A Great Cloud of Witnesses

It was one of those Spirit-filled moments in worship. At the Sending of the 9:00 worship service, the choir walked from the choir area to fan out and surround the congregation, singing the Benediction, “The Lord bless you and keep you.” Powerful, live “Surround Sound.”
It reminded me of the sanctuary of Vinje Lutheran Church in Willmar, where there is a circular sanctuary with the names of famous saints throughout history carved on the wall above our heads. At the end of the list, there is one open plaque, there so that you can fill in your name. The names remind the worshipers of the verse from Hebrews 11, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of our faith.”
It was fabulous music and a moving sight that, as one of my friends would say, “made my fur stand on end.” It has been one of those weeks when the saints of Bethlehem today have been at their best, surrounding with their care two of our families who are grieving deeply the deaths of loved ones: Bud Zieman and Jason Schumacher. Now these brothers in Christ are part of the heavenly chorus that is cheering us on.
To lead the choir, Director Keith stood in front, on the steps of the chancel, directing the singers. As I was looking around taking in the sight - there in the front row, I saw him: a little boy held in his Dad’s arms, watching Keith, and waving HIS arms, copying what he saw the Choir Director doing. The “therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses” suddenly took on another dimension, spanning generations and time, and providing a living illustration of how the saints pass on the faith by modeling it for the next generation right now. It reminded me that there is always a younger saint watching those of us who are farther along on our faith journey. As they watch us, what do they see? What would they copy?

“They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life.” --1 Timothy 6:18-19

Almighty God, thank you for surrounding with the saints, past and present, who cheer us on in our faith journey. Use our words and our actions, that they might be an example and encouragement to others. In the name of Jesus. Amen.