The Witnesses

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us . . . “ (Hebrews 12:1).

Several admonitions to the Hebrew Christians, all Christians, and certainly all Christian leaders, begin in
Chapter 10 of Hebrews to—“hold fast the confession of our hope . . .” (Hebrews 10:23), to “not throw away your confidence” (10:35), and the “need of endurance” (10:36). They culminate in the greatest example of all here—Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-3).

The writer, quoting from Habakkuk, tells the Hebrew Christians, and all of us—this is how the righteous live—by faith, and that God takes no pleasure from those who shrink back (10:38). And then in v. 39, he sets the stage for one of the greatest chapters in the Bible—Faith’s Hall of Fame (Hebrews 11). In essence he says, “Shrinking back is not our family heritage. Our ancestry is of those who have a faith, a tenacity that perseveres to the very end.” Then, beginning with Genesis, he marches out the long parade of heroes that comprise the great cloud of witnesses here in Hebrews 12:1.

Many a preacher has painted the picture of this great cloud—and all the saints and leaders we have personally known—as spectators cheering us on as we run our own races in this life. Of course, it raises the question, do those who have gone before us observe us from heaven as we deal with our own struggles and heartaches? If so, it seems we may be causing a great deal of consternation in heaven, and disturbing the joy “of those whose rest is won” as the great hymn says.

Well, enough of what we do not know and cannot prove. Perhaps those in the great cloud—the Bible heroes, the spiritual giants, and the leaders of our own lives—are not so much witnesses of us, as they are witnesses to us. Certainly, they witness to us of great faith, of lasting endurance, of confessions held, and of confidence that persevered. Their lives stand and shine as beacons that show us the way on our own paths through life. They witness to us, that like theirs’ was, so too can our race of life—and leadership, be run—and won!

Charles "Chuck" Nutt

Leadership is--Try Anyway

He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored (Mark 3:5b, NASB1995).

It was the one thing he could not do. Perhaps he could lift his arm, but by definition, a withered, shriveled hand cannot be stretched. Spoken in another tone of voice the rabbi's request could well have seemed a mocking taunt. But deep within himself the man found a seed of faith that pushed him on to obedience of Christ's command. And like so many others in the Scriptures, as he obeyed the miracle happened.

Impossibilities and unfortunate circumstances appear to surround us at times. Life's—and leadership’s—journey can seem to have too many "Do Not Enter" and "One Way" signs.

Have you missed opportunities that have withered away? Relationships that have dried up? Dreams of service or ministry that appear to be out of reach? Do the possibilities seem so distant that the thought of even trying triggers feelings that are more like resignation than resolve? Maybe Christ has a command for you—and me.

Most likely, it will involve a stretch of some sort. Something we seemingly cannot do.

But who knows? Perhaps miracles await our obedience.

--Charles "Chuck" Nutt