The Crowd Cheers

I have often wondered what it would feel like to be on the playing field in front of a large crowd. What would go through my mind if I was able to do something great and the crowd rose up in celebration? How would I feel if I made some costly mistakes, and how would the crowd react.

Hebrews 12:1-2 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” God has assembled all of heaven to cheer us on. The crowd is excited and animated in encouraging us. As a result, we are strengthened and can endure by just turning away from sin and keeping our eyes on Jesus. He will perfect our faith. The celebration has begun. Join the Christ followers on the field and observe the great cloud of witnesses that will cheer you on.

A Vacation That Wasn’t

Have you ever gone on a vacation with the single desire to rest, but found that you were more tired when you returned than went you left for the vacation? I sure have. Sometimes we have planned so much activity that requires so much energy that I am exhausted afterwards. Other times, we have simply spent too much time with other people, which for an introvert like me can be quite exhausting also. What can we do to find rest for our souls?

Hebrews 4:9-10 says, “So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.” One of the great benefits of trusting God is the rest that He provides. We are no longer under a religious system of works and performance, but rather we have the blessing of trusting in God’s provided salvation, mercy, and grace. When we wait upon Him to work on our behalf, rather than initiating works in efforts to satisfy our longing for rest, we find God’s Sabbath rest.

Self-Help or God’s Help

We are inundated these days with people offering to make our lives better. From the self-help books and seminars to the hacks offered online, people think that they know a better way and offer to help us, often at some cost. While many of these “helps” can offer limited and temporary assistance, their long-term effects are debatable.

Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” God’s Word is not a stale document telling of an ancient people. It is alive, meaning that it instructs us in whatever we are going through today. Through His Word, God is able to reach us, even into our intentions and thoughts, and give us the truth in a way that helps, supports, challenges, and encourages us.

Witnesses and Evidence

In the courtroom, both the prosecution and defense present witnesses and evidence to support their views of the truth. With a preponderance of evidence or the absence of reasonable doubt, jurors or the judge render a verdict.

Hebrews 2:3-4 says, “how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.” God has given us many witnesses and evidences of His great salvation. This salvation was openly declared by Jesus Christ. His followers faithfully declared the truth, even in the face of suffering cruel punishment and death. The Father, Himself, bore witness to this salvation through signs and wonders. And the Holy Spirit bears witness by empowering various gifts through believers. The evidence is in, what is your verdict. Remember, God Himself will judge each of us based upon our response to His offer of a great salvation.

Fruitful Environment

One of our sons did particularly well in school under teachers who gave generous encouragement. He did not do so well under strict disciplinarians, not because he got into trouble, but rather because he didn’t receive the same levels of encouragement. As adults we are exposed to different leadership styles. We do better under certain styles and are often frustrated with other styles. It is truly satisfying to find the right environment for our growth and success.

Psalm 92:12-14 says, “The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age.” To flourish means to grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, especially as the result of a particularly favorable environment (Oxford Languages Dictionary). That particularly favorable environment is the presence and power of God in our lives. The presence and the power of God allows us to suddenly perform in an impressively, successful way, even into old age. So spend time in God’s presence and humble yourself in the power of God and enjoy bearing fruit, even into old age.