| Cheering Section - article by Joel Hempel My friend – Dr. Ed – in one of his short devotions wrote:
. . . 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 . . . Hebrews 12:1 Here’s a question: Are those who have died and rest in the arms of Jesus* cheering for you as you struggle to finish the race of life? What do you think? Yes? No? Here’s what we know from Scripture. In chapter 11 of Hebrews, the author named sixteen individuals, plus numerous unnamed others, all heroes and heroines of faith who are referenced in Hebrews 12 as witnesses – departed saints who, to this day, testify to the power of faith in God and God’s promises. We also know two of these renowned saints – many centuries after their passing – joined Jesus on the mountain during his transfiguration. Apparently, deceased saints have a life of their own after death removes them from this life. Not named in Hebrews 11 and 12 are saints we have known who, like the faithful Christians in Corinth, called on the name of Jesus as their Lord and Savior (see 1 Corinthians 1:2). Could it be that those who have gone before us and are in the presence of Christ are aware of and even cheering for us? What if each of us were “surrounded” by our own “cloud of witnesses”? There’s a great victory hymn, For All the Saints Who From Their Labors Rest. Here’s verse 5: And when the fight is fierce, the warfare long Steals on the ear the distant triumph song, And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong - Alleluia! Alleluia! The second definition of steal in my dictionary app is “To come or go secretly, unobtrusively, gradually, or unexpectedly.” Are there loved ones in the presence of Jesus who are unobtrusively and without notice, encouraging us to stay the course and to remember we are not alone in our fight? Do you want to grow in bravery and increase your strength? Remember the saints of old, remember their faith and endurance, and receive their reinforcement through the Holy Spirit, who resides and reigns within us. Is all this reflection on life after death and the covert presence of departed saints too unsophisticated, too sentimental, too unbelievable? If we were to ask Jesus what he thinks, my guess is he would refer us to Matthew 17:3. *See Luke 23:42-43; 2 Corinthians 5:8 | 
