Today, on this 19th day of October, 2025, we turn our hearts and minds to the Word of God, and meditate upon its truths. Our passage for today is found in the Book of Hebrews, chapter 12, verses 1-2, which reads:
"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."
As we reflect on this passage, let us consider the significance of the "great cloud of witnesses" that surrounds us. This phrase refers to the saints who have gone before us, whose testimonies of faith and perseverance serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration to us today. We are reminded that we are not alone in our struggles, but that we are part of a larger community of believers who have faced similar trials and have emerged victorious through the grace of God.
The author of Hebrews then exhorts us to "lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely." This is a call to repentance and spiritual discipline, as we seek to rid ourselves of anything that might hinder our progress in the Christian life. We are to lay aside not only obvious sins, but also any attitudes or behaviors that might weigh us down and prevent us from running the race with endurance.
This race that is set before us is the Christian life, a life of faith, hope, and love. It is a race that requires endurance, for it is not a sprint, but a marathon. We are to run this race with our eyes fixed on Jesus, who is the founder and perfecter of our faith. He is the one who has gone before us, enduring the cross for our sake, and now sits at the right hand of God, interceding for us.
As we reflect on this passage, let us be encouraged by the example of the saints who have gone before us, and let us strive to lay aside every weight and sin, that we might run the race with endurance. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who will see us through to the end.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us, and for the testimony of their faith. We pray that you would grant us the grace to lay aside every weight and sin, that we might run the race with endurance. We look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and trust in his promise to bring us safely to the end. May your name be glorified in all that we do, in Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
