Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

This is a very famous verse, but I have heard it preached on the basis of what I see as a misunderstanding. The “cloud of witnesses” is obviously the great list of people of faith from the previous chapter, but I’ve heard several people describe it like being in a stadium, and the “cloud” is all the people in the stands. Christian living isn’t a spectator sport! No, these “witnesses” aren’t watching us, they’re declaring the faithfulness of God. It’s like Jesus said, when the Holy Spirit comes on us, we will be His witnesses. (Acts 1:8) We aren’t just watching Him (though as the next verse says, we are to keep our eyes fixed on Him) we are proclaiming to all who will hear that He is faithful, the only Savior, who is worthy of all our love and devotion. That’s what all the people in chapter 11 are telling us, and we need to join their chorus, expressing that truth to all who are around us.

God pointed out to me that He had indeed baptized me in His Spirit when I realized I was talking to a total stranger about Jesus. I had joined the cloud of witnesses! Interestingly, even with that experience I didn’t think I had the gift of evangelism, but I certainly enjoyed teaching people about Jesus and the Bible. It’s only been within this year that I have discovered the joy of sharing Christ in an evangelistic setting. I think that joy has been there before, but I just haven’t recognized it. In any case, however long the Lord keeps me here, I intend to be one of His witnesses, actively drawing people into His family in repentance and faith. I can’t argue someone into the kingdom, but I can love them in! The second half of this verse talks about “running with patience/perseverance.” I’ve never been much of a runner, but the Lord has certainly been working on my patience. Recently I have frankly been rather tired of it all, but I am to remember this exhortation, as well as Jesus’ example, and hang in there until I cross the goal line, by His strength and support.

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You for all You are doing in and through me. I ask Your anointing for the service today, as I am both worship leader and speaker, that I may operate in Your strength and not my own. I do ask Your clear presence for the brother who enters the hospital today for surgery on his esophagus tomorrow. May he and his wife rest in Your loving arms, in great peace and even joy, as clear witnesses to all the medical staff around them, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!