CLOUD OF WITNESSES

Dining with Jesus Christian Episodes

THIS IS TABLE ROCK FELLOWSHIP – PASTOR RYAN LADEN (DEVOTIONALS)

Cloud of Witnesses

Wedding Vows

When Amy and I got married, we decided that we would write our own vows, as if our 21-year-old selves were aware of all that we were doing in that moment. Amy’s vows were succinct and meaningful, right on the money. Mine? Mine were way too long. No surprise there.

I based my vows off of a powerful passage from Hebrews 12:1-3. 

Witnesses

In this message, the believer in Christ is challenged to see that they are not alone as they press ahead in their faith. There are many who surround us now and encourage us in our faith journey, and there are many more who have gone before us and in whose footsteps we walk. 

To me, the image was fitting for not only my walk with Christ, but also for my future life of marital bliss. I wanted Amy to know that we were not alone, and that the Lord had placed many people around us and ahead of us upon whom we could rely. 

In the passage that follows, we can hear the message of that great text:

“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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he 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 sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV11

Verse 1

As we have already stated, we are not alone in our journey of maturity in Christ. As the writer of Hebrews makes clear in chapter eleven, the Lord has been calling his people into the life of faith for a long time. We can learn from those who have gone before us. 

I take comfort from reading about the good and bad of those whose lives were included in the message of the Bible. If God is willing to use these fallible people, then there is hope for me.

Additionally, we are challenged to recognize the sins that trip us up in this life. We need to see that these snares around our spiritual feet are going to cause us to fall if we do not address them honestly with the Lord. 

Run with Perseverance

We are also called to fix our eyes on Jesus Christ as we seek which path we ought to take in our day to day lives. With our eyes set on the example and teaching of Jesus Christ, we are free to pursue our plans and desires in this life. If our eyes are on Jesus, then we will not wander off into areas of worldly living and sin. 

See Jesus

In verse three we are called to consider, study, and focus on Jesus Christ, the one who is the beginning and the end of our faith. If we see Jesus daily, focusing on our Lord’s nature, words, actions, heart, and sacrifice, we will be able to endure the trials and tribulations before us today. 

Consider him and do not lose heart. 

Join with the cloud of witnesses and walk through today with your eyes fixed on your one true Lord and Savior. 

In Christ, 

Ryan Laden

OUR MISSION AS A CHURCH

“TO ENCOURAGE AND EQUIP EACH OTHER IN LOVE TO KNOW JESUS AND MAKE HIM KNOWN”

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