As we move on through the Hallowtide, today is All Saint’s Day. Although, personally, I find the general idea of sainting a person a little unsettling, as none of us can earn our goodness, it is given through the blood of Jesus. But even with that on the table, it is good I think to learn from the example of others that have tread this ground before us, and if that is a way we can highlight those that have done wonderful things with the time they have been given – so be it!
And so, I guess it’s only appropriate to consider another one of those verses I seem to mention a lot from the fun book of Hebrews about realizing the others that have lived on this great big blue and green ball. After the writer of this book travels through time calling out those ‘saints’ that have gone before him in Hebrews 11, he pens this
1 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, 2 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. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12
Gain strength from remembering those that have gone before you, and do not lose heart!