Commentary

Wednesday, July 15 His face shone as the sun, and his outer garments became brilliant. —Matt. 17:2. Jesus had invited Peter, James, and John to accompany him up into a high mountain. While there, they saw a remarkable vision. Jesus’ face shone brightly and his clothes glistened. Two figures, representing Moses and Elijah, began talking to Jesus about his coming death and resurrection. (Luke 9:29-32) Next, [...]

Saturday, July 11 The days of my people will be like the days of a tree. —Isa. 65:22. Will the time come when our days “will be like the days of a tree”? Some trees live thousands of years. Humans would have to be healthy in order to have lifespans of such length. If they could live in the conditions that Isaiah foretold, it would be [...]

Friday, July 10 Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need. —Matt. 5:3. Unlike the animals, you have a spiritual need, which only your Creator can satisfy. (Matt. 4:4) When you listen appreciatively to him, you gain insight, wisdom, and happiness. God satisfies your spiritual need by means of his Word and the abundance of spiritual food that he provides through “the faithful and discreet slave.” [...]

Thursday, July 9 I will fortify you, yes, I will help you. —Isa. 41:10. Isaiah had already described how Jehovah would fortify, or strengthen, his people, saying: “Jehovah will come with power, and his arm will rule for him.” (Isa. 40:10) The Bible often uses the word “arm” symbolically to signify power. So the statement that Jehovah’s “arm will rule” reminds us that Jehovah is a powerful King. [...]

Wednesday, July 8 Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things. I will appoint you over many things. Enter into the joy of your master. —Matt. 25:21. Even before Jehovah’s Son came to earth and set a perfect example of how to impart encouragement, faithful servants of Jehovah were conscious of the need to be encouraging. When threatened by the Assyrians, [...]

Tuesday, July 7 The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one. —1 John 5:19. Satan wants us to become like him —a rebel who ignores Jehovah’s standards and is motivated by selfishness. He surrounds us with people who are already corrupted by him and hopes that they will “spoil” or “corrupt” the way we think and act. (1 Cor. 15:33; ftn.) Satan also tries to [...]

Monday, July 6 Let us consider one another so as to incite to love and fine works. —Heb. 10:24. To attend meetings regularly, we may need to demonstrate courage in the face of difficult circumstances. Some of our brothers and sisters attend meetings despite being burdened by grief, discouragement, or health problems. Others courageously attend meetings despite strong opposition from family members or governmental authorities. Think for [...]

Sunday, July 5 He let himself be afflicted, but he would not open his mouth. —Isa. 53:7. When we are under stress, it is difficult to be meek. Our words may become harsh and our tone cold. If you have ever felt stressed, consider the example of Jesus. During the final months of his life on earth, Jesus was under intense stress. He knew that he [...]

Saturday, July 4 All things are naked and openly exposed to the eyes of the one to whom we must give an account. —Heb. 4:13. Under the Mosaic Law, appointed older men were responsible for handling not only spiritual matters but also civil and criminal cases. Consider a few examples. If an Israelite killed someone, he was not arbitrarily executed. The elders of his city would [...]

Wednesday, July 1 Keep perceiving what the will of Jehovah is. —Eph. 5:17. We are living in “critical times” that are “hard to deal with,” and life is going to become even more difficult before a new day dawns and true peace is restored to this earth. (2 Tim. 3:1) So we do well to ask ourselves, ‘Where am I looking for help and direction?’ Centuries ago, [...]