The Crowd

Hebrews 12:1-3 (nlt) - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from start to finish. He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. Now he is seated in the place of highest honor beside God's throne in heaven. Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don't become weary and give up."

I went out at lunch, heading to the mall to find the bible study guide I need for tomorrow evening's small group. Traffic wasn't too bad for a Monday, and it's really gorgeous outside for anything other than going back to an office to work inside. Pleasant drive, nice walk into the mall - and no book.

Oh well - I thought about this passage and the dozens of people I just passed in my lunchtime adventure. What if every one of them was a saint from the previous chapter? What if every person I passed was a kingdom-living & kingdom-loving brother or sister in Christ? What would they see in me that's slowing me down or holding me back? How would they encourage me? How would they rebuke me in love, bring correction, take some of the hindrances off and share any burdens they noticed?