Let’s look first at Hebrews 13:7 which says, “Remember THOSE WHO LED YOU, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their way of life, imitate their faith.” (NASB).  Now let’s look at Hebrews 13:17, also in the NASB, “Obey YOUR LEADERS and submit to them—for they keep watch over your souls as those who will give an account—so that they may do this with joy, not groaning; for this would be unhelpful for you.”

I think it’s good to get a better understanding of this portion by reading these verses in the NASB.  So many think of other believers as having the authority to “RULE OVER US.”  In the above verses, “those who led you” and “your leaders” both come from the same Greek word, ‘hēgéomai’ which is interpreted as “to lead.” While we do thank the Lord for capable, loving leaders, it’s good to realize that ONLY the Lord and His Word are really that which is capable of truly ruling our lives. 

These gifted and chosen leaders have the task of teaching the Word of God and watching for the souls of those entrusted to their care.  We read in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.”   Perhaps these leaders have been given the gift of a pastor or a teacher as we read in Ephesians 4:11, “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, PASTORS and TEACHERS.”  Perhaps they have been given the task of watching over the local assembly as elders as we read in Titus 1:5-9.  To these leaders, we should imitate, obey, and submit ourselves to their teachings, as long as it corresponds with the Word of God.

These men have been given (and have accepted) the often-unenviable task of watching over the Lord’s people.  They may find it necessary to teach, correct, rebuke, and instruct in the way of righteousness.  Of course, the true leader will constantly submit himself to the Lord and rightfully use the Word of God to lead. (Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17).  Indeed, the true leader will lead as the Lord leads him.  We should thank the Lord for these people and heed their words to us.  We should have great respect for the role they have taken on for they must one day give an account for the way they have sought to lead others.  This is a serious undertaking and should not be taken lightly.

The text in Hebrews 13:17 shows they must give account for their own actions, not for the way their leadership is accepted.  They will be held accountable for their faithfulness in carrying out the duties the Lord has given them.  The exhortation to the elders is a solemn one.  1 Peter 5:1-4 tells us, “The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.”  The responsibility is great, but the reward is even greater.  We read in Hebrews 6:10, “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”

The leader will give an account of his work, and his desire is that he might rejoice in the faithfulness of his fellow believers.  How sad it would be for them to have to report that many have been unfaithful in their walk with the Lord and holding on to His truths.  May we all seek to honor the Lord by thanking Him for the leaders He has given us and imitate their faith by faithfully following the Lord.  (CC)  (699.2)