Nothing Is "Too Extraordinary For Jehovah"
In due course, Hagar did bear Abraham a son named Ismael. Yet, he was not the promised Seed. Sarah herself was to give birth to that heir, despite her advanced age. - Genesis 17:15, 16.
When God specified that Sarah would bear her husband a son, " Abraham fell upon his face and began to laugh and to say in his heart: 'Will a man a hundred years old have a child born, and will Sarah, yes, will a woman ninety years old give birth?' " (Genesis 17:17) An angel's repetition of the message within earshot of Sarah caused her to "laugh inside herself." But nothing is "too extraordinary for Jehovah." We can have faith that he can do anything he wills. - Genesis 18:12-14.
It was "by faith [that ]Sarah herself received power to conceive seed, even when she was past the age limit, since she esteemed him faithful who had promised." (Hebrews 11:11) In time, Sarah gave birth to Isaac, whose name means "Laughter."
Continued -Next time: Implicit Trust in God's Promises
6.30.2005
6.28.2005
Who Would Be Abraham's Heir?
Despite promises of a seed, Sarah remained barren. Abraham presented the matter to God. Would his servant Eliezer inherit all that he owned? No, for Jehovah said: " This man will not succeed you as heir, but one who will come out of your own inward parts will succeed you as heir." - Genesis 15:1-4.
Still there was no child, and the 75 year-old Sarah despaired of conceiving. Hence, she said to Abraham: "Jehovah has shut me off from bearing children. Please, have relations with my maidservant. Perhaps I may get children from her." Abraham then took Hagar as a secondary wife, had relations with her, and she became pregnant. As soon as Hagar realized she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress. Sarah complained bitterly to Abraham and humilated Hagar, causing the maidservant to flee. - Genesis 16:1-6.
Abraham and Sarah acted in good faith, adopting a course that accorded with accepted practices of their day. However, it was not Jehovah's way of producing Abraham's seed. Our culture might dictate that certain actions are right under various circumstances, but this does not necessarily mean that Jehovah agrees. His view of our situation might be entirely different. Hence, we need to ask God's direction, praying that he indicated the way he wants us to act. - Psalm 25:4, 5; 143:8, 10.
Continued-Next time: Nothing is "Too Extraordinary For Jehovah"
Despite promises of a seed, Sarah remained barren. Abraham presented the matter to God. Would his servant Eliezer inherit all that he owned? No, for Jehovah said: " This man will not succeed you as heir, but one who will come out of your own inward parts will succeed you as heir." - Genesis 15:1-4.
Still there was no child, and the 75 year-old Sarah despaired of conceiving. Hence, she said to Abraham: "Jehovah has shut me off from bearing children. Please, have relations with my maidservant. Perhaps I may get children from her." Abraham then took Hagar as a secondary wife, had relations with her, and she became pregnant. As soon as Hagar realized she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress. Sarah complained bitterly to Abraham and humilated Hagar, causing the maidservant to flee. - Genesis 16:1-6.
Abraham and Sarah acted in good faith, adopting a course that accorded with accepted practices of their day. However, it was not Jehovah's way of producing Abraham's seed. Our culture might dictate that certain actions are right under various circumstances, but this does not necessarily mean that Jehovah agrees. His view of our situation might be entirely different. Hence, we need to ask God's direction, praying that he indicated the way he wants us to act. - Psalm 25:4, 5; 143:8, 10.
Continued-Next time: Nothing is "Too Extraordinary For Jehovah"
6.25.2005
Abraham Sought Peace
Events in Abraham's life reveal that Abraham had a godly personality. Instead of allowing a quarrel to continue between his herders and those of his nephew Lot, Abraham suggested separating their camps and invited the younger man Lot to choose the land he preferred. Abraham was a peace-maker. - Genesis 13:5-13.
If we ever have to choose between insisting on our rights or making concessions to preserve peace, we might note that Jehovah did not let Abraham suffer because he showed consideration for Lot. On the contrary, God thereafter promised Abraham and his seed all the land Abraham could see in every direction. (Genesis 13:14-17) "Haapy are the peaceable ["peacemakers,"footnote]," said Jesus, "since they will be called 'sons of God.'" - Matthew 5:9.
Continue-Next time: Who Would Be Abraham's Heir?
Events in Abraham's life reveal that Abraham had a godly personality. Instead of allowing a quarrel to continue between his herders and those of his nephew Lot, Abraham suggested separating their camps and invited the younger man Lot to choose the land he preferred. Abraham was a peace-maker. - Genesis 13:5-13.
