The Rev. Dr. Zan Holmes, retired United Methodist pastor and Adjunct Professor of Preaching at Perkins School of Theology (SMU), often repeated the necessity of having balcony people in our lives. He said that when he preached, he felt the presence of an unseen gallery behind him. These were people who both had influenced and encouraged him in his lifetime. Some still were living, but the majority were deceased. And the latter still could exert influence on him.
Today we remember the saints, those who have gone to life eternal. As Paul wrote young Timothy, "(They) have fought the good fight, (they) have finished the race, (they) have kept the faith" (2 Tim. 4:7). Paul says that the saints, of which he'll soon be one, have the 'crown of righteousness' reserved for them. And that same crown is reserved for us as well.
The very early church began to see the first saints, martyrs (from the Greek word marturia which means 'to witness') who gave their lives in the Roman persecutions. Throughout the history of the Christian church, there have been those who have sacrificed in such manner that Kingdom of God on earth has been advanced. The Rev. Jerry Jay Smith, a retired elder in the church, said we stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us.
It doesn't matter our profession, occupation, or pastime. Each of us have those persons who have had great influence in our lives. Maybe it was a teacher from whom we begin to feel the passion to teach. Or maybe it was a neighbor who through his or her acts of kindness towards us taught us what it meant to be caring and compassionate toward others. It could have been a parent, grandparent, or other relative who showed us how to live a life of joy to which God has called us.
When I preach, or when I'm in a hospital room, or when I'm meeting with a family for whatever reason, I sense the presence of the balcony people in my life. My father is present, as is my sister, Carol. So are my grandparents, and teachers whom I've had, neighbors, friends, and many, many others. There is the Rev. Tom McClung who was both friend and mentor, as well as others upon whose shoulders I've stood, both those whom I've known and those such as John Wesley and Albert Outler about whom I've read and studied.
Who are the saints in your life? Who are those persons who stand in your balcony or gallery and have encouraged and influenced you? If you haven't thought about them, today is a good time to so do. Take some time to remember them, and then thank God for sending them in your life. And remember, we are the living saints for others. Will they see Christ in us? We can only pray they will. See you on the journey.
Grace and peace,
Mike
November 2, 2014