Our Lives Matter

Someone asked Dr. Jeremiah recently if he thought people in heaven could see what we do on Earth. He said, “Well, let’s think about that a minute. If they could, would it really be heaven?”

The questioning party referred to “the great cloud of witnesses” mentioned in Hebrews 12:1. As I pondered their question, I decided to reread that verse, which meant I also needed to read Hebrews 11. Why? Because the first word in Hebrews 12 is “therefore.”

You can't plow on through this wordy warning sign. For true meaning, you must know what came before it.  

Hebrews Chapter 11 is often called “The Hall of Faith.” Many famous Old Testament people are mentioned by name and their reasons for being listed.

For example, by faith, Cain offered God a more acceptable sacrifice than Abel. God took note of it, and Hebrews 11:4 says his testimony lives on, though Cain is dead.

Another famous hero is Moses of “The Exodus” fame, and Hebrews 11:12-29 lists several acts of his faith. When he was born, Hebrew babies were not supposed to be allowed to survive, but his mother created a waterproof basket and hid him among reeds along a river.

Pharaoh’s daughter found him and Moses was raised in the palace as her son, yet when he became an adult, he chose not to be called a son of Pharaoh’s daughter, but chose to suffer affliction with the people of God. 

Many more reasons for becoming a hero of the faith are listed in verses 35-40. These seem to fit the New Testament Christians, who were tortured for their faith, even as brothers and sisters in today's world.

Role models of faith do not just come from Bible times. James 2:14-18 points out a couple of simple facts: (1) faith without works is dead, and (2) your faith is shown by your works. In the vernacular, we might say, “Put your money where your mouth is.”

I have been encouraged by the lives of many modern heroes of the faith; therefore, I believe the great cloud of witnesses is not only for ancient times, but continues to build through all generations.