“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us . . . “ (Hebrews 12:1).
Chapter 10 of Hebrews to—“hold fast the confession of our hope . . .” (Hebrews 10:23), to “not throw away your confidence” (10:35), and the “need of endurance” (10:36). They culminate in the greatest example of all here—Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-3).The writer, quoting from Habakkuk, tells the Hebrew Christians, and all of us—this is how the righteous live—by faith, and that God takes no pleasure from those who shrink back (10:38). And then in v. 39, he sets the stage for one of the greatest chapters in the Bible—Faith’s Hall of Fame (Hebrews 11). In essence he says, “Shrinking back is not our family heritage. Our ancestry is of those who have a faith, a tenacity that perseveres to the very end.” Then, beginning with Genesis, he marches out the long parade of heroes that comprise the great cloud of witnesses here in Hebrews 12:1.
Many a preacher has painted the picture of this great cloud—and all the saints and leaders we have personally known—as spectators cheering us on as we run our own races in this life. Of course, it raises the question, do those who have gone before us observe us from heaven as we deal with our own struggles and heartaches? If so, it seems we may be causing a great deal of consternation in heaven, and disturbing the joy “of those whose rest is won” as the great hymn says.
Well, enough of what we do not know and cannot prove. Perhaps those in the great cloud—the Bible heroes, the spiritual giants, and the leaders of our own lives—are not so much witnesses of us, as they are witnesses to us. Certainly, they witness to us of great faith, of lasting endurance, of confessions held, and of confidence that persevered. Their lives stand and shine as beacons that show us the way on our own paths through life. They witness to us, that like theirs’ was, so too can our race of life—and leadership, be run—and won!
Charles "Chuck" Nutt
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