Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.
Hebrews 12:1, NKJV
In ancient Greece, the word translated “cloud” here referred not only to the fluffy white billow we see in the sky. Nephos was also used to describe the highest seats in a stadium. Today, we might say that we have a “nosebleed section” of witnesses.
My son ran cross country races in high school. It was common to hear the runners who had finished their races cheering on those who were still approaching the finish line. As we run the race of the Christian life, we find motivation in the cheering section of those who have gone before us. May we follow their example as we run hard after God.