Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Hebrews 12:1-2 New International Version (NIV)
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
In Hebrews 11 the author mentions several heroes of the faith, like Noah, Abraham, and David. But these guys had serious sins and character flaws! In fact, the #MeToo movement would have had serious issues with them. Abraham lied and said his wife was his sister so that he would not be killed. David used his position as king to take another man’s wife, got her pregnant and then tried to cover it up with murder. How can these guys be heroes?! Because they show the depths of God’s grace and forgiveness. They are the great cloud of witnesses that remind us it is not what we do that matters, but what God does on our behalf. So, let’s fix our eyes on Jesus and stand secure in knowing that we are forgiven and loved by God.