CLOUD OF WITNESSES PT.2

Heb.12:1 – Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us…

Then we catch a glimpse of the great church leader, Augustine. He seems to be perfectly at rest because the outcome of the race is secure. How could he be so confident? He seems to be saying, “Our hearts find no peace until they rest in You.” Augustine is giving us a powerful tool for our race, the sovereignty of God. The results are guaranteed. The victory is ours. Run the race with confidence. Finish Strong, Finish Strong, Finish Strong!

Suddenly another figure stands up. Confidence and strength seemed to be coming from every pore of his body – it is Martin Luther. He begins to proclaim, “The just shall live by faith.” Wow! What a message. We are not only saved by faith, but every step we take in our great gospel race is a step of faith. We do not only begin the race by faith, we live by faith. This is the work of God, we are being carried to the finish line by the grace that comes by faith.

Now, I see two figures standing arm in arm, shouting out their encouragement. What a strange sight – John the Baptist and Jonathan Edwards begin to lift their voices up in unison, “Burn and Shine, Burn and Shine, Burn and Shine!” (John 5:35). Their words are filled with joy and revelation. As I look to Jesus, I am filled with joy unspeakable. His joy is my strength and in His presence I begin to see revelation (Psalm 36:8, 9). Wow, revelation and joy. Revelation of the glory of God. Joy strengthens me to Finish Strong!

Next I see John the beloved apostle. God’s love seems to be pouring out of him. He is pointing to the crowd. Suddenly the great “crowd takes on a supernatural oneness as a beautiful bride, the bride of Christ. The bride is crying out for souls, “Come to Jesus! The Spirit and the bride say come, let everyone who is thirsty come.”

When I consider all these witnesses, the passion for souls begins to burn deeper into my heart. The finish line is just ahead, souls, souls, souls — multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision. Finish Strong!

Finally, I see the greatest witness of all. Standing in the midst of the crowd, He is lifting up His voice. It is Jesus. What is He saying? “Behold, I and the children God has given to Me.” Then with a greater intensity, He begins to cry out, “Surely, I come quickly.” The crowd noise begins to intensify, the finish line is within our grasp. “Finish Strong, Finish Strong, Finish Strong!”