“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” ( Hebrews 12:1).

Clouds are visible mass of condensed watery vapor floating in the atmosphere, typically high above the general level of the ground. For us below we can say due to their advantage point clouds provide a good oversight for our walk. In our leading verse the Apostle Paul used them as a metaphor to make a point of beloved witnesses around us who encourage and strengthen us in our Christian walk.

While any believer in Christ may on occasion rely on his gifts to grow in faith everyone needs the support and fellowship of others. As it is pointed, “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near” ( Hebrews 10:25). Further, Proverbs says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” ( 27:17). These believers around us are a “cloud of witness” who spur us on to yonder.

Through the time of the Covid pandemic many of us were locked up in isolation as a deterrent against infection. However, once the doors were open there was an eagerness for many of us to go out and meet others. This was true also of many believers for purposes of enriching our faith through shared testimonies and communal rejoicing and praise of our living God.

The cloud of witnesses are one of the blessings God has given us to mature in faith. They help us unburden whatever weight might be pulling us down, so as to stand straight and persevere on in our faith walk.

Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, I thank you for the cloud of witness you have gathered around me to strengthen me in my faith and may I profit from these faithful witness, this I pray in Jesus’ name.