“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2
When I write or expound upon a particular scripture, more often than not, it's probably because it's entered into my spirit and it pierces my soul, the scripture above has done just that. It comes to me, over and over again, until I remove it by writing it down or speaking about it. The verse starts out with "wherefore" or "Therefore" whichever you prefer does not matter, however let's stay, true to KJV, “Wherefore”: This is a very crucial transition word offering an emphatic conclusion to the section which began Hebrews 11.
“Witnesses” are those believers in Christ, who have gone on before us, giving witness to the value and blessing of living by faith. The motivation here, for running “the race” is not in the possibility of receiving praise from observing heavenly saints. Rather, the runner is inspired by the godly examples those saints set during their lives. The great crowd is not comprised of spectators but rather it is comprised of ones whose past life of faith encourages others to live the same way. Can you imagine the joy of those, who have trusted and believed by faith, in Jesus Christ, seeing like believer run this race?
The writers states that "seeing we also are compassed about" in other words, since we're surrounded by, "so great a cloud of witnesses." You see friends, you're not the only one that's going through! You're not the only one, that's sick or suffering! You're not the only one, that's trying to make it! Therefore my friends "lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed." why, because you're going to make it, so KEEP RUNNING! The Psalmist tells us this "Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle." Friends, we're not alone in this race, Jesus is right there beside us, he's is a true victor and knows how to win!
When a person truly loves Jesus, it is no longer a chore to do good things. It is the desire of their heart to do good things. You, see friends, we are not part of the dark side of life, if we are a Christian; we are of the Light (Jesus Christ). The Bible tells us (Romans 13:12-14) “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.” “Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.” “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil] the lusts thereof.” My friends, each one of us, has someone, who has gone on before and us and who's waiting on us to get it together. We're surrounded by lack believer, who make-up a glorious cloud of witness, therefore friends let us run this race, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the ALPHA and OMEGA, The BEGINNING and The END, The Author and Finisher of our FAITH.
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