E58 TRANSCRIPT Who are the Cloud of Witnesses What are they doing Vision reveals Be really encouraged
www.crazygoodgod.org
Nancy Teague
nancy@crazygoodgod.org
Mar 15, 2023
Hi there! Welcome to Crazy Good God podcast. I’m Nancy Teague and thanks for listening!
00:16 The last two Episodes covered being astonished about God and the next one His lovingkindness. Today I want to share an astonishing vision that to date is the most delightful, fun, meaningful vision I‘ve ever had!
00:32 The main part of the vision was about the great cloud of witnesses. Have you ever wondered about them? Who are they? What are they doing?
Where is this cloud of witnesses in scripture? Hebrews 12, but the context for them is in Hebrews 11 which is all about faith – what it is, who it is, how it operated in people, the hardships and power in faith. I encourage you to read it – amazing journeys and uplifting.
01:02 Heb 12 begins after all the faith stories - ‘Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, put off every weight, and the sin (GR having no form, no substance, the false identity, which so easily entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance the race (in the Greek a gathering, place of assembly, contest, struggle) that lies in front of us.icture in front of you an assembly, a gathering, a contest that in Jesus you win. We’re patiently running for that!
01:47 Here’s the vision: Jan 11, 2022 around 9:15pm – was in bed, quieting down, my eyes closed. After a few minutes I saw some kind of movement to my left – it kind of looked like people, then faded away.
Here’s a tip. Sometimes these visions can begin with a sense of movement from which I’ve learned to start paying attention and look.
02:16 This night, to my amazement, as I looked I saw four separate things after that initial movement that faded. First, I saw rising up before me very large white angled columnar structure. Second – a white elephant. Third – a white puppy dog! Lastly – what seemed to be the great cloud of witnesses! That’s our focus today. I’ll unpack the other three things in Episode #59.
02:51 So a very animated group of about 15 to 20 people became clear to the left of my vision. White was everywhere. They were standing on what seemed like a cloud, had on white clothes, no robes. And later it reminded me of Jesus’ transfiguration. His clothes became as white as light. And we are clothed in the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. They were very excited and looking through an opening, which was kind of like a wide crack in the cloud. I knew they were looking at people on the earth. From my distant viewpoint of the opening I could see the color of amber (symbolic of God’s glory) and other sparkles of colors. The cloud of witnesses were joyfully interacting with each other and thrilled at the people below. They were looking at each other as they spoke about those below. Even though I couldn’t hear their words it felt like they were saying 'aren't they awesome, aren't they wonderful, they can do it and they will do it!' They even did high fives! They were so FOR the people! It was like they absolutely knew those on earth would succeed.
04:18 Pondering the vision in days afterwards I sensed God was showing me they represented the feelings, the dynamics, the synergy of the great cloud of witnesses. The number was not important. Remember it’s explained as THE GREAT or SO MANY cloud of witnesses. They truly are witnesses of God’s crazy goodness and just think clouds are all around the world. There’s no place the cloud of witnesses are not cheering for humanity.
04:49 Now some might say, ‘Well, what if they weren’t saved before they died or when they dies?’ Picture this - those who didn’t believe, those who had no faith or little faith are going to meet, face to face, Jesus, the author of faith and the perfector of everyone’s faith. If you think they go straight to hell, then you don’t know God’s love that never fails nor His faithfulness. Faith in GR means divine persuasion on the human heart. To be sure, God is fully persuaded about us. He really likes His image and likeness.
05:29 Consider this. The cloud of witnesses had themselves entered into the fullness of Jesus’ faith. They fully knew and experienced “It is finished.” The cloud of witnesses know first hand the beauty, wonder, and joy of rising from the dead. May you know there is nothing to fear about death for anyone, including yourself. Death is the most wondrous powerful mystery we all get to experience. Remember, Jesus only raises DEAD people – not moral people, religious people, nice people, pretty or handsome. The great cloud of witnesses cheer everyone on – they truly know grace is impartial!
06:18 May you see that a multitude of witnesses have been cheering you on with great joy! They know God is with you all the way, no matter the struggles, and that’s because Jesus made the way for you and everyone.
Until next Wednesday, Bliss to you and never forget God is absolutely crazy about you!
References: Heb 12:1 Heb 11 Mt 17:2 2Cor 5:21 Heb 12:2 1Cor 13:8 Jn 19:30