Considering The Result

November 2014 – Grace & Truth Magazine

Considering The Result

When I was thinking about the articles set aside for this month’s magazine, the Lord brought Hebrews 13:7-8 to my mind: “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” ( NASB ).

We begin this edition by looking at a 25 year-old king who was seeking to honor God. You may remember his name: Hezekiah. Even though he lived a very long time ago, there are many valuable lessons in his life that can apply to you and me today. Some are worth following and others provide a warning to us – particularly as we grow older.

Two articles a little further into the magazine touch on King David. As we know, David’s early years were filled with a level of faith most believers only dream of having, if we may say it that way. How many of us would face off with a lion or bear; and how about a giant? David also showed grace and kindness to others in such a manner that we see glimpses of Christ in what he did. But even David’s end wasn’t as good as his beginning.

We probably know much of the story of Noah and admire the faith he displayed before, during and immediately after the Flood – prior to stumbling himself. Although we read of failures in the lives of these men, we seek to imitate the parts that were pleasing to God. This same practice applies in relation to others as well, maybe even of a believing father or mother.

Certainly the Lord Jesus Christ is the only perfect example – always was, is and will be. Throughout this magazine you will find points about Him worth considering and imitating, such as in relation to prayer. The apostle Paul tells believers of every age to “be imitators of God, as beloved children” (Eph. 5:1). May we be careful to follow Christ in such a manner that our faith late in life could be imitated just as our faith should have been when it was young.

By Paul Alberts