May Your Volunteer Spirit Bring Praise to Jehovah God!

"PRAISE JEHOVAH!"

Today, we are not called on to engage in physical warfare, but we are privileged to show courage by our zealous preaching activity.  The need for volunteers in Jehovah's organization is greater than ever. Millions of brothers, sisters, and young people are offering themselves in various fields of full-time service as pioneers, a Bethelites, as Kingdom Hall construction volunteers, and as volunteers  at assemblies and conventions.  Think, too, of elders who carry weighty responsibilities with Hospital Liaison Committees and convention organization.  Be assured that Jehovah deeply appreciates your willing spirit, and he will not forget it. -Hebrews 6:10. 

Each of us does well to ask himself: 'Am I content to let others carry the bulk of workload?  Am I allowing undue emphasis on material interests to interfere with my volunteer spirit?  Like Barak, Deborah, Jael, and the 10,000 volunteers, do I have the faith and courage to use whatever is at my disposal to carry out the clear command of Jehovah? If I am contemplating a major move to another city or country for perceived economic advantages, do I give prayerful consideration to the effect this would have on my family and on the congregation?'  

Jehovah dignifies us by allowing us to share in supporting his sovereignty.  Since the Devil first enticed humans to support his rival sovereignty, your siding with Jehovah's rulership sends Satan a message that is loud and clear.  The faith and integrity that motivate you volunteer spirit are pleasing to Jehovah.  (Proverbs 23:15, 16)  He uses your display of support to make a reply to the taunts of Satan.  (Proverbs 27:11)  Thus, by your loyal obedience, you are, in effect, giving Jehovah something that he considers precious, and he finds profound joy in this. 

Soon the earth will be filled with those who prefer Jehovah's sovereignty over any other. How we long for that day!  With Deborah and Barak, we sing:  "Let all your enemies perish,O Jehovah, but let those who love you be like the rising like the sun in its glory."  (Judges 5:31) This petition will be answered when Jehovah brings an end to Satan's wicked world!  When the battle of Armageddon begins, there will be no need or human volunteers to rout the enemy.  That will be the time for us to "stand still, and see the salvation of Jehovah."  (2 Chronicles 20:17) But in the meantime, there are many opportunities for us to support Jehovah's cause with courage and zeal.

"Because of the people's volunteering, praise Jehovah!"  Thus, Deborah and Barak began their victory song with praise,  not to creatures, but to the Most High.  (Judges 5:1, 2) Likewise today, may your volunteer spirit move all those who benefit from it to "praise Jehovah!" 

Next time: Helping the Children of "Foreign Residents"

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