Following the Cloud

Christians in the USA are experiencing more social discomfort in recent years. This is because our faith has been maliciously stigmatized, and our country’s plummeting and shifting values are spawning a hostile environment. The emergence of unjustified castigation of Christian beliefs and principles saturate the media. The rise of antagonistic Secularism is beginning to impose a palpable threat to religious freedom in our republic. Many American higher education institutions and professors have viciously attacked the Bible and fundamental Christian teachings. Some actually endeavor to destroy the faith of their unsuspecting students (Zacharias, 2009). For years the ACLU has sought to remove Christian symbols, values, statements, messages, and images from any public entity associated with federal or state governments (Sears, et al. 2005). The misguided sanctioning of violently aberrant behaviors through legislation that flagrantly disrespects God’s moral laws has created a hostile climate of intolerance towards any Christian rebuttals. Pinpointed denials of religious and political freedoms to Christians in order to promote pluralism are an existing problem. An intensifying antagonism towards our faith fearfully looms on the cultural horizons. Together these developments cast an ominous shadow upon future generations of American Christians. The way has been paved to force the compromise of our faith and values into oblivion; if we refuse to conform, we will face serious consequences. Is caving in and capitulating to a diluted brand of Christianity our only option? 

Thankfully, a helpful parallel to Hebrew believers of the first century (Hebrews 12) who experienced various forms of social and official persecutions can be juxtaposed with instructive benefit. MacDonald and Farstad (1995, p. 2202) connected these Jewish Christians’ opposition to the fact that they “had forsaken Judaism for Christ.” As a result, they were facing bitter religious and social hostility. There was a danger that their distresses might be misconstrued as indications of God’s displeasure with their decision. Furthermore, they could become disheartened—more vulnerable to temptations—and cave in under the withering societal pressures. To seize a modicum of relief, they may return to the O.T. Law, the temple, and the obsolete sacrificial system (MacDonald & Farstad, 1995). In effect, they were being forced to forsake Christ, or face the grave consequences of loyalty to him.

Without question, continuing with Christ is the emphasis of Hebrews twelve, and the mandate to ‘press on’ is presented in the metaphor of a marathon race. In order to run this race to the finish, one must focus on the goal and determine to endure until it is reached. As our fundamental strategy, we must persist through this hostile climate with single-minded concentration on Christ coupled with untiring endurance (Heb. 12:1-4). But what motivates Christians to continue while facing formidable oppositions? First it is by considering the examples and limitations of those who lived by faith to navigate hostile seas (11:1-12:1). Secondly, it is imperative that we imitate Christ who effectively traversed these specific challenges to finish his arduous course (12:2-3). Thirdly, we can successfully complete our race by assessing our struggles with clarity and accuracy—freeing our hearts of any emotional inflation that tends to obscure reality (12:4). Categorically, careful consideration must be given to running our race well while facing the rising discrimination against Christian conventions and institutions in America.  

Consider the Examples and Limitations of the Great Cloud of Witnesses

These “witnesses” (Heb. 12:1) are messengers and examples to modern Christians who are struggling to complete their courses. They bear testimony to the faithfulness of God and the effectiveness of living by faith (Heb. 11). Their examples motivate and inspire us to remain committed to Christ (Guthrie, 1998) through all challenges and phases of life. We demonstrate wisdom when we learn from them and continue our marathon race with the strongest resolve to follow Christ.

This “great cloud” of Old Testament “witnesses” wonderfully and adequately demonstrates the life of faith according to Hebrews chapter eleven (Heb. 12:1). They also illustrate the importance of obedience to God in spite of the circumstances or consequences. Their exploits are inspirational and their experiences provoke succeeding generations to believe God and act on His truth. Modern Christians should also remember how many of these Old Testament “witnesses” suffered greatly as they followed God’s prescribed path (11:36-39). Suffering for righteousness sake is a part of the faithful’s journey according to the Lord Jesus (Matt. 5:10-12). This realization punctuates the truth that current Christian distresses are not unique, and like the “witnesses” we must be loyal to the Lord until our journeys’ end. As American Christians environed by growing hostilities to free expressions of faith, we must decidedly persevere through these demanding challenges. The “great cloud of witnesses” does not illustrate quitting, but continuation by faith in God and His Word.

Historically, unflinching perseverance was demanded of those who traversed the faith journey. In spite of the fact that O.T. worthies enjoyed significantly inferior privileges and greater oppositions, they continued! How then can we Christians who have access to God (Heb. 4:16; 10:19-22), the greatest Prophet (1:1, 2), the great High Priest (3:1;4:14), a new and living way (10:20), a better tabernacle (9:11), a perfect Sacrifice (9:12; 10:12), a new testament (9:15), an eternal inheritance (9:15), and a complete faith (12:2) cave in to social and religious oppositions? Can we justify cowering away from a bold confession of the Lord Jesus Christ in a declining culture? Obviously, we must not. In spite of their gross limitations and rather obscure insights, the “great cloud of witnesses” is accredited by God as having “obtained a good report through faith” (Heb. 11:2, 39). Though they have not realized all that God promised, they still governed their lives according to those anticipated spiritual realities (11:13). Indeed, the “better things,” Christianity, are a present reality—they belong to us now (Heb. 11:40). It is forcefully incumbent upon us to recognize that our superior privileges demand greater responsibility! Yes, consider the biblical examples and limitations of past believers who lived by faith to circumnavigate unfriendly seas. There we will discover a potent stimulant for continuing loyalty to Christ amidst a culture plagued by a growing resentment for Him and His followers. Never-the-less, follow the cloud.