Hebrews 12:1, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,”
Prompted by the past performances of the faithful and the prophetic promise of the future, Paul is encouraged to rise to a higher level of commitment; onward and upward! This mentality is nothing new for the great Apostle; “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended . . . I press toward the mark” (Philippians 3:13-14). Paul’s greatness can be attributed to never becoming satisfied with past or present performances. There are three things that contributed to a spirit that longs to move onward and upward.
Paul is moved by a Vision of the Witnesses, “seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses.” When considering the “cloud of witnesses” there are two main thoughts as to who they are; the first being those of the past that the writer has just made reference to. Those that have made the hall of faith are known for giving nothing short of the very best. How could anyone look at their sacrificial dedication and find grounds for not following in like fashion. There is also the thoughts of those that are living in the present; those for whom we are to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Aware of those before whom we stand, Paul said, “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself” (Romans 14:7).
Paul was moved by the Vulnerability of the Weight, “every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us.” There is a tendency to acknowledge the sin, while accepting the weight. The word “sin” is an offence that causes one to miss the true goal or scope of life in one’s relationship to God. It is readily recognized by most, causing them to quickly divorce themselves from such wickedness; lest they be shamed for their conduct. The weight on the other hand is not blatant, but rather a burden; that which doesn’t halt the runner, but rather hinders them from being their best.
Paul was moved by Volition for the Work, “let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” This volition or willingness is marked by eagerness, as seen in the word, “run.” The word means to run or to walk hastily. In another letter, the Apostle declared, “reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). It is marked by endurance, as seen in the word, “patience.” The word not only has the idea of cheerful and patient continuance, but it emphasizes not surrendering to the circumstances or succumbs under trial.
The spiritual eyes have been enlightened to the witnesses, the weight, and the work; knowledgeable of the opportunity before him, how could he give anything less than his best. It was no time to become satisfied with past or present performances; it was time to press onward and upward!