The Vine: Nov. 4, 2024
“Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the Vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing”
This is a weekly reflection on the previous week’s sermon text. Each week there will be a devotional related to the scripture for the week, along with questions for reflection/discussion, as well as prayer. Feel free to make this a part of your individual spiritual growth throughout the week or utilize in small group settings (growth groups, Sunday school, etc.)
“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 our 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.”
Yesterday was All Saint’s Sunday. It is the Sunday when we remember and recognize the names of those in our church community who have passed away in the past year. This passage from Hebrews always comes to mind when I think of All Saint’s Sunday, especially the phrase “we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses”. It is a reminder that just as God is present with us, so too are those who have gone before us. We are interconnected in surprising ways.
As the names were read aloud during worship, many images came to mind – loving mother, joyful sister, helpful brother, generous grandparent, etc. We reflected on the love and grace each person shared in his or her life, and for a moment asked ourselves the question, “One day, when our names are read aloud, what will people think of us? What images will come to mind?” Will we be remembered as generous? Grateful? Forgiving? Committed?
When I was in seminary, one of my professors asked the class to take out a sheet of paper and write our own obituary. Obviously, that is not something you hear every day, but it was a meaningful exercise that made a great point – we can influence the content of our obituary by how we live today and in the future. The beauty of today is that we can live a life that is worth remembering. When we can forgive, we should forgive. When we can be generous, we should be generous. When we can be grateful, we should be grateful. Each day is an opportunity to be all God created us to be in Christ.
The author of Hebrews reminded us that we do not journey through life alone and that Christ is with us: “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 our faith.”
I am thankful for that great cloud of witnesses we remembered yesterday and know that my life is more complete for knowing and being influenced by them. If you were not able to join us in worship yesterday, I thought you might like to see the list of names:
Beatrice Adams
Butch Canon
Maxine Carstedt
Marvin Fletcher
Jock Gaetjens
Jeffrey Gill
Noni Haight
Kathy Hall
Leigh Holt
Julie Krapfel
Sam Kyzar
Doug Laws
Shirley Laws
Bunny Martin
Adam Maund
Bob Nichols
WalterWharton
PRAYER
Loving God, we give you thanks for these saints who have joined you and others in the great cloud of witnesses. Help us to live with faith and trust in your grace and love the remainder of our days on earth. We pray that we will be faithful witnesses in all that we say and do, as we run with perseverance the race that is set before us. Amen.
Questions for Reflection:
How are you encouraged by the reminder that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses?
Who has been instrumental in your Christian journey? How might you remember them today? If this person is still living, how can you express your gratitude for them?
Life is difficult. The author of Hebrews speaks of running with perseverance the race that is set before us. What helps you to persevere, especially amid difficulty?
What for what do you want to be remembered?
PREVIOUS WEEKS
To view all previous devotions go to https://fumc-rr.org/the-vine