12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely,

and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us,

² looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith,

who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame,

and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:1-2

            We have come to the pinnacle, the peak, and the point of reviewing the stories of people of faith who trusted the unseen God of their faith for a future they never saw.  Why share their stories?  “Therefore…” says the writer of Hebrews as he starts chapter 12 of Hebrews. Because living saints who are alive in heaven and saints who surround us here on earth surround us, those people that encourage our faith and support through times of trials we can be people that embrace the future.  All these people are like a cloud that we can see but cannot touch with our fingers but we know they are real.  Their stories are in our hearts.

         The writer now lists a line of verbs.  We can

          “lay aside,

         ” “run with perseverence,”

          “look” not at ourselves but Jesus,

          “endure,” and

         “disregard” that which pulls us down.

  Whew.  Those are strong verbs.  Which verb do you need to focus on right now or perhaps which saint encourages you today? Lord, help us to remember the cloud of saints today as we look at the clouds in the sky!!!  Blessings.