. . . Those who are righteous will be long remembered.
Devotional Text
People come and go and are remembered for various contributions to society. However, the “huge crowd of witnesses” spoken of in Hebrews 12:1 are remembered for their mighty faith. Think of the rich heritage recorded in the Scriptures of faith-filled believers. They were great men and women of character, endurance, vision, and accomplishment who “overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice . . . shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. . . .” (Hebrews 11:33-34). Some were raised from the dead, and others chose death over betraying God, desiring a better resurrection (v. 35). They were unafraid of the saw, the sword, or the shame. They were willing to live in caves, mountains, and deserts and to clothe themselves in sheepskin or goatskin. Their powerful testimonies inspire us all. Of course, the greatest Hero of faith is Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. His one, solitary life exemplifies a life of the greatest courage in adversity. “He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward” (Hebrews 12:2). Follow Jesus. Live for Him, and die for Him—and you also will be remembered forever.