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.
Hebrews 12:1 NKJV
You know that feeling you get when you’ve taken a video of a performance, and then you realize you didn’t really enjoy or even pay attention to it because you were so focused on making the recording so you could watch it again in the future? We modern folks have trouble being present in the moment. So much so that being “in the moment” has become a common catch-phrase, and the concept of mindfulness has become a popular type of meditation.
We don’t want to miss out on present blessings due to worry about the past or the future. It’s important to be present in the present.
But Hebrews chapters 11-13 show us that the past and the future are important as well.
Hebrews 11 is sometimes called the “Faith Hall of Fame.” In fact, it enumerates so many great heroes of faith from the Old Testament that around verse 32 the author basically says, “There are tons of examples left, but I’m running out of time here,” and he just starts to list the amazing things they did and endured rather than continuing to give individual names and stories. In other words, just read through the Old Testament real quick and you’ll have it. Ha!
But in 12:1 the author explains why he spent so much time on these examples of faith. It wasn’t just a trip down memory lane. It was to say to his readers (that would be us):
“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,” (NIV).
As Christians we study the heroes of faith specifically to be encouraged that if they could do it, we can do it too!
God encourages us to be aware of the past.
Do you have any heroes of faith in your family tree?
If you are the only one in your family who has ever been a Christian, no worries! Hebrews 11 is your faith family tree, though you may have been grafted in (Romans 11:17ff).
But if you have Christian parents, grandparents, or anyone in your family who has faithfully served God, do you know their stories? If not, ask them before it is too late. Their lives of faith can be as much encouragement to you as the record of Hebrews 11; maybe in some ways more so.
For the same reason, we must think of the future as well. If you have children, some day they will be telling stories about you. Will they be stories of faithfulness to God? As much as we might be inspired by our family history to live in faith, we should also be motivated by the desire to be encouraging examples to those who come after us.
So yes, let’s be fully present in the moments of our lives whether it’s a live performance, time with family, time spent in worship, or time in the presence of anyone who needs our attention. But history is important too. Faith can be forgotten and lost if people aren’t intentional about passing it on generation after generation. As Christians we should be curious about the past and eager to share encouragement from history’s good examples.
Moving forward in our context, Hebrews 13:8 says that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. His human life also serves as an example from the past for our encouragement. But he is more than that. He is also of the present and in the future. This is why, when we “fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith,” (12:2 NIV), we have everything we need, past, present, and future, to help us remain faithful to God. Because, ultimately, it’s all about the future that awaits us.
For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. Hebrews 13:14
Dear God, I thank you for the wisdom and encouragement found in Your word. And I thank You for those who have been good examples in my own life. May I live in a way that will proclaim Your glory to those who come after me. Help me to keep the proper perspective on my past, my present, and my future, and I thank you for the knowledge that Jesus is part of it all. In His holy name, Amen.
by Christie Cole Atkins
Walk Worthy 