HEBREWS 12:1
THE CLOUD OF WITNESSES
Hebrews 11, often called the faith chapter, provides a long list of spiritual heroes, people like Enoch, Noah, Moses, Gideon, David, and many others. People whose faith and fortitude inspire us. Then, in chapter 12 verse 1, we read: “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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
So, who is this great cloud of witnesses?
That question is answered by the first word in chapter 12 – ‘Therefore’. The word ‘therefore’ points us back to chapter 11. Because of all these great men of faith, because of what God has accomplished in them and through them, therefore, because we have their example, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and run the race MARKED OUT FOR US.
Perception
I think the mistakes we make in the way we think about this great cloud of witnesses is to picture them somehow cheering us on. I know this is how I used to understand this verse. I imagined them watching me, cheering me on while I run my race. I imagined myself in a huge stadium, running on the 400 metre track, while all these great saints from the Old Testament watched and cheered me on. Not only did I imagine all those OT heroes of the faith, but others too. William Booth might be there in the stands. Perhaps Martin Luther, Billy Graham, and Charles Spurgeon are also there, encouraging me on my way. Then I started to think of people I know personally, members of my own family who have gone to be with the Lord. Surely they are up there in that crowd cheering me on.
Think Again
More recently, when I read these chapters more carefully, I came to realise that I had misunderstood what the writer to the Hebrews was saying. It wasn’t a big misunderstanding, but I believe it is important to understand God’s Word correctly. I began to see that it is not that these heroes of the faith are watching, clapping and shouting for me. My own loved ones who have gone to be with Jesus are not hanging over the edge of heaven watching me. Our ancestors are not involved in the everyday affairs of our lives. Your grandfather is not your guardian angel, watching over you.
When Christians die and go to heaven, they do not become angels. They remain persons, souls if you like. God already created angels, before He made us as it happens. The focus in heaven is not on us, it’s on God. Believe me, when we meet God face to face the affairs of this brief life will be insignificant by comparison. It seems nice to imagine your loved ones watching over you and encouraging you, but that’s not the testimony of Scripture.
What then is this cloud of witnesses?
Well, it is all those OT heroes of the faith. I see no reason why it would not include NT heroes, martyrs and saints from Church history, and indeed your ancestors, people who you knew and loved who are now in heaven. But, rather than them hanging over the edge of heaven, cheering us on, the writer to the Hebrews instructing us to be inspired by our memory of them. They are not actively involved in your life now. They are not cheering for you, or protecting you, or watching over you. But you, by thinking back to their victories, to their faith, to their commitment, you can be inspired and uplifted by their example and testimony.
Jesus Christ
Ultimately, the One who should motivate and inspire us the most, is Jesus. That is why Hebrews goes on to say “Fixing our eyes on Jesus the pioneer and perfector of faith. For the joy set before Him, He endured the Cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Notice the purpose of all this?
It is so that we will not get tired and give up. Remember those great men and women of faith in the OT. They were waiting and longing for the Messiah to come. They never even saw the fulfilment of that promise, but they kept the faith. Consider great Christians you have known, who loved and served Jesus even when it was tough, even when they were sick or poor – yet they finished their race. Best of all, consider Jesus, who faced opposition, misunderstanding, betrayal, and even death. With this great cloud of witnesses to inspire you, you need not lose heart in the race He has marked out for you. Hang on to Jesus!