"They"

They were the ones who saw Him first,

And drawn to what He said,

They saw the nail-scarred hands and feet,

When God raised Him from the dead.

They became the witnesses,

Who boldly spoke what’s true,

Filled with the Holy Spirit,

He showed them what to do.

They suffered and some bled and died,

And martyrs they became,

Honored to lay down their lives,

And did in Jesus’ name.

They lived for heaven’s calling,

Their lives a sacrifice,

They knew they’d live forever,

‘Cause they had been born twice.

They paid the price that He required,

They sought the Kingdom first,

They let the river flow right out,

When it had quenched their thirst.

They are our examples,

We’re called to follow them,

As they followed Christ the Lord,

And lived their lives for Him.

They were not so different,

From who we are today,

They just gave all to Jesus,

And what He had to say.

They now pass the torch to us,

And, yes, we pass it on,

To all whom Jesus died for,

They all to Him belong.

“These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect…” (Hebrews 11:39-40, NIV)

These verses speak to the chain of faith. Those who went before us pleased God by faith, and then passed on into His presence without seeing the fulfillment of everything God promised. We walk by faith and also are privileged to see more of God’s ongoing revelation. Then we pass the torch of faith to those who succeed us spiritually. It’s all about faithfulness to do our part, and also recognizing the reality of how we are connected to our spiritual ancestors and successors. When we all get to heaven together we will finally and perfectly see how we are eternally bound to each other.

Lord, help us faithfully do our part in the ongoing chain of faith, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Mark Maggiori, markmaggiori.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Mark, and God bless you..