All the Saints
1 Corinthians 1:2 – To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ – their Lord and ours.
Saint – a word that comes from the word sanctified. So those whom Jesus died for are the sanctified ones, or saints. To be sanctified is to be set apart for holy use and that is what saints are.
As you process this message for today, my hope is to encourage you to take a moment to reflect on how you have come to this place in your faith journey. I’m certain that, like me, you’ll recognize you haven’t come to this point by chance. We all have had influential people who God has placed in our paths. Our parents, grandparents, spouses, friends, pastors and church leaders likely have shaped our understanding of who God is. We remember how they welcomed strangers, volunteered time, talent and riches, (donated food, money, clothing, etc.), responded to the tragedies of others, and often just offered a patient ear to listen. These actions of faith helped us to recognize our personal callings. Actions that will be in response to the love God has shown us in Christ.
Now imagine that all these saints are standing behind you. I can, for example, remember my grandmother’s influence, in partnership with my mother, “dragging” me to church. I remember a number of church leaders and teachers who sparked my inquisitive nature to seek fuller understanding of the Scriptures. I remember very fondly my elder Christian brothers and sisters who shared their insights as I was leading Bible studies. I recall how each in their own way really taught me what it means to love God and love your neighbor. I remember how they would patiently listen to me, even when I probably wasn’t that interesting to hear. Lastly, I cherish how each helped me to create a faith that is confident that this life, though brief, is not the end of the journey. As Peter wrote in 1 Peter 5:4 - “you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade.”
So, as we remember the people that have shaped our lives, let us pray that we may we “pay it forward” - be the instruments to shape the lives of the people around us. Those who will come to know Jesus through us.
Lord, we thank You first for the cross and for those people who have shaped our own faith in You. May each of them rest in Your eternal loving arms now and forever. Please give us the same capabilities of wisdom, courage, and patience to serve You and bring others to receive Your eternal salvation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.