by Pastor Bob Stone

The book of Hebrews was probably written during the time of real persecution, late A.D. 60. Most likely it was written to Jewish Christians who were drifting, ready to give up their faith and return to the Jewish faith. The author wanted these Jewish Christians to know how superior their Christian faith was, how much better it was than Judaism. His encouragement was to have faith and endure.

Likewise, today after believers' newfound faith is tested, there is the temptation to drift/return to a former lifestyle�before Christ or before leadership responsibilities. The parable of the sower reminds us that the sun always comes up to test the soil.

The Call to Remember Your Leaders

Hebrews 13:7a�"Remember your leaders..." It is constructive to remember those who have influenced you�who have lived through testings and trials. The Jewish people were called to remember the heroes of faith, e.g., Hebrews 11. They were to remember not only the heroes of the Old Testament, but those the church had already seen. The author reminded them in chapter 12 that they were "surrounded by these witnesses."

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2] Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3] Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

It is appropriate for us to remember our leaders, as well. We are surrounded by them. Though we might think we are alone and no one knows or understands what we are going through, we are to recall and contemplate our leaders.

Which leaders should we remember?

The Content That Qualified a Leader as Memorable

v. 7b�"who spoke the word of God to you."

The Jewish Christians had many memorable leaders, but the ones who spoke the Word were memorable. Those worth remembering, have spoken the Word of God to you, too—personally. Take a few minutes to list some of these people in your life.

But notice what we are to consider about those memorable leaders.

The Consideration to Be Made About Our Leaders

v. 7c�"Consider the outcome of their way of life..."

Meditate on the various areas of their life and the outcome:

• Children
• Marriage
• Finances
• Influence
• Values
• How did they end?

More important than their teaching about the Word was how the Word impacted the outcome of their way of life. Did they practice what they preached?

The Characteristic to Imitate in Your Leader

v. 7d�"...and imitate their faith..."

Why faith? It's the core�without it, we can't please God. It's the motivation that keeps us going in trials, troubles and questions.

But, faith in who? What?

The Central and Core Source and Focus of Memorable Leaders

v. 8�"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."

All good leaders lead us to Christ. The Christ who was with your leader is the same today for you! If you want to be a leader, or you are a leader, these verses should be a powerful call to you. Go through this short outline and evaluate yourself as a leader. Resolve to be that kind of leader; to see others endure and not turn back; to point others and equip them to point still others to Jesus.