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Cloud of Witnesses
by A.J. Wilson

A Challenge to every church:

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, ^A let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us ^B, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us ^C,” Hebrews 12:1

 A.  This verse comes directly after the “chapter of faith”, where the writer lists a “Who’s Who” of Old Testament figures that showed their faith in God.  The author says “therefore,” and “since,” this causes us to refer back to this listing in chapter 11.  God gives many examples in his Word for us to gain support from.  We are not challenged to try to imitate their feats or accomplishments, but to seek encouragement from their gifts and defeats for God.  This cloud also continues to the present with the witnesses we come to church with every Sunday.

B.   Losing weight is a popular pastime for many of us, and possibly a life-extending one.  Many of us also should “lay aside every weight” in the spiritual sense. (See also: Isa 59:1-2, Col. 3:8, 1 Pet. 2:1)   It is easy to carry around extra baggage with us in our minds, and it is just as damaging to our prayer and fellowship with God, as physical weight is to our sprinting and jumping.  This also goes for the sin that creates the baggage; the verse says to lay aside the sin also.  It does little good for us to repent and let go of our past sins, if we are going to continue to sin and pick up more baggage.  By dropping off the sin and guilt we will enrich our spiritual life with God, and be able to embrace his blessings fully.

C.   Speaking of running, the author uses a race to illustrate our commission as a church.  A good athlete trains and exercises to play or run the best they can.  This goes for Christians also. (Phil. 3:13-14, 1 Tim. 4:7-8)  We may not see results as quickly as we would hope, but continuing to pray and read the Bible are long term practices which produce Godly fruit.  We do not run the Christian life as a series of sprints but the verse suggests a long-distance marathon. (1 Cor. 9:24-25)  We should not settle for just being in the race, but always strive for the best.  Anything less, would not be appropriate for our Lord, who gave everything for us.

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