N EVER CEASE GROWING IN YOUR APPRECIATION

Appreciate the Privilege of Knowing  Bible Truth

Gaining insight into God's Word does not depend on intellect or worldly education, which tend to foster pride.  Instead, it depends on Jehovah's undeserved kindness, which he extends toward humble, honest hearted people who are conscious of their spiritual need.  (Matthew 5:3;  1 John 5:20 ) When Jesus reflected on the fact that some imperfect humans were having their names inscribed in heaven, "he became overjoyed in the holy spirit and said:  'I publicly praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have carefully hidden these things from wise and intellectual ones, and have revealed them to babes.' " -Luke 10:17-21.

After uttering that heartfelt prayer, Jesus turned to his disciples said:  "Happy  are the eyes that behold the things you are beholding.  For I say to you, Many prophets and kings desired to see the things you are beholding but did not see them, and to hear the things  you are hearing but did not hear them."  Yes, Jesus encouraged his faithful followers not to take for granted the precious Kingdom truths being revealed to them.  These truths had not been revealed to earlier generations of God's servants, and they were certainly not disclosed to the "wise and intellectual ones" of Jesus' day! -Luke 10:23, 24.

In our day, we have even more reasons for being appreciative of divine truth, for Jehovah, by means of "the faithful and discreet slave," has given  his people still deeper in sight into his Word.  (Matthew 24:45; Daniel  12:10) Concerning the time of the end, the prophet Daniel wrote:  "Many will rove about, and the true knowledge will become abundant."  (Daniel 12:4)   Do you not agree that today the knowledge of God has "become abundant" and that Jehovah's servants are well-fed spiritually? 

What a contrast we see between the spiritual prosperity of God's people and the religious confusion of Babylon the Great!  As a result, many who are disillusioned or disgusted with false religion are turning to true worship.  They are sheep like ones who "do not want to share with [Babylon the Great] in her sins" or "receive part of her plagues."  Jehovah and his servants invite all such ones into the true Christian congregation. -Revelation 18:2-4; 22:17.

Next time: Appreciative Ones Flock to God

The Watchtower, 2007