January 22, 2011

What will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?-Matt. 24:3.

 

The initial fulfillment of the prophecy that Jesus gave his disciples in answer to their question took place in the first century. Jesus spoke of an unusual development that would signal that the end was imminent. Upon observing that development, "those in Judea [were to] begin fleeing to the mountains." (Matt. 24:1, 2, 15-22) Nearly three decades later, in 61 C.E., the apostle Paul penned a strong, sobering message to Hebrew Christians living in Jerusalem and its surroundings. Unknown to both Paul and his fellow believers, the signal marking the opening stage of a "great tribulation" was only about five years away. (Matt. 24:21) In 66 C.E., Cestius Gallus led Roman troops in a nearly successful attack on Jerusalem. But then he suddenly withdrew, leaving open a window of opportunity for endangered ones to escape to safety. w09 5/15 1:1, 2

Text for Friday, January 21, 2011

Keep yourselves in God’s love.—Jude 21.

This text implies that some action is required on our part. What, then, do we need to do in order to remain in God’s love? We find the answer to that question in Jesus’ own words, spoken on the final night of his life here on earth. He said: “If you observe my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have observed the commandments of the Father and remain in his love.” (John 15:10) Clearly, Jesus felt that observing Jehovah’s commandments was essential to keeping a good standing with his Father. Now, if that was true of the perfect Son of God, would it not be true of us also? Primarily, we show that we love Jehovah by obeying him. The apostle John expressed it this way: “This is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3) Yes, Jehovah does not ask us to do something that is too hard for us. w09 8/15 4:2-4

Thursday, January 20

I am the fine shepherd.—John 10:11.
The years David spent in fields and on hills tending sheep prepared him for the demanding duties and responsibilities of shepherding the nation of Israel. (Ps. 78:70, 71) Jesus too has proved to be a model shepherd. He derives strength and guidance from Jehovah as he shepherds his “little flock” and the “other sheep.” (Luke 12:32; John 10:16) Thus Jesus proves to be the Fine Shepherd. He knows his flock so well that he calls each sheep by name. He loves his sheep so much that while on earth he willingly gave of himself for their well-being. (John 10:3, 14, 15) As the Fine Shepherd, Jesus accomplishes something that David could never do. His ransom sacrifice opened the way for mankind to be rescued from death. Nothing will stop him from shepherding his “little flock” to immortal life in heaven and leading his “other sheep” to everlasting life in a righteous new world free from wolflike predators.—John 10:27-29. w09 4/15 5:7

Text for Tuesday, January 19, 2011

In every way we recommend ourselves as God’s ministers, . . . by truthful speech.—2 Cor. 6:4, 7.
This certainly proved to be the case with a Witness living in Britain. Attempting to sell a car to a prospective buyer, he described all its good points as well as its faults, including those that could not be seen. After taking the car for a test drive, the buyer asked the brother if he was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Why did he draw that conclusion? The man had taken note of the brother’s honesty as well as his neat appearance. The ensuing discussion led to a fine witness being given. Do we likewise bring praise to our Creator by our good moral character? Paul said: “We have renounced the underhanded things of which to be ashamed, not walking with cunning.” (2 Cor. 4:2) Hence, let us do our utmost to speak truth with our neighbor. In so doing, we will bring glory to our heavenly Father and to his people. w09 6/15 3:19, 20

Text for Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned.—Rom. 5:12.


The infection rate of sin is 100 percent. (Rom. 3:23) And what is the mortality rate? Paul wrote that sin brings death “to all men.” Many today do not see sin and death in such dire terms. They worry about what they call premature death, but they dismiss as “natural” the death that creeps up on humans through the aging process. It is all too easy for humans to forget the Creator’s perspective. Our lifespan is infinitely shorter than he meant it to be. Actually, no human has lived for even “one day” from Jehovah’s point of view. (2 Pet. 3:8) God’s Word thus says that our lives are as transitory as a season’s growth of grass or as an exhaled breath. (Ps. 39:5; 1 Pet. 1:24) We need to keep that perspective in mind. Why? If we see the severity of the “disease” that afflicts us, we can better appreciate the value of the “cure”—our deliverance. w09 9/15 5:3, 4

Text for Monday, January 17, 2011

 Abhor what is wicked, cling to what is good.—Rom. 12:9.

The unwholesome influences that are prevalent in Satan’s world could cause us to lose our grip on godly principles. For instance, association with those who do not adhere to God’s laws—whether at school or at work or through some form of ungodly entertainment—might affect our determination to do what is right. Do not let that happen to you! God’s Word warns: “Do not become wise in your own eyes.” (Prov. 3:7) Instead, follow the wise counsel that Moses gave to God’s people in ancient times: “Jehovah your God you should fear. Him you should serve, and to him you should cling.” (Deut. 10:20) By clinging to Jehovah, we will be imitating Jesus, of whom it was said: “You loved righteousness, and you hated lawlessness.” (Heb. 1:9) Paying attention to godly wisdom will deepen our happiness now and safeguard us in times to come.—Eccl. 7:12. w09 4/15 3:18, 19

[God’s] will is that all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.—1 Tim. 2:4.

Jehovah’s Witnesses scour the earth in search of those who yearn to know and serve God. In fact, for the past 17 years in a row, we have spent over one billion hours annually in the preaching and disciple-making work. We do so willingly, although the preaching work requires that we sacrifice time, energy, and material resources. Like Jesus, we understand that our loving heavenly Father desires that people acquire the knowledge that leads to everlasting life. (John 17:3) Love moves us to help honesthearted ones to come to know and love Jehovah as we do. Yes, to be truly effective teachers, we need a threefold love—love for God, love of the truth, and love for people. As we cultivate that kind of love and display it in our ministry, we experience not only the joy of giving but also the satisfaction of knowing that we imitate Jesus and please Jehovah. w09 7/15 3:18, 20