Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Devotional Thoughts
By David Wilkerson
Hebrews 12:1 tells us that the world is encircled by a cloud of witnesses who are with Christ in glory. My question is, what does this great crowd bear witness to? And who is their witness meant for?
This cloud of witnesses speaks to our generation, by their lives and their words as recorded in Scripture. I believe they have three things to say to us:
1.They are witnesses that God’s heart is still set on saving this lost world. There is no record in Scripture of God having forsaken this world. He is still at work, pouring out his Spirit on all flesh and moving on men and women in every nation.
2.They witness to us that God’s heart is still set on loving and preserving his church. Even with rampant apostasies and backslidings, the Lord cherishes his body.
3.They witness to us that God’s heart is still set on every child of his. The Lord will never leave a single servant of his behind, no matter how far that servant may have fallen.
When God sets his heart on you, you will be tried often. But the fact is, the longer and harder your affliction, the more deeply God has set his heart on you, to show you his love and care. That is the witness of Paul’s life, and indeed, of Jesus’ life. The enemy may come against you, but our Lord has raised up a standard against him. We find absolute rest in Jesus.
All of these voices from that great cloud of witnesses tell us so. Do I hear a witness in your spirit?