Written ~ 07-18-2023
Hebrews 12:1-2
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion Who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.”
Wow! There is a lot packed into these two verses! So Good!!
I think I am going to break this down into much smaller pieces…
Let’s start with –
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith…”
I’ve heard the description “crowd of witnesses” explained a couple different ways –
#1. The crowd of witnesses are God’s angelic beings serving Him in heaven.
#2. All the believers that have come into your life, at all times of your life, leading you, guiding you; they also are a crowd of witnesses.
Between the two I really love the description of the angelic beings as a crowd of witnesses: some versions use the word cloud.
In Revelation 7:9-10 it says,
“After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the LAMB. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands. And they were shouting with a great roar, “Salvation comes from our God who sits on the throne and from the LAMB!”
Then in Luke 15:10 it says,
“In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”
Also, Revelation 1:7…
” Look! He comes WITH the clouds of heaven…”
So, I’d like to believe that we have a crowd/cloud of witnesses in heaven cheering us on, whatever we might face in life – no matter how alone we may feel – Look to HEAVEN! There’s a vast crowd applauding you cheering for you – encouraging to keep going – push through!
Have you ever been drawn to the clouds in the sky? I sure have, it’s because I’m looking to the sky for the enjoyment of God’s beauty in the clouds, maybe now I’ll start thinking of them as my crowd/cloud of witnesses cheering me on!! ☺
Next up:
“Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trip us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”
We all have those things that seem to weigh us down. Sin comes in different forms; it may look quite different in all of us. But releasing all those things that DO NOT give all Glory and Honor to the LORD is what needs to be stripped away. This may not be an outwardly sinful action – but a sinful thought life, a deep seeded attitude, anger, resentment, arrogance. There are so many things that we could be doing, saying, thinking that are not pleasing to the LORD; the more we hold onto things, the more weight is piled on. Running a race with heavy ankle weights and a 50 lb. backpack is a picture of how some of us wade through their Christian walk.
“God has set a race before us…”
He knows our time on earth is short and fleeting, He’s asking us to get busy and get the word out about who Jesus is and that there is salvation to be had!!
Our spiritual running shoes are not hindered by bad knees, plantar fasciitis or a weakened heart – NO. We are to rid ourselves of all that holds us back spiritually and get in on the race! Strap on your Bible for guidance, your fuel is the Power of the Holy Spirit – and your water, well… that’s the Living River of Life, Jesus Christ!!
Get out there and run! That cloud of witnesses is cheering us on!
How do we do this?
“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus…”
Here’s how the Message (MSG) explains…
“Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how He did it. Because He never lost sight of where He was headed – that exhilarating finish in and with God…”
“Jesus endured the cross…”
We may think we have problems and troubles here on earth. But I can bet, we have not endured more than what Christ endured for us. There is eternal joy waiting for us in Heaven. Jesus knew what He had to do – but He also knew what was waiting for Him…
“…a place of Honor beside God’s throne.”
Awesome!
Look to Jesus! Strip off every weight! Run with endurance! A crowd is cheering you on! Joy for Eternity is awaiting you!!
~AMEN~