Why It May Seem to Be Hard

As we have seen, Jehovah has asked people to comply with various requirements throughout history. and just as what they had been asked to do has varied, so has the nature of the trials they have experienced.  God's  dear Son underwent the most difficult trials, eventually being killed in the cruelest manner because of doing what God asked.  But when we suffer for doing what Jehovah asks of us, we should remember that he is not responsible for out trials.  (John 15:18-20; James 1:13-15)  Satan's rebellion ushered in sin, suffering and death, and he is the one who has created the circumstances that have often made it very difficult to do what Jehovah asks of his servants. -Job 1:6-19; 2:1-8.

Through his Son, Jehovah has directed that in this time of the end, His servants make and earth-wide proclamation that the only remedy for all human suffering is Kingdom rule.  This government of God will eliminate all problems on earth-war, crime, poverty, old age, sickness, death.  The Kingdom will also usher in a glorious earthly paradise, into which even the dead will be resurrected.  (Matthew 6:9, 10; Luke 23:43; Acts 24:15; Revelation 21:3. 4) What a privilege it is to declare the good news of such things! Clearly, then, there is no problem with what Jehovah asks us to do. We encounter  opposition, but Satan the Devil and his world are responsible for this.

How can we successfully meet any challenge presented by Satan?   "Be wise, my son and make my heart rejoice, that I  may make a reply to him that is taunting me."  (Proverbs 27:11)  Jesus provided Jehovah with and answer to Satan's taunting by leaving the security of heavenly life to do his Father's will on earth.  (Isaiah 53:12; Hebrews 10:7)  As a human, Jesus endured every trial thrust upon him, even death on a torture stake.  If we follow him as our Exemplar, we too can endure sufferings and so what Jehovah asks of us. -Hebrews 12:1-3.

What love God and his Son have shown for us! Because of Jesus' sacrifice, obedient mankind has the prospect of living forever in Paradise.  So let us allow nothing to obscure our hope.  Instead, let us personally take to heart what Jesus made possible, as did Paul, who said:  "The Son of God . . .loved me and handled himself over for me."  (Galatians 2:20) And may we show heartfelt gratitude to our loving God, Jehovah, who never asks too much of us.

Next time: TIMOTHY "A Genuine Child in the Faith"

The Watchtower, 1999