Audience of Heroes – Hebrews 12:1-4

Much like the 12th chapter of the book of Romans, the author of Hebrews introduces the major application section of his book having laid the groundwork with painstaking precision. He answers the question: 'how then shall we live...' in light of the testimony of former professors of faith – not to mention the unparalleled exploits of its author and finisher – Jesus Christ Himself. To assist his readers in assimilating this information in a practical way, he employs a competitive race metaphor. He compares the Christian life of obedience and faith to an olympic event before a stadium packed with former champions whose exploits serve to cheer on the latest generation of contestants. The analogy assumes not just their cries of encouragement as they look on, but also the benefit of their training, as their own efforts are recorded and employed in the instruction of the modern church, This “cloud” or multitude of heroes, has preceded us in attaining the glories of the next life as they beckon us to join them. They now behold in fullness what we behold by faith this side of the finish line. Let us race to join them as we learn from their example and look to Christ.