Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022
Monday, July 11, 2022
Seek first the Kingdom (Matt. 6:33).
If we want to put the Kingdom first in our lives, we must be like Abraham and be willing to sacrifice ourselves to please God (Mark 10:28-30; Heb. 11:8-10). Let's not expect a life without problems. Even those who dedicate their lives to Jehovah will have difficulties (Jas. 1:2; 1 Pet. 5:9). Today more than ever, we have reason to focus on the future. World events make it clear that we are in the final part of the last days of this system. Among the many blessings that we will have thanks to the Kingdom will be that of seeing our loved ones live again. Jehovah will then reward Abraham for his faith and patience by bringing him and his family back to life here on earth. Will you be there to greet them? You will be able to do this if, like Abraham, you are willing to sacrifice yourself for the Kingdom of God, maintains faith despite problems and patiently waits for Jehovah to act (Mic. 7:7). w20.08 5, 6 paras. 13, 14; 7 para. 17
What situations involving Ishmael and Isaac tested Abraham's trust in Jehovah?
Finally, Sarah became pregnant and gave her husband a son, whom he named Isaac. Abraham loved his two sons, Ishmael and Isaac. But because Ishmael did not treat Isaac well, Abraham had to send Ishmael and Hagar away (Gen. 21:9-14). Years later, Jehovah asked Abraham to sacrifice Isaac (Gen. 22:1, 2; Heb. 11:17-19). On both occasions, Abraham had to trust that Jehovah would fulfill what he had promised him about his children.
Why did Abraham have to wait patiently for Jehovah to act?
Throughout this time, Abraham patiently waited for Jehovah to act. He was probably over 70 years old when he and his family left Ur (Gen. 11:31-12:4). And for about a hundred years he lived in tents and traveled through the land of Canaan. He died at 175 years of age (Gen. 25:7). However, he did not see how Jehovah fulfilled the promise to give his descendants the land through which he traveled. He also did not get to see the city established that he expected, the Kingdom of God. Still, the Bible says that he died “satisfied after a long life” (Gen. 25:8). Although he suffered many problems, he kept a strong faith and was willing to wait for Jehovah to act. Why was he able to put up with it? Because throughout his life he had the protection and friendship of Jehovah (Gen. 15: 1; Is. 41: 8; Jas. 2:22, 23).
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