Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

This memorable verse ties together Chapter 11 and all the men and women of faith – a great cloud of witnesses.
Those men and women endure hard, difficult times.
Life wasn’t easy for any of them compared to the conveniences you and I have today.
Throw persecution, torture, scourgings, chains, imprisonments, and death into the mix and it was a harsh time.
Many of these things still exist today, as hard as that is to believe.
They are examples of faith for us.
Convenience and ease ensnare so many Christians into complacent sin.
The life of Jesus ties it all together for us.
He, too, endured so much so that you and I can be so blessed.
He left the joy of heaven to endure the cross for us.