When a seemingly impossible task lies in front of you, one of the best encouragements is to be surrounded by those who have overcome the same thing. Not only can the living speak words of encouragement to us but also the examples of those who have already departed this life can spur us on when we seem to have nothing left to give and begin to wonder if it is possible or even worth it. This is certainly true for Christians. The writer of the letter to the Hebrews goes to great lengths to remind us of the great cloud of witnesses by which we are surrounded. He holds up for us many of the saints of old who persevered through great trial and failure and reminds us that it wasn’t their own strength or wits that delivered them, but the promises and faithfulness of God that sustained them. It was God who kept them and at last delivered them out of this valley of sorrow into the paradise of His perfect presence. But you also personally know pious and faithful Christians who can serve as an example and encouragement to you. Take advantage of such an incredible gift from God. Seek their wisdom and counsel. Emulate their piety and faithfulness and devotion. They are not perfect people. But the faithful of Christ serve as examples of what it looks like to live the life of faith in Christ – the life of repentance and forgiveness, the life of sacrificial love and humility. Thanks be to God for surrounding us with witnesses both in the Church Triumphant and those who still struggle with us in the Church Militant. Let us rejoice to be encouraged by them as together we look forward to that glorious eternity when we will stand as one around the throne of God and the Lamb waving our palm branches, clothed in perfect righteousness, and singing the eternal praises of our God. I look forward to seeing you all this coming Lord’s Day as we gather with all saints to receive life and salvation from our Lord Jesus Christ.
Pastor Ulmer