Hebrews 13:7-8 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. English Standard Version (ESV)
The other day I closed with the words to the old hymn "Praise Him, Praise Him". The hymn brought back memories to the church that I grew up in. Many of the kids that I grew up with in that little church are on the mailing list for these posts. As I thought about this I thought of today's verses and remembered the pastors who have led those congregations and how they have influenced our lives. Beyond that I think of those parents in our churches who led the singing, played the organ or piano, worked in AWANA clubs, and taught Sunday School. Each of them had an impact on our lives.
I can still picture the families, in their pews (I can picture where they sat week in and week out) standing together in church and singing songs of praise. I think of and am thankful for their lives. I think of where each of us "kids" are now, with kids and grandkids of our own. Hopefully, we have influenced the next generation and our kids are influencing the next generation, "ever in joyful song".
The hymns may have been replaced by worship songs or perhaps hymns that have been "modernized", but the feeling is still the same. On this worship day, take some time to reflect back on those leaders who have had an impact your life. As you go to church today next week, as you sing, remember them, thank God for them, praise Him for His excellent greatness for putting them in your life.
I'll close with another old hymn which ends with the thoughts of verse 8, that Jesus Christ is the same today and forever.
Christ through all ages is the same;
Place the same hope is his great name,
With the same faith his word proclaim:
Alleluya, alleluya, alleluya.
Let Love's unconquerable might
God's people everywhere unite
In service to the Lord of light:
Alleluya, alleluya, alleluya.
-- In Christ, Mike Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. NIV
Hebrews 13:7-9The Message (MSG)
7-8 Appreciate your pastoral leaders who gave you the Word of God. Take a good look at the way they live, and let their faithfulness instruct you, as well as their truthfulness. There should be a consistency that runs through us all. For Jesus doesn't change—yesterday, today, tomorrow, he's always totally himself.
9 Don't be lured away from him by the latest speculations about him. The grace of Christ is the only good ground for life. Products named after Christ don't seem to do much for those who buy them.
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