“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1-3).
The Hebrew writer mentioned the “great cloud of witnesses,” referring to the heroes of faith he had just discussed. Some of the examples we have considered in our study are in the list of the faithful in Hebrews 11. Because we have this “great cloud of witnesses surrounding us,” we must do three things:
- Lay aside every encumbrance and sin, and run with endurance (Hebrews 12:1).
- Look to Jesus and to His example (Hebrews 12:2).
- Do not grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews 12:3).
In other words, “take courage” (John 16:33) – trust in the Lord and follow Him as He desires, no matter what the consequences might be.
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