BIBLE READING - PROFITABLE AND PLEASURABLE

Bible Reading Required of Overseers

Speaking in anticipation of the time when the nation of Israel would have a human king, Jehovah said: "It must occur that when he takes his seat on the throne of his kingdom, he must write in a book for himself a copy of this law from that which is in the charge for the priests, the Levites. And it must continue with him, and he must read it all the days of his life, in order that he may learn to fear Jehovah his God so as to keep all the words of this law and these regulations by doing them; that his heart may not exalt itself above his brothers and that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right or to the left." -Deuteronomy 17:18-20.

Notice the reasons why Jehovah required all future kings of Israel to read the book of divine law daily: (1) "In order that he may learn to fear Jehovah his God so as to keep all the words of this law and these regulations by doing them"; (2) "that his heart may not exalt itself above his brothers"; (3) "that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right or to the left." Do not Christian overseers today need to fear Jehovah, obey his laws, refrain from exalting themselves above their brothers, and avoid deviating from Jehovah's commandments? Daily Bible reading is surely no less important for them that it was for the kings of Israel.

Christian elders today have a very busy schedule, making daily Bible reading a challenge. For example, members of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses and member of Branch Committees worldwide are all very busy men. Yet, a recent letter from the Governing Body to all Branch Committees emphasized the need for daily Bible reading and good study habits. This, the letter pointed out, will increase our love for Jehovah and for the truth, and it "will help us to maintain our faith, joy, and perseverance down to the glorious end." All elders in congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses feel the same need. Daily reading of the Scriptures will help them to "act wisely." (Joshua 1:7, 8) For them, in particular , Bible reading is "profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness." -2 Timothy 3:16, Revised Standard Version.

Next time: A Necessity for Young and Old

Watchtower,2000