Week 20, Day 1: The Great Cloud of Witnesses
Today’s Reading: Hebrews 13:1-25; James 1:1-27
Some thoughts from Friday’s reading…
Hebrews 11 has to be one of the most inspirational passages in the New Testament. It is often called the “Hall of Faith” because it depicts such an impressive list of faithful biblical characters. The purpose is to provide examples for us, showing us characteristics that we should try to emulate. As chapter 12 starts, we are encouraged to remain faithful through whatever trials may confront us, because these great characters of faith are watching and cheering us on. The imagery used by the inspired writer is one of a race, and the witnesses are those who are in the stands watching the race. In this case, they have run the race themselves, and have completed it. They are waiting on the rest of us to finish and are giving all the encouragement that they can to us so that we will finish the race as well.
Because of their encouragement, we should put aside those things that would trip us up in this life. We need to get rid of all the sin in our lives, and not keep it laying around our feet, where it will continually trip us up and cause us to have even greater labor in running the race. Instead, we should run unencumbered, and with endurance. This race is indeed an endurance race, and not a sprint. We need to remain steady in our focus, and be resolved to finish this race, no matter how difficult it may become!
Finally, the writer reminds us that we have Jesus as the perfect example. He was able to succeed in living a perfect life, and withstood the tribulations that were brought upon Him, because He looked to the joy that was set before Him. He didn’t look at the trials of life, but rather looked beyond them to the reward He would receive for His faithfulness. We need to have the same kind of mindset. We need to look beyond the trials we face here, and gain strength from the hope of the reward that awaits us if we will remain faithful!
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