Who first told you? Who first told you that Jesus died on a cross to take away all of your mistakes or that God made you his child in Baptism? Who first told you that you’re going to heaven or that you can be sure of your salvation because Jesus won it entirely for you?

The writer to the Hebrews said, “Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith” (13:7).

Who first told you? Maybe it was Mom and Dad, a friend, a pastor, a teacher, or a coworker. Thank God for that person right now. That person has handed down an invaluable heritage. It’s a heritage that means hell is not the end. It’s a heritage that lasts forever. Thank God for the leaders who spoke God’s Word to you. Then do what God asks you to do: imitate their faith.

That’s the beautiful part about this heritage. You get to pass it on as many times as you can. Who can you encourage today with the Savior who hears the prayers of his people and answers every time? Who can you comfort with the news of a Savior whose hand is scarred with nail marks of love and is always held open to take our hands? Whether it’s for the first or the millionth time, who can you tell?