NERD ALERT: I love digging for word meanings.
You say ‘Ancient Greek’ or ‘Hebrew’ and I am all in. When there are those extra layers to word meanings, I get giddy. Like, nerd giddy.
The word right now that has me excited is ‘clouds.’ Random and seemingly insignificant, yes, but I’m digging into clouds (and the Ancient Greek definition) because of my 2019 Word.
I don’t want to lose you here. But, if you remember, I don’t do New Years Resolutions. Instead, every year I pick ONE WORD — my one word
My one word for 2019 is PERSISTENCE. As tradition goes; once I find the word, I pick a scripture to go with it. The verse should encourage, define and propel my word. And so, I chose Hebrew 12:1-3.
Now that you have the backstory, here’s where clouds come in. Take a look at the verse I chose.
•Hebrews 12:1-3 says “Since I am surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let me throw off everything that hinders me and the sin that so easily entangles me. Let me run wih perseverance the race marked out for me, fixing my eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of my faith… Consider Jesus, so that I will not grow weary or lose heart.”
When it comes to persistence, this verse is perfect with phrases like “let me run with perseverance” and “fix my eyes on Jesus.” However, it’s the cloud that grabbed me. What kind of cloud do you think of when you read this verse?
THIS
Cloud 1
OR THIS
Cloud 2
I have always believed the cloud in this Hebrews verse to mean a small fluff, floating in the sky representing loved ones who have passed on or even Saints who are praying for me from above.
And yes, clouds are fluffy, floating things. But the Greek word for cloud, Nephos, has another meaning. Ready? Can you feel my excitement? Nephos, according to one of my faves Ancient Greek, also means the highest seats in the bleachers of a stadium. {Thank you Rick Renner renner}
And that right there is why I knew this was the verse for me and my goal to persist this year.
There is a stadium full of people who are watching, encouraging, texting, loving, challenging, laughing, crying, running this race of life with me. And that is how it should be! Life is not meant to be lived alone.
You’re in my stadium.
And I am in yours.
Now, I am NOT a theologian or bible expert. I only know me and how God moves in my life. Based on my knowledge, I believe with my whole heart that the cloud Paul writes about in Hebrews 12:1 is not some fluffy white poof.
Instead, Paul is saying (again, my thought) that God has built a stadium around you. And you are choosing who sits where. Not only that you are deciding who gets the loudest voice. That is powerful so let’s make it bold and centered.
You are choosing who sits where and who gets the loudest voice.
The seats in my bleachers are filled with so many kinds of people. I like to think there’s a suite for my loved ones who have passed but whose encouragement I still hold. There’s a 20-something section, where Allie and Barb and Taylor stand and cheer and I can’t believe I am lucky enough to call them my friends. I have a middle school section where all my Wyld Life peeps listen to my voice and they don’t even know the impact of their voices on me! My girls and the friends in my life from forever ago to this moment, my friends fill my stadium with their love. Jake Cox, you have a special seat bud.
I have my family, front and center – front and center.
Who’s in your stadium? Fill it well.
Who’s stadium are YOU in? Cheer them on.
Don’t you forget, Jesus is on the field, beside you. He always has been. He already ran the race. That’s why I’ll be looking to Him on how to live PERSISTENCE well and to all of you to keep me going.
[Remember, Lily chose AAIOIPATPIOIPEAO for her ‘one word’ last year? I’m happy to report Kindergarten is serving her well and she chose ‘Organize’ for 2019. Not sure what the elephant, lion or frog with a Santa Hat have to do with her word. Maybe 2020 will bring ‘clarity’]
how the light gets in 