Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Meditation on Hebrews 13:7

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.

Q Who spoke the word of God to me?
A Nathan Barrett and Rob and Bev Saunders.

Q What is the outcome of their way of life?
A Nathan was unashamed of the gospel, and he was not afraid to argue with me when my ideas about God were wrong. The outcome of this is that my heart was softened to hear the gospel from Rob and Bev. Rob faithfully taught from the Bible for years, and he kept evangelism front and foremost in his later ministry, using a program that explicitly explains the gospel. Bev supported him in all this, diligently working in the background (in particular, being hospitable) to enable him to work in the foreground without interruption. The outcome is that I am a Christian and Jeff is no longer a Christian-in-name-only. Also, Rob saw the importance of training young men to preach, and challenging them to take on responsibility in the church. The outcome is that Jeff is a pastor in a church now, and I am a pastor's wife.

Q How can I imitate their faith?
A Standing firm on what I have received. Not being afraid to tell people about their hope of peace with God and salvation unto eternal life through faith in the name of Jesus Christ, even if it means they might be angry at me! Keeping my focus on the importance of the gospel being openly proclaimed, not just assumed. Supporting my husband in the ministry he has. Persevering in ministry over decades. Remembering how important it is to support and train others so that they are able to be self-disciplined in their Christian life and responsible in the good works God has prepared in advance for them to do.