How Jehovah Draws Close to Us - BUILD AN UNBREAKABLE BOND WITH GOD

There is more that we can learn from King Asa. After he defeated the Ethiopian army, the prophet Azariah gave him wise counsel. Azariah said: "Jehovah is with you as long as you remain with him; and if you search for him, he will let himself be found by you, but if you abandon him, he will abandon you." (Chronicles 15:1, 2) Later, though, Asa did not obey his good counsel.  When the northern kingdom of Israel came to fight Judah, Asa became afraid. He did not ask Jehovah for help but made an alliance with the Syrians, who were pagan.   Jehovah told him:  "You have acted foolishly in this matter; from now on there will be wars against you." And this is just what happened. (2 Chronicles 16:1-9) What is the lesson for us?

We should never draw away from Jehovah. If we are not as close to him as we used to be, let us immediately do what Hosea 12:6 says: "Return to your God, maintain loyal love and justice, and always hope in your God."  When we meditate on the ransom and carefully study the Bible, we can draw closer to Jehovah. - DEUTERONOMY 13:4.

The psalmist wrote: "Drawing near to God is good for me." (Psalm 73:28) It is good for each of us too.  Let us make our goal to continue to learn new things about Jehovah.  As we do, we will love him more and more.  When we draw closer to him, Jehovah will draw closer to us now and forever!

SOME EXPRESSIONS EXPLAINED

*To draw closer to Jehovah: To get to know Jehovah very well and to have a relationship with him. To make him our best Friend.

Next time: Hear Jehovah's Voice Wherever You Are

From the jw.org publications

How Jehovah Draws Close to Us - Conclusion of JEHOVAH USES THE BIBLE TO DRAW US CLOSE

For example, God gave Jonah an important assignment, but Jonah ran away.  If an angel had written this story, he could have fully described Jonah's feelings. It was much better that Jehovah chose Jonah to write his own story, including his prayer to God from the depths of the sea. Jonah said:  "When my life was ebbing away, Jehovah was the One whom I remembered." - JONAH 1:3, 10; 2:1-9.

We can find another example in what Isaiah wrote about himself.  When a vision of Jehovah's glory helped him realize how sinful he was, he said: "Woe to me! I am as good as dead, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; for I have seen the King, Jehovah of armies himself!" (Isaiah 6:5) An angel could never have said that about himself, but Isaiah could and did.  Because we are imperfect, like Isaiah, we can imagine how he must have felt.

Angels could not have called themselves "unworthy." as Jacob did, or "sinful," as Peter did.  (Genesis 32:10; Luke 5:8) They would not have been"fearful." as Jesus' disciples were at times.  Angles would not have needed boldness to preach the good news while being persecuted, as Paul and others did. (John 6:19; 1 Thessalonians 2:2)  This is because Angels are perfect in every way and are much stronger than humans.  Like the humans, Jehovah used to write the Bible, we too are imperfect, so we can understand their feelings. When we read what they wrote, we can "rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep." - ROMANS 12:15. 

By meditating on how Jehovah treated his faithful servants in the past, we will discover many wonderful things about our God.  We will see that he drew close to those imperfect humans in a patient and loving way.  As we get to know Jehovah very well and come to love him deeply, we will draw closer to him. - Read PSALM 25:14,

Next time: How Jehovah Draws Close to Us - BUILD AN UNBREAKABLE BOND WITH GOD

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How Jehovah Draws Close to Us - JEHOVAH USES THE BIBLE TO DRAW US CLOSE

So far in this article, we have  used scriptures from 14 Bible books.  Using his holy spirit, Jehovah inspired the writing of the Bible to draw us close to him. Without the Bible, how would we know that we can  draw close to our Creator?  Without it, how could we learn about the ransom and about the way Jesus helps us to draw close to Jehovah?  It is in the Bible that we learn about Jehovah's beautiful personality and his purpose for mankind.   For example, at Exodus 34:6, 7,  7, Jehovah described himself as "merciful and compassionate, slow to anger, and abundant in loyal love and truth, showing loyal love to thousands, pardoning error and transgression and sin." Who would not be drawn to someone like that?  Jehovah knows that when we learn more about him, he will become more real to us and we will feel closer to him.

