Shedding Shame – by Abby Kelly

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely…”. Hebrews 12:1a (ESV)

This verse has always puzzled me. Are these witnesses truly standing around the edges of heaven, peering down on us? As they live in the presence of Christ, I highly doubt they find us that interesting. They must be staring at Him! I believe these are witnesses (those who attest to the truth) of Christ's faithfulness and the validity of our faith.

I also pondered the next phrase: ”weight and sin that clings so closely". If the writer lists sin separately from other weights that slow us down, there must be more than just sin that can hold us back. The next few lines say that Jesus "stripped off" the shame of the cross. Maybe shame is another thing we must shed or get rid of? Christ’s shame on the cross was undeserved because He is perfect. Our shame is undeserved because He perfectly made us righteous in Him!

How do we strip this off and run freely? By fixing our eyes on Jesus who has saved us, and allowing the testimony of a crowd of witnesses to affirm our long race is worth it all!

Oh Father, help me to rightly see myself--only in the light reflected from you. "In your light do we see light." As I focus on you, give me the courage, determination and steadfastness to keep going. Help me to remember how brief is this life. These days will pass and I am already enjoying eternal life with you!

Abby Kelly is the senior editor of My Daily Armor. Find more of her work HERE.