Are You Reaching the Stature That Belongs to Chrsit? - JEHOVAH PROTECTS AND SAFEGUARDS US

Certainly, one of a loving father's priorities is that of protecting and safeguarding his family against any possible harm of serious danger.  Jehovah, our heavenly Father, does no less.  Of Jehovah, the psalmist says:  "He is guarding the lives of his loyal ones; he rescues them from the hand of the wicked."  (Psalm 97:10) Consider an example.  How precious your eyes are to you!  That is how Jehovah feels about his people.  (Read Zechariah 2:9.) How precious God's people are to him!

One way Jehovah protects his people is by means of his angels.  (Psalm 91:11)  One angel saved Jerusalem from the invading Assyrians, destroying an army of 185,000 in one night.  ( 2 Kings 19:35)  The apostles Peter and Paul as well as others experienced angelic deliverance from prison.  (Acts  15:18-20; 12:6-11) In  our day as well, Jehovah's hand is not short.  A headquarters representative who visited a branch in Africa reported that political and religious conflicts had devastated that country.  Fighting, looting, raping, and killing plunged the land into chaos and anarchy. Yet, none of our brothers and sisters lost their life in that case, even though many of them lost all their belongings and their livelihood.  When asked how they were faring, everyone, with a broad smile answered:  "All is well. thanks to Jehovah!" They felt God's love for them. 

Jehovah has on occasion allowed enemies to take the life of a faithful one, such as Stephen. Yet, God protects his people overall  by providing timely warnings against Satan's crafty acts.  (Ephesians 6:10-12)  Through his Word and Bible-based publications from his organization, we are helped to see the truth about deceptive riches, immoral and violent entertainment, misuse of the Internet, and so on.  Clearly, as a loving Father, Jehovah looks after the safety and well-being of his people.

Next time: Are You Reaching the Stature That Belongs to Christ? -A GRAND PRIVILEGE

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