Hebrews 12:1-2
¹Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ²Looking 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.
A witness is someone who brings a piece of evidence to substantiate or validate a stated fact. The cloud of witnesses, and their stories are a testimony and proof to us that faith works. These were men and women who changed physical circumstances based on what is unseen. The Lord has preserved their story to encourage us to press further with our faith and expect similar and even greater results.
We have been granted access to learn from these great witnesses who demonstrated remarkable faith and obedience to God despite facing various challenges and hardships. What a privilege it is! To know that there’s no challenge that is new under the sun, there’s no temptation that has overtaken you, but such as is common to man! Why then should you be shaken? You have the manual, the Bible to always refer to.
Let’s look at some of them. Abraham, who did not consider his already dead body & the deadness of his wife’s body, he staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, and was fully persuaded that, what God had promised, He was able also to perform. (Romans 4:19-21)
Gideon, the youngest of an ‘insignificant family’, hidden, working in a wine press. The Lord calls him a “mighty man of valor” and chooses him to liberate Israel. (Judges 6:12-40).
Deborah and Barak sang a song of praise, and Israel had peace for 40 years.(Judges 5:1-31).
Hadassah, a Jewish orphan, became Esther, the queen who saved her people. (Esther). The list goes on… read the whole Bible, we’ve been instructed.
These witnesses subdued kingdoms and did supernatural things in their time; they ruled their world. Hebrews 11:32-33- And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.
Not forgetting the Prophets, who spoke of the coming of the Son of God over 700 years before He came. Yet the word still came to pass, and He came in flesh and dwelt among us. How then can God not fulfil all promises to us. Hold on, son, to the sure word of God, it will surely come to pass.
So let us then remove or put off anything that keeps us from living the life of Christ in its fullness and run the race marked out for us. Christ started and finished this race. Let’s then keep our gaze on
Him.
Have you ever played in a relay race? This is a team competition where members take turns completing parts of a race. So usually for the team to win, the fastest person is placed at the end, & the 2nd strongest in front, then others in the middle. Now back to our scripture Hebrews 12: 2, Jesus is both the author & the finisher of this race, so it doesn’t matter which position you are in the race, just keep your eyes on Him. He will carry you to the end.
Since we have been inspired and changed by such a great witness, let us also make faith filled footprints for those who are to come after us. We are not in competition with each other as Christians, as is shown by the call for us to help others who are struggling or slow in their faith. We can help directly or by showing them how to run and how to live, just like the cloud of witnesses, so that we imitate their lives of faith.
We are blessed to have the testimony of the LORD, His word which is Perfect, Sure, Pure and True. Let us then keep moving as we keep our gaze on Christ.
Prophetic Utterance:
I’m an oak of righteousness, planted by the Lord; I will not fear when heat comes, I will not be damaged by it, my leaves remain green, and l yield fruit in season. My focus is on my source, who waters me every moment. I’m a water-carrying cloud, expressing the righteousness of the Lord and manifesting His Glory everywhere and to every man. Hallelujah!
Guiding text:
Hebrews 12:12-13
¹²Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; ¹³and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.