IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB

 "You Have Not Spoken the Truth About Me" 

Jehovah now took action to comfort Job in his pain. Addressing Eliphaz, evidently the eldest of the three fase comforters, Jehovah said: "My anger burns against you and your two companions, for you have not spoken the truth about me as my servant Job has." (Job 42:7)   Think about these words.  Was Jehovah saying taht everything  those three men had said was false or that every word that Job had uttered was correct?  Of course not.  However, there was a vast difference  between Job and his accusers.  Job was brokenhearted. racked with grief, and stung by false accusations. Thus, it is  understandable that he would speak rashly at times.  However, Eliphaz and his two friends did not bear such burdens.  Weak in their own faith, they spoke deliberately and arrogantly. Not obnly did they attack an innocent man, but worse, they misrepresented Jehovah himself, in effect,  painting him as a harsh, even wicked, God! 

Little wonder, then, that Jehovah demanded a price from those men.  They had to sacrifice seven bulls and seven rams-no small matter, for the bull was later designated in the Mosaic Law as the sacrifice that the high priest would have to offere if his sin brought guilt on the whole nation.  (Leviticus 4:3) It was the costliest of the animals offered as a sacrifice under that Law. What is more, Jehovah said that he would accept  the offering of Job's accusers only if Job first prayed in their behalf.  (Job 42:8) How it must have soothed Job's heart to be vindicated by his God and see Jehovah's justice prevail! 

Jehovah was confident that Job would do as the asked him to, forgiving those men who had hurt him so deeply.  And Job did not disappoint his Father.  (Job 42:9)  His obedience was the greatest proof of his integrity, far more powerful than words.  And it paved the way for the greatest blessings of Job's life. 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB - "Very Tender in Affection"

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB

 Teaching About Humility and Love

What was the point of all this?  Job urgently needed a dose of humility.  By  complaining of waht he thought was mistreatment at Jehovah's hand, Job was only increasing his own pain, distancing hmself from his loving Father.  So Jehovah asked again and again where Job was when such marvels came into existence and whether Job could feed, control, or tame the creatures He had made. If Job could master even the basic elements of Jehovah's creation, how could he presume to judge the Creator?  Were not Jehovah's ways and thoughs far beyond the scope of Job's limited view? 

In all that Jehovah said, there was a stron undercurrent of love. It is as though Jehovahwere reasoning with Job: "My son, If I can create and care for all these things, do  you really think that I will fail to care for you?  Would I really abandon you, rob you of your children,  your security, your health?  Am I not the only One who can restore your loses and heal your terrible pain?

Job spoke  only twice in answer to Jehovah's probing questions. He did not argue, justify himself, or make excuses.  He humbly acknowledge how little he really knew, and he repented of his rash words.  (Job 40:4, 5; 42:1-6) Here we see Job's faith in the finest light.  After all that he had endured. he remaied a man of great faith.. He accepted Jehovah's correction and took it to heart.  We may thus be moved ask ourselves a probing question,  'Am I humble enough to accept correction and counsel?  We all need such help.  When we accept it, wer imitateing the faith of Job.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB - "YOU HAVE NOT SPOKEN THE TRUTH ABOUT ME"

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IMITATE THEIR FATIH/JOB

 "Out of the Windstorm"

As Elihu spoke, he often mentioned wind, clouds, thunder, and lightning.  He said of Jehovah: "Listen carefully to the rumbling of his voice."  Moments later Elihu referred to a "storm wind."  (Job 37:2, 9) It seems that as he spoke, a storm was brewing, growing steadily more intense.  Finally, it was an all-out windstorm. And then something far more dramatic happened, Jehovah spoke!  -  JOB 38:1.

When reading the book of Job, it is a wonderful relief to come to these  marvelous chapters containing Jehovah's speech to Job.  It is as if a windstorm of truth were blowing away all the empty speechles, all the false words of Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar.  Jehovah did not even  address those men until later.  His focus was on Job  alone; he firmly addressed his beloved servant as a father would correct a son.

Jehovah knew that Job was in pain. And he felt pity for the man, as he alwayts dies when his beloved children suffer. (Isaiah 63:9; Zechariah 2:8)  But he knew too, that Job had speading without knowledge," making his own problems worse.  So Jehovah corrected Job by questioning him extensiely  "Where were you," he began, "when I founded the earth? Tell me, if you think you understand." At the dawn of creation, "the moring stars,"  God's family of angels, shouted in applause over the wonders of creation,"  (38:2, 4, 7) Job, of course, knew nothing of this. 

Jehovah went to speak of his creative works.  In a sense, he gave Job a brief tour of waht humans today might  call the natural sciences, touching on subjects as astronomy,  biology, geology, and physics.  In particular, Jehovah described a numer of animals then found in Job's part of the world-the lion, the raven, the mountain goat, the wild donkey, the wild bull, the ostrich, the horse, the falcon, the eagle, Behemoth (evidently the hippotomus),  and finally Levithian (likelythe crocodile).  Imagine the privilege of attending a lecture about the natural world delivered by the Creator of the universe." 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB - Teaching About Humility and Love

From the jw.org publications 

 

IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB

 Elihu Highlights Jehovah's Kindness

Above all, Elihu spoke in defense of Jehovah God.  Powerfully he summarized a profound truth:  "It is unthinkabke for the true God to act wickedly, for the Almighty to do wrong! .  . .The Almighty does not pervert justice." (Job 34:10, 12)   As an example of Jehovah's merciful justice, Elihu reminded Job that Jehovah had not stepped in and punished Job for uttering rash and disrespectful words. (Jov 35:13-15)  And rather than pretending to have all the answers, Elihu humbly acknowledged:  "God is greater than can know." - JOB  36:26. 

