Scripture to Meditate On

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. Hebrews 12.1-2

What do we have here? It's a call to endurance made to a people who were flagging in their devotion to Jesus. Notice that the author provides examples of those who had gone before and endured. These are the faithful that were described in the previous verses in chapter 11. But in addition, there is Jesus who endured the cross. These examples were presented to them for two reasons. First, to let them know that their situation was not unusual. Being faithful is hard, and it always will be. Second, these faithful, along with Jesus, were blessed for their faithfulness. Those to whom this letter was written will also be blessed, if they endure to the end.

And isn't it interesting that in the context of working to encouraging these flagging saints the author exhorts them to lay aside their sin. Sometimes encouraging one another requires that.