Exodus recorded a historic event three thousand four hundred years ago that, “the glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain, and on the seventh day the Lord called to Moses from within the cloud. (24:16)” Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt where they were enslaved. In preparation to enter the land promised by God, the Israelites remained in the wilderness for forty years, and “God guided them with the cloud by day and with light from the fire all night” (Psalms 78:14). The Bible often uses a cloud as a symbol of God’s calling, His leading, and His presence.
The Bible tells us that after Adam sinned, sin and the dark power of death came into the world, enslaving all mankind. Two thousand years ago, Jesus came into the world to reveal God’s grace and truth, and to call all men to repentance. The Gospel of John says “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (1:14 ) ” Jesus gave Himself to die on the Cross in order to redeem all sinners. On the third day, he rose, so that all those who believe in Him after seeing the glory of His grace and truth, become new creations and become God’s sons and daughters. Many believers have a lifelong quest to be more like Jesus. Their faith and deeds all testify to Jesus’ grace and truth. A cloud of witnesses reveal God’s glory, just as a cloud reflects ray of the sun.
Elder Johnson is also in this cloud of witnesses. His smile, kindness, humility, steadfastness, service, integrity, his love towards us and love towards God, all reflect Jesus’ glory. Everyone here will thank God for letting us know Johnson because as a good friend he loved us and helped us unselfishly; as a good doctor, he cared for us attentively and healed us; as a good Christian, he showed us the faith in Christ; and as a good spiritual leader, he gave us an example of how to be like Christ.
Hebrews 12:1 says “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us”. Imagine yourself as a competitor in a marathon. When you are in fear, when you think you cannot continue to run, feel like giving up, you look up and see Johnson in the cloud encouraging you saying, “However others judge you, whether or not the road ahead is too difficult, you should focus on running for Jesus, with all your strength. You can be victorious, just like I am victorious, because Jesus has become victorious for us and is standing at the right hand of God’s throne waiting to receive us.” In fact we are not alone in our life’s journey, many faithful ones have left their great testimonies, just as Abraham 4000 years ago, Moses 3400 years ago, martyrs in the Roman arena facing wild beasts 2000 years ago, and Johnson today. In their trials, they continued to run towards the throne, completing the race.
Two months ago, Johnson wrote an article in the church’s weekly bulletin entitled “The Race to be run”. He quoted 2 Timothy 4:7-8 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”
Johnson said, “In the past few months, a fracture has developed in my pelvic bone from the invasion of cancer cells. The pain from the pelvic fracture, together with the weakness of thigh muscles, have made walking very strenuous, with every step like lifting a tonne of weight. I was initially determined to continue attending Sunday worship services, but had to give that up for now. I just have to sing hymns, read my bible, and pray at home, at the same time our brothers and sisters worship in our church, offering thanksgiving and praise … Praise God! He has promised me that His grace is sufficient for me. Praise God! He has told me that even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, His rod and His staff will comfort me, guide me … However weak my body may become – it is a perishable body after all – yet my heart is renewed daily because the Lord Jesus Christ lives in me. Therefore, for that eternal crown, I have become a runner, running on that heaven-ward path!”
God gave us Johnson because this generation needs such a good and faithful witness, that we may see the cloud, and race towards the throne. In John’s Gospel Jesus said to his disciples, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. （14:3）” Johnson completed his task, ceased from his labours on earth, and was received by our Lord Jesus to a better home in heaven. Revelation prophesied that believers will gather before God’s throne: “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. (7:9)” Johnson hoped to meet us again in the eternal home in heaven. He wished that we would all receive the eternal life and the crown of victory given us through Christ. May God bless you!
Chinese Version: 看見雲彩，奔向寶座 (谢荣昌牧师)
