Hebrews 11 | What am I going to do about it?

Follow The Example

Just as the example has already been laid out for us, and just as it is evident that this is not for the faint of heart, I am left with one application from the hall of faith. Follow the example.

It is a frequent contemplation that I consider Paul's words, "Imitate me as I imitate Christ." That is a bold statement. It means that Paul could have his life examined and Christ's model would be exemplified in it. It means that Paul was laying an example that people could follow. He urged people to do this. As he was pursuing Jesus, he called for others to step in and walk as he walked. For anyone who knows the story of Paul would know that such an example incurred an immense amount of suffering. But never was hope lost.

We have a similar understanding that comes from Peter. Peter's story took a bold and brash fisherman who claimed he would never turn on Jesus only to deny him thrice moments later. The end of Peter's life would be marked with martyrdom, being crucified upside down. He would be one that spoke a sermon wherein 3,000 would be saved. He moved in the Spirit and saw and performed many wonders. And through those things, he experienced incredible suffering. But see what he says concerning it.

Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
-1 Peter 4:1-2


Not but 3 chapters earlier does Peter give us an incredible revelation into Jesus as a living hope. If faith is the substance of things hoped for, and Jesus is a living hope, then that means our faith is substantiated by something eternal and perfect. It assures us that hope will not disappoint. Whether in trial, tribulation, persecution, or any kind of grievance, we can hold fast to hope. We must hold fast to that hope. And through it all, the Lord goes before us, just as He went before them. I pray for perseverance for each of you. I pray that the Lord would assure you of this hope by pouring His love into your hearts by the Holy Spirit.

What application are you implementing?
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