A Cloud of Witnesses

A Cloud of Witnesses

“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.” Heb. 12:1-2.

We who are running in the race have an entire cloud of witnesses surrounding us who follow along in our battle. They are the ones who have completed their race of sanctification in the fear of God. V. 23. They have also been in this evil, dark world in which the devil is on the loose. They have been in bad and awkward situations with bad and awkward people, but they have come through it all as overcomers, to God’s glory. Many of them were severely persecuted because of their faith and have had to endure all kinds of sufferings and tribulations; many of them completed their race by being burned at the stake or thrown to wild beasts. But all of them looked forward to their forerunner, Jesus, who also finished His race with much suffering, and they looked forward to the joy that was set before them in glory and eternal fellowship with Christ and the others who have also been in the race.

It will not be so hard for us during the course of our life if we see, with eyes of faith, this perfected, holy host around us wherever we are. They all testify to us of God’s faithfulness and power that no temptation will be too great and that no one who puts his trust in the Lord will be put to shame.

Every matter shall be established by two or three witnesses, and since we have an entire host of witnesses who have succeeded in reaching the goal, how can we possibly do anything but put off everything that hinders us and run the race that is set before us with great boldness and joy! When we, with the eyes of faith, see Christ and this holy host as large as life before us at all times, we will not become tired or discouraged. This host will encourage us to be faithful and wholehearted in the hidden as well as in the open.

Our tribulations are easy and light. A little while longer and all of us will be received into the heavenly mansions with joy, if we have received a name in this life among the overcomers and the faithful. However, no one who is unfaithful and halfhearted will be received.

We have an exalted calling. The saints that lived before us fought and battled in their days. Now it is our turn to be aware of our responsibility and glorify God’s name in an evil and dark world. May we fight this good fight of faith in the spirit and faith of the saints and follow those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Let us always look forward to the joy that awaits us. When we go forward with a pure conscience in the full assurance of faith, with the Father and the Son in our hearts and this great cloud of witnesses around us, we can see only a bright future ahead of us.