Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV): 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.
The word 'weight' here is 'ogkos' in Greek, which means 'burden, hindrance', whereas the word 'ensnares' here is 'euperistatos' in Greek, meaning 'beset, afflict, discourage'. People of God, you and I are living in dangerous, stressful, and uncertain times. The Global Uncertainty Index reached a record level this year, and the recent Gallup's Global Emotions Report states that people around the world are becoming more and more angry, stressed, and worried in life. According to Gallup's new global survey for the year 2019, of some 150,000 people interviewed in over 140 countries, one third suffer from stress, and one in five persons suffer sadness and anger. That's a lot of people!
With the recent spate of hate crimes and terrorism, and adding to these, climate change, general economic and political uncertainties, and even persecutions in some countries, the verses in Hebrews 12:1-2 are definitely encouraging, in that you and I are not alone in facing all these, because we are 'surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses'. These are the saints who have gone before us, listed in Hebrews chapter 11, who have walked the walk of faith, and who are testimonies of God's faithfulness that He is a God who would see us through all the vicissitudes of life.
How about those loved ones who have gone before us, and even the heavenly angels? Just imagine yourself running a marathon race, and the crowd around you cheering you on, as you continue running with endurance the race that is set before you!
I like the way New Living Translation (NLT) translate the verses in Hebrews 12:1-2, and Hebrews 12:3 as well, 'Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility He endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up'.
Question: How do we keep running this race with endurance in spite of all that we see in this world?
Answer: Notice the expression in the above verse 'We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus'.
People of God, indeed, there's no other hope but to look unto Him, the One who begins your faith, and the One who completes your faith. Not looking at the troubles around you, not looking at the negative news around you, and of course not looking at whatever that burdens or discourages you, but looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith. This is a very important time to stay strong and positive no matter what. He is more than enough for you, and His grace (i.e. ability, supply) is sufficient for you. In fact, you will rise up even higher than before, and you will triumph! Therefore, let's declare by faith that 'your latter days are going to be greater than your former days'! These are the words I was led by the Spirit to proclaim when I prayed for some people recently. Let it be so for you too!
I end this article with Hebrews 12:12-13 (NKJV) that says, 'Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed', and with Philippians 4:8 (NKJV) that says, 'Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things'. Amen!
