Cloud Of Witnesses- Learning From Their Example

Hebrews 11 speaks of the “great cloud of witnesses”. Who were these witnesses, and as Christians, what can we learn from their example?

The Great Cloud Of Witnesses

Hebrews 11 is considered the Spiritual Hall of Fame. It tells of giants of the faith such as Abel, Noah, and Abraham. Perfect? No! But men whose writing, whose lives, still make a difference thousands of years after their death.

This is the context of chapter 12, the first two verses of which read this way:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God”

Hebrews 12:1-2( ESV).

This “great cloud of witnesses” includes the men listed in the previous chapter. Were they sinless? By no means—which gives us great hope.

The Cloud Of Witnesses As An Example

In Romans 4:20, it says that Abraham did not waver from unbelief, and yet, when we read the account of his life, it certainly doesn’t seem that way.

And think of King David, an adulterer and a murderer, and yet God called him a man after His own heart. (See Acts 13:22.)

God clearly sees things differently than we do.

Thankfully, no matter what we’ve done, we are washed clean when we accept Christ as our Saviour. We can look at these examples and give thanks.

Over the centuries, many fallible men and women—even boys and girls—have joined this “great cloud of witnesses” and serve as an example to us.

Learning From Our Brothers And Sisters In Christ

For many of us, it’s unfathomable to think that persecution may reach the shores of our country. And yet, thousands upon thousands have given their lives for the cause of Christ. And persecution remains to this day.

When we live in relative peace and security, it’s easy to say that we have learned from these brothers and sisters in Christ and that nothing is more important to us than the Lord Jesus. But we must truly learn from their example so we can be prepared should the political climate change.

We need not be fearful. We must always remember that God is sovereign and has things well in hand—despite what our Facebook newsfeed would indicate. We can trust Him. And this is what countless who have gone before us came to realize.

John the Baptist caught a glimpse of what awaited him in heaven and was able to ask God to forgive those who were stoning him.

And Jesus Himself asked His Father to forgive those who crucified Him because they didn’t comprehend what they were doing.

Will We Rest Secure in God’s Sovereignty And Trustworthiness?

Before I finished writing this devotional, my mother-in-law of over 34 years went to be with the Lord. Though these days are emotionally draining, there is great peace knowing she is in the Saviour’s presence, that she has joined this cloud of witnesses.

Will we learn from these dear ones? Will we rest secure in God’s sovereignty and trustworthiness? Will we seek to set a good example for those who come after us?

As I re-read the previous paragraph, a few things struck me in light of my mother-in-law’s recent home-going.

“Will we rest secure in God’s sovereignty and trustworthiness?”

I witnessed ample evidence over the years that Dave’s mom indeed trusted the Lord completely.

Will We Seek To Set A Good Example?

The last sentence of that paragraph also stood out to me afresh: “Will we seek to set a good example …”

Dave’s mom set a wonderful example in many ways.

She loved the Lord and served Him faithfully over the years, even when things were difficult.

She loved selflessly, a wonderful reflection of the Saviour’s love.

She enjoyed, but didn’t grasp for, material possessions. People were far more important to her than things.

She prayed faithfully.

At the end, the Scriptures and prayer brought her peace, joy, and comfort.

I pray I will learn from her example for years to come.

Who has been a good example for you in your life? Contact us at HopeStreamRadio,  or comment below.