If we ever have to choose between insisting on our rights or making concessions to preserve peace, we might note that Jehovah did not let Abraham suffer because he showed consideration for Lot. On the contrary, God thereafter promised Abraham and his seed all the land Abraham could see in every direction. (Genesis 13:14-17) "Haapy are the peaceable ["peacemakers,"footnote]," said Jesus, "since they will be called 'sons of God.'" - Matthew 5:9.
Continue-Next time: Who Would Be Abraham's Heir?
6.18.2005
Spiritual And Material Riches
After Abraham reached Canaan, God told him: " To your seed I am going to give this land." Abrahan responded by building an altar to Jehovah and by calling "on the name of Jehovah." (Genesis 12:7, 8) Jehovah made Abraham rich, and those in his encampment were great in number. Since he once mustered 318 trained men, slaves born in his household, it has been suggested that "his total group must have numbered well over a thousand." For whatever reason, people regarded him as "a chieftain of God." - Genesis 13:2; 14:14; 23:6.
Abraham took the lead in worship, teaching those of his household to "keep Jehovah's way to do righteousness and judgment." (Genesis 18:19) Present-day Christian family heads can draw encouragement from Abraham's example as a person who succeeded in teaching members of his household to rely on Jehovah and act in a righteous way. It is therefore not surprising that Sarah's Egyptian maidservant Hagar, the patriarch's eldest servant, and Abraham's son Isaac relied on Jehovah God. - Genesis 16:5, 13; 24:10-14; 25:21.
Continued-Next time: Abraham Sought Peace
After Abraham reached Canaan, God told him: " To your seed I am going to give this land." Abrahan responded by building an altar to Jehovah and by calling "on the name of Jehovah." (Genesis 12:7, 8) Jehovah made Abraham rich, and those in his encampment were great in number. Since he once mustered 318 trained men, slaves born in his household, it has been suggested that "his total group must have numbered well over a thousand." For whatever reason, people regarded him as "a chieftain of God." - Genesis 13:2; 14:14; 23:6.
Abraham took the lead in worship, teaching those of his household to "keep Jehovah's way to do righteousness and judgment." (Genesis 18:19) Present-day Christian family heads can draw encouragement from Abraham's example as a person who succeeded in teaching members of his household to rely on Jehovah and act in a righteous way. It is therefore not surprising that Sarah's Egyptian maidservant Hagar, the patriarch's eldest servant, and Abraham's son Isaac relied on Jehovah God. - Genesis 16:5, 13; 24:10-14; 25:21.
Continued-Next time: Abraham Sought Peace
6.16.2005
Abraham And Sarah-You Can Imitate Their Faith
He is called "the father of all those having faith." (Romans 4:11) His beloved wife also possessed that quality. (Hebrews 11:11) They were the godly patriarch Abraham and his devout wife, Sarah. Why were they such fine examples of faith? What were some of the trials they endured? And of what value is their story to us?
Abraham manifested faith when God commanded him to leave his home. Jehovah said: " Go your way out of your country and from your relatives and from the house of your father to the country that I shall show you." (Genesis 12:1) The faithful patriarch obeyed, for we are told: "By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed in going out into a place he was destined to receive as an inheritance; and he went out, although not knowing where he was going." (Hebrews 11:8) Consider what that move meant.
Abraham lived in Ur, in what is now southern Iraq. Ur was a thriving Mesopotamian center that traded with lands of the Persian Gulf and likely the Indus Valley. Sir Leonard Woolley, who directed the systematic excavation of Ur, points out that in Abraham's time most houses there were built of brick, with plastered and whitewashed walls. For instance, the home of one prosperous citizen was a two-story building with a paved central courtyard. The ground floor housed domestics and guests. At the first-floor level, a wooden gallery ran around the wall, providing access to rooms reserved for family use. With their 10 to 20 rooms, such residences were "comparatively spacious and afforded scope for a life decent, comfortable and, by Eastern standards, luxurious," says Woolley. They were "pre-eminently the homes of a civilized people and answered to the needs of a highly developed urban life." If Abraham and Sarah left such a home with the prospect of dwelling in tents, they made great sacrifices to obey Jehovah.
Abraham's move took his family first to harran, a city in northern Mesopotamia and then on into Canaan. That was a distance of some 1,000 miles - quite a move for an elderly couple! On leaving Harran, Abraham was 75 years of age and Sarah was 65. - Genesis 12:4.
