Follow and Leading in Faith

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

I don’t enjoy being part of a crowd. It gets hot, strong unpleasant smells explode, and noise levels escalate. It usually seems easier to listen to voices that pierce through the cacophony than to the voices of those you’re attending with that are right next to you.

There are a few things for which I am willing to brave a crowd. Certain concerts, balloon festivals, amusement parks, and sports events can lure me out of my comfort zone. It is far easier to attend these things when I am with others who are better at navigating them. I can trust them to lead me safely in the direction I need to go. It also helps to have specific things to focus on. I always enjoy a baseball game because my attention is focused on what is happening on the field rather than on the multitude around me.

I took this photo of the crowd at a sold out Rockies game at Coors field. People were moved to sit on the grass of the outfield to watch a magnificent firework display after the game. I was made aware of the great crowd of people once again from my high vantage point as they maneuvered out of the stands and down onto the field. It made me think of the multitudes that frequently followed Jesus and his disciples. They too were able to endure the situation as they focused on Christ and His message.

I was also reminded of this verse about faith from Hebrews,

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”
Hebrews 12:1 New Living Translation

It is the remembrance of the many who have gone before us, living by faith, and enduring various trials that helps us to continue to persevere and thrive in this life. Our stories of faith then become encouragement for those who come after us. This throng is worth being a part of!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, CO