As we give thanks to God for all the saints, I invite us to consider two faith defining words that align the lives of the saints with Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.  These two words are “therefore” and “since.”  To appreciate the significance of each of these faith defining words as heard in today’s scripture reading from Hebrews 12:1-2, it is good to consider the meaning of each word as heard through the language that was used by the author of the letter to the Hebrews.  

The Greek word that is translated as “therefore” is hoiste.  A statement about the interconnectedness of one event with another event, hoiste in the 12th chapter of Hebrews is a statement about how our lives are connected to the lives of the saints who are cheering us on as we run the race of faith.   

In 1979, I attended the seventh and deciding game of the National Basketball Association Eastern Conference finals between the Washington Bullets and San Antonio Spurs.  Earlier in this series, the Bullets had trailed the Spurs by three games to one, but the Bullets had played their way back to tie the series at three games each.  The reality of all that had led up to this game, combined with the anticipation of the possibilities of the game, resulted in a sell-out as the arena was filled with the cheers of hometown fans as the Bullets’ starting lineup was introduced.  Throughout the game the atmosphere was electric as the lead went back and forth and the Bullets beat the Spurs by a score of 107-105.  The sound of the cheering was deafening as people in the stands hugged and gave each other high fives as their lives were connected in the therefore of what had happened.  

The Greek word for “since” is hos.  Whereas hoiste is a statement about the interconnectedness of life in Hebrews 12:1, hos is a statement about the interconnectedness of faith.  The use of both words together defines Hebrews 12:1-2 as a statement of faith for all the saints and for us as we run the race of faith.  I invite us to confess this statement of faith together: 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. 

The faith of therefore and since.  David Bailey was a singer-songwriter who spent 14 years in a fierce battle with cancer.  He wrote about what it was like to be a twentysomething person of faith, married with two children, and how his challenge with cancer changed one day when he started asking a different question about the journey of life.  He reported that when he was first diagnosed, he would wake up in the morning and ask the question, “Why me?”  But then one morning he woke up and said, “Okay, God.  What now?” as his life became defined by the faith of therefore and since. 

Today, as we affirm the faith of all the saints, the faith of therefore and since, we give thanks to God. 

Today, as we affirm the faith that embraces the questions of life by saying, “Okay, God what now?” we give thanks to God.   

Today, as we affirm the faith of all the saints who have entered the kingdom eternal, we give thanks to God. 

Today, as we remember the saints who have blessed Fort Hill United Methodist Church, especially: 

 

Harry H. Hill, Jr. 

John McClure Litaker 

James Garland Kiger 

Helen Marie Easter 

Kimberly Saville Beuerle 

Andrew Wade Jenks 

Edgar “Ed” Harris Whorton, III 

May Ann Mays Carter 

 

we give thanks to God. 

Today, as we remember all the saints who have blessed all our lives, we give thanks to God. 

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. 

 

Therefore & Since

by Pastor Marc Brown
October 27th, 2024

Accompanying Scriptures: Hebrews 12: 1-2

Fort Hill United Methodist Church
Order of Worship for October 27th, 2024


Scripture Lesson    Hebrews 12: 1-2


The Good News      “Therefore & Since”


Prayer


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