SO GREAT A CLOUD OF WITNESSES

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin that so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before endured the cross...  

(Hebrews 12:1-2a)

                    This marvelous text was written by an anonymous penman (perhaps the apostle Paul).  The church that Jesus purchased with His own blood had been in existence for approximately three decades.  Although thousands upon thousands had been baptized into Christ thereby committing themselves to following in His steps, many had also begun to fall away (Heb.6:6), with some returning to Judaism and others abandoning faith in Jehovah God completely. These saints were living in the last days of Judaism (Heb.1:2) - - an age rife with trials, persecution and martyrdom.

                     In Heb.11:1ff the author enumerates a litany of faithful saints from ancient times (surely not intended to be all-inclusive).  He urges his first-century companions to PERSEVERE IN THE FAITH (Heb.13:7).  He directs them to remember and imitate the faithful great of the past:  Abel and Enoch; Noah and Abraham; Isaac, Jacob and Joseph; Moses and Rahab; Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah; and David and Samuel and the prophets.  This mystery writer seems to borrow an image from the first-century Roman Coliseum - - contestants in the arena striving to win a glorious victory.  To look into the stands and see such a throng of cheering spectators was to behold a great cloud of witnesses.

                    Our Cortland congregation began in the spring of 1996.  Over the course of time, during the last 25 plus years we have bid farewell to a number of faithful brothers and sisters.   As we think back over the last two and a half decades, our memories are flooded with faces of ones who have served the Lord faithfully in our recent history.  While none of them were flawless, they were men and women who inspired us by their dedication to God and their love for our family of believers.  They were also known for their desire to be good neighbors and stalwart friends to others.      

                On this memorial day weekend, when we think of the many who have served our nation in times of conflict, let us pause today to commemorate dear ones who have gone before us in fighting the good fight of faith.  To gaze into the gallery is to see the faces of ones we miss dearly, faithful ones who brought us smiles and strength.  Ones like:  Lula Mickholtzick … Bob Fawcett … Florence Perhach … Bill Wilson … Ilene Taylor … Velma Thompson … Harry Hott … Jean O'Brien … Cliff & Ruth Bissett … Bob Walker … Gloria Cool … Velma Hamm … Mary Chester … Rick Noble … Helen Rossi … Harold & Eva Hibbs …  Jack & Janet  Simpson … Mark Lombardi … Burdette Stewart … Elwood Stone … Linda Henderson … Ed Phillips … Nellie Trent … Lois Arnold … Doug Cassidy ...Bill Hudson … Richard Jones.  For these who have fallen we give thanks to God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord - - we shall remain ever grateful.

                                                                                          Terry Siverd / Cortland Church of Christ