Though his counsel was frank, Elihu remained kind. He spoke of a wonderful hope, that Jehovah would one day restore Job's health.  God would say of his loyal servant:  "Let his flesh become fresher than youth; let him return to the days of his youthful vigor."  Another instance of Elih's kindness: Instead of simply lecturing  Job, he kindly invited Job to speak, to answer him.  "speak," he said,  "for I want to prove you right." (Job 33:25, 32)  But Job did not answer. Perhaps he felt no need fo defend himself against such kind, encouraging counsel.  Perhaps he wept in relief. 

We can learn a great deal from both of these men, for Elihu we learn how to counsel  and comfort those in need.  A true friend will ot hold back from pointing out a serious fault or a dangerous course of action.  (Proverbs 27:6)  We want to be a friend like that, remaining kind and encouraging those in need, even when they speak rashly. And when we ourselves are in need of such counsel, Job's example may remind us to listen humbly to counsel instead if dismissing it. All of us need counsel and correction. Accepting it can save our life. - PROVERBS 4:13.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB - "Out of the Windstorm

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB

 A Wise and Kind Counselor

The account of Job next reveals a surprise.  There as another person nearby, a younger man named Elihu. He had been there all along. silently listening to the older men debating. And he was not at all happy with what he had heard.

Elihu was upset with Job. It pained him to see righteous Job allow himself to be goaded into "trying to prove himself righ rather than God."  Yet, Elihu truly felt empathy for Job-he could see the man's pain, his sincerity, and his desperate need for kind counsel and comfort. No wonder Elihu ran of patience with the three false comforters!  He had heard them attacking Job, trying to undermine his faith, his dignity, and his integrity. Worse still, their twisted words declared God himself wicked.  Elihu was fairly bursting with the urge to speak! -JOB 32:2-4,18. 

"I am young," he said,  "and you men are aged. So I respectfuly held back, and I dared not tell you what I know." But he could no longer keep silent. He went on:  "Age alone does not make one wise, nor is it only old men who understand what is right." (Job 32:6, 9)  Elihu then spoke at length, proving those words true. He took a very different approach from that of Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar.  Elihu reassured Job, that he would  not talk down to him or add to his pressures. He also dignified Job, addressing him by name and acknowleding that he had been treated wutg derision.  Respectfully, he said:  "Now Job, please hear my word." - JOB 33:1, 7; 34:7. 

Elihu offered Job some frank counsel:  "You said in my hearing, . . . 'I am pure, without transgressions: I am cean, without error. But God finds reasns to oppose me."  Elihu want right to the heart of the problem, asking: "Are you so convinced that you are right that you would sayt,  "I am more righteous than God?"   He could not allow such reasoning to pass.  "You are not right in saying this,"  The young man said.  (Job 33:8-12; 35:2)   Elihu knew that Job was filled wth anger over his terrible losses and his mistreatment at the hands of his false friends.  But Elihu cautioned Job: "Take care that rage does not lead you into spitefulness." - JOB 36:18.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB - Elihu Highlights Jehovah's Kindness

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB

 Jehovah Healed Job

At last. the small group of men fell silent. Perhaps the only sound left was the whispe of a warm wind from the Arabian desert.  Job hd run out of words, exhausted after a long debate. Picture him glaring at his three acquaintances, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar-almost daring them to continue. But they could only look down or away, frustrate that their clever arguments, their "blustery" words, and their hurtful insinuations had failed.  (Job 16:3)  If  anything, Job was more determined than ever to defend his integrity. 

Job may have felt that integrity was all he had left. He had lost his wealthy, all ten of his children, the support and respect of his friends and neighbors, and finally his own health. His skin was blackened  with disease, encrusted with scabs, crawling with maggots. Even his breath was foul.   (Job 7:5; 19:17; 30:30)  Yet, the attacks o t hose three men had stirred up in Job a fierce indignations. He was bent on proving that he was the not the corrupt sinner they said he was.  Job's final speech had just silenced them.  Their torrent of cruel words had finally run dry.  However, Job's pain remained. He still  needed help-desperately! 

Job's thinking, understandingly. was out of balance.  He needed guidance and correction.  He also needed genuine consolation and comfort, the very things that his three  acquaintances should have provided but did not.  Have you ever felt in dire need of guidance and comfort?  Have you ever been let down by people you thought were your friends?  Learning how Jehovah God helped his servant job and  how he responded may fill you with hope and give you practical help.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB - A Wise and Kind Counselor

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IMITAT THEIR FAITH/JOB

 Imitate the Faith of Job

Do you share Job's view of integrity? It is an easy word to use, but Job saw that integrity is much more than  a matter of words.  We show our complete, wholehearted devotion to God my obeying him and doing what is right in his eyesin our everyday life-even when facing hardship. If we live in that way, we will surely make Jehovah happy and frustrate his enemy, Satan, just as Job did long ago. There is no better way to imitate the faith of Job!

