"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."
A really good verse that so many know. It's referring to all of the people of faith from the previous chapter. Focus on the race of life. But oh it gets much better if we keep going...
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
That focus we are suppose to have is to be on Jesus. He didn't just face the cross, along with the same that accompanied it (after all being hung on a tree is akin to being cursed), but he did so with joy! He endured this to finish God's perfect plan. To conquer death, and make the unattainable righteousness, available to us, sinners undeserving, yet loved by God.
Then the writer of Hebrews goes on to encourage us, that God will discipline us. Not pleasant you say? But as our earthly fathers discipline us, "and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live!"
"Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but god disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time , but painful. Later on , however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."
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