Hebrews 12:1-2
"[1] 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,
[2] Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." [End quote]
(Elijah calls fire down from heaven. Click for source.
Some people are mistaken about their interpretation of Hebrews 12:1-2. They say that we Christians are literally surrounded by the spirits of people such as Moses and Elijah, but that is not what Hebrews 12 is teaching. This verse is speaking figuratively about how the believers who have gone up to Heaven have lived. They lived by faith and overcome the enemy through God's power. Their lives are an inspiration to us and a witness of how God's power operates through our faith.
They are not actually are on earth observing us. The previous chapter in Hebrews, Hebrews 11, was speaking of the way past believers lived and trusted in God. Their lives were a witness of God's power manifested as they put their faith in God. This is to encourage us here on this earth to trust God in the same way they had trusted in God while they were on earth. That is their witness, which is found in the scripture.
I recommend reading all of Hebrews chapters 11 and 12. Hebrews 11 gives the context for Hebrews 12:1-2. An example of the context for Hebrews 12:1-2 is found in Hebrews 11:6-8 and in Hebrews 11:23-29, below.
Context for Hebrews 12
Hebrews 11:6-8
"[6] But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went."
Hebrews 11:23-29
"[23] By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.
24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.
28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned." [End quote]
Now, let's look at Hebrews 12:1-2 again.
Hebrews 12:1-2
"[1] 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,
[2] Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." [End quote]
I was seeking God about this, and He showed me in essence that this statement "...we also are compassed about..." is a figure of speech meaning that all these testimonies of believers from the past (from Hebrews 11) are before us. I encourage you to seek God about this and see what He will show you.
Hearing from God
If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you have the Holy Spirit, who will lead you into all truth and speak to you words from His mouth.
In John 16:13, Jesus said: "[13] Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."
According to Thayer's Greek Lexicon, the Greek word (in John 16:13) for "speak" is laleó, which means "... to utter or form words with the mouth, to speak, ...".
The Holy Spirit utters words with His mouth. We can hear those words if we rest in God, trust in God, and wait on God.
In Revelation 3:6, Jesus said: "[6] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, repeated that sentence seven times in Revelation 2 and 3. It is important that we meditate on God's Word and listen to His Spirit speak to us (in agreement with the Bible, of course).
May God bless you as you do these things and rest in Him. (If you would like to know Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord, click here.)
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