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“I, Jehovah, am […] the one who guides you” (IS. 48:17).
1. Explain with an example why we should follow Jehovah's guidance.
Following Jehovah's guidance is like having an experienced guide in the middle of a dangerous jungle, every step we take could be a risk to our safety. In the same way in the world we face spiritual challenges that can endanger our eternal peace and happiness, the world is full of dangers for our spirituality.
However, we have Jehovah as our supreme guide, he shows us the safe path to avoid these dangers and reach our safe destination, the promised new world. Just as following the instructions of an experienced guide in the jungle leads us to safety, following Jehovah's commands and principles leads us to a future full of hope and eternal life.
2. How does Jehovah guide us?
Jehovah guides us mainly through his word the Bible, it is through his teachings and principles that we can discern the right path in the midst of life's difficulties and challenges.
In Matthew chapter 24 verse 45 we see how Jehovah uses people as instruments to transmit his guidance and wisdom. The faithful and prudent slave provides spiritual food that nourishes us and helps us make wise decisions.
It also employs circuit overseers and congregation elders to encourage and counsel us in difficult times. These individuals, endowed with leadership responsibilities in the congregation, are available to provide support and guidance to those who need it.
3. What will we analyze in this article?
In this article, we will discuss three key ideas for strengthening our confidence in Jehovah’s guidance, especially when it comes to us through imperfect people. First we will examine how Jehovah guided his people in biblical times and secondly we will investigate how Jehovah is guiding us today, finally we will explore the benefits of always following Jehovah's guidance.
ILLUSTRATION
Series of images: 1. Joshua listens respectfully to Moses. 2. King Hezekiah listens with respect to the prophet Isaiah's explanation of a portion of the Scriptures. 3. A meeting of the apostles and elders of Jerusalem. 4. A meeting of the Governing Body in our days. Throughout history, Jehovah has always used human beings to guide his people. (See paragraph 3).
HOW JEHOVAH GUIDED THE NATION OF ISRAEL
4, 5. How did Jehovah demonstrate that he was using Moses to guide the Israelites? (See cover drawing).
Jehovah demonstrated that he was using Moses to guide the Israelites in several shocking ways, one of these proofs was the manifestation of a pillar of cloud during the day, and a pillar of fire during the night, as recorded in Exodus chapter 13 verse 21. These signs were direct indicators of divine presence and direction. Moses, being the leader appointed by Jehovah, followed these manifestations which led the Israelites towards the Red Sea.
When the Israelites found themselves trapped between the sea and the Egyptian army, they panicked and questioned Moses' decisions. However, Jehovah demonstrated his sovereign plan by having Moses take them to precisely that place. In Exodus chapter 14 verses 26 to 28, we see how Jehovah opened the Red Sea to allow the Israelites to pass through and then closed it on the Egyptians, thus saving his people. This impressive miracle was a powerful confirmation that Moses was the chosen instrument. by Jehovah to guide the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.
ILLUSTRATION
A crowd of Israelite men, women and children following the pillar of cloud in the desert. Moses followed the pillar of cloud to lead God's people through the desert. (See paragraphs 4 and 5).
6. How did the Israelites respond to Jehovah’s guidance? (Numbers 14:2, 10, 11).
As we see from the texts we have read, many of the Israelites refused to accept Moses' authority as Jehovah's representative and openly challenged his leadership despite witnessing amazing miracles and experiencing Jehovah's constant provision and protection during their journey through the world. desert. The lack of faith and obstinacy of the Israelites prevented them from recognizing the hand of God in their guidance.
Jehovah in his justice determined that those Israelites who were rebellious and unbelieving would not enter the promised land, as a result of their persistent unbelief. In Numbers chapter 14 verse 30 we read that none of them would enter the land that he had promised to his ancestors, except Joshua and Caleb, who demonstrated unwavering faith and total loyalty to Jehovah.
7. Who followed Jehovah's guidance? (Numbers 14:24; see also image).
Those who followed Jehovah's guidance were those who demonstrated unwavering faith and a willingness to obey an outstanding example who, as we see in Numbers chapter 14 verse 24, followed Jehovah with all his heart.
