JEHOVAH EMPOWERS THE TIRED ONE

The Congregation a Strengthening Aid

Jehovah invigorates  us through the meetings  of the Christian congregation.  Jesus said:  "Where  there are two or three gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst."  (Matthew 18:20)  When Jesus made that promise, he was discussing matters that needed the attention  of those taking the lead in the congregation.  (Matthew 18:15-19) However, his words apply in principle to all of  our meetings, assemblies and conventions, which are opened and closed with prayer in his name.  (John 14:4)  So it is a privilege to attend such Christian gatherings, whether few are on hand or thousands are present.  Let us  therefore display gratitude for these occasions designed  to strengthen us spiritually and incite us to love and fine works. - Hebrews 20:24, 25.

Christian  elders provide spiritual help and encouragement.  (1 Peter 5:2, 3) Paul helped and encouraged the congregations he served, as traveling overseers  do today.  In fact, he yearned to be with fellow believers so that there might be an upbuilding interchange of encouragement.  (Acts 14:19-22; Romans 1:11, 12) May we always show appreciation for our local elders and other Christian overseers, who play a large part in strengthening us spiritually.

Fellow belivers who make up  our congregation can be "a strengthening aid."   (Colossians 4:10, 11) As 'true companions' they can help us in times of distress.  (Proverbs 17:17) For instance, when 220 servants of God were released from Sachenhausen concentration camp under Nazi guard in 1945, they faced a 120-mile trek.  They traveled in a group, and the stronger ones pulled the weakest along in a few small carts. The result?  In a death march that claimed the lives of more than 10,000 concentration camp inmates, not one of Jehovah's Witnesses died.  Such accounts appearing in the Watchtower publications, including the Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses and Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, prove  that God empowers his people, so that they do not give up. -Galatians 6:9.

Next time:  Strengthened by Our Field Ministry

Watchtower, 2000