Friday 07 September 2007
- Bible Book:
- Hebrews
"Remember your leaders, those 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 for ever". (v.7-8)
Background
As he comes to the end of his letter, the writer brings togethersome thoughts about the life of the Christian community. He focuseson leadership and worship, referring to past leaders (verse 7) andpresent leadership (verse 17).
Leaders worthy of imitation have died, but Jesus Christ remains.All Christian leadership is set in the context of the supremacy ofChrist, and is accountable to him. Real leaders are themselves ledby Christ, but need the prayerful support of thecommunity.
The Letter to the Hebrews has two firm foundations - the OldTestament and Jesus Christ. After recognising the eternal presenceof Christ, the writer brings together ideas about Jewish sacrificeswith thoughts about his death, which took place 'outside the camp'.He died as an outsider, and the Hebrew Christians would have beenseen as outsiders too.
They are to share in his humility, but will receive the reward of aplace in the heavenly city.
To Ponder
If you were Isaiah speaking to the world today,how would you encourage people to be humble before God?
"Pride goes before a fall." Can you illustratethat statement from your own experience or from the contemporaryworld? Do you see God in action in such situations?