A Cloud of Witnesses

Last night in my reading through the New Testament for the 40 days of Lent this passage encouraged me. It reminded me that living out this faith is not just about me and my life but about the legacy of faith of those before us. I was also reminded that God never promised that following Him that life would be easy - exercising great faith may mean experiencing great trial. But, unlike the people of the Old Testament, we know the end of the story. We know of the ultimate victory and redemption of the earth. Where is my faith today?

It is a rather lengthy passage but I share it in the hopes that it will encourage you today as well.

Hebrews 11:32 - 12:2

(Hebrews 11:1-31 has named specific instances of people exercising faith.)

And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets-- who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in way, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tormented, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goat, destitute, afflicted, mistreated-- of whom the world was not worthy-- wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.

And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.