The Christian’s All-Star Game

Like many, I am looking forward to tonight’s MLB All-Star game.  I enjoy seeing the stars of the game playing a game like this.  Each lineup is loaded with talent and will make for a very competitive game.  I am rooting for the American League team, especially the four Tampa Bay Rays who are playing.  As I think about the baseball star players, I also find myself thinking about the stars of the Bible.  In Hebrews 11, many of the heroes of the faith are listed as an example of living a life of faith that pleases God.  Names like Noah, Abraham, Moses and so many others stand out and truly serve as an encouragement to us.  However, in Hebrews 12:1, the author introduces a different perspective concerning these heroes of the faith.  The author calls them a “cloud of witnesses” who surround us as we are running the Christian’s race.  While in chapter 11, the heroes of the faith served as an example to us, in chapter 12, they now are mentioned as spectators who are watching us.  We are the ones in the game.  They are watching us play offense and defense.  They are cheering us on for victory.  We are the all-stars of the game that they are watching.  We are in this game every day.  While the opposing team, Satan and his forces, is tough and appear to have the edge at times, we are guaranteed the victory because we have the power of God on our side.  This is the greatest game ever played.  This is the only game that truly matters.  We must get in the game and give it our all.  We must be willing to give 110% and never quit.  In the end, we will stand victorious raising the trophy while the heroes of the faith stand and applaud us.