Conlcusion Of Elders Serving "For Justice Itself"

Elders administer divine justice in other ways as well. After foretelling that elders would serve "for justice itself," Isaiah continued: "Each one must prove to be like a hiding place from the wind and a place of concealment from the rainstorm, like streams of water in a waterless country, like the shadow of a heavy crag in an exhausted land." (Isaiah 32:2) Elders, then, strive to be sources of comfort and refreshment to their fellow worshipers.

Today, with all the problems that tend to dishearten, many need encouragement. Elders, what can you do to help "depressed souls?" (1 Thessalonians 5:14) Listen to them with emphathy. (James 1:19) They may need to share the "anxious care" in their heart with someone they trust. (Proverbs 12:25) Reassure them that they are wanted, valued and loved-yes, by Jehovah and also by their brothers and sisters. ( 1 Peter 1:22; 5:6, 7) In addition, you can pray with and for such ones. Hearing an elder say a heartfelt prayer in their behalf can be most comforting. (James 5:14, 15) Your loving efforts to help depressed ones will not go unnoticed by the God of justice.

Truly, we draw ever closer to Jehovah by imitating his justice! When we uphold his righteous standards, when we share the lifesaving news with others, and when we choose to focus on the good in others rather than looking for their faults, we are displaying godly justice. Elders, when you protect the cleanness of the congregation, when you offer upbuilding Scriptural counsel, when you make impartial decisions and when you encourage downhearted ones, you are reflecting godly justice. How it must delight Jehovah's heart to look down from the heavens and see his people trying their best to "exercise justice" in walking with their God!

Next time:"O The Depths Of God's ...Wisdom!"

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002