And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated– the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.
These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
Hebrews 11:32-40
Today is All Saints Day, which is not usually a day I remember. Our culture focuses on Halloween, dressing up in costumes, eating candy, and trying to scare each other (hurricanes and politicians have done enough scaring if you ask me).
The writer of Hebrews lists people of faith and then summarizes a wide range of people (see above). There were those, who by faith in our Lord, accomplished amazing tasks. There were also those, however, who stood up against immense persecution, many paying with their lives. Such trials still continue to this day around the world.
We owe much to these men and women who stood their ground under persecution. They are our ancestors in the faith. I’m not writing simply about those giants we read about in the Bible, but everyday people like you and me. For every great leader, many regular people like you and me lived their lives totally committed themselves to our Almighty Savior.
The author does not end there, continuing:
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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:1-3
Imagine all those who have gone before us cheering us on, like a crowd cheering for the runners of a race. Don’t only think of those nameless multitudes, but of those who you knew personally who have passed away to be with our Lord. Imagine them in the stands cheering for you personally. Can you hear them? May we live to honor their memories as we passionately follow our Master.
