Cloud Witnesses

One of the most visual verses of Scripture is found in the beginning of the 12th chapter of Hebrews.  Many of us remember how it goes.  "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses..."  (Hebrews 12:1)  It is such a powerful word.  It creates an image which is both comforting and encouraging.  Those who have gone before us are heavenly watches as we finish the journey and the language give credence to them offering encouragement from the heavenly places.  In these later years I have been enabled to glimpse more and more of these saints who lives I shared on this journey of faith.

 

I am grateful for them.  I remember so many of them.  There are times when I call some of their names aloud.  If they are able to see through the veil and take note of me and pray for me from time to time, I am blessed far more than I could ever deserve.  While it is true that the Word of God speaks of all of us who believe in Jesus as the saints of God, it also seems that there is something special about those who have walked the road here faithfully and gone to the heavenly place.  Maybe that something special is denoted in the words, "a great cloud of witnesses."

 

There are numerous places where the image of the clouds points toward the presence of the holy.  The Mount of Transfiguration was overwhelmed with clouds when Elijah and Moses made their appearance to Jesus and the book of Acts tells us that at the Ascension "Jesus was lifted up, and a cloud took Him out of their sight."  (Acts 2:9)  Surely, the language of Hebrews points us toward those who have gone before as being those who are alive where majestic glory and divine mystery prevail.  We walk where these saints have trod and we are marching where they have marched on their way to the incomparable realm of eternity.