“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.”
— Hebrews 13:7 KJV
Reflection on Today's Verse
At first glance, this might seem like one of those verses you nod your head to and think, “Yeah, respect your leaders, got it.” But if we dig a little deeper, it’s so much more than that. It’s kind of like peeling an onion — just, hopefully, with fewer tears.
So, let’s break this down. The verse is asking us to remember those who spoke the word of God to us, right? These are the people who taught us the faith, the ones who’ve been spiritual guides in our lives. They could be your pastor, your Sunday school teacher, maybe even that one aunt who always sent you Bible verses through text (you know the one). But we’re not just told to remember them; we’re asked to consider their lives, to really reflect on the kind of faith they lived out in front of us.
Now, this is where it gets interesting. The verse doesn’t say, “Consider their sermons,” or “Consider how well they explained Leviticus” (thank goodness, because… Leviticus). It says to look at the outcome of their lives. It’s not just about what they said, but how they lived. There’s something both challenging and refreshing about that. Faith is not a theoretical exercise, it’s lived out day by day — often in the mundane, sometimes in the downright chaotic. Honestly, sometimes living out your faith feels like trying to follow a recipe while the kitchen’s on fire.
But here’s the twist: we’re told to “imitate their faith.” Wait — imitate? Not worship, not idolize, but imitate. This is a gentle reminder that our leaders, as amazing as they may be, are still human. They’ve got their own struggles, their own moments where they probably wanted to pull their hair out over that one church committee meeting that just wouldn’t end. But the point is, they persevered in faith, and that’s the part we’re called to follow.
And let’s be real, “imitate their faith” doesn’t mean trying to become carbon copies of them. We’re not supposed to be mini-pastors walking around, preaching in exactly the same tone or wearing identical suits (unless you’re into that sort of thing, no judgment here). It’s more about catching the spirit of their faithfulness — their trust in God, their patience, their love for people, their hope even when things got tough.
So, if you’ve got those leaders in your life — the ones who’ve taught you, inspired you, maybe even annoyed you with how holy they seemed at 6 a.m. Bible study — take a moment to remember them. Consider their lives, and then take what you’ve learned and make it your own. You don’t need to be perfect, just faithful. And hey, if you can keep your kitchen from catching fire in the process, that’s a bonus.
Personal Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the leaders You’ve placed in my life, those who have spoken Your Word to me and lived out their faith with grace and perseverance. Help me to remember their wisdom and the example they’ve set, not just in words, but in the way they’ve trusted You through both joy and challenge.
Lord, as I reflect on their lives, give me the strength to imitate their faith—not perfectly, but genuinely. Help me to walk in humility, trusting You as they did, especially in the moments when life feels uncertain or overwhelming. May I be open to Your guidance, willing to learn from those You’ve placed around me, and committed to living out the kind of faith that inspires others in turn.
Thank You for their example, and help me to be an example for others, shining with Your love and truth.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.