Hebrews 13:7-8 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

My impression is that Hebrews was written after at least the majority of Paul’s letters, and it was actually the last of the books in the New Testament to be accepted into the canon, because of uncertainty of authorship, but for that very reason it could be said to be written to a more mature group of believers, rather than to those who were just a few years away from paganism. The implication in this passage, for example, is that the leaders spoken of have already died. That makes it all the more relatable for us today, who are so many years removed from those who saw Jesus physically. Considering the history of the early Church, the leaders spoken of here could have died any number of ways, from disease to active persecution, but the point is that they died in faith, clinging to Christ spiritually and communicating His Word faithfully. That is certainly worth learning from, as the Japanese expresses it. Verse 8 here has been quoted countless times ever since it was written, and for good reason. The reason faith leaders are worth imitating is that the One in whom they believed hasn’t changed. As Paul testified at the point he was facing his own execution, “I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.” (2 Timothy 1:12) That’s the kind of faith we need to imitate!

Of course, my own parents are in that category, but a very recent addition to their number is Leo and Phyllis Kaylor. They made it to 90 on this earth, definitely longer than my parents, and they made full use of the time. Their example shines brightly and will for many years to come, through their physical and spiritual children. When I think of people like them, the statement that Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever takes very concrete form. My prayer is that my own memory will have the same sort of impact. After all, it doesn’t depend on me, but on the One in Whom I believe. Since Jesus is omnipotent, He can use even me to draw people to Himself and manifest His glory. That is my desire.

Father, thank You for this reminder, and for the example of so many of Your saints down through the years. I could be here all morning trying to list those who have impacted me personally. May I be an accurate reflection of my unchanging Lord, so that more and more people may realize that salvation is both necessary and available for them, and turn to You in repentance and faith, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!