From the believers’ obligation to their spiritual life, the writer
now focused on their duties in relation to their leaders. Two things were expected
of them: To obey their leaders and to pray for them.
In
verse 17, the call was to obey the leaders. Obedience always goes hand in hand
with submission. Hence, they were told not only to obey but also to submit to
their authority. The reasons they should obey and submit were also given here
in this verse. Firstly, the leaders had the responsibility to guard over their
souls. This is a responsibility entrusted to them. Secondly, they would be
giving an account of the lives of those under their care. Shepherds have
greater accountability and they have to answer to God for the care given to the
sheep. Thirdly, by being obedient and submissive, they made their leaders’
lives and ministries easier. The task of leadership and ministering to them
would not be a chore but a delight. If the leaders were weighted down with
burden, it would be unprofitable and a serious disadvantage to the church.
In
verses 18-19, the author was calling for prayer to be offered for him. By
adding the pronoun “we” he also included other leaders like himself. This also
suggests that the Hebrew believers knew the writer. Although the leaders’
conscience was intact, they however, also needed prayers. Furthermore, their
desire was to conduct themselves rightly and honorably in all things. In verse
19, he called on them to pray especially for him to be restored to them sooner.
This implies the writer’s own persuasion about the power of prayers.
Leaders
have great responsibility for the flock. Our submission to them and obedience
to their instructions from the Word, would go to make their works more
fulfilling and meaningful. Let us heed the Word of God in our duty towards our
spiritual leaders!
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