Let us examine the scriptures every day 2025
Tuesday January 21, 2025
He must not put a razor on his head (Num. 6:5).
By their vote, the Nazarites could not cut their hair. In this way they showed that they totally respected Jehovah's authority. Sadly, there were times in Israel's history when the Nazarites were not valued or respected. Sometimes being different was a real challenge for them and required a lot of courage (Amos 2:12). In the same way, when we obey Jehovah, the people around us realize that we are different. It takes courage to identify ourselves as Jehovah's Witnesses at work or at school. And as people's attitudes and behavior go from bad to worse, it can be expected that it will become increasingly difficult to live according to Bible principles and preach the good news of the Kingdom to others (2 Tim. 1). :8; 3:13). However, we must remember that we gladden Jehovah's heart when we have the courage to be different from people who do not serve him (Prov. 27:11) Mal. 3:18. w24.02 16 para. 7; 17 para. 9
What did you like about Benjamin's experience?
With Jehovah's help, we too can have the courage to be different, even if we are shy by nature. Let's look at what happened to Benjamin, a 10-year-old Witness from Norway. At his school, a ceremony was held in support of Ukraine because of the war. The children had to sing a song dressed in the colors of the Ukrainian flag. In order not to participate in this nationalist ceremony, Benjamin planned to stay at a certain distance. But a teacher saw him and called him from afar: “Come here with us! Quick, we are waiting for you!” Courageously, he approached his teacher and said: “I am neutral. I do not participate in political celebrations. What's more, many Jehovah's Witnesses are in prison for not going to war.” She accepted his explanation and left him alone. But his classmates began to ask him why he didn't sing with them. Benjamin became so nervous that he wanted to cry. Still, he was brave and told them again what he had already told the teacher. Later, he told his parents that Jehovah had helped him defend his faith.
How can we gladden Jehovah's heart?
When we obey Jehovah, people around us realize that we are different. It takes courage to identify ourselves as Jehovah's Witnesses at work or at school. And as people's attitudes and behavior go from bad to worse, it can be expected that it will become increasingly difficult to live according to Bible principles and preach the good news of the Kingdom to others (2 Tim. 1). :8; 3:13). However, we must remember that we gladden Jehovah's heart when we have the courage to be different from people who do not serve him.—Prov. 27:11; Mal. 3:18.
Why was it not easy for the Nazirites to obey the command at Numbers 6:6, 7?
(Read Numbers 6:6, 7). The Nazirites could not approach a dead person. At first, it might seem like this was no big sacrifice. But, for a Nazirite, the situation could be very difficult if the person who died was a close relative. Because? Because, to follow the funeral customs of that time, one had to be close to the body (John 19:39, 40; Acts 9:36-40). So the Nazarites could not follow many of these customs. Without a doubt, by maintaining their vow in this delicate and painful family situation, they showed that they had a strong faith. But they were not alone; We can be sure that Jehovah always gave them the strength they needed.
What should we be determined to do when dealing with family matters? (See also the image).
Christians take our vow of dedication to Jehovah very seriously. This is reflected in the decisions we make and how we deal with family matters. We attend to family responsibilities as best we can, but we never put what our family members want above what Jehovah wants (Matt. 10:35-37; 1 Tim. 5:8). Sometimes we may have to sacrifice peace with our family to some extent in order to please Jehovah.
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