Skip to main content

Great Cloud of Witnesses

 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders. . . and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.
Hebrews 12:1

It is an understatement to say the fire was a tragedy. Smoke poured from the windows and doors as flames gutted the inside of the Forklift Café. Within minutes the First Responders from Dingman Township Volunteer Fire Department as well as six other companies including one from New Jersey were on the scene.

The Forklift has been a part of the community for over 12 years serving both excellent meals and the community as well. Not only is the owner/chef Loriann active in the local community, she is a generous giver supporting local and global charities such as the CROPwalk.

She stood fighting tears and coping with shock at her tremendous loss. As I stood beside her offering what comfort I could, a steady stream of people stopped to offer prayers and support. It was the beginning of a great cloud of witnesses surrounding her  that made this more than just another structure fire. In addition to the stream of people, there were texts of encouragement and two Go-Fund-Me sites set up. It is this great cloud of witnesses that will help Loriann run with perseverance the race marked out for her.

By God's Grace, the word of hope in Hebrews is that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses to encourage and support us as we strive to persevere in the race before us. By God's Grace that word of hope encouraged the Hebrew community. By God's Grace that word of hope encouraged Loriann in the Forklift fire. By God's Grace, that word of hope encourages us as we strive to persevere in whatever race is set before us as we fix our eyes on Jesus.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Every Christian's Journey

"When he was at the table with them,  he took bread, blessed and broke it,  and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened,  and they recognized him." Luke 24:31,32a To me there there all kinds of road trips. They all have similarities such as destinations and travel experiences. Years ago Elaine and I took a camping trip out West. We drove Utah's Route 12 between Capitol Reef and Bryce Canyon National Parks. This part of the road trip meant enjoying God's beautiful creation. One of the experiences we still laugh about was the constant daily lunch menu of PB&J sandwiches. Luke's major theme is traveling the Way. In the gospel, Jesus travel TO Jerusalem. In Luke's Acts, the disciples travel FROM Jerusalem proclaiming the Word Empowered by the Spirit. On the Emmaus road trip from Jerusalem, two disciples, probably Cleopas and his wife, experience a stranger's presence. The stranger reveals himself as Jesus by explaining what was said about him in the ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Traveling by Faith

 Now faith is the assurance  of things hoped for,  the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 No, I'm not still stuck on I-81 hoping to be on my way as soon as possible. A tow truck big enough to haul a tractor-trailer rushed past on the shoulder followed by a VDot pick-up. I had faith that somehow the road would be cleared or traffic detoured around the crash. Slowly, we came to an off ramp, were directed up it, across a main street and down a ramp onto I-81. We we on the road again. This, of course, is a shallow understanding of Hebrews 11:1.  For me, hope is in found in God's Word as I look at what is, could be, and should be as I head toward the "Highway of Holiness" to be among the righteous who walk on it. The author of Hebrews describes faith as assurance and conviction. Faith is trusting God. For example: By faith Abraham, was called to go somewhere to receive his inheritance. He obeyed and went, not knowing the destination. Faith is walking with ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Hope in Unexpected Twists and Turns

Hawk's Nest Overview "  Now on that same day  two of disciples were going to a  village called Emmaus,  about seven miles [  from Jerusalem,  and talking with each other  about all these things that had h9appened."  (from   Luke 24:13-35 ) The Hawk’s Nest is a scenic, cliff-hanging stretch of NY State Route 97 offering dramatic views of the Delaware River.   Originally a one-lane dirt road built in 1859, it is known for bald eagle sighting, scenic overlook, and its twists and turns.   "Just as the Hawk’s Nest Road winds unpredictably, so too do our days.   For example, one day started off unpredictably, with the electrician arriving at 7:30, followed by the plumber at 8:30, and then a sincere thank you note delivered in person at 9.   "Our current polarized society creates complex, unexpected twists and turns that are difficult to navigate." The Emmaus Road story is one of hope in times of twists and tu...
Post a Comment
Read more