“Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the Vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing”

— John 15:4-5

This is a weekly reflection on the previous week’s sermon text. Each week there will be a devotional related to the scripture for the week, along with questions for reflection/discussion, as well as prayer. Feel free to make this a part of your individual spiritual growth throughout the week or utilize in small group settings (growth groups, Sunday school, etc.)

Hebrews 12:1-3

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, looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

Our passage begins with the word “Therefore”. The author of Hebrews is referencing the list of names (cloud of witnesses) from chapter 11 – heroes of the faith in the Old Testament – Abraham, Sarah, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, etc. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…let us run the race that is set before us.” The image of a great cloud of witnesses is comforting. Perhaps you are thinking of the great cloud of witnesses who have influenced your life and faith journey – those persons whose lives served as a testimony and encouragement to you.

It's interesting that the author of Hebrews employed the analogy of a race. Dave Corna, one of our pastors, started running at least a mile a day every day 2000 days ago! It requires a good deal of perseverance and endurance to run 2000 days in a row, and I imagine there were some days when Dave didn’t feel like lacing up his running shoes and running in the heat or cold or wind, yet he endured.

The Greek word for endure is hypomone – meaning steadfast, patient staying-power through difficulty. There are so many things we must endure in the race that has been set before us – health issues, doubt, fear, strained relationships, etc. Yet we are reminded that we are surrounded not only by those we love here with us today, but also by those who have gone before us to heaven. Most of all, however, we can endure because we know Christ endured great suffering for us and surrounds us today with his grace and compassion.

I pray you have a great day and remember those people who surround you with love and support today.

Prayer:

Redeeming God, we thank you for the great cloud of witnesses who cheer us on throughout our lives. Some of them we know and some we do not, but we take comfort in knowing there is so much beyond the world we see. Help us to live our lives in such a way that we can be witnesses and encourage others today. Amen.

QUESTION FOR REFLECTION:

Who is in your “cloud of witnesses”? Who serves as an encouragement in your life? Past and present.
How would you define the “race that is set before you” in this season of your life? What or who helps you endure?
What do you think the author of Hebrews intended by writing about Jesus “who for the sake of the joy that was set before him…”? What joy was set before Jesus?
Who are you going to encourage today?

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