Following the Leaders (Friday Devotional)

Remember your leaders, those who spoke the word of God to you; consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

- Hebrews 13:7-8

When Lyndon B. Johnson hosted visitors at his ranch in the Texas Hill Country, he always made sure there was time for fun as well as business...fun for him, anyway. At some point in the afternoon, he would invite his guests to go for a drive around the property. From behind the steering wheel, he’d point to the different kinds of trees, tell stories about his childhood, and they’d all enjoy the fresh air and the winding hills together.

Then suddenly, they’d barrel down one particular hill straight toward a lake. Johnson, looking panicked, would slam his foot down repeatedly to no avail. “The brakes are out!” he would shout. “We’re going in!” The car would plunge into the water to terrified shrieks from his guests. Most, from family friends to journalists to cabinet officials, bailed out at that point, certain their lives were on the line. Only after they were swimming toward dry land would they see Johnson cackling in the front seat as his car—the only amphibious model ever mass produced for civilian use—not only floated, but began to putter across the lake, guided by twin propellers.

On one of their visits to the ranch, Billy and Ruth Graham fell victim to the president’s prank, accompanying him for a drive around the ranch only to find themselves hurtling toward the lake. However, when the car hit the water, neither of the Grahams leapt out (though Billy would later admit to being terrified.) As the car floated onward, a disappointed Johnson complained to his dry friends that most people jumped when they hit the water. “You’re the president,” Ruth said to him. “I figured you knew what you were doing!”

We can all learn a thing or two about that kind of faith—and one of the great blessings of the Bible is the many examples of faith it gives us. From Abraham to Moses to David to Mary, Scripture offers us story after story of people who, for all their flaws, were ultimately defined by their faith in God. They weren’t perfect, but when others trusted themselves, these men and women trusted God first, placing their lives in His hands.

In the epistle to the Hebrews, the writer encourages Christians to imitate the faith of these spiritual leaders. Their words and deeds were recorded for more than just posterity, but for edification—by learning from their mistakes and emulating their faithfulness, we can become more faithful servants of God.

Sometimes life takes turns you don’t expect, and you wonder what you’re supposed to do. In such moments, look to the faithful witness of the men and women of the Bible, then take a page out of Ruth Graham’s book—follow the leader.