Bible Reading: Hebrews 12:1
Hebrews 12:1 says, "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 verse is talking about the list of our spiritual ancestors named in Hebrews 11 including Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and Rahab.
Why did God find it important to give us this list of our ancestors?
Just as the walls of a fort surround a community and protect it, our spiritual ancestors surround us spiritually. They provide us with the protection of their wisdom and teach and encourage us through the example of their lives. Seeing their experiences and God's love and provision for them serves to encourage, strengthen, and guide us.
By following their example of trusting God, we would always be successful in everything that God has given us to do. We will have all we need to do the work God has given us to do. We will always be to do that work in a way that honors and pleases God. We will be able to live our lives to the fullest with the confident assurance that God is always with us, caring for us, providing for us, and loving us.
I hope you will take a moment to thank God for the wonderful "cloud of witnesses" with which He has surrounded us. I also hope that you will take some time to learn more about each of these witnesses and what their lives can teach.
"...imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised." Hebrews 6:12b
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the "cloud of witnesses" that You have surrounding me. Help me to follow their examples an faithfully live for You. In Jesus' name. Amen.