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, fixing
our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before
him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of
the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2
The answer is found in the previous
chapter—eleven—where the writer gave a complete rundown of people from the Old
Testament who displayed faith. The word
“therefore” ties this thought to the previous.
The writer is saying the testimonies
of faith from those witnesses show us how to live by faith. Those individuals are not here on earth, but
in the “clouds,” a reference to heaven.
We are surrounded by their stories and encouraged to be like them in our
lives.
There’s no indication in the Bible
that people in heaven watch us like fans in the stands. We
don’t need them to watch over us. We
need God to watch over us. But their
faith inspires us.