Hebrews 11:29–12:2 (NRSV)
Read Hebrews 11:29–12:2 on biblegateway.com
Verse 29By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as if it were dry land, but when the Egyptians attempted to do so they were drowned. Verse 30By faith the walls of Jericho fell after they had been encircled for seven days. Verse 31By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had received the spies in peace.
Verse 32And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets- Verse 33who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, Verse 34quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Verse 35Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection. Verse 36Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. Verse 37They were stoned to death, they were sawn in two, they were killed by the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, persecuted, tormented- Verse 38of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. Verse 39Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, Verse 40since God had provided something better so that they would not, apart from us, be made perfect.
Chapter 12Therefore, 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, Verse 2looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our 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.
Devotion
At first glance, this lesson seems out of character with the fire-and-brimstone judgment of the week’s other lectionary texts. Instead we get a history review, a who’s-who of the Faithfulness Hall of Fame. These people are remembered because they fully trusted God was with them in good times and in bad. Their stories – and the stories of so many others in the great cloud of witnesses – inspire and encourage us.
But this passage isn’t simply about their faithfulness. It also underscores the faithfulness of God, who guides, protects, and redeems from generation to generation. This God gave us his very heart in Christ Jesus so that all of creation may be saved.
The great cloud of witnesses is a wonderful image. But let’s not forget what they are witnessing to: the almighty and everlasting God, whose high standard for his creation flows from his unending care and love.
Prayer
Thank you for putting people in my life who point me to you, O God. Help me be a faithful witness for others. Amen.