How might Sarah have felt when Abraham revealed that they were going to leave Ur? Leaving the security of a pleasant home, moving to some strange and potentially hostile land, and accepting a lower standard of living might have concerned her. Nevertheless, Sarah was submissive, thinking of Abraham as her "lord." (1Peter 3:5, 6) Some scholars consider this a manifestation of Sarah's "customary, respectful attitude and behavior toward him," evidence of "real habits of thought and feeling." But above all, Sarah trusted in Jehovah. Her submission and faith stand as a fine example for Christian wives.
True, we are not asked to abandon our home to obey God, although some full-time evangelizers have left their homeland in order to preach the good news in another country. Regardless of where we serve God, as long as we put spiritual interests first in life, he will care for our needs. - Matthew 6:25-33.
Neither Sarah nor Abraham regretted the decision they made. "If they had indeed kept remembering that place from which they had gone forth, they would have had opportunity to return," says the Apostle Paul. But they did not return. Confident that Jehovah "becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him," they exercised faith in his promises. So must we if we are to continue to render wholesouled devotion to Jehovah.- Hebrews 11:6, 15, 16.
He is called "the father of all those having faith." (Romans 4:11) His beloved wife also possessed that quality. (Hebrews 11:11) They were the godly patriarch Abraham and his devout wife, Sarah. Why were they such fine examples of faith? What were some of the trials they endured? And of what value is their story to us?
Abraham manifested faith when God commanded him to leave his home. Jehovah said: " Go your way out of your country and from your relatives and from the house of your father to the country that I shall show you." (Genesis 12:1) The faithful patriarch obeyed, for we are told: "By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed in going out into a place he was destined to receive as an inheritance; and he went out, although not knowing where he was going." (Hebrews 11:8) Consider what that move meant.
Abraham lived in Ur, in what is now southern Iraq. Ur was a thriving Mesopotamian center that traded with lands of the Persian Gulf and likely the Indus Valley. Sir Leonard Woolley, who directed the systematic excavation of Ur, points out that in Abraham's time most houses there were built of brick, with plastered and whitewashed walls. For instance, the home of one prosperous citizen was a two-story building with a paved central courtyard. The ground floor housed domestics and guests. At the first-floor level, a wooden gallery ran around the wall, providing access to rooms reserved for family use. With their 10 to 20 rooms, such residences were "comparatively spacious and afforded scope for a life decent, comfortable and, by Eastern standards, luxurious," says Woolley. They were "pre-eminently the homes of a civilized people and answered to the needs of a highly developed urban life." If Abraham and Sarah left such a home with the prospect of dwelling in tents, they made great sacrifices to obey Jehovah.
Abraham's move took his family first to harran, a city in northern Mesopotamia and then on into Canaan. That was a distance of some 1,000 miles - quite a move for an elderly couple! On leaving Harran, Abraham was 75 years of age and Sarah was 65. - Genesis 12:4.
How might Sarah have felt when Abraham revealed that they were going to leave Ur? Leaving the security of a pleasant home, moving to some strange and potentially hostile land, and accepting a lower standard of living might have concerned her. Nevertheless, Sarah was submissive, thinking of Abraham as her "lord." (1Peter 3:5, 6) Some scholars consider this a manifestation of Sarah's "customary, respectful attitude and behavior toward him," evidence of "real habits of thought and feeling." But above all, Sarah trusted in Jehovah. Her submission and faith stand as a fine example for Christian wives.
True, we are not asked to abandon our home to obey God, although some full-time evangelizers have left their homeland in order to preach the good news in another country. Regardless of where we serve God, as long as we put spiritual interests first in life, he will care for our needs. - Matthew 6:25-33.
Neither Sarah nor Abraham regretted the decision they made. "If they had indeed kept remembering that place from which they had gone forth, they would have had opportunity to return," says the Apostle Paul. But they did not return. Confident that Jehovah "becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him," they exercised faith in his promises. So must we if we are to continue to render wholesouled devotion to Jehovah.- Hebrews 11:6, 15, 16.
6.15.2005
Jehovah Rewards Those Who Care
Caring for older ones results in many blessings. Associating with the elderly and being able to draw on their knowledge and experience is a privilege. Caregivers experience the greater happiness that comes from giving, as well as a sense of accomplishemnt and inner peace from having fulfilled their Scriptual responsibility. (Acts 20:35) Moreover, those who care for the elderly need not fear that they themselves will be abandoned in their later years. God's Word assures us: " The generous soul will itself be made fat, and the one freely watering others will himself also be freely watered." - Proverbs 11:25.
