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 the race that is set before us ~ Hebrews 12:1
In a world of pandemic and isolation, it's easy to look at the Bible and feel alone, feel like it doesn't apply. To think "none of these characters, these heroes, went through the trials we're facing today." It can be tempting to look at stories like Cain and Able, Abraham, and Moses and think that "we're too different from them." To say "we're too far removed," and wonder "will I ever overcome my trials like they did?"
Think on it. How God did such amazing miracles through these "Biblical giants." David killed Goliath, Moses parted the sea, Daniel shut the mouths of lions, Elijah calling down fire. It's humbling to think how little we see ourselves with their power.
Yet this is where Hebrews comes in beautifully. The book was written to people in a period that was simply unseen by history: the first wake of Christianity. These believers were feeling alone in their faith and often were living in isolation away from the Jews or Romans. They were doubting how to overcome their trials.
Hebrews 11 follows some of the Bibles most faithful individuals, recounting Abraham and David. Each person with their own task or trail. The whole chapter sets up for Hebrews 12:1.
In this first verse, the author is saying, “You are not alone.” They aren’t reminding us of how spectacular these other characters were. The author was reminding us whose side they were on. The God who shut the mouth of lions is in you. The God who parted the seas is in you and with you.
Not only that, but Daniel and Moses and Elijah and Abel and Abraham and David are all behind you. “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 the race that is set before us.”
Each of these men and women who have gone before us has a story that is unique. They all faced their own trials and tribulations. They each had faith in the same God who empowered them. All of those stories and their heroes are standing at our back. They surround us as we take on this life we’ve been given.
Therefore run the race with endurance. All of us, even those who have gone before, looking to Jesus as the beginning and end of our faith. We know we are never alone. We have God who is with us always and He has given us an “unshakable kingdom” “a great cloud of witnesses.”
Comments