LET'S LOOK FOR HIDDEN PEARLS, Week of October 10 to 16, 2022, 1 Kings 19 to 20, Answers.

Let's look for hidden pearls (10 mins.)

1Ki 19:19-21. What does this story teach us about what a change of assignment entails? (w97 11/1 31 ¶1)

This story teaches us that to make a change of assignment implies a lot of sacrifice, since many, like Elisha, have left their fields, that is, their livelihoods, and thus be able to preach the good news in remote or distant territories. , or to be members of a Bethel family, some have also traveled to foreign countries to work on construction projects for the Society.

CHILDREN'S COMMENT:  It teaches us that Jehovah welcomes our service if we exert ourselves unselfishly.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

This story teaches us that there are certain ties or ties that are not going to be broken, but are going to be left for a while, as the verses show, there are many brothers who manifest a spirit of self-sacrifice similar to Elisha. Self-sacrifice means voluntarily giving up one's own desires, affections, or interests for the benefit of other people. And some have left their fields, their families and their livelihood to go and preach in distant territories, it is worth clarifying that they are going to volunteer without anyone paying them anything, because they do it selflessly, but Jehovah is in charge of giving them sustenance physical and spiritual to these selfless brothers who are willing to make sacrifices in order to serve Jehovah fully.

In the text we read that Elisha leaves his job to be the servant of Elijah the prophet of Jehovah. Today also many brothers have adapted their lives to do much more in their service to Jehovah, for example they have left their jobs to serve in isolated territories, serve in Bethel or serve in construction projects, knowing that Jehovah appreciates the efforts they make his servants do so selflessly.  

Also many have accepted what could be considered humble tasks. To Jehovah, however, no slave performs insignificant service, for Jehovah appreciates all who willingly serve him, and he will bless his spirit of self-sacrifice.

In addition, as the story mentions, Elisha stayed with Elijah until the end, refusing to abandon the elderly prophet, even though he had the opportunity to do so, and he did so because he loved him with loyalty and that was due to the close relationship he had cultivated with the. This teaches us that today the servants of God must try to strengthen our relationship with Jehovah and get closer to our fellow believers, because if we do so, Jehovah will bless the close bond of unity, since in Second Samuel 22:26, ​​it shows that with someone loyal Jehovah will act loyally.

What spiritual gems have you found about Jehovah, the ministry, and other topics in this week's Bible reading?

1 Kings 19:18, We see that Jehovah is attentive to each of his servants. because although Israel had turned its back on him, he was aware that there were 7,000 who were still loyal to him. What he teaches us is that today in Jehovah's people we are a great multitude, but even so, Jehovah does not look at us as a group, but that is pending in each one of his servants.

In 1 Kings 19:1. Notice that the king does not even mention Jehovah in recounting those events. He is a carnal man who sees those miracles from a merely human point of view and refers to them as what Elijah had done, it is obvious that he has not learned to respect Jehovah, we can see the same behavior in some people in our territory .

1 Kings 19:12, We see that Jehovah does not reprimand Elijah for feeling alone useless and intimidated, on the contrary, Jehovah spoke to him calmly and listened to him patiently. What teaches us brothers who take the lead to see beyond the shortcomings of our brothers and that we must be with Strengthening Help when they are going through difficult situations.

In 1 Kings 19:9, 10. We see that, in the words of Elijah, at least three reasons are revealed why he is so despondent since he believes that his work has been for nothing, his discouragement is the intense loneliness that seized and that he is afraid, which shows the confidence he had to open his heart to God and that sets an excellent example for all of us.

1 Kings 19:4, We see what day he feels that his labor is in vain and judges himself saying that his services are worthless. What this text teaches us is that sometimes feelings of uselessness can affect our service to Jehovah, they can even affect our physical health, so we must remember that in those moments Jehovah is greater than our hearts and he does value our service very much. or little.

In 1 Kings 19:19-21. While carrying out his work in the field, Elisha received an unexpected visit from Elijah, the main prophet of Israel who threw his official garment on Elisha, and thus hinted that one day this would be his successor, Elisha left his field immediately to become Elijah's assistant, this account teaches us two things, first that the mature brothers must be willing to train the younger ones, and second that the young must accept the invitation to be trained.

1 Kings 20:4, We see that Jehovah used Ahab to accomplish his purpose even though Ahab was not his servant and what we learn is that Jehovah can use non-Christians to accomplish his purpose, and this is what he will do to end to false religion in the near future.

In 1 Kings 20:1-6. Mention is again made of a Syrian king named Ben-hadad during the reign of King Ahab of Israel who led the combined forces of thirty-two kings, apparently vassals, against Samaria, besieged the city, and urged King Ahab to surrender without question. conditions.

1 Kings 19:5-7, We see that the Angel knew where the prophet was going next. So the prophet knows that Elijah could not make that trip in his own strength, this teaches us that Jehovah knows our limitations better than we do. Which motivates us to continue serving a God so loving that he is pending each one of us.

In 1 Kings 20:11. When Ben-hadad boasted that he would destroy Samaria, the king of Israel replied: “Let not the one who girds on [the armor for war] boast like the one who unbuttons [it]” when he returns victorious from battle. When we take on a new task, we need to avoid the overconfidence of the boaster.

