John the Baptist - A Lesson in Maintaining Joy - FOCUS ON SPIRITUAL MATTERS

John may have known that his ministry would be limited, but he may not have realized how abruptly it would end.   (John 3:30)   In 30 C.E., some six months after baptizing Jesus, John was imprisoned by King Herod.  Still, John did what he could to to continue giving witness. (Mark 6:17-20)  What would help him remain joyful through these changes?  He kept focused on spiritual matters.

 While John was in prison, he received reports about Jesus' expanding ministry.  (Matthew 11:2; Luke 7:18)  John was convinced that Jesus was the Messiah but may have wondered how Jesus would fulfill all that the Scriptures said the Messiah would accomplish.  Since the Messiah was to receive kingship, might Jesus' ruling start soon? Would it lead to John's being freed from prison?  Eager  for a clearer understanding of Jesus' role, John dispatched two of his disciples  to ask Jesus a question:  "Are you the Coming One, or are we to expect  a different one>"  ( Luke 7:19)  When they returned, John must have listened intently as they described that Jesus had performed miraculous cures and then sent them back to tell John" "The blind are seeing, the lame are waling, the lepers are being cleansed, the deaf are hearing, the dead are being raised up, and the poor are being told the good news." - LUKE 7:20-22.

John was no doubt strengthened by their report.  It verified that Jesus was fulfilling the Messianic prophecies. Although Jesus' appearance would not lead to John's release from prison, John knew that his service had not been in vain. Despite his circumstances, he had reason to be happy.

Like John, if we focus on spiritual matter, we will be able to endure with joy and patience.  ( Colossians 1:9-11)  We can do this by reading the Bible and meditating on it, remind us that our work in God's service is never in vain. ( 1 Corinthians 15:58)  Sandra says:  "Reading a chapter of the Bible each day has helped me draw closer to Jehovah. It helps me focus on him and not on me."  We can also focus on reports of Kingdom activity, which can help us to look beyond our own circumstances and concentrate on what Jehovah is accomplishing.  "The monthly programs on JW Broadcasting help us feel closer to the organization," says Sandra," and they help us to maintain joy in our assignment.

John the Baptist carried out his brief career with "Elijah's spirit and power." And like Elijah, he "was a man with feeling like ours."  (Luke 1:17; James 56:1)  If we imitate his example of appreciation and spiritual focus, we too can remain joyful in our Kingdom service, come what may.

Next time: Six Lessons Children Need to Learn

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