Written by Deanna Brooks, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas
“By faith” is repeated over and over in Hebrews 11 as the writer mentions people like us who were pleasing to God. Hebrews 12:1,2 follows with: “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.”
When I read this, I think of a track meet. Perhaps the writer had in mind the story of the Athenian courier Pheidippides who, in 490 BC, ran from the site of the Battle of Marathon to Athens with the message of Nike (‘Victory’) before promptly collapsing and dying.
In the days before telegraph and telephone a runner would be dispatched to carry news of an important battle back to the commander.
“Run with endurance” is an important phrase. “Endurance” means the ability or strength to continue despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions… no matter how tired or whatever else was happening.
Endurance was needed for the runner… and likewise, we have a race to run and need endurance. Encouragement enhances endurance, and that is why the “cloud of witnesses” is so important.
Why do you think the writer of Hebrews tells us about the cloud of witnesses? In addition to encouragement, I see reassurance and confidence in God’s promises as some of the reasons.
As disciples of Jesus the Christ, we are running the most important race in the world: a race to protect our souls from Satan.
When I look at the people listed in Hebrews 11, I wonder why certain ones are mentioned and others are left out. There are names listed as people of faith that I probably would not have included, like Jephthah. Perhaps they are listed to reassure us of God’s mercy and remind us of the forgiveness when our heart is turned towards Him. Their names also remind us that one decision, no matter how bad, does not destroy our relationship with God forever.
When I think of the cloud of witnesses, I add in the names of my loved ones who encouraged me while they were living, and those memories continue to encourage me now.
All of us who have gone to sporting events remember the cheering that is part of those events. Track meets have people in the stands yelling, “Keep on! You can do it! Hang in there!” We have seen our children glance over into the stands and catch a second wind when they see us cheering for them.
Life can be hard. It can bring the unexpected. It can bring heartache. It can bring suffering. This comes because we live in a fallen world, ruled by Satan.
Jesus told His disciples in John 16:33, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
We need encouragement. Throughout Scripture we are told of people who encouraged. Aaron and Hur held up the hands of Moses during a battle. Jonathan encouraged David when King Saul was trying to kill him. Naaman’s slave girl encouraged him to wash in the Jordan River. Barnabas was called “Son of Encouragement” …and because he did not give up on John Mark, we have the beautiful gospel of Mark.
When my sons were preschoolers, I made an 8-foot Bible timeline and put it on the wall above our couch. As I told them lessons from the Bible, I would show them when it occurred. At the end of the timeline, I put the cloud of witnesses and included family members that they heard us talk about but never knew. I would tell my sons about the godly lives of faith of those who had gone before and how their example of faithfulness was an encouragement to me growing up.
The encouragement from the “cloud of witnesses” from Scripture or our cherished memories of family gives us strength to remain faithful and finish our race.
Jesus said in John 12:31: “Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.”
In 2 Corinthians 4:4 Satan is referred to as “the god of this world.”
In 1529 Martin Luther penned these words to his hymn “A Mighty Fortress”:
“And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us. We will not fear, for God has willed his truth to triumph through us.”
God’s power is greater than Satan, and we have the example of those who have gone before us in faith and won the VICTORY!
1 John 5:4 “And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.”
The “cloud of witnesses” that encourages us because of their faith will be waiting to cheer as we hear our Redeemer say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matt. 25:23), and we enter into the joys of an eternal relationship with our Heavenly Father.
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