A Great Cloud of Witnesses

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Two weeks ago, I heard one of the best sermons I have ever heard in Taiwan. Maybe it was the timing, the translation, or the theology behind it, but something really struck me about the text. It was from Hebrews 12:1-2 (see text above), and sparked a plethora of thoughts and ideas in my mind. I would like to share one now.

As I think about the idea of a "Great Cloud of Witnesses" in verse 1, the initial thought that pops into my head is that of the Old Testament 'heroes.' You know, the Enochs, Noahs, Abrahams, Sarahs, Isaacs, Jacobs, etc. These are the people that I am sure the author of Hebrews is referring to, as this is the meat of chapter 11. All these amazing people who lived by faith in things that they cannot see, but wait with certainty and hope for it to come.

I agree that these people of the past are inspirational. They are a model of living by faith. But as I start to think about the witnesses in my life, I see the people around me as that "great cloud."

Specifically, I think of the fellow missionaries that are here. And this is something that didn't move me until coming back this year. Last year, I was able to appreciate the gifts and talents of all the missionaries in Taiwan. This year, I am in awe of the faith each of these people has. They have courage, wisdom, strength, and fortitude to be in a place that is mostly non-Christian, and yet they are willing to deal with anything to run the race set before them. Their eyes are truly fixed on Jesus, and their faith has encouraged mine in just the few weeks that we have been back.

Additionally, there are so many Taiwanese brothers and sisters that surround me and encourage my faith daily. Those friends who have gone against their parents to follow Christ, being disowned by the family. Those friends who are new Christians, but continue to reach out to their friends to share the Good News they recently learned. Those friends who have started Bible Studies and fellowship activities to tell others about Jesus.

Everywhere I look, there are more and more witnesses of Jesus. How inspiring!

This got me thinking about the great cloud where ever you may be. How often do we tell those who encourage us how important they are? Wouldn't that be an encouragement for them, to keep spreading to love of Christ?

Just a thought...

Whoops!

I guess there is a reason to learn Chinese- so I don't delete my entire blog again! In an attempt to post an entry, I accidentally pushed the "Delete Blog" button when I thought I was saving the entry, as it was all in Chinese. Oh, no!

So I guess I will just have to start over again with new entries, new pictures, and new thoughts on my time in Taiwan. I know that I won't be as good about posting as some of my other friends here, but I will make an attempt to post something after Christmas!