Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Here is bible reading tip that most have heard before but it so relvant here I will risk repeating it; “When you see a “therefore” see what it’s there for. What we are studying is there because of Hebrews chapter 11; the great discourse on faith. Let’s review a few principles without listing the dozens of people who ultimately become a part of the great crowd of witnesses we learn are are now surrounding us, cheering us on.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen…..By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible……And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him…..All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own.
I don’t know many people who have suffered through worst nightmare circumstances such as those chronicled in Hebrews 11. But these folks are among us nevertheless. I am aware of a sweet young couple who had to say goodbye to their 2 year old son yesterday. Loosing a child is any parent’s ultimate nightmare. As I read The CaringBridge entry by the mother of this boy I wanted to amend Hebrews 11 to include her and her husband. Whether this mother, who is a relatively new believer, knows our passage or not I do not know. But I do know they personify it. The mother’s story can be read at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kaislockers. It is called Love Wins.
Please pray for this precious young family that they would know something of their son’s joy who has now met his Father in heaven and is seeing God and being seen by him without the obstruction of his failed earthly body. He has joined the great throng of saints who have finished their race who are now looking down and cheering us on in ours.
