We are surrounded

On my desk sits an icon of the 12 apostles. Every once in a while I look up from my computer or a phone call and there they are -- a dozen of them staring me in the face. Each of the apostles depicted has their own personality. Matthew has his nose in the Book - the Hebrew Scriptures, which his Gospel is full of. Andrew's hair is grizzly and wild, as if he'd been out all night fishing his nets. Thomas the Doubter is on the outside of the rest, looking in. And (on the one that I have) Jesus resides over them all, with his arms spread out, as if commissioning and protecting them at the same time.

I really love these apostles staring at me, not because they really speak to me or anything (um, that would be a little...wierd), but because they remind me that in the momentary struggles and the joys of life, I am surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses spurring me on. I need to know that.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of thejoy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:1,2

What do you have in your life to remind you that there is something bigger out there? Where do you see the cloud of witnesses spurring you on?

What will your picture look like as a follower of Christ when the icons of the 22nd Century are made?

We are surrounded. Let's take solace, courage, and hope from that fact.

j