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.
Hebrews 12:1-2
When I read this scripture this morning, all I could think about was a marathon. Picture the scene of a large crowd on either side of the road watching you run.. The author is encouraging you to let go of the weight and exhaustion you are feeling in your body, to cast it off, and run with endurance toward what lies before you. As strive forward, look for your trainer and friend. He knows what you feel because he has run this race for you with all the heavy weight you feel upon his back, so you don’t have to carry it! He did it joyfully even though it hurt to the point of death, and indeed it killed him. But now he sits at the finish line, alive and encouraging you. Look for him!
And now join the cloud of witnesses along the race route and encourage others to look for the founder and perfecter of their faith!
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