Therefore , since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses , let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles . And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us , fixing our eyes on Jesus , the pioneer and perfecter of faith . For the joy set before him he endured the cross , scorning its shame , and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God .
Hebrews 12:1-2
I ’ ve been meditating on these verses recently . The more I sit with them in a prayerful posture , the more I see . The Word of God is amazing ! Follow along as we consider the rich treasure of God ’ s Truth in each part of these verses .
Therefore , since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses … The “ therefore ” sends us back to Hebrews 11 , known as the Hall of Fame of Faith . We find the great heroes of faith , who despite incredible challenges and hardships longed for a better country – a heavenly one . They believed God exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek him . Their faith was a picture of confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see .
Fixing our eyes on Jesus
As God ’ s redeemed children , we are surrounded by this great cloud of witnesses starting with the great heroes of the Bible , through church history and to our present day . Those who came before us and modeled faith . Those who have been a part of our rich history here at Calvary . Those who God has used to pursue and woo us to Himself and those God has used to continue growing us into maturity in Christ .
As we consider that one day we will become a part of the great cloud of witnesses , I am reminded of a song that you may also be familiar with … Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful May the fire of our devotion light their way May the footprints that we leave Lead them to believe And the lives we live inspire them to obey Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful !
14
Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles … Much like an athlete takes off everything that would slow him down in the race , we are told to lay aside everything that hinders and the sin that easily entangles . Did you notice that sin “ easily entangles ”? This involves a constant awareness and quick confession in order to be conditioned and ready . We have to strip down to the essentials . Paul used the same Greek word for “ throw off ” in Ephesians 4:22 when he said “ You were taught with regard to your former way of