“A HUGE 1CLOUD OF WITNESSES IS ALL AROUND US. So let us THROW OFF everything that stands in our way. Let us THROW OFF any sin that holds on to us so tightly. Let us keep on running the race marked out for us. Let us keep looking to Jesus. He is the author of our faith. He makes OUR FAITH PERFECT.” (Heb. 12:1-2)
The Greek word 1nephos, translated “clouds,” has this meaning that is very exciting when understood in this context. In ancient, classical Greek times, the word “clouds” was used to describe the highest seats in the bleachers of a stadium. The seats at the very top of the stadium were called the clouds because they were so high up in the air. Maybe these witnesses are our relatives that have gone to be with the Lord, or the old testament saints cheering us on. We are being encouraged to LET GO OF AND THROW AWAY anything that will keep us from finishing the race.
KEEP RUNNING, LOOKING TO JESUS, WHO IS PERFECTING OUR FAITH…
-Bill Stockham