Reflections: Hebrews 12.1-2

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, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

This was the text today in my Daily Reader on the Blackberry. Sidenote: Having the Youversion Bible on my phone is super handy because it has a daily reading plan. Back to the selected verses.

Great cloud of witnesses: I think this refers to the example set by other Christians who have dealt with their own brokenness/sin or had to go through great suffering. These might be Christians of long ago or not so long ago. We can learn from these people who have gone before us. Not only that, but they are a source of support for us in our times of temptation and trial.

Throw off: It's interesting that the writer says throw off referring to sin. In the ancient world, clothes were cumbersome and weighty. When people competed in sports, it was often stark naked. This could be an allusion to the Garden of Eden when man and woman walked with God naked and without shame. As we run this race, we should take off the sin that's weighing us down and run "naked" in the way God originally intended us to be before Him. Note: I am not endorsing public nudity, streaking, or anything similar. Nakedness is a metaphor for having our lives exposed.

looking to Jesus: Ultimately, our focus is Jesus, who is the one who teaches us how to run. He experienced the greatest suffering of anyone. He endured the cross because it was a temporary suffering compared to the eternal joy he would experience after the resurrection. We have this same joy to look forward to. After the resurrection, all things will be made new for eternity and we will live in God's presence.

This is what I got out of this passage today. I can bear my "cross" with great joy because the way things are is only temporary. There is a greater joy down the road to which I can look forward!