The writer of Hebrews put it well:
Heb 12:1
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
(KJV)
We could get into the fruitless theological discussion, "who wrote the book of Hebrews?" I don't want to waste the time because I don't know, and quite frankly, even if you think you know you probably don't and it doesn't matter. If we look at the way the book deals with Christ it was probably Paul, James or Apollos, or someone else who had learned from them. Certainly it was someone who knew the old covenant and also had a solid grasp of Gods grace and the forgiveness of the cross. Chapter 11 is unique because it details the people of faith that came before Christ.
As we enter the Twenty First Century, a man-made boundary in time, it is well to also look back and see the cloud of witnesses that went before us. The songwriter John Mohr penned the song 'Find Us Faithful', "Will those who come behind us find us faithful. Will the fire of our devotion light the way? Will the footsteps that we leave, lead them to believe." After all, that is part of our charter as Christians, to leave footprints for those behind to follow.
There are those who believe the second coming is upon us, that this is some special time. To them I will only say, "I don't know how soon it is," and ask, "Did He intend for us to spend our time speculating about his coming or bringing people to him?" Look at the words of Jesus.
John 21:22-23
22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
23 Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?
(KJV)
Since I do not know, I must live my life as if He will come today and yet prepare as though He is not coming for five hundred or maybe five thousand years. If I knew His coming was within the next five years there are things I would not do, they are unnecessary. But if He tarries, I must pass my faith on to the next generation and make them understand it is important to pass both their faith and fervor to the next. Even if we knew his coming is a century from now there is no less urgency to call people to Jesus. Not a single one of us have a guarantee of tomorrow.
I often ask of myself, "If his coming is not near, what will the generations to come think of the twentieth century?" Too many have concentrated on teaching and learning about the second coming rather than spreading the gospel and pointing men to Jesus. Too many have spent time in prophecy conferences learning why this country or that was Gog or Magog. Too much time was spent on arguing mid, post and pre trib doctrines. Much of what these speculators have taught has brought fear in the hearts of believers. The Apostle Paul taught against this:
1Thes 4:16-18
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
(KJV)
We should comfort one another by his words. That He is coming should be comfort to us not a cause of fear. The end time should be a time of promise, not a time of dread. I cannot find time to speculate about His coming. Like Nehemiah as he rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem, I say, "Let me pursue the work of the Lord." He could not come down to discuss the work with Sanballat.
Neh 6:3
3 And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?
(KJV)
I have no time for their vain disputes. I will take the course Jesus took when called to task about his doctrine. He said, "It is written."
