This photo of “The Cloud of Witnesses” is one I took in Israel at En Gedi Park. This is where King David hid in the caves from Saul.
Jewels from the River: The Cloud of Witnesses Part I
Judy Bauman
September 20, 2011
The Cloud of Witnesses Part I
As I walk down the path to the River, I can hear music, laughter and merriment! It sounds like a huge party and I even hear fireworks being set off. The air feels electric with excitement and anticipation.
Coming into the clearing, where the flood waters once decimated the River’s meadow, I see hundreds of people joined in song and celebration! It is wonderful and my heart is lifted in joy. I don’t know yet what the reason is for this party, but the spirit of rejoicing is not only contagious it’s tangible. It seems the Lord is in the midst of a circle of a large group of people, but there are so many folks dancing, it is really hard to tell for sure. I can feel His presence though.
There are people I see that I know and many more that I don’t know. There is every race, tribe and tongue present. There are young and old and every age in-between. Everyone is celebrating and rejoicing. People greet me and I greet them. Some people I recognize give me deep and long hugs, but I am most surprised to receive deep and heartfelt hugs from people I don’t know! I am used to hugging strangers (I call them friends I haven’t met yet), but these seem to know me well! I feel I am at a disadvantage not knowing them. Some even call me by name, and not just my name but by the nickname the Lord has given me! People are greeting and hugging one another and it reminds me of being at a wedding where there is a bridal party with their families and everyone comes to congratulate them. It would seem we are all the bridal party and the family. As I hug people I don’t know, there is a true sense of realizing somehow I do indeed know these people. There is a strong presence of encouragement and as I stop to look over this great company there seems to be a misty cloud. Fog begins to roll in over us and we collectively look like one cloud! Hebrews 12:1 comes to mind:
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us
We are a “Cloud of Witnesses” of the Lord!
~End Vision
One sense that I had of this vision was that we were not only every age, but OF every age. In God there are no time constraints. Some of the people who hugged me that I didn’t know seemed to come from a time in history prior to mine and others seemed to follow my time. These would be generations who have gone before and generations yet to come.
Next Week: The Cloud of Witnesses Part II – And A Child Shall Lead Them
Scriptures to ponder:
Second Chronicles 5:13; 7:1-3; Ephesians 2:19-22; Colossians 3:1-3; Hebrews 12:1, 2; Revelation 19:6-9
It is the purpose of this ministry is to bring the healing power of the Father’s love to the nations. If the “Jewels” are a blessing to you, please remember us in your giving. 100% of all funds that come from the internet go to the orphan’s fund – there is always great need for these that cannot take care of themselves. Monies are only sent to those we know personally and have seen they operate in truth and with integrity.
The Father’s Love Int’l Ministries
P. O. Box 1573
Flowery Branch, GA 30542
May the Father richly bless you!
Judy Bauman
Because of the blood of Christ we are fellow-citizens of God's household - being carefully joined to become a holy temple to the Lord. It is in this dwelling where God lives by His Spirit.
Vision Date: August 17, 2010
