“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. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” (Hebrews 13:7-8)

In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul says, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” Here, a man of God encourages other men and women of God to follow his Godly living by taking note in how he is following the Godly example of Jesus Christ.

And in Ephesians 5:1, Paul encourages us by saying, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children.”

In a family setting, we know that above all, the father is the ultimate final authority, whether he is present or not present in body. And at times when the father is not present, he leaves the next in line (the big brother) to stand in, or represent his authoritative responsibility.

In the case of our text verses, I think Paul is letting us know that we should trust the ones who have been left in charge while the Father is not home in Body; because they have been found faithful and have been found to be stedfast, not wavering in their conversation.

We know, beyond a shadow of doubt, that Jesus will never change. But the writer of Hebrews is challenging us to consider the leaders that we have for example before us; how they have “Practiced what they have preached.” He is telling us that it is alright to trust their example; not because they have perfected their walk and never been found with some fault:

“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” (Proverbs 24:16)

But we are to remember what their continued confession and profession has been. The Gospel that they have preached has not changed! “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”

We often get caught up in comparing ourselves among ourselves. But we are instructed to not do such things for reason of judgment.

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1)

“Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:” (1 John 4:2)

The above verses tell us we can know by their confession whether it is good to follow the example we have before us.

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35)

So we can know by experience whether they are true examples.

I thank God that He has allowed me to be in the presence of and under the rule of some good examples to follow. By their faithfulness, I have grown and continue to grow in my zeal and boldness; to let my yea to be yea, and my nay be nay, when it comes down to Jesus Christ!

“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” (Hebrews 13:17)

After all, it is beneficial to me!!