“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us,[looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy

[of accomplishing the goal]

set before Him endured the cross, ^[disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God

[revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]

.” Hebrews 12:1-2

[of accomplishing the goal]

set before Him endured the cross, ^[disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God

[revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]

.” Hebrews 12:1-2