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“The Power of Scripture and a Great Cloud of Witnesses”
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let 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. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Scott Writes:
Hebrews 12:1-3 has helped me through a lot over the years. It is one of many “life verses” that God continues to use over and over.I came to Christ later in life and have had (and continue to have) many struggles with sin. When sin (i.e., doubt, selfishness, pride, etc.) takes over my thinking, it is God’s word and God’s people (the great cloud of witnesses) who continue to point me back to Jesus.
This verse goes on to reveal that Jesus is the author and perfecter of my faith. Thus, telling me that going anywhere else but to him for comfort or answers simply creates an idol in my life, not to mention the fact that it leaves me wanting. In spite of such knowledge, I often find myself in need of a regular dose of Hebrews 12:1-3 to remind me of this truth and to solve my worship problems.
People that know me well understand that I’m not a particularly patient or persevering person by nature. It is only when I consider what Jesus did for me that I’m able to endure hardship, run with perseverance, and not lose heart.
I can honestly say that it is as a result of this verse, the great cloud of witnesses, and God’s ongoing grace that I am here today.
Please note that the views expressed in this story are not necessarily the views of the American Bible Society. Story posted on March 20th, 2006 and filed under Grace, Your Stories, Mentoring, Overcoming sin, Life Verse, Most Popular Stories.
March 26th, 2006 at 1:18 pm
Two points are brought home in this story and scripture verses. First, the cloud of witnesses can be as distant as Paul, Luke and other saints found in the Old and New Testaments. Or, they can be as near as close family members and friends that have touched our lives.
The second point is that when Paul states “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus…” (Heb 12:2 NIV) he is reinforcing an older scripture from David in Psalm 25:15 that tells us “My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.”