Hebrews 12:1 (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…
In Hebrews, Paul speaks about the cloud of witnesses around us as we run the race of Christianity. Paul is painting the picture of the cheering crowd at the ancient Greek Olympic Games. He said these believers are like athletes, and believers who have gone before us roar their encouragement, “Finish Strong, Finish Strong, Finish Strong!”
The word CLOUD used in this passage, defined by Vincent, “means a great mass of cloud covering the entire visible space of the heavens, and therefore without definite form, or a single large mass in which definite outlines are not emphasized or distinguished.”
This is no ordinary cloud. This is the cloud of witnesses just described in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11. This is Abel’s sacrifice of faith, Enoch’s walk of faith into heaven, Noah’s work of faith, and Abraham’s life of faith. The author sees believers struggling with daily obstacles that hold us back but being cheered on by the lives of those that have gone before us. We are being challenged to shake off our daily hindrances and finish the race that we began by faith.
I love to imagine the scene in heaven as the eternal race draws to a close. This cloud of witnesses knows what is at stake and they also know the challenges we face. Like Jesus stood to cheer for Stephen, He stands again with all His other witnesses as we approach the finish line. Their shouting from another world penetrates the atmosphere of this realm as this age draws to a close. What are they shouting? “Finish the race, run with all your strength, the reward is greater than you can ever know. Shake off your fears, your doubts, your insecurities and your sins and run with strength into His arms of love!”
There is Paul standing and cheering, “Run the race, run that you may win” (1 Cor. 9:24). Paul believed there was no other option; less than our best effort is unacceptable. With our imperishable, eternal reward at stake, we have to run the race with winning as our only option. Run this race to win!
Next I see the smiling face of the Apostle Peter. He seems to be crying out, “Come, walk on the water with me” (Matt. 14:29). Our best human efforts in this spiritual event will fall miserably short. We need the supernatural power of God. Peter remembered walking on the water with Jesus as something impossible. He also remembers standing and risking his life in Jerusalem, preaching under that great Pentecostal anointing. Peter stands and begins to shout, “Walk on the water, walk on the water, walk on the water with Jesus!”
