They "Saw" the Things Promised

TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU LOOK FORWARD TO

When we tell our brothers and sisters what would like to do in the new world, we help one another to imagine this beautiful future more clearly. Of course, we do not know exactly what each of us will be doing.  But when we talk about what we look forward to, we show that we have faith  in what Jehovah has promised.  In this way, we encourage one another to keep serving Jehovah in difficult times, just as the apostle Paul and his brothers  in Rome did. -Romans 1:11, 12. 

When you think about the future that Jehovah has promised, you will think less about your own  problems. At one time, Peter was worried and said to Jesus:  "Look!   We have left all things and followed you; what, then, will there be for us?"  Jesus wanted Peter  and the other disciples with him to think about the wonderful things they would do in the future. He told them:  "When the Son of man sits down on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit everlasting life." (Matthew 19:27-29) So Peter and the other disciples could imagine themselves ruling with Jesus in heaven and helping obedient humans on earth to become perfect. 

We have learned what helped Jehovah's servants to have a strong faith.Abel imagined Jehovah's promises of a better future, and because of his faith in that promise, he pleased Jehovah. Abraham imagined the time when Jehovah's promises about the "offspring" would come true., so he obeyed Jehovah even when it was very difficult.  (Genesis 3:15)  Moses looked forward to the reward Jehovah  promised him, and this helped him to love Jehovah  and be faithful.  (Hebrews 11:26)  When we imagine the time when Jehovah will do all that he has promised, our faith and love for Jehovah will become stronger.  In the next article, we will learn about another way that we can use our imagination. 

Next time: Imitate the One Who Promises Everlasting Life

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015