The Great Cloud of Witnesses

The Great Cloud of Witnesses and action

Table of Contents 2004

Since it literally may be true that the saints in Heaven are observing us, we do well to throw off everything that hinders us from keep our eyes fixed on the Lord Jesus.

The sermon this morning (8/01/2004) was taken from the twelfth chapter of the Book of Hebrews.

We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, no doubt referring to the suffering saints mentioned in the eleventh chapter.

This statement may be figurative, of course. But I tend to think it is literal. We all have profited from reading about the saints of old. Who knows but what they may be surrounding us at this time and profiting from our experiences. Later in this chapter we discover that we already have come to Mount Zion, to an innumerable company of angels in joyful assembly, and to the spirits of righteous people made perfect.

One time while on my prayer walk I looked up to see if there was anything to be observed at this time (I do this frequently). I saw what seemed to be a company of people watching me and taking notes. At that time I was having a terrific struggle over a temptation. (I emerged victorious, praise the Lord!)

Since the inerrant Word states we all shall come to the stature of the fullness of Christ, and also that all shall know the Lord from the least to the greatest, it is necessary that there be teaching in the next life. In fact, I believe one of the components of the spirit world is an area, facilities, teachers, and students dedicated to education. I envision a huge, light-filled structure filled with happy people being instructed in the Kingdom of God. I have termed this structure The Institute of Kingdom Learning. How about that!

We must keep on throwing off all that hinders us from keeping our eyes fixed on the Lord Jesus, and run with patience the race marked out for us as an individual. Jesus began our faith and He will perfect it.

I will tell you a secret concerning how to survive your personal cross. Don't focus on what you don't have, or on what you have and do not want. Keep your mind on something else, on something you can have or can do. And—by all means—ask God to set joy before you. You will need a hope of joy if you are to endure your cross.

The struggle against sin you are having is part of the program of discipline you are enduring. Thank God for this struggle; this discipline! This process is creating a rod of iron in you so you will be able to govern the world alongside Jesus when He returns.

The past two thousand years have had as their primary purpose the developing of the rulers of the Kingdom of God. Be thankful that you have been chosen to rule with Christ, and take advantage of every moment and every opportunity afforded you during your sojourn on the earth.

All of the above can be true of you, but you will have to go to Jesus and claim it for yourself.