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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 … (Hebrews 12:1, NLT).
Uh, oh, are there people in Heaven watching us today? Nobody wants to become a meme on social media after being caught in a stupid or unrighteous act on an omnipresent Apple® iPhone.
The simple answer: Yes.
Going back a chapter from Hebrews 12 to Hebrews 11, we find a list of some of the saints watching us, beginning with Abel, who lived 6,500 years ago. And then Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Gideon, Samson, David, Samuel, all of the Old Testament prophets, and even Rahab the harlot — all watching us!
Hebrews mentions only Old Testament characters, but it’s safe to assume, from the contextual teaching of Hebrews 11 and 12, that Peter, Paul, Matthew, Mary, James, Priscilla, and all the saints of the New Testament are logged into their HSM app (Heaven’s Social Media) right now. And in Heaven, with eternity, no “over-data” charges by T-Mobile®, unlimited time to watch, complete coverage, and free data, we can assume all the saints listed in the Bible (OT and NT) are watching us today.
It gets more interesting. How about our favorite pastor who baptized us as children, perhaps your third-grade teacher, that coach we always wanted to impress, my seminary professor who taught me Greek, and all those who mentored and inspired us on earth?
If they are in Heaven, they are logged in and watching us now. And that includes our mothers! HHHHMMMHHHM!!!!
Not only do they see what we are doing, but what do the following verses imply?
So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due (1 Corinthians 4:5).
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable (Hebrews 4:13).
Nothing is hidden from God, not only our actions but our thoughts and motives too. With everything laid bare, nothing can be hidden. We can’t say, “I didn’t do that,” when everyone in Heaven can download the video and watch the act on HSM, and we can’t proclaim, “That wasn’t my intention,” when a feature of the HSM app allows us to “toggle on” inner thoughts and motives which are then simultaneously synced with the video and displayed on the lower third of the screen.
What will our mothers think?
The author of Hebrews now reveals his motive for telling us about the witnesses in Heaven (though everyone in Heaven already knew his motive) …
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).
The Greek word for “witness” is “martus,” from which we get not only “witness” but also the word “martyr.” The witnesses of Hebrews 11 were heroes for the faith, but most of them are also mentioned on HSM’s “Greatest bonehead acts in history” highlight reel — just think of Noah, Moses, David, and Samson. We already know how they will be spotlighted!
Let’s not feel bad; let’s not succumb to self-condemnation (Romans 8:1). The purpose of the witnesses in heaven, having overcome their faults to find faithfulness and often martyrdom, aren’t in eternity now judging us, but cheering us on to victory.
I feel better now, no matter what my mother thinks.
(Please note: The Heaven’s Social Media app can only be downloaded in Heaven.)