Still Job's story was far from over.  He was out of balance, so caught up in defending  his own righteousness that he forgot about standing up for his God. He needed correction and spiritual help. And he was still suffering from profound pain and grief, in dire need of genuine comfort. What would Jehovah do for this man of faith and intergrity?  Another ariticle in this series will address those questions.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB - Jehovah Healed His Pain

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH

 Job Stood Firm

Poor Job was already in a state of despair when this long debate began.  From the outset he admitted that his words sometimes  amounted to "wild talk" and a "desperate man's saying." (Job 6:3, 23)   We can understand why. His words reflected the agony of his heart.  They also reflected his limited perspective. Because the tragedies that befell him and his family came to suddenly and even appeared to be supernatural, Job assumed that Jehovah was the cause. There were important events  which Job knew nothing, so he rested some  of his reasoning on faulty assumptions.

However, Job wasa a man of deep strong faith. His faith came through in much of what he said in that long debate-words that are true, beautiful, and encouraging to us today.  When he spoke of the marvels of creation, he glorified God in ways that no human that could without God's help. For instance, he said  that Jehovah is "suspending the earth upon nothing," a statement many centuries in advance of scientific knowledge.  (Job 26:7)  And when Job spoke of his own hope for the future, he expressed a confidence that other men of great faith have held as well.  Job  believed that if death should take him, God would remember him, would miss him, and would eventually restore him to life. - JOB 14:13-15; HEBREWS 11:17-19, 35. 

What, though, about the issue of integrity? Eliphaz and his two friends insisted that man's integrity makes no difference to God.  Did Job swallow that vile teaching?  Far from it!  Job asserted that intergrity matters to God.  He said confidently of Jehovah:  "He will recognize my integrity." (Job 31:6)   Further, Job saw clearly that the false reasoning of his would be comforters amounted to an attack on his integrity. It stirred Job to make his longest speech, one that finally closed the mouths of those three men. 

Job saw that his integrity involved his everyday life. So he defenced teh way he lived and acted. For example, he avoided all forms of idolatry; he treated others with kindness and dignity; he kept morally clean, cherishing his marriage; and above all, he remained loyally devoted to the only true God, Jehovah.  Thus Job was able to say with his whole heart:  "Until I die, I will not renounce my integrity!" -JOB 27:5; 31:1, 2, 9-11, 16-28, 26-28.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB -Imitate the Faith of Job

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iMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB

Integrity Under Attack! 

Those misguided men did something worse.  They actually cast doubts on not only Job's integrity but the very idea of integrity! In his opening speech, Eliphaz described and eerie encounter with an unseen spirit.  The conclusion that Eliphaz drew from that demonic experience was poisonous.  "God has no faith in his servants, and he finds fault with his angels." By that reasoning, mere humans can never please God!  Later, Bildad claimed that Job's integrity would not matter to God-any more than  would that of a maggot! - JOB 4:12-18; 15:15; 22:2, 3; 25:4-6. 

Have you ever tried to comfort someone in the throws of great pain?  It is not easy.  But we can learn a great deal from Job's misguided acquaintances-mostly about what not to say.  In their endless flow of high-sounding words and faulty logic, those three man never even addressed Job by name!  They gave no thought to Jobs's wounded heart and saw no need to treat him gently.  So if someone you care about is feeling low, try to remai warm, personal, and kind.  Seek to build up the person's faith and courage, helping that one to trust God and to believe in His great kindness, mercy, and justice. That is what Job would done for his companions had he been in their place.  (Job 16:4, 5) How, though,, did he react to their persistant attacks on his integrity?

Next time; IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB - Job Stood Firm

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB

 "The Comforters Who Failed"

Three men who knew Job-the record describes   them as companions, or acquaintances-heard of his troubles and traveled to visit him and offer comfort.   When they saw him from distance, he was unrecognizable. Racked with pain, his skin blackened with disease, he was barely shadow of his former self.  The three men, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar-put on a great show of gried, waiting loudly and throwing dust on their heads. Then they sat there day and night, uttering not a word.  We should not mistake their silence for comfort, for they asked the man no questions and learned only was obviousl-Job was in great pain. - JOB 2:11-13; 30:30. 

Finally, Job had to begin the conversation himself.  In words  drenched with pain, he cursed the day he was born. And he revealed a deep cause of his agony.  He thought that God was the source of his troubles!  (Job 3:1, 2, 23)  Though still a man of faith, Job desperately needed comfort. But when those acquaintances begin to speak,, Job soon realized that their silence was better.- JOB 13:5. 

Eliphaz, possibly the eldest and much older than Job, began. In time, the other two followed suit.  In general, we might say that they sheepishly  followed the lead of Eliphaz.  Som of what  these men said might have seemed harmles, as they spouted spiritual sounding platitudes about God being lofty, punishing bad people, and rewarding the good.  From the first, though, there was an undercurrent of unkindness. Eliphaz used simplistic logic to suggest that if God is good and he punishes  the bad, and Job was clearly being punished, then what must be true? Must not Job himself be bad in some way? - JOB 4:1, 7, 8; 5:3-6.

