The “cloud of witnesses” described in Hebrews 12:1 is one of the most beautiful, most encouraging images of our faith. It helps us imagine the way we are connected to all who came before us.
Connections 08.07.2022: By Faith
How many times in your life have you taken on a new venture, stepped into an unfamiliar experience, or made a decision that seemed like a choice between two undesirable paths?
Connections 10.03.21: A Theory of Everything
I readily admit that I don’t understand what most of that means. But I appreciate and admire the goal. It would be great to have a theory that explains everything that exists—from the tiniest to the largest—in the created world.
Formations 02.25.2018: Let Us Go to Him
The writer of Hebrews was tricky. One Greek word he uses over and over translates to “draw near” or “approach.” In the Greek Old Testament, to “approach” God was something priests did. It was the common term for worship, entering the defined sacred space of the temple in order to offer a sacrifice.
Formations 02.18.2018: Run the Race
For the writer of Hebrews, rest best describes the promise given to Abraham and subsequent generations. So the vision for Israelite society in the promised land rested in sabbath. Likewise, Christian communities would be guided by a commitment to rest. But this writer also understood that the promise did not come into fullness immediately.
Formations 02.11.2018: Old School
Today’s passage lies at the intersection of rest and discipleship. Ironically, rest is something that disciples have to strive for. It isn’t automatic, anymore than it was automatic for the wilderness generation that refused to listen to God’s voice.
Formations 02.04.2018: Living in Tensions
It’s not uncommon that I steal books from my grandfather’s coffee table. He goes ahead and tells me to take what I want, so it isn’t really stealing. Over the years, he has made sure to send me home with books that have been meaningful for him.
Connections 10.30.2016: Job, Jesus, and Me
At some point in my young life, I began participating in my parents’ nightly prayer time. Using the denominational devotional guide, one of them would read the suggested Scripture passage and the printed meditation, and then say a short prayer.
Connections 10.09.2016: One Foundation
The church I attend is brand new. We became official in spring 2015. Our name is new, our sign is new, and our hymnals are new. Our bylaws are new. We’re so new that our mission is still evolving. But we have a history that stretches backward much longer than eighteen months.
10.02.2016: Thank God for Jesus
I think I’d believe in God even if Jesus hadn’t come. I seem to assume that God exists. That assumption appears to be a vital part of who I am, but I can’t tell if it’s the product of nature or nurture.
Uniform 01.18.2015: Our High Priest
During my fourteen years of working as an assistant editor for Smyth & Helwys, I’ve had the privilege of editing many of our books and Bible commentaries. It’s been fascinating to read interpretations of Old and New Testament texts.
Uniform 12.07.2014: Angels among Us
Hebrews 1:1-9 One Sunday morning in August 2013, a mysterious appearance at a horrific accident had witnesses seeing angels. College sophomore Katie Lentz’s car collided with that of a drunk driver, and Katie was trapped beneath crumpled sheet metal. Emergency workers struggled to remove her from the car so she could be airlifted to a […]