Hebrews 12: 1-2
Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Jesus raised the mark for us - the Son of God clothed in all majesty, who left His Father's kingdom to become one of us so He could save us. He endured all the pain and torture, the mockery and shame, in order to please God the Father, and fulfill the Father's Will.
There are many others that have faced prison terms, floggings, torture and death to stay faithful to God - Hebrews 11:35-40. To this day, some Christians all over the World are facing dire trials and persecutions, including being beheaded and burnt. All of these souls suffer because of their faith in Jesus. Their long suffering nature and faithfulness puts them on a higher pedestal, and places a demand on our faithfulness and ability to endure all sorts of trials and persecutions for the sake of Jesus, and for God.
Those that have gone ahead of us in the faith are our cloud of witnesses, They tell of what we must, and must not do. They set the pace for us. We must brace ourselves for this journey of faith. It comes with tests, trials and persecutions. But God is faithful, and He will see us through. Jesus assured us: These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
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