Prove Yourself Ready

In his prophecy regarding the conclusion of the system of things, Jesus Christ said to his disciples:  "Prove yourselves ready." (Matthew 24:44)  When  Jesus made that statement, he himself was ready for a great test - his death as a ransom sacrifice.  (Matthew 20:28)  what can we learn from the way Jesus had prepared himself?

Jesus had wholehearted love for Jehovah and for His righteous standards.  Concerning Jesus, Hebrews 1:9 states:  "You loved righteousness, and you hated lawlessness.  That is why God, your God, anointed you with the oil of exultation  more than your partners." Because he loved his heavenly Father, Jesus maintained integrity to him. If we have similar love for God and live up to his requirements, he will safeguard us.  (Psalm 31:23) Such love and obedience will help us to be ready for the great day of Jehovah.

Love for people was a notable feature of Jesus'  personality.  Indeed,  "he felt pity for them, because they were skinned and thrown about like  sheep without a shepherd,"  (Matthew 9:36) Consequently, Jesus preached the good news to the people, just as love motivates us to proclaim the Kingdom message to our neighbors.  Love for God and for our neighbors keeps us active as Christian ministers and thus helps to prepare us for the great day of Jehovah. - Matthew 22:37-39.

Jesus delighted to do Jehovah's will.  (Psalm 40:8)  If we have the same attitude, we will find joy in rendering sacred service to God.  Like Jesus, we will be unselfish givers, and this will make us truly happy.  (Acts 20:35)  Yes, "the joy of Jehovah is [our]  stronghold."  With it, we will be better prepared for God's great day. -Nehemiah 8:10.

Fervent prayer to God helped to prepare Jesus for tests of faith.  He was praying when John baptized him.  Jesus prayed for an entire night when he chose his apostles.  (Luke 6:12-16)  And what Bible reader  is not impressed with  Jesus' heartfelt prayers on the last night of his earthly life?  (Mark 13:32-42; John 17:1-26)  Are you a person of prayer, as Jesus was?  Approach Jehovah often, linger in prayer, seek the direction of holy spirit, and be quick to accept that direction when it becomes evident.  A strong relationship with our heavenly Father is vital at this critical time when God's day is approaching rapidly.  By all means, then, draw ever close to Jehovah in prayer. -James 4:8.

Concern about the sanctification of Jehovah's holy name also helped Jesus to be prepared for the trials he faced.  In fact, he taught his followers that their prayers to God should include the request: "Let your name be sanctified."  (Matthew6:9)  If we deeply desire that Jehovah's name be sanctified, or held sacred, we will strive to avoid doing anything that would bring reproach upon it.  As a result, we will be better prepared for the great day of Jehovah.

Next time: Should You Make Some Changes?

The Watchtower, 2007