All these, having gained approval through their faith

  Good morning. The author of Hebrews then mentions many people in the old testament who had faith. All these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect. It’s easy to empathize with them that they believed against all odds, and yet never saw the culmination of their faith. And yet in one sense, we don’t either; we don’t see the ultimate outcome of our faith – ourselves going to heaven. 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. Father help us to endure to the end that way may be pleasing in Your sight.

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