Hebrews 12
Daily Devotional from Hebrews 12--
Verse 1
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…
I used to think this was encouraging us to live a holy life because we were being watched by witnesses in heaven. Like children who behave best when their parents are looking, we might sin less if we know others are watching. But now I don’t think this is the message at all. In Hebrews 11 we are given many examples of heroes of the faith who lived and died waiting for the promises of God. It is these witnesses who are referred to here. They are not witnesses because they are watching us, but because they have testimonies to share with us, to encourage us to keep running the race - never give up, keep the faith, grow in spiritual maturity, and look forward to the completion of God’s plan. They are our examples along with our greatest example, Jesus, who obeyed the Father and finished strong by enduring death on the cross for us. So let’s follow their examples, living a holy life, trusting in God no matter what the circumstances.
Rick Bolesta
Verse 1
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…
I used to think this was encouraging us to live a holy life because we were being watched by witnesses in heaven. Like children who behave best when their parents are looking, we might sin less if we know others are watching. But now I don’t think this is the message at all. In Hebrews 11 we are given many examples of heroes of the faith who lived and died waiting for the promises of God. It is these witnesses who are referred to here. They are not witnesses because they are watching us, but because they have testimonies to share with us, to encourage us to keep running the race - never give up, keep the faith, grow in spiritual maturity, and look forward to the completion of God’s plan. They are our examples along with our greatest example, Jesus, who obeyed the Father and finished strong by enduring death on the cross for us. So let’s follow their examples, living a holy life, trusting in God no matter what the circumstances.
Rick Bolesta
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