Jehovah rewards God-fearing children, overseers, and other caring Christians for unselfishly tending to the needs of elderly fellow believers. Such a spirit is in line with this proverb: " He that is showing favor to the lowly one is lending to Jehovah, and his treatment he will repay to him." (Proverbs 19:17) If love prompts us to show favor to the lowly and the poor, God considers such giving to be a loan that he repays with blesssings. He also repays us for giving loving care to our eldery fellow worshipers, many of whom are 'poor respecting the world but rich in faith.' - James 2:5.
How generous God's repayment is! It includes everlasting life. For the vast majority of Jehovah's servants, that will be life eternal on a paradise earth, where the effects of inherited sin will be eliminated and faithful elderly ones will enjoy the restoration of their youthful vigor. (Revelation 21:3-5) While we await that blessed time, may we continue to fulfill our Christian responsibility to care for the elderly.
Caring for older ones results in many blessings. Associating with the elderly and being able to draw on their knowledge and experience is a privilege. Caregivers experience the greater happiness that comes from giving, as well as a sense of accomplishemnt and inner peace from having fulfilled their Scriptual responsibility. (Acts 20:35) Moreover, those who care for the elderly need not fear that they themselves will be abandoned in their later years. God's Word assures us: " The generous soul will itself be made fat, and the one freely watering others will himself also be freely watered." - Proverbs 11:25.
Jehovah rewards God-fearing children, overseers, and other caring Christians for unselfishly tending to the needs of elderly fellow believers. Such a spirit is in line with this proverb: " He that is showing favor to the lowly one is lending to Jehovah, and his treatment he will repay to him." (Proverbs 19:17) If love prompts us to show favor to the lowly and the poor, God considers such giving to be a loan that he repays with blesssings. He also repays us for giving loving care to our eldery fellow worshipers, many of whom are 'poor respecting the world but rich in faith.' - James 2:5.
How generous God's repayment is! It includes everlasting life. For the vast majority of Jehovah's servants, that will be life eternal on a paradise earth, where the effects of inherited sin will be eliminated and faithful elderly ones will enjoy the restoration of their youthful vigor. (Revelation 21:3-5) While we await that blessed time, may we continue to fulfill our Christian responsibility to care for the elderly.
6.11.2005
Caring For One Another
It is not only children with aged parents and appointed servants who should be concerned about the elderly. Comparing the Christian congregation to the human body, Paul wrote: " God compounded the body giving honor more abundant to the part which had a lack, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its members should have the same care for one another." (1Corinthians 12:24, 25) Another translation reads: " All the different parts of [the body are] to make each other's welfare their common care." For the Christian congregation to function harmoniously, each member must be concerned about the well-being of his fellow believers, including the elderly. - Galatians 6:2.
Christian meetings afford a fine opportuntiy to show our interest in the elderly. (Philippians 2:4; Hebrews10:24, 25) Do we take time to converse with older ones on such occasions? While it may be appropriate to inquire about the physical well-being, could we " impart some spiritual gift," perhaps by sharing an upbuilding experience or a Scriptual thought? SInce some older ones have limited mobility, it would be kind to go to them rather than expect them to come to us. If hearing is a problem, we may need to speak slowly and enunciate clearly. And if there is to be a true " interchange of encouragement," we must listen attentively to what the older person says. - Romans 1:11, 12.
What if certain older ones cannot attend Christian meetings? James 1:27 shows that it is our duty "to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation." One meaning of the Greet verb translated "to look after" is " to visit." (Acts 15:36) And how the elderly appreciated our visits! While imprisoned in Rome about 65 C.E. the "aged man" Paul found himself practically alone. He longed to see his fellow worker Timothy and wrote: "Do your utmost to come to me shortly." (Philemon 9; 2 Timothy 1:3, 4; 4:9) Although they are not literally prisoners, some elderly ones are housebound because of health problems. In effect, they may be saying, 'Please do your best to visit me soon.' Are we responding to such appeals?
