Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022
Thursday, July 7, 2022
My Father in heaven does not want even one of these little ones to perish (Matt. 18:14).
Jehovah does not forget those who have served him but have been away from his people for a time, nor does he overlook their faithful service.—Heb. 6:10. The prophet Isaiah illustrated how Jehovah loves and cares for his people with a moving example. He wrote: “He will take care of his flock like a shepherd. With his arm he will gather the lambs, and at his breast he will carry them” (Is. 40:11). How does Jehovah, the Great Shepherd, feel when one of his sheep wanders away from his flock? Jesus showed Jehovah’s feelings by asking his disciples: “What do you think? If a man has 100 sheep and one of them is lost, don't you think he will leave the other 99 in the mountains and go looking for the lost one? And, if he finds her, I assure you that he will rejoice more for her than for the 99 that were not lost” (Matt. 18:12, 13). w20.06 19, 20 paras. 8, 9
What do we learn from Jehovah's reaction to what the writer of Psalm 73 said?
The writer of Psalm 73 was discouraged to see that the wicked seemed to be doing well. He came to think that it was not worth doing the will of God (Ps. 73:12, 13, 16). How did Jehovah react? He did not condemn it. Furthermore, he caused his words to be recorded in the Bible. Over time, the psalmist understood that there is nothing better in life than being a friend of Jehovah.—Ps. 73:23, 24, 26, 28. What lesson do we learn? That elders should not be too quick to judge those who are beginning to question whether serving Jehovah is worthwhile. Instead of condemning them, they should strive to understand why they speak and act in a certain way. Only then can you use the Bible to encourage them.
Why did Elijah need help, and how did Jehovah give it to him?
The prophet Elijah fled from Queen Jezebel (1 Kings 19:1-3). He thought that there were no more prophets of Jehovah and that what he was doing did not make any sense. He became so depressed that he even wanted to die (1 Kings 19:4, 10). Jehovah did not condemn Elijah. Rather, he assured her that he was not alone, that he could rely on divine power, and that there was still much to be done. He listened with kindness as Elijah shared his concerns and charged him with new responsibilities (1 Kings 19:11-16, 18). What lesson do we learn? That all of us, and especially the elders, should treat Jehovah's sheep with kindness. If a person expresses bitterness or feels unworthy of Jehovah's mercy, the elders will listen as he opens his heart. Then, they will try to confirm to the lost sheep that they are very valuable to Jehovah.
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