1 Kings 20:34, We see that he just left the king alive since he was going to help him promote trade in Damascus, which shows us that here he preferred material possessions instead of obeying Jehovah and what he teaches us is that If we are not careful, materialism may cloud our minds and we may end up putting our service to Jehovah in the background.

In 1 Kings 20:34. Instead of killing Ben-hadad, Ahab made a pact with him, according to which Ahab would be assigned certain streets in Damascus, the capital of Syria, probably to establish bazaars or markets. Previously, Ben-hadad's father had also appropriated certain streets in Samaria for commercial purposes. So Ben-hadad was released so that Ahab could promote his trade in Damascus.

1 Kings 20:34, We see that Ahab left the king alive, since he was going to help him promote trade in Damascus. What it shows us is that here he preferred material possessions instead of obeying Jehovah and what it teaches us is that if we are not careful, materialism can cloud our minds and we end up putting our service to Jehovah in the background.

1 Kings 19:10,14, Elijah felt really distressed when Jehovah asked him what he was doing in the cave, he answered twice with the same words which shows us that the effect of distress causes unbearable emotional pain. This teaches me that in times of anguish is when we need Consuelo the most, that is why we are happy to have understanding friends who are willing to listen to us patiently, since they understand our pain, but above all, like Elias, we have the help of Jehovah who bandages our wounds and heals our hearts.

1 Kings 20:31-34,42, Ahab acted against Jehovah's order he believed to be a compassionate king, he spared the life of Ben-hadad and entered into the covenant with him. But Jehovah foretold a future calamity for him and his people. This taught me that in Imitation of Jehovah on some occasions compassion is out of place, in the case of people who deliberately oppose their Just ways, it would be improper to exempt them out of compassion, in this aspect it is important not to give in to feelings of pity, rather we should show firm obedience to Jehovah.

1 Kings 19:1, In this text we find a practical lesson of confidentiality, discretion but we should not confuse it with being an exaggerated person in keeping secrets. From this text we learn that there are things that should be told if an elder is not trustworthy and tells his wife confidential things about the Congregation shows a great weakness of character and spiritual. Sadly, this could bring serious harm to the congregation and third parties, therefore we see that confidentiality must be maintained at all times.

1 Kings 19:3, Elijah was a man with feelings similar to ours, we see here that he had a human emotion, the very fear that invaded him when he heard Jezebel's threat. How would we have reacted if we had been in his place, sometimes in life we ​​go through situations that we can also move forward or paralyze ourselves and do nothing, but with all this information about some, that staying away from evil is not cowardice but rather prudence like this how did Elijah

1 Kings 19:4, In this text we see that in the desert Elijah asked God to take his life, he can no longer stand that situation and many people take their lives due to the pressure of the system and many feel that they can no longer stand it . This example significantly encourages us and shows us that this happens even to brothers with great faith, in this case to the legitimate prophet of God who had performed miracles, but did not stop being human, this encourages us to lean on Jehovah and our brothers in the faith.

1 Kings 19:4-7, Jehovah did not reject Elijah for wanting to die and having depression, rather he understood it. God sent an angel who, after gently touching him to wake him up, tells him to get up and eat and Elijah does so. Well, the Angel kindly serves him a simple meal: fresh bread and water. This teaches us and confirms that Jehovah shows empathy and verbal love to his servants when they go through moments of depression, so we should do if someone in our family or congregation needs help with something as simple as a few words or a meal could make a difference.

1 Kings 19:5-7, We see that Jehovah also cares for his servants in our day, not with miraculous foods, but with something much more important: spiritual food. Learning about God through his word and publications rigorously based on the Bible nourishes us in a spiritual sense. This type of food may not make all these problems disappear, but if it helps us endure what is otherwise it could be unbearable. It also leads us to eternal life.

1 Kings 19:9, This text makes us think in a personal sense about our response to God if he asks us What are you doing here? This refers to where we are and what we are doing, each one has their circumstances and personal life, which It gives us wonderful opportunities to show our love Loyalty, fidelity, integrity instead of falling into the trap of leading a double life. There are those who believe that they are intelligent to hide what they do but Jehovah has been so involved in everything and they are the ones who have not realized it.

1 Kings 19:10,At least three reasons why Elijah is so downcast are revealed in this text: first, he believes that his labor has been in vain despite having been absolutely zealous in his service Jehovah for years and having given top priority to the holy name of God; God and his worship sees the situation going from bad to worse. The people remain just as rebellious and faithless and false religion spreads like the plague. The second reason for his discouragement is the loneliness he feels, as if he were the only one who still serves Jehovah in the entire nation, and Thirdly he is afraid many prophets like him have already been killed and he is convinced that his turn has come. It may not be easy for you to externalize these feelings, but you do not let pride or shame ask you to open your heart in prayer, you give an excellent example to all God's faithful people.

1 Kings 19:15-19, Shows when Jehovah comforts Elijah and he accepts God's comfort and help, that fearless and faithful prophet who had fought so hard against false worship, got down to work again. If we also take to heart the inspired words of God, that is, the comfort of the scriptures, we can follow Elijah's example of faith. In a certain sense the Bible today is how this calm and low voice with which Jehovah guides us, corrects, encourages and reaffirms his love.