Never underestimate the beneficial effects of visiting an elerly spiritual brother or sister. When a Christian named Onesiphorus was in Rome, he diligently looked for Paul, found him and thereafter 'often brought him refreshment.' (2 Timothy 1:16,17) "I love spending time with younger ones," says one elderly sister. "What I like most is that they treat me like a member of their family, it lifts my spirits." Another older Christian states: " I really appreciate it when someone sends me a card, calls me on the phone for just a few minutes, or visits me for awhile. It is like a breath of fresh air."
Continue-Next time: Jehovah Rewards Those Who Care.
It is not only children with aged parents and appointed servants who should be concerned about the elderly. Comparing the Christian congregation to the human body, Paul wrote: " God compounded the body giving honor more abundant to the part which had a lack, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its members should have the same care for one another." (1Corinthians 12:24, 25) Another translation reads: " All the different parts of [the body are] to make each other's welfare their common care." For the Christian congregation to function harmoniously, each member must be concerned about the well-being of his fellow believers, including the elderly. - Galatians 6:2.
Christian meetings afford a fine opportuntiy to show our interest in the elderly. (Philippians 2:4; Hebrews10:24, 25) Do we take time to converse with older ones on such occasions? While it may be appropriate to inquire about the physical well-being, could we " impart some spiritual gift," perhaps by sharing an upbuilding experience or a Scriptual thought? SInce some older ones have limited mobility, it would be kind to go to them rather than expect them to come to us. If hearing is a problem, we may need to speak slowly and enunciate clearly. And if there is to be a true " interchange of encouragement," we must listen attentively to what the older person says. - Romans 1:11, 12.
What if certain older ones cannot attend Christian meetings? James 1:27 shows that it is our duty "to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation." One meaning of the Greet verb translated "to look after" is " to visit." (Acts 15:36) And how the elderly appreciated our visits! While imprisoned in Rome about 65 C.E. the "aged man" Paul found himself practically alone. He longed to see his fellow worker Timothy and wrote: "Do your utmost to come to me shortly." (Philemon 9; 2 Timothy 1:3, 4; 4:9) Although they are not literally prisoners, some elderly ones are housebound because of health problems. In effect, they may be saying, 'Please do your best to visit me soon.' Are we responding to such appeals?
Never underestimate the beneficial effects of visiting an elerly spiritual brother or sister. When a Christian named Onesiphorus was in Rome, he diligently looked for Paul, found him and thereafter 'often brought him refreshment.' (2 Timothy 1:16,17) "I love spending time with younger ones," says one elderly sister. "What I like most is that they treat me like a member of their family, it lifts my spirits." Another older Christian states: " I really appreciate it when someone sends me a card, calls me on the phone for just a few minutes, or visits me for awhile. It is like a breath of fresh air."
Continue-Next time: Jehovah Rewards Those Who Care.
6.08.2005
How Elders Show That They Care
Near the end of his long life, Jacob referred to the true God who has been shepherding me during all my existence until this day." (Genesis 48:15) Today, Jehovah shepherds his earthly servants by means of Christian overseers, or elders, under the direction of his Son,Jesus Christ, "the chief shepherd." (1Peter 5:2-4) How can overseers imitate Jehovah as they care for the older members of the flock?
Shortly after the inception of the Christian congregation, the apostles appointed "seven certified men...full of spirit and wisdom" to supervise "the daily distribution" of food among needy christian widows. (Acts 6:1-6) Later, Paul instructed the overseer Timothy to put exemplary aged widows on the list of those who were entitled to receive material help. (1Timothy 5:3, 9, 10) Likewise, congregation overseers today willingly coordinate practical assistance for elderly Christians when this is necessary. However, more is involved in caring for faithful older ones.
Near the end of his earthly ministry, Jesus sat down at the temple and "began observing how the crowd was dropping money into the treasury chests." Then someone caught his attention. Says the account: "A poor widow dropped in two small coins, which have very little value." Jesus called his disciples to him and told them: "Truly I say to you that this poor widow dropped in more than all those dropping money into the treasury chests; for they all dropped in out of their surplus, but she, out of her want, dropped in all of what she had, her whole living." (Mark12:41-44) in monetary terms, the widow's contribution was small, but Jesus knew how much his his heavenly Father values such whole-souled expressions of devotion. Regardless of the poor widow's age, Jesus did not overlook what she did.
Like Jesus, Christian overseers do not overlook what the elderly do to promote true worship. Elders have reason to commend older ones for their share in the ministry, for their participation in meetings, for their positive influence in the congregation, and for their endurance. A sincere word of encouragement can help the elderly find "cause for exultation" in their sacred service, thus avoiding frustrating commparisons with what other Christians are able to do or with their own past accomplishments. - Galatians 6:4.
