Can I Get A Witness?

 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. Hebrews 12:1

There are a few things that I want to share both directly and indirectly relative to this verse.

First - let's talk about "therefore". The pastor of the church we attended in Savannah, GA in the early 80's would say, "When you see the Word "therefore" in a verse in the Bible,  you should see what it is "there" for. So let's see what preceded chapter 12.

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.- Hebrews 11:1-3

Those verses precede a list of Old Testaments giants in the faith.  By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death. 

 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 

By faith Noah, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. By faith Abraham went to live in the land of promise. By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son. By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.  By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies. For time would fail me to tell of [the faith of] Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets.

That is what the "therefore" is there-for. Because the faithfulness of God has been proven through the lives and testimonies of so many before us, we should run the race of faith in God set before us. So often the picture of those mentioned is one of them sitting in the stands cheering us on. In my studies I have understood that those in heaven are looking up to the Father and not down on some race of human kind to cheer them on to not quit to keep running. Rather, it is us still walking on this planet - running the race of faith - looking at those who have already run the race and won the prize which is eternal life and looking up to the Father in faith.

And like them we are also called to be witnesses. 

[Jesus said of the disciples and all who would be disciples] You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. - Acts 1:8

There is this notion that those who have gone to heaven before us are looking down on us - yet there is no Biblical support for that belief. I think it is a misplaced desire to stay connected with those who are now in heaven.  Like telling someone who lost a pet dog that if it makes them happy, God will  make sure the dog is in heaven. Saying that to someone who has lost a loved one who was a Christian though comforting at the moment is not truthful. It may be best, at those times, to remain silent and pray for the person. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 

We must be careful that we do not "pluck out" portions of scripture - out of context - thinking that it might bring comfort to their hearts but is really nothing more than wishful thinking. It may make sense to our mortal minds, but it is not consistent with God's revelation to mankind.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone