Cloud of Witnesses - Go Cubs!

     Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

I like millions of other Americans, am sleep deprived today, because I, like millions of other Americans, watched baseball history unfold last night. After 108 years, playing with a ball that has exactly 108 stitches, in 10 innings with 8 runs, the curse of the goat ended. That's right. CUBS WIN! There were tears and laughter and screams and high fives...and that was just me and my wife.

We joined in, collectively, with those fans who had never seen this happen before. We also joined with those fans who lived and died without ever seeing it happen. I could just see in my mind, my mother-in-law putting her hands on either side of Harry Carey's oversized, coke bottle lenses glasses, and screaming "HOLY COW! CUBS WIN!", while Harry belts out "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" to the crowd of angelic Cubs fans from over the last century. (I know that not all angelic beings are Cubs fans, but all Cubs fans go to heaven...right?)

It was a unity that defies description. A oneness that goes beyond time. An experience of joy shared with people we couldn't even see. All witnessing history achieved last night.

In the same way, we as Christians are surrounded by those in the faith. As we run the daily race, fellow Christians are there to pray for us, encourage us, urge us on to the prize that is Christ Jesus. And not just those who live, but those that have achieved the prize, screaming and cheering "Go! You can make it!" Shouting and surrounding us. Why don't we feel it sometimes? Why do we so often feel tired and alone? Because we've lost that sense of oneness. We see ourselves as alone, not part of the body of Christ. Unwilling to reach out to the throng that surrounds us. Unwilling to reach up to Jesus for help when discouraged. Alone, in a crowd of friends. Helpless, while help is reaching out.

Take help from the hand Jesus is holding out. Take joy in the friends by your side. Take courage from those who completed the race, now cheering you on. The Cubs don't have to wait till next year any more. And neither should you.