A CLOUD OF FAITHFUL SAINTS

          Our church family has been richly blessed by many faithful saints who have gone on to be with the Lord.  Like first-century disciples of Christ, we are also surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses (Heb.12:1).  As we pause to remember brothers and sisters in Christ from days gone by, may we  dwell on the many good things they taught us.  As with Abel, even though they have passed, THROUGH FAITH (THEY) STILL SPEAK (Heb.11:4).

          As Washington Irving wrote, “Sweet is the memory of distant friends!  Like the mellow rays of the departing sun, it falls tenderly, yet sadly, on the heart.”  By the power of sweet memory we are able to recollect sterling Christian virtues that were wore by those now departed.  Things like:  thankfulness and servant-mindedness; a love for the church; a determination to carry on despite disabilities; a deep hunger for fellowship; doing things without grumbling; being the salt of the earth; and having a thirst for The Word of God.  In another epistle, Paul instructed others to be imitators of me; just as I also am of Christ (1Cor.11:1).  Many who no longer walk among us have left behind footsteps to follow as we engage in the lifelong pursuit of growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior.  LET US RESOLVE TO IMITATE THEM as they imitated Christ Jesus.

                                                                                    Terry Siverd / Cortland Church of Christ