Hebrews 12:1 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,

The witnesses, martyrs, are not mere spectators but witnesses who testify from their own experience to God's fulfilling his promises. Their testimony is to give us encouragement to overcome present hindrances to our faith like a crowd of spectators would cheer an athlete during an athletic competition.

Hindrances can keep us from running effectively the race God has for us.

Endurance: It is a determination, unhurrying and yet undelaying, which goes steadily on and refuses to be deflected.” (Barclay)

Hebrews 12:2 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

The cloud of witnesses:

Polycarp

"Eighty and six years have I

served him, and he never once wronged me;

how then shall I blaspheme my King, Who hath

saved me?"

William Tyndale

….crying at the stake with a fervent zeal, and a loud voice, "Lord! open

the king of England's eyes."

Walter Hilton

“The foundation for your spiritual house must be built upon

three things: a teachable attitude, an unshakable belief in the truth, and a heart that seeks God with undivided fervor.”

“An important exercise that is essential that all

Christians engage in is the practice of

inward evaluation .”

Inward reflection1 Corinthians 11:28, 3128 But let a man examine himself, …31

For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.

1 John 1:9 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

REFLECTION

These three testimonies are part of a vast cloud of witnesses that encourage us to run the race with endurance. Continue to train yourself in godliness by engaging in the spiritual disciplines…Prayer, the word of God, giving, and now what we see from Walter Hilton, self examination and confession of sin.