This Sunday, we will celebrate All Saints Day during our 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship services. This is a high and holy Sunday in the life of our church as we remember those who have gone before us into eternity with God.

On All Saints Day, as a church, we remember and appreciate our family, friends, colleagues, and co-laborers in the faith, who we loved and who loved us. As I reflect on those who have passed away during the past year, I can’t help but become overwhelmed by the love, devotion, and faith of each one.

At times, when shrinking before the mystery of death, I have wondered how I would go on without my friends who have passed away, and how life will ever be the same without them. It’s in these moments that I lean on the words from the writer of Hebrews, who reminds us that those who have gone on to be with God have not abandoned us but have become a sort of heavenly cheering section rooting us on as we love and serve God’s Kingdom. Hebrews 12:1-2 says,

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

The writer’s point is that the faith of those who have gone before us should inspire us and convince us all the more of the hope we have in Jesus Christ—our Savior who has not only overcome sin but death as well! The promise of God has become a reality; it has been realized for them! And, if we are willing to turn from our sin and put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, we can face whatever life brings us…even death…with the assurance that we too shall overcome.

Friends, don’t miss the opportunity we have this Sunday during worship to remember and be inspired by the life, the love, and the faith of the saints who have gone before us and are now cheering us forward from eternity.

God bless,
Jonathan Smith
For Jesus. For People. For Community.