One of the most encouraging aspects of Christianity is understanding that your generation is not the only generation to share the message of the Gospel. Throughout church history, we read about the multitude of believers who have gone before us, known as the great cloud of witnesses. We are to be inspired by the godly examples these saints set during their lives. These are those whose past lives of faith encourage others to live that way, too. They may or may not actively “witness” to us from heaven, but this is not the main point. The main point is that their good examples should spur us on. Their lives demonstrated that it was possible to face the trials and adversities in this world and conquer them by faith. They testify to God’s faithfulness, that He will see them through all the struggles of life.
In this passage, the writer of Hebrews tells of believers who have gone to heaven and who have demonstrated the power of true, godly faith. As a letter delivered to persecuted Jewish Christians, these examples are meant to be encouraging and inspiring, as well as convicting. God waited to deliver the ultimate fulfillment of His promises so that we—those who are alive now—would have an opportunity to be saved. Given that privilege, Christians ought to strive to endure, and to hold fast, living out that same godly faith.
- Explain the phrase we have so great a cloud of witnesses. Who are they? Are they watching us?
- What is the race that you are in? What does it mean that this race is set before us?
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