In chapter 11, the author of Hebrews, in what some people call the Hall of Faith, runs through an abbreviated history of many Old Testament figures whose lives were especially noteworthy due to their trust in God.
Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Samson, David and Samuel are some of the names mentioned. Several of them had made major mistakes at points in their lives but sought forgiveness and moved on to be used by God.
The author tells us to remember and be encouraged by those who have gone before us as role models.
“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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Hebrews 12:1-3
You probably can think of at least one person who has had a profound impact on your journey of faith. In January I attended the memorial service for maybe the most exuberant, joyful, encouraging, loud Christian man I ever have known. Perhaps fittingly, he died on Christmas Day.
His youngest daughter, Katy, is one of my best friends. Lyle Beall had a huge impact on me as a young Christian. Their home was a revolving door for youth ministry, college ministry and the church’s young adult singles group. He anchored the choir, led singing at our Sunday night services and introduced me to the music of Michael Card.
Together with a few others, we memorized John chapter 15 and were rewarded with a new NIV study Bible.
At the service for Mr. Beall, Katy’s daughter, Caroline, repeated many of the same sentiments of the other speakers and recounted, “The last few times I had conversations with Pop Pop, he would always say, ‘God is so good, and we are so blessed.’ Pop Pop was always giving glory to God. So, the biggest lesson and what I love the most about Pop Pop was the way that he pointed us all to Christ. Firstly, his joy in the Lord was unmistakable, and it made him a wonderful, enjoyable person. Pop Pop was also incredibly gracious and stewarded well the gifts God had blessed him with. He showed me the importance of prayer by giving thanks to God at every meal we ate together and by praying for me faithfully my whole life.
“Pop Pop was always acting in love. I never saw him angry or bitter. He was guided by the Holy Spirit, showing us all what a godly man looks like. And lastly, I know Jesus better because of Pop Pop. In every way that God gave him good gifts and fruits of the Spirit, Jesus himself displays them perfectly. As Pop Pop was loving, joyful, gracious, and humble, I could better see and know Jesus. And I’m so thankful to him for living a godly life dependent upon Jesus and for showing me how to walk with him in my own life.”
May we not only remember the great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, but make that kind of impact ourselves.
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