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. Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
Oh, when the Saints go marching in,
Oh, when the Saints go marching in.
I want to be in that number,
When the Saints go marching in.
I have always loved Louis Armstrong’s jazzy version of the old hymn “When the Saints Go Marching In” about revelation and redemption. Whenever I sing that hymn, I, too, want to be in that number, when the Saints go marching into heaven.
We recently celebrated All Saint’s Day at church. I love this service for it is a reminder of people who have been Saints in the church and in our lives and who are now in heaven.
Some of the Saints in my life were my grandmothers and my mother. My sweet mama was a prayer warrior for our family and our church. She was devoted to reading God’s Word every day and exemplified the loving nature of Jesus in everything she did. I remember her calm demeanor and her loving words to diffuse disagreements and arguments. She was often preparing food for someone in need, writing a note of encouragement or calling to check on a shut-in. She was a beautiful witness of Christ’s love with her selfless acts of kindness.
Another beautiful saint was Miss Rebecca who operated the kindergarten I attended. It was a Christian school and I still remember singing hymns, playing chimes, story time and arts and crafts. After I graduated from college, I saw Rebecca again and she was still sharing the love of Jesus as a pastor. She offered godly wisdom and always pointed me to the cross. Her life was a mighty witness for Christ.
There have been countless Saints in my life. I have been blessed to be surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses where I have seen Jesus at work through others’ lives.
I want to be a Saint for others. What about you? Will your life be a window for others to look through to see Jesus? Will your words echo His words? Let’s strive to be more like Jesus in everything we do.
Oh, Lord I want to be in that number, when the Saints go marching in!