Hebrews 12:1-3
In Hebrews 12 we are reminded that we live out the course of our Christian faith surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. In that crowd are those from the beginning of time who lived and died in faith all the way up to the present.
“Witness” has two meanings, both of which are applicable to our Christian life. On the one hand all of those believers who went before us bear witness to the centrality of the Cross of Jesus Christ. They lived and died in faith, not having their faith made complete without the Cross. They looked forward to what the Lord was going to do at the Cross, while we look back at what He has done for us. Both those who lived before and after that moment in time are united by that. So they bear witness that there is no other Name in Heaven or or earth by which we may be saved but the Name of Jesus.
The other meaning of “witness” is to be an onlooker, to behold something as it takes place. In that sense we are given the mental image of one in a race who is being cheered on by those surrounding the track.
We are are reminded that we are not alone in this Christian journey, but are surrounded and encouraged by loved ones and other brothers and sisters in Christ who have finished the course and kept the faith.
Think of all those who have gone on before who have contributed to your conversion, helped you, inspired you, taught you and encouraged you. From time to time it is good to pause and give God thanks for every one of them. I have a long list of loved ones, neighbors, friends, teachers and mentors. I’m grateful to God for them, and I am grateful to them. How about you?
