Cloud of Witness
“Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,
let us rid ourselves of every burden and sin that clings to us and persevere in running the race that lies before us
while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus,
the leader and perfecter of faith.”Hebrews 12:1-2
How often have we heard the phrase “standing on the shoulders of giants” or something similar when referring to those who have gone before us. Where we are today is a direct consequence of those who came before us. The forefathers of our country fought for freedom and independence. Our grandparents and parents who left their homeland to come to this country to start a new life with the hopes of a better life for the generations to come. We are the beneficiaries of the sweat and tears of our ancestors. We are reaping the fruits out the labor of the cloud of witness that surrounds us.
The Prophet Jeremiah is the prophet that most shows the pathos or suffering of God. God’s suffering is seen through Jeremiah’s suffering. When Jeremiah tells the people to return to God and to not resist the Babylonians, they were furious and instead of the listening to him, throws him down a cistern. The reject the word of God and prefer the words of false prophets. They ignore the cloud of witness but instead are clouded by their own self-interest and ambitions. They have forgotten those giants on whose shoulders they are being carried.
As Christians, our eyes must always be fixed on Christ who always leads us to His Father. We must never forget the giants on whose shoulders we are being supported and carried. The martyrs and saints in heaven who bore witness to Christ and His love throughout the centuries spilt their blood so that the faith that was passed onto them might not be lost. It is because of these faithful witnesses that we are here today. And, they are still with us today. The surround us with their prayers and are constantly lifting up ours to Christ. Let us learn from the Israelites and not prefer to listen only to what soothes our ears, but rather listen to that which soothes our hearts, that which brings lasting peace and joy — the truth, the Truth that the cloud of witnesses constantly remind us of, the Truth that is Christ Himself.
