Sunday, July 8, 2001
Sunday, July 8, 2001
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay
aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that
is set before us.
"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 perseverence the race that
is set before us...."
(Hebrews 12:1
NRSV)
The word "therefore" is important to our understanding of the text. Without it we would probably
visualize a great stadium filled with spectators. There we are out on the track beginning our race
in front of that great cloud of witnesses. But wait. These are not spectators. The word
"therefore" links these witnesses to all those heroes of chapter 11. These are not mere spectators,
after all. They are not in the stands. They are out on the track with us. They already have run their
laps--sometimes against amazing odds, but now they have completed their course and they have
handed the baton to us and it is our turn.
Loving God, continue to surround me with your saints, as I persevere in following you. Amen.
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