Here’s another question from the list of reader queries.
The “great cloud of witnesses” is part of a quotation from Hebrews 12:1-2 – “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.”
It’s a powerful thought, one that many Christians down through the ages (myself included) have been comforted and encouraged by.
So who does the “great cloud of witnesses” refer to? To find the answer we need to look to the previous chapter, Hebrews 11. Here are the names of the people of faith listed there:
Abel – offered a better sacrifice by faith and was commended as righteous
Enoch – by faith he pleased God, so he never experienced death
Noah – by faith he obeyed God’s command and turned his back on a world of evil
Abraham – obeyed God and went where God told him to go, without knowing where this would be. He made his home in the Promised Land even though he was a stranger there. From him came “descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky”.
Isaac – Abraham’s promised child, who by faith blessed Jacob and Esau
Jacob – who by faith blessed Joseph’s sons
Joseph – who by faith gave instructions that his bones should one day be carried out of Egypt and buried in the Promised Land
Moses’ parents – who by faith hid Moses from the edict of Pharaoh and did not leave him to die
Moses – who, though adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter, by faith refused to be known as her son, and “chose to be mistreated along with the people of God”. By faith he kept the first Passover.
The People of Israel – who by faith passed through the Red Sea
Rahab – who by faith welcomed God’s spies, saving her family from the fall of Jericho
Also “Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword… (Heb. 11:32-33)
In other words, the great cloud of witnesses are all those people who have lived before us — whether famous or not — who have lived lives of faith, following God, worshipping Jesus, leaving for us a rich spiritual legacy.
Thinking about their lives, how they lived, what they lived for, and how they died, is an inspiration. Their example shows us how to have that kind of faith and how to live it.
In addition to the faithful listed in the Bible, many Christian traditions give the title “saint” to people who have lived great lives of faith. But there are many, many more people in the “great cloud” whose names are not so well known.
I think of it almost like our military veterans: how many thousands upon thousands of people have served in the armed forces to preserve our freedom? And how many of those do we know by name? We know the famous ones, and then we know the ones who came from our own families and neighborhoods. I think the great cloud of witnesses is like that. That’s why I keep my own Roll of Honor to honor those whose names are not so well known (see the link above to the “Great Cloud of Witnesses” page).
So who is on YOUR personal roll of honor? Feel free to post their names here, first names only if you prefer.
Captain Joe !
My Grandma and Grandpa, who prayed for their lost and rebelious grandson every day, and like many of the witnesses in Hebrews 11 they didnt see the fruit of their prayers till well after they had passed away.
aaron g is my son intials. Maybe he wrote this comment yrs. ago
Aaron G has written a couple blogs of his own — if you click on his name (above) it will take you to one. Let me know if it is him!
I think God pays special attention to the prayers of grandparents! 🙂
Yes,I believe He does. I am a Nigerian and we believe a lot that prayers or blessings of grand parents are answered a lot.
Hey – good post! I’m glad you found me, because I really like your blog and will a regular reader now. 🙂
I love the idea of a “roll of honor.” I’ll have to ponder the many people I’d put on my own roll.
Elizabeth,
Thanks! I’m glad I found your blog too and will link to it shortly. I just skimmed your “About” page and whoooooo man do we have a lot we can talk about! 🙂 Hubby and I are off to a BD party, will post more later, asap.
I love the music videos and you food for thought.
for sure when He comes again He will come in the clouds.
Coming with a great cloud of witnesses …………
And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints Jude 1:14
God Bless you,
BrotherMark
My sister sally suffered a long time, her husband gave her aids, i praise god that she now has a perfect body & no more pain. Marian mitchell
Marian, sorry for the belated reply (it took me a while to find your post!) I’m very sorry for the loss of your sister. May she rest in peace in God’s comforting arms.
Hi Mark and welcome! Thanks for your comment, I’m glad you enjoy my blog. Pop on back anytime. All blessings!
I found your website while researching a sermon…”Great Cloud of Witnesses. I wrote a devotional series outlining my own witnesses as you suggest. Great idea. Here are mine with all their name…I am proud and joyful of their lives:
Second grade teacher: Mrs. Earhart
Biology teacher: Mr. Sutherlin
Spiritual parents: Dr. Wayne and Bertie Roberst
Spiritual mentors: Clynton and Marjorie Crisman
Spiritual companion and wife: Judi Nolta
They spur me on and encourage my faithfulness.
