Remember, Consider, Imitate

by L. Bowman, Birkenhead | Category: General | Sept 1968

We are exhorted in Hebrews 13.7,8, that we do well to remember, consider, and imitate the lives of men of God who have trod the pathway before us. So effective was their walk that it is commended to us by way of example. Let us consider the exhortation, "Remember them that had the rule over you, which spake unto you the word of God; and considering the issue of their life, imitate their faith." These men were elders who led the people of God in the paths of truth, and were able to divide aright the word of truth, and teach those under their care. They handed down a precious heritage that others might become the custodians thereof and guard it as they did.

So we remember those who spake unto us the word of God, and as we reflect on their shepherd work we are comforted by their memory. The thoughts which they received from the Holy Spirit as they studied the word of God not only sufficed for themselves but also sustained others with whom they were shared.

We recall ministry from one such spiritual father on 1 Corinthians 4.15, "For though ye should have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I begat you through the gospel". The "fathers" here are nursing fathers, who feed, tend, and bring up the saints in the fear and nurture of the Lord. Many are in the Fellowship today, through the efforts of such fathers, used by the Holy Spirit as they spake unto us the word of God. Do they speak today? It is recorded of Abel that "He being dead yet speaketh" (Hebrews 11.14), the thought being that he was heard through that which he offered. So is it possible for the manner of life of these godly brethren who have died to speak to us today.

"The issue of their life [manner of life, R.V.M.]". As we remember our leaders and rulers who spake unto us the word of God, we are exhorted to consider their manner of life. This is the outward manifestation of inward spiritual condition. The walk of the Christian is most important. These men realized this and kept close to their Maser, so that their lives reflected Him. They gave heed to the words of the apostle Paul, "Be ye imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11.1). Paul was an example of Christ. Godly living cannot be accomplished apart from faith, so we are exhorted to "imitate their faith".

John writes, "Greater joy have I none than this to hear of my children walking in the truth" (3 John 4). It is a comely thing to learn and know the truth, but it is quite another thing to walk in the truth. By such action, we put into practice what we have learned. May we learn to assimilate the truth and to walk therein so that others may imitate our faith.

Remember, consider, and imitate. Each of these words has a message for us; the former two are the exercise of the mind and the heart, whilst the latter is the outward expression of what is within.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yea and forever." He energized our forebears, filling them with His Spirit. He also energizes us today and He is able to fill us with His Spirit, likewise the brethren of tomorrow. He is a merciful and faithful High Priest who by Himself purged our sins, and who by His own blood has entered into the Holies for us, the Surety and the Mediator of the everlasting covenant, the unchangeable One.

L. Bowman, Birkenhead | Sept 1968
General