These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. – Heb. 11:13
In the Old Testament, people of faith persevered through hardships and challenges by looking forward to the coming Messiah. They believed in God’s promises more than in their circumstances. Not only were they sure of them and embraced them, but they died in faith, not having received the promises while on earth.
How much more should we, surrounded by this great cloud of witnesses, run the race that God has set before us? Instead of looking forward to the coming of the Messiah, we look back at its reality. Jesus Christ came and fulfilled all the prophecies of His first coming. We look forward with excitement to the realization of all the prophecies of His second coming. Hallelujah!
This cloud of witnesses surrounds us, not as spectators but as encouragers, cheering us on to keep the faith, stand strong, and never give up. This figurative representation empowers us on our journey. Not only does it uplift us, but it enables us to become witnesses to others. Our race helps them run theirs, from glory to glory!