"1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:1-2
These two verses form the proper climax to the 11th chapter. Having illustrated, at length, the meaning and the possibilities of faith in the lives of the saints of the past, the Apostle now applies his words to the present - 'we also....', 'let us....' That is the point of the 'wherefore'. And so he exhorts his readers to run with patience the race set before them. The 'cloud of witnesses', on which he bases his appeal, refers of course to the great catalogue of the faithful, but he is not suggesting that these men of faith, having run their race, are watching us as spectators watch a race. That is not the point. The meaning is that these all bear witness to the life of faith, and to its possibility. To every protestation from us that such a life is too difficult, too hazardous, too costly and idealistic, these witnesses give the lie. No, they say in unison, it is not too costly, too difficult. It has been done. We did it. And it is possible for you too! Such is the Apostle's argument, and it must effectually silence every misgiving in our hearts when faced with the challenge of discipleship. These saints of old were ordinary people made extraordinary by faith and enabled to live victoriously, and the same resources are available for us as to them. There is therefore no excuse for not running the race set before us. To this race we will turn our attention tomorrow.