Elders can acknowledge the valuable contribution made by older Christians by drawing on their experience and talents. Exemplary elderly ones may occasionally be used in demonstrations or interviews. " The audience really sits up and listens when I interview an older brother or sister who has reared children in the truth," observes one elder. Elders in another congregation report that a 70-year old pioneer sister has been successful in helping Kingdom publishers to become regular in field service. She also encourages them to do the "basics," such as reading the Bible and the daily text and then meditating on what they read.
Elders also value the contribution of older fellow overseers. Jose. "instead of accepting my suggestion, they asked what practical help I needed in order to continue caring for my responsibilities." With the assistance of a younger elder, Jose was able to continue serving joyfully as presiding overseer, and this has been a blessing to the congregation. A fellow elder states: "The brothers greatly appreciate Jose's work as an elder. They love and respect him for his experience and example of faith. He enriches our congregation."
Continued-Next time: Caring For One Another
Near the end of his long life, Jacob referred to the true God who has been shepherding me during all my existence until this day." (Genesis 48:15) Today, Jehovah shepherds his earthly servants by means of Christian overseers, or elders, under the direction of his Son,Jesus Christ, "the chief shepherd." (1Peter 5:2-4) How can overseers imitate Jehovah as they care for the older members of the flock?
Shortly after the inception of the Christian congregation, the apostles appointed "seven certified men...full of spirit and wisdom" to supervise "the daily distribution" of food among needy christian widows. (Acts 6:1-6) Later, Paul instructed the overseer Timothy to put exemplary aged widows on the list of those who were entitled to receive material help. (1Timothy 5:3, 9, 10) Likewise, congregation overseers today willingly coordinate practical assistance for elderly Christians when this is necessary. However, more is involved in caring for faithful older ones.
Near the end of his earthly ministry, Jesus sat down at the temple and "began observing how the crowd was dropping money into the treasury chests." Then someone caught his attention. Says the account: "A poor widow dropped in two small coins, which have very little value." Jesus called his disciples to him and told them: "Truly I say to you that this poor widow dropped in more than all those dropping money into the treasury chests; for they all dropped in out of their surplus, but she, out of her want, dropped in all of what she had, her whole living." (Mark12:41-44) in monetary terms, the widow's contribution was small, but Jesus knew how much his his heavenly Father values such whole-souled expressions of devotion. Regardless of the poor widow's age, Jesus did not overlook what she did.
Like Jesus, Christian overseers do not overlook what the elderly do to promote true worship. Elders have reason to commend older ones for their share in the ministry, for their participation in meetings, for their positive influence in the congregation, and for their endurance. A sincere word of encouragement can help the elderly find "cause for exultation" in their sacred service, thus avoiding frustrating commparisons with what other Christians are able to do or with their own past accomplishments. - Galatians 6:4.
Elders can acknowledge the valuable contribution made by older Christians by drawing on their experience and talents. Exemplary elderly ones may occasionally be used in demonstrations or interviews. " The audience really sits up and listens when I interview an older brother or sister who has reared children in the truth," observes one elder. Elders in another congregation report that a 70-year old pioneer sister has been successful in helping Kingdom publishers to become regular in field service. She also encourages them to do the "basics," such as reading the Bible and the daily text and then meditating on what they read.
Elders also value the contribution of older fellow overseers. Jose. "instead of accepting my suggestion, they asked what practical help I needed in order to continue caring for my responsibilities." With the assistance of a younger elder, Jose was able to continue serving joyfully as presiding overseer, and this has been a blessing to the congregation. A fellow elder states: "The brothers greatly appreciate Jose's work as an elder. They love and respect him for his experience and example of faith. He enriches our congregation."
Continued-Next time: Caring For One Another
6.03.2005
Our Responsibility As Children
"Honor your father and your mother." (Ephesians 6:2; Exodus 20:12) With this simple yet profound quotation from the Hebrew Scriptures, the apostle Paul reminded children of the responsibility they have toward their parents. But how do these words apply to caring for the elderly? A heartwarming example from pre-Christian times will help us answer this question.
