| “… let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” |
| —Hebrews 12:1b |
Anyone who engages in a musical performance, or a dramatic presentation, or a sporting event, will tell you what a key role the audience plays. Those who watch you perform will provide a significant boost of energy that greatly enhances your performance.
So it is for we “Christ’s-ones,” as we struggle to follow God’s pathway. A great crowd watches us from heaven. The writer of the letter to the Hebrew Christians explains this in Hebrews 12:1‑3:
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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
For the joy set before him he 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 sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Each time we gather for worship, let’s remember the saints who have gone before us and who now abide in the very Presence of our Lord. They are witnesses to our faith journeys. They are cheering us on, as we obediently follow the pathway God has opened up before us. Praise God that we follow His path for us with their enthusiastic support.
Based on a blog originally posted on Monday, January 5, 2015