Thanks Dan for sharing your roll of honor. God bless you, and them, and your congregation as you speak to them about the great cloud of witnesses.
What a wonderful website and a way to honor that great cloud of witnesses. So many people in my life, but especially my grandmothers, my father and mother who are all now part of that radiant light showing each of us the way.
Hi Bonnie, Sorry for the delay in replying — somehow I missed your post. God bless your family with the light your parents and grandparents have shared.
These are the people on my honor roll who prepared me for my life with Christ. My Mom Flo, My Father Norman, Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert, my pastor Carl Montgomery, and the many Sunday school teachers that taught me. Thank you for your web site. Vicki
Vicki, thank you for sharing your roll of honor! God bless each person on your list.
My husband David died by suicide 8/09/09. By reading this verse in hebrews today, It gave great comfort. He knew Jesus personally and to know that he is looking down eases my pain a lot. If you could give me some more scripture that refers to these awsome souls please do so.
Tami, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Death is never a welcome thing, but suicide is particularly difficult. I’m glad you have found some comfort in the Hebrews passage.
You ask about other scripture references… there are not a whole lot of verses in the Bible that tell us what our loved ones are doing in the next life, but of the ones there are, most are in the book of Revelation. Revelation has a reputation for being a difficult book to read and containing all kinds of strange prophecies, but on the whole the book was written to be a comfort to believers who are going through difficult times. The comfort comes from knowing that ultimately God is in charge and He loves and defends His people. Here are a few verses from Revelation to get you started…
Blessings,
Peg
In fond memory of LaFon Brown – gone on before us to Glory one year ago.
Blessings Kim – thank you for sharing and sympathies on the anniversary of your loss.
Karsten Berg, my dear friend and colleague, promoted suddenly to glory September 17th 2010. He was prolific in his encouraging me to apply to Bible College for mission training and invested in my future calling. he had a love for reading and borrowed all of my CS Lewis books,which we would discuss. I shall miss him very much though I know he is Forever with the LORD.
Andrea, people of such faith and encouragement like Karsten are few and far between — treasured when they’re here and greatly missed when they move on to glory. Praise God for his friendship, vision, and generosity. Thanks for sharing.
The OP mentions many saints, but no one else does.
My personal “roll of honor” includes the Virgin Mary, St. John Chrysostom, St. Mary of Egypt, St. Romanos the Melodist, and the Apostles (not just the 12, but the 70 and those who evangelized the Gentiles, including Paul). I encourage whomever reads this to find out who these saints are.
In a nutshell, these people are “witnesses” that have fought the good fight and have “run with perserverance the race” (Heb 12:1). We know these by name, through the Grace that was evident in their lives, but as the OP mentions, “there are many, many more people in the ‘great cloud’ whose names are not so well known.” Right you are, for every friend of God is a saint, whether passed into the next life or not.
And as Christians, we believe that we go from life to life (the ultimate conclusion of NOT believing this is that we deny the message of Christ). Therefore, we ask saints for their prayers, just the same as we ask our family and friends, for the saints are still alive in Christ, though having passed on from this temporal life, as we all must do eventually. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16), and the saints are THE definition of “righteous.”
May God bless us all and have mercy on us.
A belated “thank you” to P S for the above post. The saints are witnesses indeed, and their lives (and often martyrdoms) shed light on life’s path for the church throughout the centuries. No matter what a person’s church background or affiliation I recommend reading and learning as much about the saints as possible.
“… and their lives (and often martyrdoms) shed light on life’s path for the church throughout the centuries.”
Too true! This is why the walls of so many Orthodox monasteries are painted red: the blood of the Martyrs is the mortar with which we build the Church.
I really enjoyed this read. I have such a list of men and women of faith who’s names are not known. There’s no way possible I could list them ALL here, but I have them in my heart
Amen.
