Lenten Devotion – Obeying and Submitting to Our Leaders
Day 34, 23 March 2024
“Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith… Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you… Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.” Hebrews 13:7,17-18
The writer to the Hebrews opens Chapter 13 emphasizing the actions of believers that pleases God. In particular with regards to leaders in church, he reminds them to
- remember their leaders and more importantly to imitate their lives (v7)
- obey and submit to those who rule over them (v17)
- pray for their leaders (v18)
Leaders speak on the authority of God’s Word and therefore have the right to tell us how to live and walk after God.
Furthermore, we ought to submit to our leaders, because God has placed them in a position of responsibility and accountability over us.
We are encouraged to pray for our leaders, that they act honourably in everything. Our leaders are responsible to equip us with all good things that we may in return do what is pleasing to God.
I am sure that we have met leaders in church who have been so inspirational to us and instrumental in what we and our church have become. And we know it’s not easy – with different expectations, keeping the kingdom purpose in mind even while looking after earthly affairs and dealing with human reactions.
In fact, I am sure there were times when we did not completely agree with decisions that were made.
Leading is never easy, and leading in church is even more challenging. As we think of the leaders in our church who have touched our lives and those whom we know need our support, let us keep them all in our prayers.
Let us pray that our Lord will continue to give them strength, energy and wisdom as they look after His flock in Ascension.
And as for ourselves, we listen and support those whom God has put in this position of service.
Hebrews ends with a “word of exhortation.” Its brief message is filled with encouragement and appeals for godly living. May we be encouraged to finish our race well, by the mercy and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ!
Geoffrey Stephens🙏🏾