On the other hand, in Joshua chapter 14 verses 12 to 14, we see how unlike the majority of the Israelites, Caleb maintained constant trust in God and his leadership through Moses, which earned him the promise of inheriting a portion special of the promised land.
In Joshua chapter 4 verse 14 we see that in addition to Caleb the next generation of Israelites also demonstrated an attitude of submission to Jehovah's guidance, deeply respecting Joshua, Moses' successor, recognizing his divine appointment as leader of the nation. Furthermore in Joshua chapter 21 verses 43 and 44, we see that because of his faithfulness and obedience Jehovah blessed this generation and finally allowed them to enter the promised land, thus fulfilling his promise to give them the land that he had sworn to the ancestors of he.
ILLUSTRATION
Joshua listens respectfully to Moses. Moses and his successor, Joshua. (See paragraphs 5 and 7).
8. How did Jehovah guide his people during the time of the kings? (See also the image).
During the time of the kings in Israel, Jehovah continued to guide his people through designated prophets. These prophets were messengers of God who transmitted his words and advice to the leaders and the people in general. The kings who showed fidelity to Jehovah accepted the direction of the prophets and followed their advice with humility and obedience. Prominent examples of this obedience were King David who received the prophet Nathan's correction with humility and repentance and King Jehoshaphat listened attentively to the words of the prophet Jasiel.
Even in times of distress such as in the case of King Hezekiah the leaders turned to the prophets for help and guidance as recounted in Isaiah chapter 37 verses 1 to 6.
ILLUSTRATION
King Hezekiah listens with respect to the prophet Isaiah's explanation of a portion of the Scriptures. King Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah. (See paragraph 8).
HOW JEHOVAH GUIDED THE EARLY CHRISTIANS
9. How did Jehovah guide first-century Christians? (See also the image).
In Ephesians chapter 5 verse 23 we see how in the first century Jehovah guided Christians through the organization of the Christian congregation, establishing Jesus as head of the congregation, although Jesus was no longer physically present to directly direct each Christian, he used the Apostles and the elders of Jerusalem as instruments to lead the work.
Furthermore, in first Thessalonians chapter 5 verse 12, we see how in each congregation elders were appointed to provide guidance and leadership to the brothers. This organizational structure allowed first-century Christians to receive divine direction through leaders appointed by Jehovah, thus ensuring unity and harmony in the congregation as they advanced in preaching.
ILLUSTRATION
A meeting of the apostles and elders of Jerusalem. The apostles and elders of Jerusalem. (See paragraph 9).
10. a) How did most first-century Christians respond to the instructions they received? (Acts 15:30, 31).
According to the texts we have just read, the majority of first century Christians responded positively to the instructions they received, they felt happy and encouraged by the words of encouragement they received. This attitude reflects his willingness to follow divine guidance through Jehovah's representatives at that time.
10. b) Why did some not accept Jehovah's representatives in Bible times? (See the sidebar “Why some refuse to accept the obvious.”)
Some did not accept Jehovah's representatives in Bible times because of pride, as mentioned in John chapter 3 verse 19. Pride can get to people and hinder their ability to recognize God's work through human beings.
In Numbers chapter 16 verses 1 to 3, we see how the Israelites in Moses' time refused to accept his leadership because of their arrogance, and many rejected Jesus despite the miracles he performed. However, those who are humble and love the truth can clearly discern Jehovah's guidance through his human representatives, recognizing that following this guidance is always best.
Why some refuse to accept the obvious
Why do some refuse to accept clear evidence that Jehovah uses human beings to guide his people? In many cases, out of pride (John 3:19; 2 Pet. 3:3, 4; Jude 18). For example, some Israelites did not want to accept that Jehovah had chosen Moses because they believed themselves to be too important.—Num. 16:1-3. For similar reasons, many rejected Jesus despite the miracles he performed (John 12:37, 43). On the other hand, those who are humble and have a heart for the truth can clearly see that Jehovah is using men to guide his people.—Matt. 16:16, 17. Following that guide is always best.
