheering us on. As we think of their faith in and love for God, we are encouraged to turn from sin and minimize distractions, enabling us to endure to the end.
THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE
Yet the most important One mentioned in that passage is Jesus. Because of Him we have eternal life in the future, yet we taste of that life right now where we are. He calls us to be His witnesses, yet He doesn’t leave us helpless. Amidst the trials, troubles and good times, He gives us peace and joy.
When we think of all He’s done and is doing for us, and those who have gone before, we can have hope and encouragement to keep on and not give up. Look at the next verse in that Hebrews passage.
3 For consider him who endured such hostility from sinners against himself, so that you won’t grow weary and give up.
(Hebrews 12:3)
I’m linking up with: #FiveMinuteFriday
Oh I love this encouragement that you give here, Gayl! I think of my brother and parents right there next to your parents and dear Stephen. Knowing that they are praising God and cheering us on, as our Jesus leads them all, really is so hope-building! Love & hugs dear sister. ❤️❤️
I am so glad you were encouraged, dear Bettie! Yes, it really is “hope-building” as you said. Blessings, love and hugs to you, dear sister! xoxo
Thank you for this Gayl! Your very last paragraph is so powerful and words that we all need! Your #fmf neighbor, Cindy
Thank you, Cindy. Yes, we all need to remember what He went through for us and take encouragement to keep on when it seems so hard. Blessings to you! xo
Thank you. I was never really sure who made up the ‘cloud of witnesses’ – angels, those gone before, or those living around us who witness our lives.
Thank you for visiting, Dawn! I’m not sure who all it includes. It’s possible that it could also include angels, besides those who have gone before. But I’m not an expert or a theologian. Maybe that would be something to research more. Blessings to you, and I hope you have a blessed Christmas!
This is such a sweet gift to read now, after sitting in 2 Corinthians 12:9 today:
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Because that cloud/throng reminds me of the Word “rest upon” here, which means to pitch a tent over (so I guess like Moses and Abraham tabernacling with God). Funny how it’s our weakness that also draws us into resting and in that resting our eyes open to the eternal and the earthly matters begin to pale. God uses our weakness to turn our eyes to that cloud of witnesses, doesn’t He? I am seeing that so much with my heart condition that is gifting me daytime naps and showering me and my home in God’s love and peace. He lifts away our sinful desires, as He roots us deeper in His love: in His witness in us and in our midst and all around us (also in the beautiful words those who have gone before us leave behind: like your Stephen). My Dad wants to gift me my Mum’s diary from her final weeks. I will treasure that too.
Thank you, Anna! Yes, our weakness causes us to rest, then as we rest we are still long enough to think of all God has done and is doing for us and to see His great love. Oh, I know your Mum’s diary will be such a special gift for you! I appreciate your insights here, Anna. Blessings and love to you with lot of hugs! xoxo
Oh Amen! Yes: so much. God’s recently sent me back to read through my prayers from the past few months and it’s incredible how He has answered the cries of my heart (His heart in me). In ways I couldn’t have even imagined.
Em’s now been praying herself and finding God’s peace washing over her. He hears our every cry as a Mama. Oh may He continue to fill us with such expectant JOY, as we wait with Him to see His every Promise fulfilled. Much love to you from afar.
What a blessing to your mama’s heart to see how God is helping her find peace in Him. Yes, may He give us expectant joy! Blessings and much love to you, too, dear Anna! xoxo