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"Therefore 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, looking 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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
(Hebrews 12:1-2)
God is so good to us to preserve His Word so we can read it and apply it to our lives. I am praying that is precisely what happens in your life as you read these devotions this week. I pray even now that the Holy Spirit would take these messages I share with you and apply them directly to your point of need.
I believe Joseph, David, Esther, Nehemiah, Ruth, Paul, Peter, and many other heroes and heroines of the faith are the great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, according to Hebrews 12:1. These godly men and women and scores more like them fought the good fight, kept the faith, and now enjoy being constantly in the presence of God. I do not think they watch us or can even see us from where they are in heaven. There is no crying in heaven. If they saw the suffering and trials we experience, they would no doubt grieve for us. Furthermore, they are too busy worshiping the Lord God Almighty! Though we cannot see them or they us, their "cloud" of example motivates us to keep going for the Lord.
We also have an untold number of witnesses on earth who have followed and continue to follow Jesus, and their example and "cloud" spur us on to do great things for God. One of the powerful motivating factors for me to persevere in service to King Jesus is knowing that I am not alone. God has His people everywhere!
How are you doing in your walk with Jesus, your relationship with the Lord? No doubt, some of you are not soaring with the eagles; rather, you feel you are trotting with the turkeys! You are depleted, worn down, and desperate for a fresh touch from God. I get this way sometimes and can relate. Let this message from Hebrews inspire and spur you on to renewal and faithful service.
We do not know who wrote the Book of Hebrews. Was it Paul, Apollos, Luke, or someone else? But what we do know is that it is part of the sacred canon of Scripture preserved for us. Hebrews 12:1 instructs us to do two things: first, we are to lay aside all that entangles us or slows us down in our pursuit of Jesus and service to Him. It could be a sin you are harboring, like bitterness, or it could even be a good thing that has become an idol. Let us lay those aside.
Second, he says to run with endurance. I enjoy running and have been blessed to run numerous marathons. While running 26.2 miles, you must pace yourself and push through or endure the pain in order to get to the finish line.
May God bless you and empower you to be motivated by those who have gone before you. Keep looking to Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). Lay aside the weights that slow you down, and run, run, run for Jesus.
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