The New Kyle Field

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV). The 2015 College Football Season is almost here! Texas A&M will have the new Kyle Field ready for the first home game. The seating capacity will be 102,512. It is the biggest in the SEC and third largest in the nation. Only Michigan and Penn State are larger. Perhaps I will get to attend a game there someday soon. The yells will be deafening in the new environment! There’s a greater stadium, with greater fans though. The writer of Hebrews says we are surrounded by them in our lives today. They are a “great cloud of witnesses” according to our reading today. I believe these people are our friends and loved ones in heaven who are watching us and cheering us on. There are others as well. Hebrews 11 is a record of the great men and women of faith who died serving God. We sometimes refer to it as the Hall of Faith. You read about Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Gideon, Samson, David, Rahab, Daniel, and the other great faithful. I am convinced they cheer us on too. Certainly, as one interpretation indicates, they are simply people of faith who have gone before us, giving us a model to follow so that we might live and exercise our faith as they did. Reading about the lives of these men and women who have walked with God and trusted Christ and stood strong in the face of trials and persecutions can add strength to our journey. However, another way to look at it is that these men and women aren't simply giving us a template to follow, but are actually observing us and taking note of our progress in the faith. They are the "cloud of witnesses" watching us and cheering us on. I need those cheers from time to time. Don’t you? We are in the race of our lives on earth, and we don't how long it will last. I need all the help I can get. I don’t desire to simply show up. I want to play to win. The stakes are high. Fortunately we have the greatest of “yell leaders” (that’s what we call those who cheer the team on at Aggieland). Jesus is watching us, turn for turn, step for step. He has taken those steps; he has made those turns himself. He will not just cheer us on, but lead us to victory. Come on. Let’s get in the game! We can win this one!