Devotions: In Good Company

 

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

 

This is one of my favorite verses! It is so encouraging. We are not the only ones to have “run this race.” Many others have gone before us, while still more are here with us now. These two verses come directly after the “hall of faith” in chapter 11 where the author talks about the greats of the Old Testament. We have to remember that these were regular people who sinned and made mistakes just like us. They were no better than we are. Because of this, we can take courage. We should act as they did and put off everything that holds us back from our pursuit of Christ, especially the sin that trips us up. Anything that comes between us and Christ should be dealt with. We need to run with endurance, and those things will keep us from having the strength, determination and desire to keep going. It will hinder us. Instead of looking around us, we need to keep our eyes on the goal, the prize, on Jesus. He gave us faith, and is the one at work in us to perfect us. He ran this same race. He persevered and endured the worst punishment, but He didn’t let that stop Him. As a result, He is now at the right hand of God. That is the kind of endurance we need. Jesus would have nothing to do with anything that came between Him and the Father. He endured and persevered. He kept His eyes on the goal and did what needed to be done. Let us take Him as our example. Let us remember those who have gone before us. Let us strive to run with endurance.

 

 

 

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