Not surprisingly, Job did not take well to that line reasoning. He rejected it forcefully.  (Job 6:25)  But the three counselors became ever more convinced tha Job was guilty of some hidden wrongdoing; he must somehow deserve all the bad things happening to him. Eliphaz accused Job of being presumptuous, wicked, and devoid of Godly fear.  (Job 15:4, 7-9. 20-24;22:6-11) Zophar told Job to put away his eveil and his enjoyment of sin.  (Job 11:2,3, 14; 20:5, 12,13)   And Bildad struck a particularly cruel blow. He suggested that Job's sons must have sinned in some way, so they deserved to die as they did! - JOB 8:4, 13. 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB - Intregity Under Attack!

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iMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB

 "He Will Surely Curse You"

Infuriated, Satan refuses to quit.  He again came before Jehovah during a gathering of angels. Again Jehovah praised Job's integrity,which was holding up under all of Satan's attacks. Satan retorted: "Skin for skin.   A man will give everything tha he has for his life.  But,  for a change, stretch out your hand and strike his bone and flesh, and will surely curse you to your very face."  Satan was certain to take away his health-as long as Satan did not kill Job. - JOB 2:1-6.

Soon, Job was stricken as described at the outset.  Imagine his poor wife.  Already shattered with grief over the loss of her ten children, she now had to watch her husband suffered horribly!  Agonized, she cried out:  "Are you still holding firmly to  your integrity? Curse God and die!"  She did not sound like the wife Job knew and loved.  He could only say that she was talking like one who had lost her senses.  Still, he refused to  to curse his God.  He uttered no sinful speech. - JOB 2:7-10. 

Did you know that this sad, true story affects you  personally?  Notice that Satan aimed his venomous charge not only on Job but against mankind in general. He said: "A man will give everything  that he has for his life"  In other words, Satan believes that integrity is beyond each of us!  He insists that you have no real love for God, that you would quickly abandon God to save your own skin.  In effect, Satan says that you are as selfish as he is!  Would you prove him wrong?  Each of us has that privilege.  (Proverbs 27:11) Let us now see what challenge Job faced next. 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB - The Comforters Who Failed

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB - "What Job Did Not Know

 

There is a reason to believe that sometime after Job died, the faithful man Moses wrote the story of Job's life. Under divine inspiration, Moses was able to reveal not only the events on earth that affected Job but also some events that unfolded in heaven.

At the beginning of the account, we find job leading a full and happy life. He was prosperous. a man well-known and respected in the land of Uz-possibly in northern Arabia. He shared freely with those in need and championed the cause of the helpless. Job and his wife were blessed with ten children. Above all, Job was a spiritual man  He eagerly sought to please Jehovah, much as  his distant relives Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph had done. Like such patriarchs, Job acted as priest for his family, regularly offering up sacrifices in behalf of his children. - JOB 1:1-6; 31:16-22.

Suddenly, though, the scene shifts in Job's story. We get a glimpse into heaven, and we learn things that Job could not have known. Jehovah's faithful angels were gathered before God, and the rebel angel Satan entered.  Jehovah knew that Satan despiesed the righteous man Job, so God addressed Satan, pointing out Job's outstanding integrity.  Satan boldly replied:"Is it for nothing that Job feared God?  Have you not put a protective  hedge around him and his house and everything he has?"  Satan hates people of integrity.  Whey they show such wholehearted devotion to Jehovah God, they expose Satan for the loveless traitor that he is. So Satan insisted that Job served God only for selfish reasons. If Job were to lose everything, Satan asserted, the man would curse Jehovah to his face! - JOB 1:6-11. 

Job could not know it, but Jehovah had entrusted him with a grand privilege. Prove Satan wrong. Satan was allowed to rob Job of all  that he had.  Only the man himself he was not to touch.  So Satan eagerly set about his sadistic work.  In a single day, a series  of terrible blows rained down on Job.  He learned that his livestock-first his cattle and donkeys, then is sheep, and then his camels-were suddenly wiped out.  Worse, the servants who tended them were killed.  In the case of one group, the cause was reported to Job as  "fire from God" -possibly lightning.  Before Job could even contemplate the loss of human lives or the poverty he now faced, the heaviest blow landed.  His ten children were gathered together in the home of the oldest when sudden windstorm struck the house, destroying it and killing them all! -JOB 1:12-19.

It is hard, perhaps impossible, to imagine how Job felt.  He ripped apart his clothes, cut off his hair and collapsed to the ground.  Job concluded that God had given to him and God had taken from him. Indeed, Satan had cleverly made it look  as if God had sent those disasters.  Nonetheless, Job did not curse God, as Satan had predicted.  Rather, Job said: "Let the name of Jehovah continue to be praised." - JOB 1:20-22.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB - "He Will Surely Curse You" 

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB

 "I WILL NOT RENOUNCE MY INTEGRITY!"

He sat on the ground, his body covered from head to foot with painful boils, or ulcers. Picture him, his head bowed, shoulders slumped, alone, barely able to summon the energy to shoo away the flies  that buzzed around him.  Sitting amid ashes to signify his mourning, he could only scrape his diseased skin wit shard of pottery.  He had lost so much, had fallen so far!  His friends, neighbors, and relatives abandoned him. People, even children, mocked  him. He thought that his God, Jehovah, had turned against him as well, but he was wrong about that. - JOB 2:8; 19:18, 22. 

This was Job.  God said of him: "There is no one like him on earth." (Job 1:8) Centuries later, Jeghovah still thought of Job as outstanding among men of righteousness. - EZEKIEL 14:14, 20. 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB - What Job Did Not Know

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH/REBEKAH "WHO IS THAT MAN THERE?" - Conclusion

 Issac,  a man about 40, was still grieving the loss of his mother, Sarah, who had died about three years earlier.  We may infer, then, that Isaac was a man or warm, tender feelings. What a blessing for such a man to be given a wife who wasa so industrious, hospitable, and humble!  How did the two get along? The Bible simply says:  "He fell in love with her." 

Even for  us, some 39 centuries later, it is easy to love Rebekah.  How can we help but admire her courage, her industriousness, her hospitality, and her humility?  All of us-young and old, men and women, married and single-do well to imitate her faith!

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH/REBEKAH

 "WHO IS THAT MAN THERE?" 

Bethuel's family blessed their beloved Rebekah.  Then she and her childhood nurse, Deborah, along with some servant girls, set up with Eliezer and his men. (Genesis 24:59-61; 35:8)  Before long, Haran was far behind them.  The journey was a long one, 500 miles (800 km) or so, and it lasted perhaps three weeks.  It was likely not a comfortable trip.  Rebekah had seen the camels plenty in her life, but we cannot assume that she was an experienced camel rider.  The Bible portrays her family as shepherd folk, not as traders who drove caravans of camels.  (Genesis 29;10)  Novice camel riders often complain of discomfort-even after a short ride!

At any rate, Rebekah looked ever forward, no doubt trying to learn all she could from Eliezer about Isaac and his family.  Picture the old man talking to her by an evening campfire, telling her of Jehovah's promises to His friend Abraham. God would raise up from Abraham's family line an offspring who would bring blessings to all mankind.  Think of the awe that filled Rebekah's heart when she realized that Jehovah's promise would be fulfilled through her own husband-to-be,  Isaac-hence, through her as well. - GENESIS 15:28. 

Finally, the day came that we described  at the outset of this article.  As the caravan transversed the Negeb and twilight began to fall over the land, Rebekah saw a man out walking in the fields.  He looked throughtful, contemplative.  "She quickly got down from the camel," we read-perhaps not even waiting for the beast to kneel down and she asked her guide: " Who is that man there walking in the field to meet us?"  When she learned that it was Isaac, she covered her head with her shawl.  (Genesis 24:62-65) Why? Evidently the gesture was a sign of respect  for her future husband.  That kind of submission may strike some today as old-fashioned. Really, though, men as well as women may take a lessong from Rebekah's humilty, for of us does not need more of that lovely quality? 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/REBEKAH- "WHO IS THAT MAN THERE?" - Conclusion

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH/REBEKAH - "YOU MUST TAKE A WIFE FOR MY SON" - Conclusion

Bethuel and Laban were moved by Eliezer's account.  They said:  "This is from Jehovah." As was the custom, they concluded a marriage covenant. betrothing Rebekah to Isaac.  (Genesis 24:50-54) Does that mean, though, that Rebekah had no say in the matter?

Weeks earlier, Eliezer had raised that very issue with Abraham, asking:  "What if the woman is not willing to come with me?" Abraham had responded:  "This will release you from your oath." (Genesis 24;39, 410  In the house of Bethuel too, the young woman's preferences mattered.  Eliezer was so enthusiastic about the successof his mission that on the following morning, he asked if he could return to Canaan with Rebekah immediately.  The family, however, wanted her to stay with them for at least another ten days.  Finally, they resolved the matter this way: " Let us call the young woman and inquire of her." - GENESIS 24:57. 

Here, then, was a great crossroads in Rebekah's life.  What would she say. Would she play on teh sympathy of her father and brother, pleading for  a release from this journey into  unknown?  Or would she view as a privilege to have a part in events that were clearly being guided by Jehovah?  When she answered, she revealed how she felt about this sudden, perhaps daunting,  change in her life.  She simply said: "I am willing to go." - GENESIS 24:58.

What a remarkable spirit he had!  Today, our customs regarding marriage may be quite different, but we can still learn much from Rebekah.  What mattered most to her , was not her own preferences, but those of her God, Jehovah.  When it comes to marriage today.  God's Word still offers the best guidance available-regarding the kind of mate to choose and how to become a husband or wife.  (2 Corinthians 6:14, 15; Ephesians 5:28-33)   We do well to follow Rebekah's example and to seek to do things God's way.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/REBEKAH - "WHO IS THAT MAN THERE?" 

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH/REBEKAH - "YOU MUST TAKE A WIFE FOR MY SON"

 Who was that old man at the well?  He was a servant of Abraham, the brother of Rebekah's grandfather.  Thus, he was welcome in the home of Bethuel Rebekah's father.  This servant's  name was probably Eliezer.  The hosts offered him a  meal, but he refused to eat until he had disclosed the reason for his visit.  (Genesis 24:31-33) We may imagine him speaking excitedly, for he had just seen powerful evidence that his God, Jehovah was blessing him on this vital mission.  How so?

Imagine Eliezer telling his story as Rebekah's father, Laban, listened wieth rapt attention. He told them that Jehovah had blessed Abraham greatly in Canaan and that Abraham and Sarah had a son, Isaac, who was to inherit everything.  Abraham had given this servant a commission of great importance: He was to seek a wife for Isaac among Abraham's relatives in Haran. - GENESIS 24:34-38.

Abraham made Eliezer take an oath that he would not select a wife for Isaac from among  women of Canaan. Why?  Because the Canaanites neither respected nor worshipped Jehovah God.  Abraham knew that Jehovah intended in  due time to punish those people for their wicked practices. Abraham did not want his beloved son, Isaac, to be bound to those people and their immoral ways.  He also knew that his son had a vital role to play in fulfilling God's promises. -  GENESIS 15:16; 17:19: 24:2-4.

Eliezer went on to tell his hosts taht when he arrived at the well near Haran, he prayed to Jehovah God. He asked Jehovah, in effect to choose the young woan for Isaac to marry. How?  Eliezer  asked God to assure that the girl he wanted  Isaac to wed would come to the well. When aaked for a drink , she should volunteer not only to give Eliezer a drink but to  water his camels as well.  (Genesis 24:12-14)  And who had come along and done precisely that?  Rebekah!  Imagine how she might have felt if she overheard the story Eliezer told her family members! 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/REBEKAH - "YOU MUST TAKE A WIFE FOR MY SON" 

From the jw.org publications

IMITATE THEIR FAITH/REBEKAH - "I WILL ALSO DRAW WATER FOR YOUR CAMELS" -Conclusion

 Rebekah's example speaks eloquently to us today.   We live in age when selfishness seems to reign supreme.  As foretold, people have become "lovers of themselves,"  unwilling to go out of their way for others.  (1 Timothuy 3:1-5)  Christians who seek to fight the influence of that trend do well to contemplate the Bible's picture of that young woman so long ago, running back and forth  well.

Rebekah surely noticed the elderly man's gaze upon her. There was nothing improper in his look;  it suggested amazement, wonderment, and joy.  When Rebekah was done at last, he gave her gifts-precious jewelry!  Then he asked:  "Please tell me whose daughter you are?  Is there any room at your father's house fo rus to spend the night?"  When she told him of her family, his joy intesified. Perhaps in a rush of enthusasm, she added: " We have both straw and much fodder and also a place to spend the night"-a considerable offer, as there were others traveling with the old man.  Then she ran ahead of him to tell her mother what had happened. -  GENESIS 24:22-28, 32.

Clearly, Rebekah was raised to be hospitable.  Here is another value that seems to be on wane today- and another reason to imitate the faith of this kindhearted young woman.  Faith in God should lead us to be hospitable.  Jehovah is hospitable, for he is generous to all, and he wants his worshippers to follow suit. When we are hospitable evenn to those  who may never repay  us, we please our heavenly Father. - MATTHEW 5:44-46; 1 PETER 4:9. 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/REBEKAH - "YOU MUST TAKE A WIFE FOR MY SON" 

From the jw.org publications

IMITATE THEIR FAITH/REBEKAH - "I WILL ALSO DERAW WATER FOR YOUR CAMELS

 The great change that came into Rebekah's life began in a way  that may have seemed ordinary to her. She grew up in Haran, a city in Mesopotamia. Her parents were different from most people in Haran.  They did not worship the moon-god Sin. Rather, their God was Jehovah. - GENESIS 24:50.

Rebekah grew up to ber a very beautiful young woman, but she was no passive vain beauty. She was spirited, and she remained morally pure.  Her family was prosperous enough to have servants. but Rebekah was not coddled or treated like a princess; she was raised to work hard.  Like so many women of those times, Rebekah has some heavy chores to do, including fetching water for the family.  Early in the evening, she would hoist a vessel onto her shoulder and head off to the spring. - GENESIS 24:11, 15, 16.

One evening, after she had filled her jar, an elderly man ran up to meet her. He said to her "Please give me a little sip of water from your jar."  It was such a modest request and so politely made!  Rebekah could see that the man had traveled far. So she quickly swung her water jar from her shoulder and let the man drink, not a mere sip, but a real drink of fresh, cool water. She noticed he had a train of ten camels kneeling nearby ad that the trough had not yet been filled to water them. She could see that his kind eyes were watching her attentively,a dn wanted to be as generous as she could. So she said: "I will also draw water for your camels until they are done drinking." - GENESIS 24:17-19.

Note that Rebekah offered not merly to give the ten camels a drink but to water them  unto they were satisfied.  If very thirsty,  one came might drink over 25 gallons (95 L) of water!  If all ten camels were that thirsty, Rebekah faced hours of hard work. As matter turned out, it seems unlikely that the camels were extremely thirsty.  But did Rebekah know that when she ade her offer?  No. She was willing, even eager, to work as hard as needed to be to show hospitality to this elderly stranger. He accepted her offer.  Then he watched her intently as she ran back and forth, filling her jar and emptying it in the trough again and again. - GENESIS 24:20, 21.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/REBEKAH - "I WILL ASLO DRAW WATER FOR YOUR CAMELS - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

IMITATE THEIR FAITH/REBEKAH

 "I Am Willing to God"

REBEKAH looked out over the landscape as the shadows lenghtened. After weeks of travel, she was finally get used to the swaying gait of the camel as she sat perched high atop its back.  Her childhood home in Haran was far behind her, hundreds of miles to the northeast.  She might never see her family again.  Questions about her future surely flooded her mind-especially as she neared her journey's end. 

The caravan had passed through much of Canaan and was traversing harder terrain, the Negeb.  (Genesis 2:62)  Rebekah likely saw sheep. The country here might be too wild and arid for extensive farming,  but it provided ample pasturage for grazing.  It was familiar ground to her eldery guide. He was bursting with good news to tell his master-Rebekah was to become Isaac's wife!  Rebekah muse have wondered , though, what kind of life she would lead in this land. What would  her groom, Isaac, be like?  They had never even met! Would she be pleased when he saw her? And how would she feel about him?

In many parts of the world today, arranged marriages may seem strange.  In other regions, such unions are common.  Whatever your background, you may agree that Rebekah was heading into the unknown. She was, in fact, a woman of remarkable courage and faith.  We need both qualities when face changes in life.  There are other beautifula nd rare qualities associated with Rebekah's faith.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/REBEKAH - "I WILL ALSO DRAW WATER FOR YOUR CAMELS

From the jw.org publishers

THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT/Racism

What is the origin of the races of mankind? 

 WHAT EXPERTS SAY

The United Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organizations (UNSECO) states that  "all human beings belong to a single species and are descended from a common stock." - Declaration on Race and Racial Prjudice, 1978.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

God created two humans, Adam and Eve, and he said to them: "Be fruitfull and multiply,and replenish the earthandsubdue it." (Genesis 1:28) Thus Adam and Eve cane to be the father and mother  of all humankind.  (Note: they did not have their children until after they got kicked out Eden for disobeying God)   Later when a flood wiped out most of the earth's population, four couples survived- Noah and his wife along with their three sons and and their wives.   The Bible teaches that all of us desend from Noah's sons. - GENESIS 9:18, 19.

Is any race superior to another?

WHAT SOME HAVE SAID

During the 20th Century, a number of groups adopted racists ideologie.  The Nazis, for example, argued that there was a biological basis for beliefs concerning racial superiority.  On the other hand, the UNESCO document cited earlier recognized " the essential unity of the human race and consequently the fundamental equality of all human beings and all peoples." 

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

Acts 10:34, 35, states: "God is not partial, but in every nation the man who fears him and does what is right is accptable to him."  For this reason, nobody can rightly consider one race to be superior to another.  We are all equal in the eyes of God.

Jesus set the standard for Christianswhen he said to his disciples: "All of ye are brethern/brothers." (Matthew 23:8)  He prayed that his followers be united and be "perfected into one," not divided or segreted. - JOHN 17:20-23; 1 CORINTHIANS 1:10.

Will there ever be an end to racism? 

WHAT SOME THINK

Ongoing racial tension leads people in many lands to question whether society has made any significant progress in dealing with racism.  Some conlude that they will never see racial equality. 

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

God will not tolerate racial hatred indefinitely.  On the contrary, under his Kindom, men and women "out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues" will serve him in unity, demonstrating genuine love for their fellow man. (Revelation 7:9)  God's Kingdom is n ot some abstract condition of the heart.  Rather, it is a government that will have profound effects on our earth-the very place that God intended for all peoples to dwell without racial barriers.  

Note:  Just remember, that people will say, well if God was do what he said, he would have already done it. Wrong thinking.  God's view of time is completly different, way different than ours. We are all imperfect, sinful humans and our viewpoint just doesn't count where God is concerned. He does what he says he will do. You can be sure of that. It will be when he is ready to do so. That is why we all need to endure and keep the faith, worship him, do his will-follow all his statutes, commandments and laws, work for him, and wait. Because he will come like a thief in the night! 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/REBEKAH

From the jw.org publications

"Run the Race to the Finish" - KEEP RUNNING DESPITE CHALLENGES - Conclusion

 If you live with limitations and feel that you are misunderstood, you may be able to draw strength from the example of Mephibosheth.   (2 Samuel 4:4)  He had to deal with being infirm, and he was misjudged by King David.  Mephibosheth did  nothing to bring about on himself.    Yet, he did not allow himself to become negative;he appreciated the positive things in his life. He was thankful for the kindness David  had shown him in the past.  (2 Samuel 9:6-10) So when David misjudged him, Mephibosheth saw the complete picture.  He did not allow David's mistake to make him bitter. And he did not blame Jehovah for David had done.  Mephibosheth focused on what he could do to support Jehovah's anointed king.  (2 Samuel 16:1-4; 19:24-30)   Jehovah had Mephibosheth's execellent example recorded in His Word for our benefit.

