Hebrews 12:1-3 (NRSV)
Read Hebrews 12:1-3 on biblegateway.com
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. Verse 3Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.
Devotion
I have never been much of an athlete, but I have always loved the imagery of this passage: a track and field stadium, an Olympic-size stadium, the stands all around the track filled to overflowing with the "great cloud of witnesses." And in that great cloud of witnesses are those saints we have loved—for me, Grandma and Grandpa, Uncle Herbert and Aunt Viola, Dad—along with the people of faith listed in the previous chapter—Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Moses, Rahab and countless others who through the centuries have lived by faith.
And we? We are the ones running the race, cheered on by those in the stands, those we have loved and those we have never met. Sometimes we run through tears, sometimes we only manage to walk, but we persevere, looking to Jesus, "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."
As you run the race this Holy Week, follow the example of Jesus. Keep on keeping on. And know that you are surrounded by the communion of saints, the great cloud of witnesses, who are cheering you on.
Prayer
Lord God, we give thanks for the saints who have gone before us. Give us their faith, that we might run with perseverance the race that is set before us. In the name of Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. Amen.