Day 232 · Year 1 · The Story of Scripture
A great cloud of witnesses
You are not the first to run this race in the dark.
Today's passage
Hebrews 12:1-2
1Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us.
2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Berean Standard Bible · public domain
Reflection
Hebrews 11 lists faithful people who never received what they were promised in their lifetimes. Hebrews 12 says: 'therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…' Their lives form a stadium of encouragement around you. You are not the first believer to keep going when you cannot see the finish. The way to run this race is the same as theirs — by 'looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.' Not introspection. Not despair at your own pace. Eyes off yourself, onto him.
From the great tradition · paraphrased
Polycarp of Smyrna · Apostolic Fathers · 2nd c. · Asia Minor
Polycarp ran this race quietly for decades before he was finally martyred — a long obedience that says, without saying much, that ordinary fidelity is what most of the cloud of witnesses actually looks like.
Paraphrase only. Scripture, not any teacher, is the authority.
Think it through
- What two things are we told to lay aside, and what are we told to do, in verse 1?
- Where are we told to look in verse 2, and why?
- What 'weight' have you been carrying that is slowing you down?
A prayer to pray
Name the weight. Lay it down. Lift your eyes off your performance and onto Jesus.