DAILY TEXT, Today, Monday, August 8, 2022, Enough already! Take my life (1 Kings 19:4).

DAILY TEXT, Today's Monday, August 8, 2022

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022

Monday, August 8, 2022

Enough already! Take my life (1 Kings 19:4).

Elders should not be 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. The prophet Elijah fled from Queen Jezebel (1 Kings 19:1-3). He thought that what he was doing was meaningless and even wanted to die (1 Kings 19:10). But Jehovah did not condemn him. 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. w20.06 22 paras. 13, 14

How do we know that Jehovah does not forget those who served him in the past?

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).

How does a good shepherd treat his sheep? (See cover drawing.)

Why is it appropriate to compare Jehovah to a shepherd? Because a good shepherd has great affection for his sheep. For example, David faced a lion and a bear to protect his flock (1 Sam. 17:34, 35). If a sheep goes missing, surely a good shepherd notices (John 10:3, 14). He leaves the 99 safe in the corral or asks another herder to look after them while he goes looking for the lost one. Jesus used this example to teach us an important truth about his Father: “He does not want one of these little ones to perish” (Matt. 18:14).

All Rights Reserved Copyright © 2020 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania JW.ORG.