Saturday, June 18 How long, O Jehovah?—Isa. 6:11. Isaiah wanted to know for how long God’s nation would remain unrepentant. God’s answer? “Until the cities crash in ruins without an inhabitant and the houses are without people and the land is ruined and desolate.” Isaiah received his commission in the last year of King Uzziah’s reign, or about 778 B.C.E. He continued his prophetic service for some 46 years [...]
Friday, June 17 Happy is anyone who shows consideration to the lowly one.—Ps. 41:1. When we assist “the lowly one,” not only do we imitate Jehovah but we also gain his approval. Admittedly, though, a negative view of those in need may at times hold us back from assisting them. Or because we are not sure of what we should say, we may feel embarrassed and withdraw [...]
Thursday, June 16 Lift up your eyes to heaven and see. Who has created these things?—Isa. 40:26. Regarding stars, the Houston, Texas, Chronicle reports on a recent study suggesting that there are “300 sextillion of them. . . . That is a 3 followed by 23 zeros.” The stars are organized into galaxies, each containing billions or even trillions of stars, as well as many planets. Most galaxies [...]
Tuesday, June 14 They will become one flock, one shepherd.—John 10:16. Jesus’ illustration of the sheep and the goats teaches us that those with the earthly hope have the honor of loyally supporting Jesus’ anointed brothers in the preaching and teaching work. During these critical last days, the two groups work together as “one flock” in zealously carrying out the work of making disciples. The Master rightly expects [...]
Monday, June 13 The peace of God . . . will guard your hearts.—Phil. 4:7. Having a grateful heart can help us to cope with grievous trials. We may feel overwhelmed if we are suddenly confronted with life-altering circumstances, such as the unfaithfulness of a marriage mate, a life-threatening illness, the death of a loved one, or the devastating effects of a natural disaster. At such times, we will [...]
Saturday, June 11 You will receive power when the holy spirit comes upon you, and you will be witnesses of me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the most distant part of the earth.—Acts 1:8. The unseen power of the Kingdom message to change people has particularly been evident in countries where the Kingdom work is legally restricted. It is hard to know how [...]
Friday, June 10 You will not leave me in the Grave.—Ps. 16:10. One reason why we know that Jesus’ resurrection occurred is the zeal that his disciples showed in proclaiming it. Zealously bearing witness to the resurrection of the Christ exposed them to persecution, suffering, and death. If Jesus had not been raised up—if it was all a hoax—why would Peter risk his life to proclaim [...]
Thursday, June 9 Your throne will be firmly established forever.—2 Sam. 7:16. Jehovah made this covenant with David during David’s reign in Jerusalem, promising him that the Messiah would be his descendant. Thus, Jehovah further narrowed the line of descent of the offspring of the woman and established that an heir of David would have “the legal right” to the throne of the Messianic Kingdom. Through Jesus, David’s [...]
Wednesday, June 8 A slave is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you.—John 15:20. More than once, Paul was persecuted because of his faith. One such incident occurred in Lystra. After healing a man who was lame from birth, Paul and his companion Barnabas were hailed as gods. The two had to beg the ecstatic crowd not to worship [...]
Tuesday, June 7 [Abigail] was discerning and beautiful.—1 Sam. 25:3. Abigail was a noteworthy woman who lived in the 11th century B.C.E. She had discernment, whereas her husband, Nabal, was harsh, worthless, and senseless. David and his men protected Nabal’s possessions for a time, but when they asked for provisions, he “screamed insults at them” and gave them nothing. This angered David so much that he planned to do [...]
Daily commentary on examining the Scriptures.