The Cloud of Witnesses

Heb. 12:1-2

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance that race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith..."

In the past when I have read of the people in Heb. 11, I have felt overwhelmed with the smallness of my faith, but as I connect this chapter with 12:1, I see a purpose beyond my intimidation. These people are a cloud of witnesses for me as I run the race with endurance. What exactly is a witness? Witnesses normally are observers who can be relied on to verify happenings. Specifically, they observe my laying aside of the weights and my running of the race with endurance. Essentially, this process of running and enduring is what the people of chapter 11 did. They all endured beyond what was humanly possible and were not bound or influenced by what the world thought was possible. Their vision was controlled by their faith. For me, my sights must be on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of my faith. Why? Simply put, He is the perfecter of my faith. Without Him, my faith will fail since faith is not something that I can strum up. It comes from the Spirit indwelling my inner man.

Why would I need a cloud of witnesses anyway? What would be the purpose? Perhaps, it is for my encouragement and for an example. These people were just people, but people that believed God and because of that belief were used mightily. These people were people who had made the costly choices, the choices often involving their lives. These people were the ones whose love of God was the entire focus of their lives. When I read this chapter, I have a window into the heart and soul of faithful followers of God. They show me faith in action. Who better to be a witness than those who have run the race as well? Who better to encourage me than those who ran and arrived at the finish line? Who better to show me the meaning of faith than those who were faithful?

In light of these examples and of Christ's own example of enduring the cross, I am to run! I am to run with endurance by laying aside the weights. Sin is a weight! It clouds my focus and the finish line. It drains my spiritual stamina and defeats my faith walk. After I throw off the weights, I need to run keeping in mind Jesus and the cloud of witnesses. I am not alone! There are others who were faithful and have finished the race. Through Jesus, I can too!

Father,

As I run the race You have set for me, make me willing to throw off the weights and unafraid to run with endurance. Keep my eyes on Jesus each step of the way. Thank you for other faithful followers who are there to encourage and support me on the way.

In Jesus name and strength,

Amen