The beginning of the book Draw Close to Jehovah says that as we build  a close friendship with someone, we get to know our friend and admire his qualities. So, in order to have a close relationship with God, we need to learn who he really is by studying his qualities in the Bible.  We can be very thankful that Jehovah had the Bible written in a way that is easy to understand. 

Jehovah could have used the angels to write the Bible. They are very interested in who we are and what we do. ( 1 Peter 1:12)  They could have written Jehovah's message to mankind perfectly.  But angels are not like humans.  They have never had the feelings, needs and weaknesses that we have. Jehovah knows that angels are very different from us, so he wisely chose humans to write the Bible. When we read about the disappointments, doubts, fears, and mistakes of the Bible writers and others, we can feel their pain. And when we read about their happy times, we can feel their joy.  Like the prophet Elijah, all the Bible writers  had "feelings like ours." - JAMES 5:17. 

Next times: How Jehovah Draws Close to Us - Conclusion of JEHOVAH USES THE BIBLE TO DRAW US CLOSE

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How Jehovah Draws Close to Us - JEHOVAH USES THE RANSOM TO DRAW US CLOSE

Jehovah showed his love for humans when he created a beautiful earthly home for us. He continues to show his love by keeping us alive each day. (Acts 17:28; Revelation 4:11) An even greater way Jehovah shows us his love is by providing for our spiritual needs. (Luke 12:42)  He also assures us that he personally listens when we pray to him. (John 5:14)  But the greatest way Jehovah draws us close to him  and shows he love for us is through the ransom.  (1 John 4:9, 10, 19) Jehovah sent his own Son to sacrifice his life for us. Only by means of this sacrifice can we hope to live forever as perfect humans. - JOHN 3:16.

Jehovah intended the ransom to benefit all humans, even those who lived before the ransom was paid. How was this possible?  When he  gave the prophecy about our future Savior, Jehovah viewed the ransom as already paid because he knew that his purpose for mankind would not fail. (Genesis 3:15) Hundreds of years later, the apostle Paul thanked Jehovah for "the release by the ransom paid by Christ Jesus."  Paul explained that God "was forgiving the sins that occurred in the past." (Romans 3:21-26) So we cannot draw close to God without Jesus.

Jehovah allows humble people to enjoy a close relationship with him only through Jesus.  The Bible says: "God recommends his own love to us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:6-8) The ransom was paid, not because we earned it, but because Jehovah and Jesus loved us so much.  Jesus said: "No man can come to me unless the Father, who sent me draws close to him."  He also said: "No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 6:44; 124:6) By means of holy spirit, Jehovah draws people close to himself through Jesus and helps them to have a good relationship  with Him, so that they can live forever. (Jude 20, 21.) Let us  now see a second way  in which Jehovah draws us close to him.

Next time: How Jehovah Draws Close to Us - JEHOVAH USES THE BIBLE TO DRAW US CLOSE

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How Jehovah Draws Close to Us - LEARN FROM AN ANCIENT EXAMPLE

Asa was zealous for true worship. He became king at a time when temple prostitution and idolatry were very common in the land. and he obeyed Jehovah by removing these bad things.  (1 Kings 15:9-13) Because Asa himself had drawn close to Jehovah and obeyed his laws, he could tell the people "to search for Jehovah the God of their forefathers and to observe the Law and the commandment." Jehovah then blessed the first ten years or Asa's rule with complete peace. Asa knew that this peace came from Jehovah, and he told the people:  "We have searched and he has given us rest all around." (2 Chronicles 14:1-7) So, what happened next?

Imagine that you are King Asa. Zerah the Ethiopian is leading 1,000,000 men and 300 chariots to war against your nation. (2 Chronicles 14:8-10)  He has almost twice as many soldiers  as your army does. How would you react?  Would you ask why God has not stopped this invasion?  Would you rely on your own wisdom?  Or rather, would you trust in Jehovah to protect you?  Asa clearly showed us that he had a close relationship with Jehovah and that he trusted him fully.  Asa cried out:  "Help us, O Jehovah our God, for we are relying on you."  How did God answer him?  "Jehovah defeated the Ethiopians."  Not one of them survived. - 2 CHRONICLES 14:11-13. 

How was Asa able to trust fully that God would protect and guide him?  The Bible says that "Asa did what was right in the eyes of Jehovah" and that his "heart was complete with Jehovah." (1 Kings 15:11, 14)  We too need to serve God with a complete heart so that we can be close to him now and in the future. We are grateful that Jehovah has taken the initiative to draw us close to him and that he helps us to have a close relationship with him. Let us see two ways in which God has done so. 

Next time: How Jehovah Draws Close to Us - JEHOVAH USES THE RANSOM TO DRAW US CLOSE

From the jw.org publications

How Jehovah Draws Close to Us

"Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you." - JAMES 4:8.

EVERYONE needs to feel closer to other people.  It makes us happy to have family and friends who really love, value and understand us. But the closest relationship we need to develop is with out Creator, Jehovah. - ECCLESIASTES  12:1. 

Jehovah invites us to be his friends.  He promises that if we draw close to him, he will draw close to us. (James  4:8) Knowing this makes us feel happy.  But many people think that it is not realistic to believe that God wants  to be close to them.  They feel that they are not worthy of having a relationship with him that he is too far away. Is it really possible to draw close to Jehovah?

Yes, it is possible to know Jehovah because "he is not far from each one" who wants to find him. (Acts 17:26, 27; Psalm 145:18)  Jehovah is ready and willing to accept us as his close friends, even though we are imperfect humans.  (Isaiah 41:8; 55:6)  As a result of his own experience, the  psalmist  said about Jehovah:  "O Hearer of prayer, to you people of all sorts will come.  Happy is the one whom who you choose and bring near." (Psalm 65:2, 4) Let us now see from the Bible how king Asa of Judah drew close to God and how God also drew close to Asa. 

Next time: How Jehovah Draws Close to Us - LEARN FROM AN ANCIENT EXAMPLE

From the jw.org publications

Use the Word of God - It is Alive! - USE THE POWER OF GOD'S WORD IN YOUR MINISTRY

You never know how people will react to a scripture that has been chosen carefully.  For example, two Witnesses in Australia knocked on a young woman's door.  One of them asked her, "Do you know God's name?" And then read Psalm 83:18.  "I was floored!"  the woman says.  "After they left, I drove 56 kilometers 35 miles)  to a bookstore to check other translations and then looked up the name in a dictionary.  Having convinced myself that God's name is Jehovah, I wondered what else I didn't know. Soon, she and her future husband began studying the Bible, and later they got baptized.

God's Word has the power to change people's lives.  When someone reads the Bible, he can build strong faith in Jehovah's promises. This faith will motivate him to apply what he learns.  (1 Thessalonians 2:13) The Bible's message  is more powerful than anything we could ever say.  So let us be determined to use the Word of God in our ministry as much as possible. It is Alive!

SOME EXPRESSIONS EXPLAINED

* "The word of God is alive": All the promises of Jehovah progress toward their fulfillment, and they will be completely successful.

The word of God "exerts power": God's Word has the power to change people's lives.  When a person  develops confidence in God's Word, what he reads  in the Bible can have powerful effect on his life.

Next time: How Jehovah Draws Close to Us

From the jw.org publications

Use the Word of God - It is Alive! - Conclusion of DISCUSS A SUBJECT THAT PEOPLE THINK ABOUT

Are people in your area suffering as a result of a recent tragedy?  You could begin a conversation by saying: "I came to your door to offer some comfort.  (Jeremiah 29:11.) Did you notice the three things God wants for us?  'Peace,' 'a future,' and 'a hope.' It is nice to know that he wants us to have  good life. But how is that possible?" Then turn to an appropriate lesson in the God News brochure.

Do you live in an area where people are interested in religion?  If so, you might start a conversation by asking:  "If an angel spoke to you, would you listen to what he had to say? ( Revelation 14:6, 7.)  This angel says 'fear God,' so to which God was he referring?  To the One who made the heaven and the earth.' Who was that?' Then read Psalm 124:8, which says:  "Our help is in the name of Jehovah, the Maker of heaven and earth."  Then offer to explain about Jehovah God.

You might start a conversation with a young person by saying: "I would like to read a scripture that asks a very important question. (Read Proverbs 30:4.)  No human can do these things, so this verse must be referring to our Creator.  How can we find out what his name is?  I would happy to show it to you in the Bible."

Next time: Use the Word of God -It is Alive!  - USE THE POWER OF GOD'S WORD IN YOUR MINISTRY

From the jw.org publications

Use the Word of God - It Is Alive! - DISCUSS A SUBJECT THAT PEOPLE THINK ABOUT

Paul was very interested in  understanding the thinking of "as many people as possible" in his ministry.  (Corinthians 9:19-23)  Why?  He wanted to help "people of all sorts," both Jews and others, to learn the truth so that they might be saved.  (Acts 20:21) How can we imitate Paul's example as we prepare for the ministry and preach to "all sorts of people"? - 1 TIMOTHY 2:3, 4.

Each month, Our Kingdom Ministry contains suggestions on how to present our message. Try using them. But what if people in your territory are concerned about a different subject?  Prepare to say something that is of interest to them.  What concerns the people around you? Choose a subject that is related to that subject.  A circuit overseer and his wife describe how they are able to use the Bible more in their ministry.  "Most householders will allow us to read one verse if we are brief and to the point.  After a customary greeting with our open Bibles in hand, we read the scripture."  In the following paragraphs, we will consider some topics, questions, and scriptures that have proved to be successful in the ministry.  You might want to try using some of them in your territory. 

If you live in an area where there is crime and violence, you might ask a person: "Can you imagine this news being on the front page of the newspaper: "The whole earth now rests, free or disturbance.  People cry out for joy? That is what the Bible says at Isaiah 14:7. In fact, the Bible contains God's many promises of peaceful times that will soon come." Then offer to read one of those promises from the Bible. 

Is it hard for many men in your area to provide for their families?  If so, you might start a conversation by asking: "How  much money  does a man have to make in order for his family to be happy?" After the person responds, you might say: "Many men earn much more than that, but their families are still not satisfied. So, what is really needed?"  Then read Matthew 5:3 and offer a Bible study. 

Next time: Use the Word of God - It Is Alive! - Conclusion of DISCUSS A SUBJECT THAT PEOPLE THINK ABOUT

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Use the Word of God - It is Alive! - Conclusion of READ A SCRIPTURE THAT IS CAREFULLY CHOSEN

 You may decide to read and discuss more from the tract.  This is depend on the reaction of the householder. But no matter how people react, they will have received the message from the tract, and you will have read some of God's Word to them.  Even if you only read one or two verses the first time you visit them, you can return later and continue the conversation.

On the back of each tract there is the subtitle "To Think About."  Under this subtitle, there are scriptures and a question that can be discussed on a return visit.  In the tract How Do You View the Future?  The question is "How will God change our world for the better?" Matthew 6:9, 10 and Daniel 2:44  cited.  For the tract Can the Dead Really Rise Again?  The question is "Why do we grow old and die?"  Genesis 3:17-19 and Romans 5:12 are cited.

These tracts are designed to help us start Bible studies.  A person can scan the QR code* on the back of the tract, and he will be directed to our Website.  There, he will be invited to study the Bible.  These tracts also feature the brochure  Good News From God!  Each tract refers to a lesson in this brochure.  For example, the tract Who Really Controls the World?  leads to lesson 5 of that brochure. the tract What Is the Key to a Happy Family Life? leads to lesson 9. These tracts are designed to help us use  the Bible on our first visit and on return visits.  This way we may start more Bible studies.  What else can you do to use God's Word in an effective way?

Next time: Use the Word of God - It Is Alive!- DISCUSS A SUBJECT THAT PEOPLE THINK ABOUT

From the jw.org publications 

Use the Word of God - It Is Alive! - READ A SCRIPTURE THAT IS CAREFULLY CHOSEN

All the new tracts have the same forma. So when we learn how to use one, we know how to use them all.  One service overseer in Hawaii, U.S.S., wrote: "Little did we realize how effective these new tools would be both to the house-to-house work and in public witnessing."  Why are the tracts so easy to use?  He feels that this is because of the question and the possible answers  found on the front of them.  The householder does not have to worry about giving a wrong answer.  The brother says that because of the way the tracts are written, many more people are willing to talk, and this leads o interesting conversations.

 Each tract contains a carefully chosen scripture that we can read to the householder.  Take, for example, the tract Will Suffering Ever End?  Ask the householder the question on the cover.  He can pick "yes" or "no," or "maybe" as the answer. Whatever his answer is, turn to the inside page and simply say,  "Here is what the Bible says." Then read REVELATION  3:16, 17.

When you use the tract How Do You View the Bible?  It does not matter which of the three answers the householder chooses. Just turn to the inside or the tract and say,  "The Bible says that the 'all Scripture is inspired of God."  You could add,  Actually, that passage says much more."  Then open your Bible, and read all of 2 TIMOTHY 3:16, 17.

Next time: Use the Word of God - It Is Alive! - READ A SCRIPTURE THAT IS CAREFULLY CHOSEN

From the jw.org publications 

Use the Word of God - It Is Alive! - "WHAT IS THAT IN YOUR HAND?"

When Moses said to Jehovah that  he is afraid people would not believe him, God prepared Moses so that he would be successful.  The Bible states that: "Jehovah said to [Moses]: "What is that in your hand?' He  answered: 'A rod.'  Jehovah said: 'Throw it on the ground.' So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it. Jehovah now to said to Moses: 'Reach out your  hand and seize it by the tail.' So he reached out and seized it, and it became a rod in his  hand.  God then said:' This is so  that they may believe that Jehovah . . . has appeared to you."' (Exodus 4:2-5) By God's power, the rod became a snake in Moses hand!  This miracle would prove that Moses was God's messenger and had authority from Him:  "You will take this rod and perform miracles with it." (Exodus 4:17)  With this proof, Moses could have the confidence needed to go speak to Pharaoh and also his God's people. - EXODUS 4:29-31; 7:8-13. 

When we share God's message with others, what do we have in our hand? We have the Bible, and we are eager to use it.  Some people think that the Bible is simply a good book. But the Bible is more than that.  It contains God's message to us. (2 Peter 1:21)  It contains God's promises and tells us what his Kingdom will do. Paul wrote: "The word of God is alive and exerts power.' (Hebrews 4:12.) How is the word of God alive? All the promises of Jehovah progress toward their fulfillment, and they will be completely successful.  ( Isaiah 46:10; 55:11)  When a person grasps these facts about God's Word, what he reads in the Bible can have a powerful effect on his life.

Jehovah had given us his Word, the Bible.  With this tool, we can prove that what we say can be trusted and comes from God.  That is why when Paul was training Timothy, he encouraged him to handle "the word of truth aright." (2 Timothy 2:15) How can we apply Paul's counsel?  By carefully choosing the scriptures  we will read to others.  Our goal is to touch the hearts of those who listen to us.  The tracts we received in 2013 were designed to help us do that.

Next time: Use the Word of God- It Is Alive! - READ A SCRIPTURE THAT IS CAREFULLY CHOSEN

From the jw.org publications 

Use the Word of God - It Is Alive!

"The word of God is alive and exerts power." - HEBREWS 4:12. 

IMAGINE that you had to speak to the most powerful ruler on earth as a representative of God's people. How would you feel? You would probably feel anxious, afraid, and unable to speak.  How would prepare what to say? Would you be able to speak with authority as a messenger of God?

Moses was in that exact situation. He was a very humble person.  (Numbers 12:3)  But Jehovah sent him to speak to Pharaoh, a very rude and proud man. Jehovah asked Moses to give an order to Pharaoh. The order was to free millions of God's people from slavery. (Exodus 5:1, 2) We can understand why Moses asked Jehovah: "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" Moses probably felt that he did not have the ability to speak to Pharaoh.  But Jehovah promised Moses that he would not be alone.  "I will prove to be with you,," said  Jehovah. - EXODUS 3:9-12.

Why was Moses afraid? He was afraid that Pharaoh would not receive or pay attention to a messenger of Jehovah God. Moses was also afraid that the Israelites would doubt whether God had chosen him to lead them out of Egypt. He said to Jehovah: "Suppose they do not believe me and do not listen to my voice, for they will say, 'Jehovah did not appear to you."' - EXODUS 3:15-18; 4:1.

What about you? You may never have to speak to a powerful ruler.  But what if it is difficult for you to talk to people in your territory about Jehovah and his Kingdom? Jehovah's commands to Moses and what happened afterward can teach us a very important lesson.

Next time: Use the Word of God - It Is Alive! - :WHAT IS THAT IN YOUR HAND?

From the jw.org publications

What Is the Role of Women in Jehovah's Purpose?- - GRAND REWARDS FOR WOMEN WHO FEAR GOD

It is not possible to discuss all the faithful women described in the Bible.  But we can read about them in God's Word and in articles found in our publications.  We can meditate on the example of Ruth and her loyalty.  (Ruth 1:16, 17)  Also, we can benefit by considering the example of Queen Esther.  We can study about these women and others during our family worship. Or if we live alone, we can study about these women and others during our personal study. 

It is very clear that Jehovah has blessed the preaching work of faithful women, even during difficult trials.  For example,  during the times of Nazi oppression and Communist rule, Jehovah helped faithful women to remain loyal to him.  Many suffered, and some were even killed because of their obedience to God. (Acts) 5:29) Like those faithful women, Christian women and others today have chosen God as their Ruler.  Jehovah said to them, just as he said to the ancient Israelites: "Do not be afraid.  I will help you," - ISAIAH 41:10-13.

In the future, men and women who fear God will be used to help millions of resurrected ones to learn about Jehovah and his wonderful purposes for humankind. In addition, they will participate in  restoring the entire earth to a paradise.  Until then, may of us value the privilege we have to serve Jehovah "shoulder to shoulder." - ZEPHANIAH 3:9.

SOME EXPRESSIONS EXPLAINED

*Eve was a complement to Adam: This describes her role as a wife.  She had abilities that Adam did not have but that were needed for the success of  their family. She would help Adam to fulfill God's purpose to make the earth a paradise.

Next time: Use the Word of God-It Is Alive!

From the jw.org publications 

What Is the Role of Women in Jehovah's Purpose? - "A LARGE ARMY" OF WOMEN

Near the end of the 1800's ,  a few men and women were very interested in Bible truth.  They were the ones who opened  the way of preaching Jesus' message and were part of the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy" "This good news of the Kingdom will be preached throughout all the inhabited earth for a witness to all nations, and then the end will come." - MATTHEW  24:14.

The small group of Bible students has grown to become more than 8,000,000 Witnesses of Jehovah today. In addition to them, more than 11,000,000 others attended the Memorial or Jesus' death.  Most of them were women. Also, there are more than 1,000,000 Witnesses in the full-time service.  In most lands, the majority of these are women.  Jehovah has given women the privilege to represent him. Thus, the words of the psalmist have certainly been fulfilled: "Jehovah gives the command; the women proclaiming the good news are a large army." - PSALM 68:11. 

Next time: What Is the Role of Women in Jehovah's Purpose? - GRAND REWARDS AHEAD FOR WOMEN WHO FEAR GOD

From the jw.org publications

What Is the Role of Women in Jehovah's Purpose? WOMEN WHO FEARED GOD IN JESUS' TIME

Jehovah has given women special privileges in his service.  One such woman was a virgin named Mary. While she was engaged  to Joseph, Mary became pregnant by means of Jehovah's  holy spirit.  Why did God choose Mary to become the mother of Jesus?  No doubt because she had valuable qualities that were needed to raise her perfect son.  It was a great privilege to become the mother of the greatest man ever to live on earth! - MATTHEW  1:18-25.

Jesus was very king to women.  For example, think about the women who "had a flow of blood for 12 years." She touched Jesus' garment so that she would get healed.  Did Jesus become angry with her?  No. He was kind and said: "Daughter your faith has  made you well.  Go in  peace, and be healed from your grievous sickness," - MARK 5:25-34.

While Jesus and his apostles were traveling, there were some women  who cared for their needs.  (Luke 8:1-3) And on the day of Pentecost in the year 33, about 120 men and women received God's spirit in a special way. (Acts 2:1-4) Many years before that, Jehovah had said: "I will pour out my spirit on every sort of flesh, and your sons and daughters will prophesy . . . and even my male slaves and female slaves I will pour out my spirit." (Joel 2:28, 29) This miracle on the day of Pentecost was proof that Jehovah  favored these men and women who became "the Israel of God." (Galatians 3:28; 6:15, 16)   The four daughters of Philip the evangelizer were some of the women who preached the fist century. - ACTS 21:8, 9.

Next time: What Is the Role of Women in Jehovah's Purpose? - "A LARGE ARMY" OF WOMEN

From the jw.org publications

What Is the Role of Women in Jehovah's Purpose? - Conclusion of WOMEN WHO HAD JEHOVAH'S SUPPORT

During the time that Israel had judges, God appointed a woman named Deborah as a prophetess.  Deborah encouraged  judge Barak and helped the Israelites to get free from their enemies.  She foretold  that a woman, not Barak, would receive the glory for defeating the Caanites.  These enemies were defeated  when Jael, a woman who was not an Israelite, killed Sisera, the chief of the Canaanite army." - JUDGES 4:4-9,17-22.

Consider also the faithful woman Abigail who lived about 1, 100 years before Christ,  The Bible says that she had good sense but that her husband, Nabal, was mean, worthless, and senseless.  (1 Samuel 25:2, 3, 25) Because David had protected Nabal's men, David eventually sent his men  to ask him for food and other supplies. But Nabal "screamed at therm" and gave them nothing.  David became so angry that he planned to punish  Nabal and his men. However, after being told what Nabal had done, Abigail took food and other gifts to David.  Because of her wise actions, David did not kill Nabl. (1 Samuel 25:8-18)  David later said to her:  "Praise  Jehovah the God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet  me!" (1 Samuel 25:32) After the death of Nabal, David married Abigail. - 1 SAMUEL 25:37-42.

When the Babylonians destroyed Jerusalem and its temple in the year 607 before Christ, many men, women, and children died.  In 455 before Christ, the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt under the direction of Shallum.  Their father was "a prince of half the district of Jerusalem." (Nehemiah 3:12) Yet, the daughters of Shallum were glad to do humble work.  This reminds us of the many Christian women who work on building projects around the world today!

Next time: What Is the Role of Women in Jehovah's Purpose? - WOMEN WHO FEARED GOD IN JESUS'  TIME

From  the jw.org publications

What Is the Role of Women in Jehovah's Purpose?- WOMEN WHO HAD JEHOVAH'S SUPPORT

 After the rebellion in Eden, humans continued to disobey Jehovah.  In recent  years, the conduct of humans has become worse.  Without a doubt, these are "critical times hard to deal with,"  as the Bible foretold.  (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Despite the wickedness of some, there have always been men and women who have disobeyed God's laws and accepted him as their Ruler.  They have trusted in Jehovah, and he has helped and supported them. - Read PSALM 71:5.

In Noah's time, Jehovah destroyed wicked people by means of the Flood, and very few humans survived.  If Noah's brothers and sisters were still alive at that time, they also died in the Flood.  (Genesis 5:30)  But the number of women who survived in the Flood was the same number as the number of men.  The survivors were Noah, his wife, their three sons, and their wives.  They were saved because they obeyed Jehovah and did his will.  All humans now living come from those eight people whom God helped and protected. - GENESIS 7:7; 1 PETEr 3:20.

 Years later, the wives of  faithful patriarchs also had God's help and protection.  They did not complain about their  life, and Jehovah blessed them. (Jude 16)  One such woman was Sarah.  When she was asked to leave her comfortable home in Ur to live in tents, she did not complain.   Instead, she "obeyed Abraham, calling him lord." (1 Peter 3:6) Think also of Rebekah, the wife of Isaac. She was a wonderful gift from Jehovah.  The Bible says that Isaac  "fell in love with her, and . . . found comfort after the loss of his mother," (Genesis 24:67)   Today, Jehovah's people are privileged to have many faithful women like Sarah and Rebekah among them.

While the Israelites were slaves in Egypt, they grew and became a large nation. Pharaoh commanded that all Israelite baby boys be killed at birth. There two Israelite women who seemed to be responsible for the midwives.  Their names were Shiphrah and Puah.  Because  they feared Jehovah more than they feared Pharaoh's command to kill the baby boys.  And Jehovah later rewarded them with their own families. - EXODUS 1:15-21.

Next time: What Is the Role of Women in Jehovah's Purpose? - Conclusion with WOMEN WHO HAD JEHOVAH'S SUPPORT

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What Is the Role of Women in Jehovah's Purpose? - THE RESULT OF DISOBEDIENCE

Jehovah expected Ada, to explained why he disobeyed.  What was his weak excuse?   "The woman you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit from the tree, so I ate." (Genesis 3:12)  Adam did not feel sorry about what he had done.  Instead, he tried to blame Eve, and he even tried to blame Jehovah, the Creator of his wife.  Even though Adam and Eve both sinned, Jehovah held Adam responsible for their decision.  For this reason, the Bible says that  "through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin." - ROMANS 5:12. 

Satan convinced Adam and Eve that they did not need Jehovah to be their ruler.   That raised the question about who has the right to rule humans. To answer that question, Jehovah has allowed humans to rule themselves for a period of time. What has been the result?  Humans have caused one disaster after another.  In the last one hundred years or so, about 100,000,000 people have died in wars. As the Bible says, "it does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step." (Jeremiah 10:23)  That is why true Christians accept Jehovah as their Ruler. - PROVERBS 3:5, 6.

Men and women have suffered in this world that is ruled by Satan. (Ecclesiastes 8:9;  1 John 5:19.) Yet, women have been some of the worse victims of crimes.  For example, around the world about 1 in 3 women have been attacked by their own husbands or boyfriends. Also, in some cultures it is common to favor boys.  Why? Because when they grow up, they can look after their parents and continue their family name. In certain places, girls are considered worthless, and parents abort them before they are born.

Jehovah is in no way pleased by crimes against women.  He treats woman in a fair and respectful way.  When Jehovah created Eve, she was not made to be a slave for Adam.  She was perfect and had many  qualities that made her a wonderful complement to her husband.  That is one reason why the Bible says that after God finished with  his creative work, he  "saw everything  he had made, and look! it was very good."  (Genesis 1:31) Certainly, Adam and Eve had a very good start.

Next time: What Is the Role of Women in Jehovah's Purpose?  - WOMEN WHO HAD JEHOVAH'S SUPPORT

From the jw.org publications

What Is the Role of Women in Jehovah's Purpose?

"The women proclaiming the good news are a large army." - PSALM 68:11.

JEHOVAH had a reason for creating the earth.  He "formed it to be inhabited," to be filled with people. (Isaiah 45:18)  The first human, Adam, was created perfect.  Jehovah gave him the garden of Eden, a beautiful home with many trees and interesting animals. But there was something missing.  Jehovah knew that, and he said:"It is not good for the man to continue to be alone.  I am going to make a helper for him, as a complement of him." Jehovah put Adam in a deep sleep and took one of his ribs and built it "into a woman."  When Adam woke up, he was very happy to see his wife!  He said: "This is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh.  This one will be called Woman, because from man she was taken." - GENESIS 2:18-23.

The woman as a gift from God to Adam.  And she was a perfect  helper for him. Also, she was given the special privilege  to have children. The Bible says: "Adam name his wife Eve, because she was to become the mother of everyone living." (Genesis 3:20)  Together, Adam and Eve would fill the earth with perfect humans. Our first parent and their children would have the privilege of making the whole earth into a paradise and caring for other living things. - GENESIS 1:27, 28.

To have God's approval, Adam and Eve needed to obey Jehovah and accept his  authority.(Genesis 2:15-17) Only by remaining faithful to God would they be allowed to do everything  God purposed for them.  Sadly, Adam and Eve  did not obey Jehovah.  Instead, they listened to Satan and sinned against God.  (Genesis 3:1-6; Revelation 12:9) How has this act of disobedience affected women?  What have some faithful women done in the past?  Why can Christian women today be called "a large army"? -PSALM 68:11.

Next time: What Is the Role of Women in Jehovah's Purpose? 

THE RESULT OF DISOBEDIENCE

From the jw. org publications