Making Them Proud

2019-08-24, Verse of the Day Devotional

“Therefore 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, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV)

When kids are little, there is nothing more important to most than for their parents to be proud of them. As they hit their teen years, they sometimes feign indifference as to what parents think, though often they really do care. Even when life-long the relationship has been strained, late in life some eventually realize that for years they have subconsciously been striving for that approval. Such striving can be seen even after the parent has passed into eternity.

The writer of Hebrews had such a yearning in mind in this passage. As always, it is important to, “see what therefore is there for.” To fully understand any passage, we must check the context.

In this instance, “therefore,” points back to the litany of characters (Heroes of the Faith) just related in chapter 11. Beginning with Abel and extending to the present-day of the writer to the Hebrews, those who have lived by faith are the, “great cloud of witnesses,” to which he refers. For us, that would logically include our own loved ones and faith mentors who have already passed to their reward.

My wife’s father passed away before I met her. I’ve heard stories galore about him, most notably that he came to faith in the year of sickness before his death. Without even thinking of this verse, I have stood at his headstone and expressed my hope that he is pleased with how I have taken care of his daughter. That kind of thinking is not uncommon.

Expressions such as, “Dad’s watching over us,” or, “Mom is looking down on her girls with pride,” are common in everyday lore. This generic type of statement is intended to comfort, and according to this scripture, it has some validity. In light of the fact that this cloud of witnesses is watching us, what are we to do?

The image the writer expresses is of an athlete shedding any extraneous items which might slow them down, in order to gain every possible advantage in a competition. Such commitment can be seen today in world-class swim meets, where swimmers have shaved their heads, or wear skin-tight body suits to streamline their bodies in the water. Anything which might slow them by even one one-thousandth of a second is cast away.

What might this look like for us, as believers. How can we get rid of that which would hinder us in our race? Paul expresses one way in Romans. “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.” (Romans 12:10-13 NKJV)

Verse 12 is highlighted above because it could be argued that these are skills which specifically require spiritual training for endurance. Before we see the finish line, we are already to be rejoicing in the hoped-for goal, rather than waiting for accomplishment of the standard. When experiencing tribulation (hard times), our patience is developed. Even though we have not yet seen the answer, steadfastly we are to continue in prayer. All these skills come by practicing our faith; they are neither instant nor inherent.

Each of us can point to peaks of glory and valleys of despair in our walk of faith. At either extreme, we must remember our race is not done. There will be more opportunities for glory and more missteps to avoid. The race is not done until we cross the finish line. Then, to the cheers of that, “great cloud of witnesses,” including our dear departed loved ones, may we hear Him say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” That’s the One whose opinion matters most.

Related Scriptures

“But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.” (Colossians 3:8 NKJV)

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” (I Corinthians 9:24 NKJV)

“And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain.” (Galatians 2:2 NKJV)

“But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.” (Hebrews 10:39 NKJV)

“For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:” (Hebrews 10:36 NKJV)

“‘Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?’” Luke 24:26 NKJV)

“Because for Your sake I have borne reproach;

Shame has covered my face. . . .

You know my reproach, my shame, and my dishonor;

My adversaries are all before You.” (Psalms 69:7, 19 NKJV)

“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:8 NKJV)

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.” (Hebrews 2:9 NKJV)