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I have an “Roll of Honor” that was so precious in my life. My daddy, that went to be with the Lord on March 10, 2000. and my daughter that just went to Glory on February 11, 2011. She was 37 yrs. young. She had colon cancer…a terrrible disease. She had great faith and suffered so much. I know she is in the great cloud of witness’. Over 700 people attended her funeral. 10 people were saved that night at church. She love the Lord and talked to everyone about Him and always gave Him the glory for everything. She was my best friend. She lives in my heart. It has only been 6 wks and seems like yesterday. I miss her so much. Jennifer Dew Worrell is in the great cloud of witness’. I look forward to seeing her soon!
Rebecca, thank you so much for posting. Your words brought tears to my eyes. My deepest sympathies on the passing of your daughter — taken too soon. I give thanks to God for her life and her courage and her faith (which I’m sure is as much a comfort to you as to her) and for the TEN!! people who will live forever in heaven because of her final witness. God grant us grace to bring souls with us too when it’s our time to go home to Him.
I’m honored to have your Dad remembered here too, especially with your having just observed the 11th anniversary of his passing.
Forgive me if this is too personal, but I have to ask… six weeks really *is* yesterday, and you have a long road ahead of you… are your friends and family walking with you through this valley and keeping you company and keeping you in prayer?
God’s peace to you and yours,
Peg
Thought you might enjoy another take on this topic:
http://irmgardebrown.com/2011/06/29/cloud-of-witnesses/
Found your post serendipitously. Blessings. I Brown
Ezekiel Sambo…famous deaf educator, elder statesman. Until we meet again.
Amen and amen. Thank you for sharing. Mr. Sambo’s life is an inspiration to read about: http://www.gallaudet.edu/documents/alumni/sambo_citation%5B1%5D.pdf
Thanks man was wondering who they were haha
😉
Tom Farragher, my Dad who went home to heaven 11-11-2011
Amen. And my sympathies — this will be our first Christmas without Mom this year. It’s a bittersweet time.
I loved this.
I loved this. My Father in the Lord Pa Ayinmodu daddy You are faithful to the Lord during your lifetime that has really become a sourse of encouragement may you soul rest in perfect peace sir.
Amen Paul
Grandpa Andrew Charles, lover of my soul from God! First World War.
My Dad, Tod Wilson, now 90: Jesus’ love in my life.
My Mom, Rita Wilson, 90, present at the great spiritual crossroads of my history.
My husband Bob Claster, my love gift, with the Lord at age 53, April 28, 2010.
My sister, Gaye, shining example of childlike faith that awes me.
Ellen Bowman, spiritual mentor who believed in me.
I’m so blessed to be able to honor them.
Amen Lesley… thank you for sharing. May God bless your family!
My dad, who has slept but not yet in glory. Pstr M O Aribido,are example of personalities in the Great Cloud of Witnesses. Go sustain Pstr Aribido to the end
Amen!
My Grandmas were ordinary women who no one remembers except her grandchildren, and maybe great-grandchildren. Both were poor, but devoted their lives, Christ living in and through them, to take care of their extended families, friends, and neighbors. I still have my Mom and Dad with me, but at ages 88 and 92, I know and they know not for much longer. They are my Saints too — salt of the Earth people. How have readers dealt with the deaths of their mothers and fathers? It’s going to be very hard for me even though they have lived long and good lives.
God bless the memories of your faithful grandparents and great-grandparents, and the lives of your parents!
You ask a good question… I’ll add some thoughts and ask others to do the same. In my case Dad is still living, Mom passed last summer. Speaking for myself and my three siblings we all felt Mom had a “good death” in the sense that she was ready to go home and be with our Lord and she faced the final journey without fear. She had pancreatic cancer for the last year of her life so she knew the end was coming and she thought ahead to what our family would need. She went over her will and last directives with us and gave us each personal gifts about six months before she died. She also asked each of us to play a part in her memorial service: my sister was to do the reception, I was to provide the music, and so on… so when the time came we all knew what her last wishes were and exactly what we needed to do. Her thinking ahead to all these things, and taking the time to bring closure to any issues there might be (personal, financial, health, or otherwise) and say final “I love you”s made the experience infinitely easier for us when the time came. Grief is still there of course… and that tends to come and go, hits at odd moments… but for me being able to play for her service, and then help lead another service in her honor in the town where I live (about 300 miles away) made a huge difference in facing the reality of her loss and also understanding the reality of her joy now that “faith has become sight” in the presence of Jesus.
