Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Hebrews 12:1-6

I hope you read Hebrews 11 immediately before reading Hebrews 12, because of that critical first word of Hebrews 12, “Therefore.”

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, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

Hebrews 12:1-3 ESV

Why do we remember all those men and women of faith who went before us, men and women who didn’t ever receive what they were promised, what they were hoping for?

Why do we cast off sin and all those other not-so-helpful things that are holding us back in this race?

Why do we consider Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, the One who endured such hostility?

Because that’s how we can keep going, that’s how we can endure, that’s how we can continue to run the race without giving in to weariness and faint from lack of strength. Remember those saints. Remember Jesus. Cast off sin and selfishness and pride and cling to your faith.