“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” Hebrews 12:1 KJV
Every time I’ve read this scripture I focused on “laying aside every weight” or “besetting sin” or “running the race.” Today I want to look at the “witnesses.”
I’ve always imagined them being the dead in Christ cheering us on in our walk with The Lord. Or I should say that is the picture someone had painted for me.
We know we are to give witness for the gospel. But when rejected (by the hearer) our words becomes a “witness” against them.
When we stand before the judgment seat of Christ our witness (words) will show God faithful. For everyone will have heard The Truth. No one will be able to say “I never heard.”
“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:14 KJV
“for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” Romans 14:10b KJV
“Hear, all ye people; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is: and let the Lord God be witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple.” Micah 1:2 KJV
He is faithful to give many more chances than we deserve, but one day the chances will run out!
Our testimony of salvation becomes a testimony against the hearers that reject our witness!
“And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.” Matthew 10:18 KJV
Jesus even talks about those that come before Him but are disobedient to His Words; who have refused to walk the narrow way; who even though they said some words at an altar never lived for Him, but continued walking just like the world.
“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
Matthew 7:22-23 KJV
When I (or another Messenger) have told you The Truth and you have chosen not to listen; or discounted the validity because that is not what you think is “truth” you are actually refusing Him, not me (or them) because we are sent by Him!
Fact: if the message is easy then it’s not Truth! Jesus’ walk was not easy and we are to walk in His steps!
“Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
Matthew 7:14 KJV
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24 KJV
“But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony.” Luke 21:12-13 KJV
A “testimony” against them when they stand before Jesus! The words which have declared Him God will be proof showing God’s faithfulness!
For those who argue against His Lordship; who say there is no God, creation itself is a testimony!
“It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Selah.” Psalms 89:37 KJV
“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:” Romans 1:20 KJV
There is one thing about believing and another about obeying. Anyone can say they believe. The Word says even the demons believe and tremble. (James 2:19) If we “TRULY” believed we would obey!
If we “TRULY” were”Believers” we would have a change in our behavior and not live like the world. We would love His Commandments and follow them. (John 14:15) And we would be the forgivingest people on the planet!
“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Matthew 6:14-15 KJV
When we refuse to forgive - we are disobedient to His Word and our sins are not forgiven either! And the fact that you have read this, one day these words will stand as a testimony against you, for you have heard!
When we have not forgiven it is called sin and must be repented of. Jesus speaking: “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Revelation 3:19 KJV
Again Jesus speaking:
“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Matthew 12:36 KJV
And again:
“For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matthew 12:37 KJV
Ask God to show you the sin hiding in your heart. He will remind you of people that have hurt you; names, faces, and/or scenarios that are still painful. These my friend are unforgiven because they still hurt; and as sin, you must repent for holding onto them for so long! You may have said the words “I forgive” maybe many times but unless you have repented for the sins of unforgiveness, judgment, bitterness, resentment, anger, hatred - it’s not a done deal! Obedience to The Word applies the Blood Of Jesus, The Perfect Sacrifice to wash away your sins! Once repentance is made those memories no longer hurt!
Again, if you read these words and do them - Forgiveness for your sin is given by The Father, however, if again you reject them - one day they will stand as a Testimony against you - for you have again heard The Truth! You will not be able to say, “Lord I did not know! My denomination didn’t teach that!!! No one told me!”
For I just did!
“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”
John 3:19 KJV
Repent while there is still time.
Even so - MARANATHA
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