HOW JEHOVAH GUIDES US TODAY
11. Give an example that shows how Jehovah has guided his representatives today.
An outstanding example of how Jehovah has guided his representatives today is found in the case of Brother Charles Russell and his co-workers. At the end of the 19th century through the study of biblical prophecies, they understood that 1914 would be a crucial year for the Kingdom of God.
Jehovah clearly directed his investigative work and the events that occurred in 1914 confirmed his conclusions, the outbreak of the First World War, epidemics, earthquakes and famines, thus fulfilling what we see in Luke chapter 21 verses 10 and 11, these events showed that the God's Kingdom had begun to rule, and Jehovah was using these good-hearted men to guide his people.
12, 13. What was done during World War II to give a boost to preaching and teaching?
During World War II, Jehovah's organization, based on its understanding of Revelation chapter 17 verse 8, took significant steps to advance preaching and teaching. The Brothers responsible for the world headquarters concluded that after the war there would be a period of peace conducive to the expansion of preaching. Therefore, they started the Gilead Bible College to prepare Missionaries to carry the message to remote places.
In addition, the course was implemented in the Theocratic Ministry, to improve the teaching skills of all publishers. These seemingly illogical initiatives in the midst of the conflict proved to be guided by Jehovah, preparing his servants for the work that awaited them.
14. Why can we trust in the guidance of Jehovah's organization and the elders? (Revelation 2:1; see also image).
We can rely on the guidance of Jehovah's Organization and the elders, because they are continually seeking Christ's guidance. The governing body strives to ensure that the instructions they give are in harmony with the view of Jehovah and Jesus .
Through the circuit overseers and the elders these instructions reach the congregations, although the elders, like all humans, are imperfect and can make mistakes, they are at the right hand of Christ, as we see in the text of Revelation in Matthew chapter 28 verse 20, we see that although Moses Joshua and the apostles also made mistakes, Jesus continues to closely guide the faithful slave and elders and will continue to do so every day until the conclusion of the system.
ILLUSTRATION
A meeting of the Governing Body in our days. The Governing Body in our days. (See paragraph 14).
THE BENEFITS OF ALWAYS FOLLOWING JEHOVAH'S GUIDE
15, 16. What do you learn from those who have allowed themselves to be guided by Jehovah?
From those who have allowed themselves to be guided by Jehovah, we learn valuable lessons about the importance of following his advice and guidelines in our lives. Andy and Robyn. For example, they chose a simple life which allowed them to contribute to construction projects for the organization.
On the other hand, Marcia also made decisions based on Jehovah's teachings, opting for pioneering instead of a university scholarship, this choice led her to enjoy a life dedicated to spiritual goals. These examples highlight how following Jehovah's guidance not only leads to a fuller and more meaningful life in the present, but also prepares us for the future blessings of the new world.
17. In what other ways can we benefit from always following Jehovah's guidance? (Isaiah 48:17, 18).
Always following Jehovah's guidance benefits us in various ways. For example, by receiving advice from the organization, we protect ourselves from materialism and other dangers that could lead us away from God's standards. This allows us to focus fully on our service to Jehovah, which brings us deep happiness and lasting peace, as mentioned in Isaiah chapter 48 verses 17 and 18, by obeying Jehovah's teachings we experience his constant guidance and enjoy a full path. of security and blessings.
18. Why do you always want to follow Jehovah's guidance?
I want to always follow Jehovah's guidance because I trust in his wisdom and love for his people. I understand that Jehovah continues to use human beings as his representatives to direct us, even in times of tribulation and during the thousand-year reign. If we cultivate obedience now we will be prepared to follow His guidance in the future, even if it means giving up our own preferences.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
How did Jehovah guide the nation of Israel?
Jehovah guided his people through designated prophets, these prophets were messengers of God who transmitted his words and advice to the leaders and the people in general.
How did Jehovah guide the early Christians?
Jehovah established the Christian congregation by appointing Jesus as its head and using the Apostles and elders to direct the work. In addition, elders were appointed in each congregation to guide the brothers.
How does following Jehovah's guidance benefit us?
Following Jehovah's guidance protects from materialism and its consequences, allowing one to maintain a clear conscience and fully focus on the service of God, which provides deep happiness.
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