For more than 20 years, Joseph had no contact with his elderly father, the patriarch Jacob. However, Joseph had evidently not lost his filial love for Jacob. In fact, when Joseph revealed his true identity to his brothers, he asked: " Is my father still alive?" (Genesis 43:7, 27; 45:3) At that time, the land of Canaan was in the grip of famine. Thus Joseph sent word to his father, saying: "Come down to me. Do not delay. And you must dwell in the land of Goshen, and you must continue near me... And I will supply you with food there." (Genesis 45:9-11; 47:12) Yes, honoring aged parents includes protecting them and providing for them materially when they are not in a position to care for themselves. (1 Samuel 22:1-4; John 19:25-27) Joseph gladly accepted this responsibility.
With Jehovah's blessing, Joseph had become one of Egypt's richest and most powerful men. (Genesis 41:40) But he did not consider himself too important or too busy to honor his 130-year-old father. On learning that Jacob (or Israel) was approaching , "Joseph had his chariot made ready and went up to meet Israel his father at Goshen. When he appeared to him he at once fell upon his neck and gave way to tears upon his neck again and again.." ( Genesis 46:28, 29) This welcome was much more than a formal show of respect. Joseph dearly loved his elderly father and was not ashamed to demonstrate his love. If we have aging parent, are we similarly unstinting in our expressions of affection for them?
Jacob's devotion to Jehovah remained strong to the end of his life. (Hebrews 11:21) Because of his faith in divine promises, Jacob asked that his remains be buried in Canaan. Joseph honored his father by complying with this request, despite the considerable cost and effort involved. - Genesis 47:29-31; 50:7-14.
What motivated Joseph to care for his father? While love and a sense of indebtedness to the one who had given him life and who had nurtured him were factors, Joseph no doubt also felt a keen desire to please Jehovah. So should we. Paul wrote: "If any widow has children or grandchildren, let these learn first to practice godly devotion in their own household and to keep paying a due compensation to their parents and grandparents, for this is acceptable in God's sight." (1Timothy 5:4) Indeed, love for Jehovah and reverential fear of him will move us to care for aging parents, no matter what challenges doing so may involve."
Continued-Next time: How Elders Show That They Care
"Honor your father and your mother." (Ephesians 6:2; Exodus 20:12) With this simple yet profound quotation from the Hebrew Scriptures, the apostle Paul reminded children of the responsibility they have toward their parents. But how do these words apply to caring for the elderly? A heartwarming example from pre-Christian times will help us answer this question.
For more than 20 years, Joseph had no contact with his elderly father, the patriarch Jacob. However, Joseph had evidently not lost his filial love for Jacob. In fact, when Joseph revealed his true identity to his brothers, he asked: " Is my father still alive?" (Genesis 43:7, 27; 45:3) At that time, the land of Canaan was in the grip of famine. Thus Joseph sent word to his father, saying: "Come down to me. Do not delay. And you must dwell in the land of Goshen, and you must continue near me... And I will supply you with food there." (Genesis 45:9-11; 47:12) Yes, honoring aged parents includes protecting them and providing for them materially when they are not in a position to care for themselves. (1 Samuel 22:1-4; John 19:25-27) Joseph gladly accepted this responsibility.
With Jehovah's blessing, Joseph had become one of Egypt's richest and most powerful men. (Genesis 41:40) But he did not consider himself too important or too busy to honor his 130-year-old father. On learning that Jacob (or Israel) was approaching , "Joseph had his chariot made ready and went up to meet Israel his father at Goshen. When he appeared to him he at once fell upon his neck and gave way to tears upon his neck again and again.." ( Genesis 46:28, 29) This welcome was much more than a formal show of respect. Joseph dearly loved his elderly father and was not ashamed to demonstrate his love. If we have aging parent, are we similarly unstinting in our expressions of affection for them?
Jacob's devotion to Jehovah remained strong to the end of his life. (Hebrews 11:21) Because of his faith in divine promises, Jacob asked that his remains be buried in Canaan. Joseph honored his father by complying with this request, despite the considerable cost and effort involved. - Genesis 47:29-31; 50:7-14.
What motivated Joseph to care for his father? While love and a sense of indebtedness to the one who had given him life and who had nurtured him were factors, Joseph no doubt also felt a keen desire to please Jehovah. So should we. Paul wrote: "If any widow has children or grandchildren, let these learn first to practice godly devotion in their own household and to keep paying a due compensation to their parents and grandparents, for this is acceptable in God's sight." (1Timothy 5:4) Indeed, love for Jehovah and reverential fear of him will move us to care for aging parents, no matter what challenges doing so may involve."
Continued-Next time: How Elders Show That They Care
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