And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. Therefore, 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, 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.

That great cloud of witnesses did not receive the whole package; God's plan for the restoration of His Creation which needed to be completed through the work of His Son on the Cross. But they are cheering us on, we who came after the Resurrection, who are running the race set before us.

In a sense, we are the culmination of their faith lives. We, as we live out the Kingdom in the here and now, are the evidence that their faith was not in vain.

Have you ever watched and listened at the end of an Olympic marathon as the runners entered the stadium? What an uproar. But can you envision how much more joy-filled it will be as each one of us enter? As you enter a stadium that has been filling with those who have gone before since Abel?

Today's readings in the Psalms:

Morning: Psalm 132

Mid-day: 119:33-40

Evening: Psalm 57

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"Voices Together" is available as an annual daily devotional and can be purchased at theFellowship Of Ailbe bookstore.  A weekly edition, formatted as a bi-fold insert and suitable for distribution can be downloaded at https://www.ailbe.org/resources/item/7251-2016-voices-together-weekly-format. The next edition is available by Thursday of the prior week.