Jump Start # 4092

Hebrews 13:7 “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.”

The Hebrew brethren were tired, troubled and in turmoil. Their journey with the Lord had become a hard, uphill climb. It wasn’t what many thought it would be. Some stopped and turned around. Life was easier when they were simply Jews. Some were still on the fence about what they would do. Powerfully, the writer of Hebrews, who I lean towards being Apollos, shows what a mistake it would be to walk away from the Lord. Christ was the best choice, even though life was hard.

Now, in the final sentences of this letter, a final plea and tug on the heart is made. Remember, how powerful that is. How easy it is to forget. Remember those who came before you. Remember those who were so dedicated. Remember how they lived. Remember how they stuck with it. Imitate that faith. Imitate their faith.

This verse ought to ring loud and true for us as well.

First, all of us has someone in our lives that taught us and showed us the way of the Lord. We all stand upon the shoulders of others. It may have been a grandparent. It may have been our parents. A friend. They patiently talked to us about Jesus Christ. They showed us verses. They answered our questions. They were stayed at it with us. Their love for the Lord and our souls impressed us and touched our lives.

Can you put names to those people? Do you remember?

Sometimes those who taught us didn’t finish the course. Some had troubles in their faith and later stopped walking with the Lord. That can be hard on those who follow. Other times, through the years our knowledge, faith and strength has surpassed the ones who first taught us. We caught up with them spiritually.

Second, the impression of our verse leads us to believe that those who first taught the gospel to the Hebrews had completed their journey. They had passed away. A footnote in the NAS adds to the word “result” by saying “end of life.” They had died and go on to the Lord. By ending this verse with, “imitate their faith,” it appears that they kept the faith, finished the course and did what the Lord wanted them to do. We all know beloved saints who are on the other side now. So many from generations past sacrificed and dedicated themselves to the kingdom of Christ. We miss them dearly but know that they are safe in the arms of Jesus. They are home where they longed to be.

And, without saying it directly, the torch has been passed to the readers of this letter. The brave saints that taught and showed the way have gone to their reward. Now, who will do what they did? Now, who will teach others? Now, who will leave footprints for others to follow? If the Hebrews dropped the ball, it would impact all those who were counting on them. What examples would be left? Who would teach?

And, can we not see ourselves in this as well? Too busy to teach. Too involved in sports and work to serve. Too much into our lives to think about the lives of others. And, as the baton has been handed to us, what do we do with it? It’s not just about us, it’s about those who follow. What example are we leaving? How will we be remembered spiritually?

Third, imitate their faith. Were they perfect? No. Could they have done more? Yes. Was there mistakes and sins in their lives? Obviously. Yet, they could be imitated. Yet, they could be followed. They had a faith that finished. They had a faith that was true to the Lord. What if every person in your congregation had a faith like yours? Would the church be stronger? Would the church be weaker?

We all should live in such a genuine fashion that others could follow us. Someday, we will be remembered. Let it be for righteous kindness and good deeds. Let it be for the way we helped others. Let it be for walking faithfully with the Lord.

Remember…it’s a good thing to do.

Roger