KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE GOAL!
“Wherefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1)
We all realize that we are being watched by others every day, but do you understand that you are also being watched by those “behind the scenes”—a great cloud of witnesses? They are identified by contestants in the race that have gone on before us such as: the spectators in the stand.
The opening word of chapter twelve, “wherefore” helps identify these spectators. The “wherefore” connects this chapter with the previous chapter, and refers to the roster of heroes of the faith from Abel on. Among them are such famous all-stars as Enoch (one of my favorites), Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Gideon, Samson, Daniel and many others. All these people were contestants in the race; all who have finished the course, and are now waiting for the last runner to finish the race, and then the prizes will be given. The stand from which they observe the race is heaven. They are referred to as a “cloud” in the sky. There in heaven are athletes who, having ended the race, are looking on to encourage us, to warn us and remind us of the rules of the game! The cloud of witnesses is the company of the redeemed ones in heaven.
The Bible presents the Christian life under a wide range of figures, all of them suggestive and descriptive of the believer’s experience. He is compared to a child, a sheep, a house, a temple, a farm, a pilgrim, a soldier, a bride, members of a body, and many other things. One of the most colorful is that of an athlete, running in a race to obtain the prize or trophy.
The figure is taken from a race track in a great arena, with a multitude of rooters and fans in the seats of the giant amphitheater. They are described as a great cloud of witnesses or spectators. In the stands tier upon tier set the eager onlookers witnessing the event with great interest. The athletes are running, with but one goal in mind, not only to finish the course but to win the coveted prize. The runners are born again believers because of their faith. These runners are not trying to reach heaven by their efforts. We run because we are saved, not to obtain salvation.
The cloud of witnesses raises a question which is constantly asked and weighed. Do our loved ones in heaven know what is going on here below? Do they see what we are doing, and how much do they see? There are two views and possibly more on the matter.
First, there are those who believe that the saints in heaven do actually look down upon earth, and are interested in what we are doing. That they do know some things which are happening here below is quite evident, for Jesus says: “… joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repents” (Luke 15:7). This joy is experienced by the saints, for Luke 15:10 says, “… there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents.” Notice it is not the angels who rejoice, but the joy is in the presence of the angels. Those can be none other than the saints in glory. How they receive the news every time a sinner comes to Christ we may not know for certain, but it is possible that they look down upon us here below and observe what we are doing and how we are running the race. What a solemn thought, that our loved ones observe us here below. There is no doubt that God sees all, knows our thoughts and hears every word we speak. God’s eye is never closed!
Another interpretation of this cloud of witnesses is almost as solemn. While these saints may not see or know what we are doing here below, their record is a witness from the past that it is possible to win the race and obtain the crown. They overcame and gained victory, so there can be no excuse for us who have far more light and greater advantages, to fail or fall by the way to “suffer loss,” and be “saved so as by fire.” What a frightening thought to ponder.
What is our incentive—that there is a great cloud of witnesses, we are admonished: “…let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily bests us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1). Because of the example of these witnesses and their encouragement, we are to divest ourselves of every encumbrance which would impede our racing movements in any way. The runner is to be properly garbed for the race.
The application is clear—is it not? Any encumbrance would include many things in themselves harmless and innocent, but if they hinder us in the race, they should be laid aside. Take a closer look at your life today—what hinders you from running the race so that you will win the prize? What is the weight which is slowing you down in your Christian life? Some of these things may be “good” everyday things, such as: fishing, watching too much TV, innocent fun pleasures of life, luxuries you want or own, the best car on the market, the nicest home in the neighborhood, the making of money, and more. How much time do you spend feeding your soul on the Word?
Oh, Christians, awake! You are in a race which calls for the best that is in you. Ask yourself in everything you do—Does this help or hinder my spiritual life? It really isn’t had if we are only willing to face it. As Jesus said to Peter over and over again, “Lovest thou Me?” What a disappointment it will be when we meet the Judge of the race and miss the crown and our Lord’s commendation. What comes first in your life?
Athletes today as well as in ancient times would deny themselves everything, submit to the severest discipline in training, observe the strictest abstinence and separation from everything which might present them from being at the very peak of condition. And they, says Paul,
“…do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beats the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway (disapproved for a crown)” (1 Cor. 9:25-27).
“So run, that you may obtain …” (1Cor. 9:24).
