Hebrews 11:32-12:1
And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets– (33) who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, (34) quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. (35) Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. (36) Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. (37) They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated– (38) of whom the world was not worthy–wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. (39) And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, (40) since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. (12:1) 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,
The picture is that I am running into a stadium, filled with a great company of those who have run before, cheering me on, exhorting me to discard the encumbrances and throw away the unproductive, while focusing on the goal. The goal of a fully transformed life in Christ lies before me, the saints at my side to provide the evidence of that life.
Today’s readings in the Psalms:
Morning: Psalm 92
Mid-day: 119:25-32
Evening: Psalm 18
Voices Together is available as an annual daily devotional. Volume 1, Psalms 1 through 75 and Volume 2, Psalms 76 through 150 may be purchased at the Fellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.
