Don’t Think There Aren’t Any Witnesses
[1] 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, [2] 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. Hebrews 12:1–2 ESV
When we get together over Thanksgiving and Christmas and catch up with friends and relatives, some families have stories that go on for days. Sometimes there is a new boyfriend or a new in-law that needs every tale of family lore retold. Maybe somebody retells a story that is wrong and everyone else wants to set the record straight.
If you listen closely, a heritage, a worldview, is passed on from one generation to another in all of those stories. Even the smallest kids in the room pay attention to what is valued and what is disregarded in the re-telling of stories they’ve heard over and over. One person might talk about uncle George’s VW bus wreck with all kinds of grace and mercy and joy, while another can tell about their new job and promotion with bitterness, slander, and spite.
The cloud of witnesses mentioned at the beginning of Hebrews 12 is referring to the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11. These saints are our heritage of people that have been redeemed by Jesus. As we read their stories, we are built up to continue the tradition of those that have looked to Jesus for their source of strength and joy in whatever circumstances.
The affection that we often have for our family after sharing all of those stories comes from the reminder of what we’ve all been through together. If you want a great look at what all we as the people of God have been through together, read through Hebrews 11. Read through it with a study Bible that will give you links back to each of their stories in more detail.
We have a heritage as the people of God. We have a history of faithful people that looked to God and the Messiah that He would send. Let their faithfulness and their reaction to their circumstances strengthen your faith in Christ as you carry the truth on for another generation.