We must understand the next two verses in conjunction with Hebrews 11. In the preceding verses, the writer has listed many names of Old Testament saints who believed in the promises of God and evidenced genuine faith in His power. Through each example, the writer of Hebrews is displaying a model of faith for the reader and challenging them to also live a life of faith. Hebrews 12:1 begins with therefore which urges the reader to look back at these great examples of faith, but it also requires a response about knowing this to be true. We are “surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses” who are not spectators, but rather examples to be followed. Our response should be in three ways. First, we must “lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us.” Keep in mind that the writer is speaking to Hebrews who had not really made up their mind about Christ and had not yet come to salvation. So, when he tells them to “lay aside every weight” he is referring to the Levitical system of worship. He goes on say that they should also lay aside the “sin which easily ensnares.” I don’t believe the writer is referencing one particular sin, but the ultimate sin, unbelief. In context with the book of Hebrews, unbelief is specifically a failure to acknowledge and trust in Jesus Christ as the perfect sacrifice for sin. Secondly, the author tells his readers to “run with endurance the race that is set before us.” After they would come to faith in Christ, the writer desires them not to quit. The race is symbolic of life and we should persevere through trials and temptations. Last, the writer challenges the Hebrews to look to “Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” Jesus Christ was to be the focus of their faith. Being the author of faith, He perfectly exemplifies it. Being the finisher, He will make sure it is brought to completion. Is Jesus Christ the object of your faith today? If He is, have you been enduring the difficult journey of life by faith?
Dear God, help me to endure the race through faith in You.