Peg was my college roommate, she had the honor of knowing both of my parents rather well. She would tell you that my mother and I were always very close, and my father and I, well… had a rather rocky relationship during adolescence and through college. During our Junior year at Duquesne my mother was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. She was only 53 at the time. Her downhill decline lasted for fifteen years. For the last eight or nine years of her life, she recognized no one, and spent her final years in places like Mayview State Hospital. I can say that when God closes a door, he does open a window. As my mother slowly slipped away, my father and I grew increasingly closer, and eventually became my best friend, I lost my father quite suddenly (heart attack) on September 23, 1987. My mother lingered on several more years and finally found peace on July 9, 1993. I was devastated by my father’s death, yet somehow felt relief when my mom died… I guess I felt that she had suffered enough.
There’s no way to “prepare” for the death of your parents. You just don’t know how you are going to feel when it happens. I am glad, however, that my father and I were able to make peace with each other, I know my mom would have been very happy to know that. I miss them both terribly, but I have no regrets. I told them both how much I loved them… maybe a million times or more. I did what I could to help them while they were here on this earth, and I try to honor their memory whenever I can by trying to be the kind of person, employee, friend, and parent that they would be proud of.
Peg what a beautiful page. I would like to add to the honor roll my dad (George), i would not be the person i am today without his guidance and understanding and all the love he showed me. I know he is my guardian angel now and i feel his presence with me. I would also like to add my grandparents, and my uncle chuck and aunt blanch very special people in my life who i miss dearly. Also my cousin Danny
Thanks Gina
Hollie, a friend from church, posted the following in reply on Facebook. Copying with her permission:
Hi Peg, I have a lot of experience, strength and hope to offer on this topic. Especially if the person didn’t have that great of a relationship with the parent/person before they passes but they know at a certain point it’s inevitable due to an illness or something. It’s really hard…even when you think your prepared, you’re not….My best suggestion is to say everything you’ve ever wanted to say to them but haven’t, let them know how much you really do love, value and enjoy being around them and most of all they are truely wanted and needed. And show it, cuz actions speak much louder than words ever will….Everyone wants to be liked and nobody wants to feel like others don’t want them around. I also had to find a lot of forgiveness, let go of past hurts and accept the God has a path for everyone including him. He had no spirituality in his life so I gave him some of mine. When he passed I had no regrets and I know I did everything I could possibly do to enjoy to the max the little time he did have left. I miss him all the time. I don’t think that part of me will ever go away. I talk to him somtimes to when I’m feeling down and afterwards I always feel better. I know he’s in a much better place now, his soul has healed and he’s with our Maker.
@Gerri and Gina – thank you both for your replies. Gerri – did you know our mothers passed on the same day? Different year, but same date (July 9).
Adding George & Lois to the Honor Roll, with Fogelberg’s “Leader of the Band” playing in the background.
Adding “Big George” to the Honor Roll with fond memories of his voice and his love for music and for his family. Also your grandparents, uncle, aunt, and cousin.
Gerri wrote: “I try to honor their memory whenever I can by trying to be the kind of person, employee, friend, and parent that they would be proud of.”
I think that’s the key. We carry on their legacy… we are their investment in the present and the future… and the best we can do is live our lives in a way that would make them proud.
@Hollie – thank you for sharing your story. It’s amazing, in the face of death, how values and priorities and actions change… we often find we want to forgive even people who have hurt us deeply, because we don’t want them facing eternity in pain or alone. Forgiveness is for *our* healing but as you found it brings healing and good things to the other person as well.
Raymond Stephenson, Sr
cdsd
Amen
im really blessed with all the above comments
‘The great cloud of witnesses’ Paul was urging the Hebrews to read and hear about some of Israels great heroes of the faith ,who despite any difficulties continued to cleave to God and His word. Now Messiah Jesus was being preached and some wanted to draw back . Though it was initially to the Israelite people this encouragement was given , we too today can benefit from the same exercise .We can find about it in God’s word and with Christians we come into contact with and the word we hear preached .
I was disappointed to hear what i’m sure a speaker spoke saying the great cloud of witnesses were the saints who had gone before (into death) but who today are watching the saints on earth what their doings and exploits are . :).
I’m sure the passage does not say this nor perhaps would it fit with the general doctrine of scripture . We so often need to be Berean ‘and search the scriptures whether these things are so ‘ .
I myself do not espouse the tradition that their is life after death . But I do believe in ‘life after resurrection ‘ . The resurrection to come . Thanks be to God .
Jesus said: “Now about the dead rising—have you not read in the Book of Moses, in the account of the burning bush, how God said to him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.” (Mark 2:26-27)
A person needs to be dead before they can rise (or be resurrected). And the great cloud of witnesses – which includes Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – are not just people whose lives are good to read about. They’re people who God (in the Old Testament) and Jesus (in the New Testament) describe as “alive”.
Well Peg , you put it clearly . ‘ A person needs to be DEAD before they can rise ‘ And what does the prayer book say ? ‘In sure and certain hope of the resurrection ‘ . Mark 12: 19+ is about resurrection . The Sadducees asked a question about it , though they did not believe it . The reason ‘God is not the God of the dead , is because death is temporary now, and His people will live again . v25 v26 . Jesus is not talking about disembodied spirits as is a common belief among most religions and christians and christendom ?.
I hope that clarifies why I do not say that their is no death ; but do confess that there is resurrection . ‘Now ,about the dead rising………….’
I still say death exists but other than that it sounds to me like we’re pretty much in agreement!
[…] have been reflecting this past week on the idea of the cloud of witnesses and the cloud of the internet and the relationship between the two. Last night I was flying home […]
my dear friend Maryelle, who left this earth Feb, 3, 2013 and is now with her Lord and Savoir, a woman of great faith.
Amen.
Sondra-55, Robert-32, Michel-32, Samuel-40, Marie-40, Brett-35, Gary-35.. These names represent my mother, father, husband, brother, and three close friends who are all on my honor roll and watching over me. They all passed at painfully young ages, but I find joy and solace when I imagine how happy they are standing next to one another in the presence of our Lord.
So many stories and so much love are represented by these names! Blessings and Amen..
Marion
Samuel & Marian Corley, my wonderful parents gave their lives for others and now are a part of ” That Great Cloud of Witnesses”. Their lives and prayers have inspired so many. As Missionaries and pastors they left a heritage for our family far richer than any earthly treasure.I am so blessed to be a part of this earthly family and the family of GOD. I find comfort knowing where they are and that I will join them some day in that Great Cloud.
Thank you and praise God for their lives of service, and the generations that continue to love God and His people. Amen!
[…] I reflect on my life, many people have had an impact on my faith formation. They are my great cloud of witnesses. And while I cannot begin to detail all of those witnesses, a few highlights from my youth are […]
Thanks so much for linking to your page of ‘witnesses’ – beautiful! Blessings on you and your family!
Our beautiful son David Michael Dell who passed in his sleep on April 14th 2013,,,at age 17. Then on May 14th our daughter lost her baby….(Grandma and Grandpa now have 6 grandchildren 🙂 ) The only peace we have is that David is with the Father in heaven. David loved loved, loved , worship….Getting him to come from the alter was not easy…..he always said I could just stay in that place of intimacy with The Father….to know he doesn’t have to anymore is also a blessing. David secretly walked around ministering through out the area to so many that the world would “look past”….If I could tell you all the stories we heard since his death…”David….he was my friend”…he said its about relationship not religion”….We miss him….but know nothing bad happened to David.
Pam
Pam, thank you so much for sharing, and praise God for your faith in the midst of deep sorrow. David sounds like such a beautiful soul, an inspiration to many. I wish I could have known him. Deepest condolences to you and to your daughter on the loss of her baby.
I ask all readers to stop here in a moment of silence and prayer.
AMONG THE GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES IS EVELYN B AND ANGELO J M (husband and wife for over 50 earth years- both committed to the HEAVENLY FATHER through JESUS CHRIST AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.- AND NICOLA M (Nicola and Angelo saw JESUS DAYS BEFORE THEY DEPARTED THIS EARTH) Evelyn’s life was taken by medical error in hospital, but she got up daily from 2;00 AM until about 4:00 AM to READ AND STUDY THE WORD OF GOD.. A SWEET LOVING PERSON AND WONDERFUL MOM. The Lord proved his Love for her as she was 92 1/2 -NOT ONE LINE OR WRINKLE- MENTALLY ALERT -WON AT MONOPOLY (until she was overdosed in the hospital for what should have been a minor problem).
MAY THE FATHER OF ALL CREATION AND GLORY IN JESUS NAME BY HIS HOLY BLOOD GIVE THEM THE ABUNDANT LIFE IN HEAVEN.
Amen
Hi there, I want to subscribe for this blog to take most up-to-date
updates, thus where can i do it please assist.
In the upper-right corner of the screen click on the link that says “Feeds” and it should deliver any new posts that are published.
My cloud of witnesses includes those who are living and pray for me and guide me
Amen!
Carl B Peters
June 8, 1949-December 28, 2012
Faithful to his God
Amen… praise God for faithfulness
I am leaving a beautiful poem written by my Mother, Mary Downing Sysk, this is how she lived her life. She has been enjoying her rewards the past eleven years and I am so happy for her rest. If this poem speaks to your heart, you are welcome to post or publish it as you like.
Fountain
Lord let me live each day by grace for Thee
In Thee may all who ask, find faith and charity
Lord from Thy holy throne look down and see
Thy children seek Thy Face, they wait for Thee
Lord make my life a fountain flowing
Waters of truth that come from Thee
Forever outward past my knowing
In other lives borne back to Thee
Lo many wait for freedom in Thy word proclaimed
By Thee all things in heaven and earth are named
I must arise about Thy work to be
It may be that they also wait for me.
Beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing it. Blessings to you and your mother in glory.
Just knowing that my Grandfather, my Dad and Mom are in heaven watching adds to my determination to press in and faithfully served my Lord which they so faithfully served and loved. I also want to leave an example to my children which are following me.
Eunice Faye. My mom.
Amen.
am really touched by your post, all this while i haven’t seen the passage like that. Anyways my cloud of witnesses are Benson Idahosa, Bob Jones, Kobus Van Rensburg etc.. God bless you
Thank you for sharing, Israel, and blessings to you too!
Sannie.
I am thankful for my little son who died at 3years old a few months ago-he was a beautiful reflection of Gods goodness and he knew who Jesus was without questioning love me we adults do. I raise you Lord for your promises of eternal life and for making ng all things possible, even getting through a parents worse nightmare. Amen!!!
Sheila, I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your love and your faith with us. Your son is indeed one of the great cloud of witnesses, watching over you and cheering you on and bearing witness to the love and goodness of our heavenly Father. I share your grief and your hope of glory. Blessings across the miles….
My dad, William Floyd & my husband, Rick Hind are part of the great cloud of witnesses!
Amen, May light perpetual shine upon them!
My mom, Ann Kotouch she passed June 2015. My mom lost both kidneys was on dialysis for many years and received a kidney transplant in June 1997. She loved Jesus with all her heart and always was upbeat. Trusting him at all times. She was such a woman of faith. I can still see her singing and smiling. She inspired me so much! I know I will see her again.
A mother’s life of faith is one of the greatest blessings she can give her children! My sympathies on your loss and I share your joy in knowing you will see each other again.
I pray that when I leave this earthly body behind me that I am in the Great Cloud of Witness. I have Faith in God so much. I believe that the Great Cloud of Witness are all of those who believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. Love you definition of the …..
Amen to your prayer!
No one answers my question. Do they cheer us on?, Do they see us?
It’s not possible for us here on earth to know for certain what people who are now with the Lord are doing, other than what Scripture tells us (they are praising God, they are being comforted by God, and so on).
But when the author talks about a “race” – “let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” – this seems to imply an event that has an audience. People don’t run races in secret. A race is run in public and runners are cheered on by those watching. The passage doesn’t literally say this but it sounds reasonable.
Even if not, though, our race at least has an audience of One – God – and for certain He sees us and is cheering us on.
I have been really blessed by this information more of a true revelation to me. This phrase of cloud of witnesses has been in my spirit for the whole after a dream I had about something like this, dreaming about so many angels who filled the sky. Who were very beautiful. And now this makes sense to me. Thank you so much. And I give God the glory for this truth.
Amen. Blessings to you and yours!
[…] years ago I wrote a post here called “What Is the Great Cloud of Witnesses?” that talked about the saints who have gone before us — both those whose names are […]