Pastor’s Corner – August 17, 2025
We Are Not Alone – Hebrews 11:29-12:2, Luke
“Though they were commended for their faith, they did not receive what was promised, since God has provided something better so that they would not, apart from us, be made perfect. 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 faith, who for the sake of the joy 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.”
Let these words from Hebrews marinate in our hearts, as we ponder the question what it means to live into God’s call as partners in ministry with Jesus and clouds of witnesses who have gone before us! Yes, we are not alone. No matter how our lives here on earth come to an end, whether the vision we share and the promise we hope are not realized in our lifetime, our lives are perfected because we are part of the larger reality of God’s creation. The key to our faith journey is to set our eyes on Jesus and follow him, no matter the outcome for he is the perfecter of our faith.
Today is my Dad’s third year anniversary of his passing. He is now among the cloud of witnesses who in his life gave himself to follow Jesus and his baptism complete; sharing life, death and resurrection of Jesus. We have our loved ones who have gone before us, whose baptism we share. We now stand on their shoulders, as we run the race set before us, we are not alone. We look to Jesus and are inspired by those who lived their faith. Come Sunday, let us count our blessings and give thanks to God, for we are held by God’s grace and love. We are not alone. We share communion with those who share the ministry of Jesus all over the world in every time and place. We are not alone! Thanks be to God!
Pastor Dae