A Prayer About Gospel Heroes
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… Hebrews 12:1-2 Lord Jesus, on the ancient church calendar, this is the weekend we celebrate “All Saints Day”-a time for remembering our faithful brothers and sisters, who have gone on before us into heaven, leaving us examples of commendable spirituality. It’s also Halloween-a celebration of hideous attire, door-bell ringing, and tooth decay. I never really thought about how much these two seemingly antithetical dates have in common until now.
For a good part of my life I thought the “cloud of witnesses,” referred to in this passage, was to be understood as a huge crowd of spiritual giants, peering down from heaven onto the earthly playing field of Christianity… cheering me on in the righteousness race, pulling for me to make it across the finish line. Noah, Abraham, Moses, King David, the Apostle Paul… all winners, now motivating me to do well, persevere, and finish strong. (Have mercy!)
Jesus, all that led to was pride in my performance or despairing of my failures, depending on the day. I got the “treat,” if I performed well. I got the “trick,” if I performed poorly. I now understand that there’s no more ghoulish or ghastly costume to wear than my own efforts to appease and please you. The one thing Noah, Abraham, Moses, David and Paul ALL had in common was their abject brokenness and consuming need of your grace… which you freely gave them.
So this weekend, Jesus, I purpose, yet again, to fix my gaze on you, the author and finisher of my faith. I’m only a saint because the Father has hidden my life in yours. My only “dress” is your righteousness, plus nothing. I will run and finish the race, because in you, Jesus, I live, move and have my being. I will make it to heaven, not because of my efforts, but because of yours. I’ll not busy myself with tricks or treats, because everything that is yours is now mine, Lord Jesus. What wondrous love and eternal inheritance is this, indeed!
And I will remember, with great joy, the gospel heroes you have given me-the men and women who have turned away from unrighteousness and self-righteousness to Christ-righteousness-those dear saints who make me hunger and thirst for more gospel-astonishment and gospel-righteousness. So very Amen, I pray in your name, Jesus.