A Crowd of Witnesses – Greg Laurie Devotion – March 14, 2026

Biblical Context

The book of Hebrews was penned for a specific group of early Jewish believers. These Christians were going through hard times and facing serious pressure to go back to their old ways of living under the Jewish law and traditions. The writer, whose identity isn’t plainly stated but was clearly a very wise teacher, aimed to show them that Jesus Christ is far greater than anything in the Old Covenant. He is greater than angels, greater than Moses, and His sacrifice is better than any animal sacrifice. The letter is a powerful encouragement to stick with Christ, to not give up, and to remember the better hope we have in Him.

Just before our verses today, in chapter 11, the author lists many great examples of faith from the Old Testament. This section is often called the “Faith Hall of Fame.” It sets the stage for chapter 12, reminding the readers that they’re part of a long line of people who walked by faith, even when things were tough. It’s like the author is saying, “Look at all these people who trusted God! You can do it too!”

Key Word Study

Let’s look closely at the word “endurance” in Hebrews 12:1: “And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.”

The Greek word used here is hypomonē (ὑπομονή). This word means more than just passively putting up with something. It means patient continuance, steadfastness, and perseverance. It’s about staying under pressure without giving up. It’s not a spirit of simply resigning yourself to trouble, but an active, hopeful persistence even when life is hard. It suggests holding up, bearing up, and remaining firm in your faith and purpose despite obstacles or delays.

The Deep Dive

Over the past two weeks, we’ve focused on several people from the Old Testament. Hebrews 12:1–2 brings home to us the real meaning of their lives, their experiences, their struggles, their victories, and their testimonies. Just one chapter earlier, the writer of Hebrews went over many of their stories in what people often call the “Faith Hall of Fame.” It’s like a special list of heroes.

The way Hebrews 12:1–2 is placed right after that list makes you think that these “hall of famers,” these heroes of the faith, like Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, David, Daniel, and many others, are truly interested in our spiritual race. The verse says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne” (NLT).

These people of faith who lived before us didn’t just give us cool stories. They gave us models to follow so that we might live and exercise our faith like they did. When you read about the lives of these men and women who walked with God, who trusted Christ, and who stood strong when they faced trials and persecutions, it can truly add steel to your soul. Their examples show us what’s possible when you put your trust in the Lord.

But the teaching here goes beyond just giving us templates to follow. The idea is that these witnesses are also observing us and taking note of our progress in the faith. This “crowd of witnesses” is watching us and cheering us on, if you will. Imagine them in heavenly grandstands, calling out encouragement as you run your race.

Of course, that’s just one way to understand the passage. We don’t know for certain that there are actual heavenly grandstands where people monitor the progress of loved ones living out their lives on earth. But it wouldn’t surprise me if that were true. What I do know for sure is this much: We are in the race of our lives here on earth, and none of us knows how long it will last. So, we must make the most of it. We can’t waste this precious gift of time.

You see, we must live our lives to please not the bystanders around us, but the Lord Himself. Every decision we make, every interaction we have with others, should be done in ways that honor Him and make people curious about Him. We’re here to show others what God is like through our actions and our words. And in doing so, we must leave a legacy that inspires other believers—the very ones we will one day cheer on when we join that crowd of witnesses in heaven.

Knowing you have a great cloud of witnesses, and more importantly, the Lord Himself watching, can change everything about your Christian race. It gives you a reason to strip off every weight and sin that slows you down. It makes you want to run with all you’ve got, keeping your eyes on Jesus, who ran His race perfectly and now sits in the highest place of honor. He’s your ultimate example and your strength.