Because of severe anxiety, some brothers and sisters feel very nervous and self-conscious in everyday social situations.  They may find it difficult to be in large groups, but they continue to attend congregation meetings, assemblies, and conventions.  They find it a challenge to speak to strangers, yet they talk  to others in the field ministry. If that is true in your case, be assured that you are not alone.  Many deal with similar struggles. Remember that Jehovah is pleased with your whole-souled  efforts.  The face that you have not given up is proof that he is blessing you and giving you the strength you need.  (Philippians 4:6, 7; 1 Peter 5:7 )   If you are serving Jehovah despite enduring physical or emotional limitations, you can be confident that you  are pleasing Jehovah. 

Thankfully, there are differences between a literal race and the one Paul talks about. In a literal footrace in Bible times, only one personw on the prize.  By contrast, everyone who endures faithfully in the Chrsitian course of life receives the prize of everlasting life.  (John 3:16)  And in the literal race, all the runners had to be physically fit, otherwise, they had chance of winning.  On the other hand, manuy of us have physical limitations, yet we are enduring.  (2 Corinthians 4:16)  With Jehovah's help, we will all rund the race to the finish!

Next time: THE BIBLE'S VIEWPOINT/ RACISM 

From the jw.org publications 

"Run the Race to the Finish" - KEEP RUNNING DESPITE CHALLENGES -Continued

 Are you lying in bed or sitting in a wheel chair?  Do you have weak knees or poor eyesight?  If so, can you run along with thsoe who are young and healthy?  You certainly can!  Many older and infirm ones are running on the road of life.   They cannot do this work in their own power.  Instead, they draw on Jehovah's strength by listening to Christian meetigs over  a  telephone tie-line  or watching meetings  trough video streaming. and they engage in the disciple-making work by witnessing to doctors, nurses and relatives. 

 Never let discouragement over your physical limitations convince you that you are too weak to run on the road to life. Jehovah loves you for your faith and your record of endurance. You need to help now more than ever, and he will not abandon you.  (Psalm 9:10) Instead, he will draw closer to you.  Note the comments  of  sister who deals with some challenging medical conditions.  "As health issues continue to mount, I find  that the opportunities  to share the truth with others  become less frequent. But I know that even my small efforts bring joy to Jehovah's heart, and that makes me happy."  When you feel low, remember that you are not alone.  Think  of the example set by Paul, and recall his encouraging words:"I take pleasure in weaknesses, . . .for when I am weak, then I am powerful." -2 CORINTHIANS 12:10.

Some who are running on the road to life face another challenge.  They are dealing with pesonal circumstances that others cannot see and may not understand.  For example, they have to cope with depression, or overwhelming feelings of anxiety.  Why do these dear servants of Jehovah face and especially difficult challenge?   Because when a person has a broken arm or is confined to a wheelchair, everyone can see the problem he or she faces and may feel moved to help. Howver those who must cope with an emtional or a mental disorder may not show any outward signs of suffering. Their distress is just as real as is the distress of someone with a broken limb, but they may not receive the same compassionate response from others.

Next time: "Run the Race to the Finish" -  KEEP RUNNING DESPITE CHALLENGES -Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

"Run the Race to the Finish" - KEEP RUNING DESPITE CHALLENGES

 The runners in the Greek games had to overcome challenges, such as tiredness and pain.  But all they had to rely on was their training and their own strength.  We are like those runners in that we receive training in how to run the race we are in.  But we have and advantage over the literal runners. We can draw on an unlimited source of power. If we rely on Jehovah, he promises not only to train us but also to make us strong!  - 1 PETER 5:10.

Paul had to deal with many challenges.  In addition to being insulted and persecuted by others, he at times felt weak and he had to cope with what he called "a thorn in the flesh." (2 Corinthians 12:7)   But rather than view those challenges as a reson for giving up, he saw them as an opportunity to rely on Jehovah.  (Read 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10.) Because Paul adopted this viewpoint,  Jehovah helped him through all his trials. 

We  too may be insulted or persecuted for our faith.  We may also have to cope with poor health or exhaustion. But if we imitate Paul, each of those challenges can become an opportunity to experience Jehovah's loving support.

Next time: "Run the Race to the Finish" - KEEP RUNNING DESPITE CHALLENGES - Continued

From the jw.org publications

"Run the Race to the Finish"

 STAY FOCUSED AND AVOID STUMBLING

The contestants in a long-distance race keep and eye on the road immediate in from them so they do  not stumble. However, they might still accidentally be tripped by a fellow runner or step into a pothole. If they do fall down, they get back up; and keep on running.  They foscus primarily, not on what made them stumble, but on the finish line and the prize they hope to win. 

In our race, we may stumble many times, making mistakes in what we say or do.  Or our fellow runners may make mistakes that hurt us.  That is to be expected.  We are all imperfect, and we are all running on the same cramped road to life.  So we are bound to  "bump" against one another at times.  Paul acknowledged that we at times wouldl give one another "cause for complaint."  (Colossians 3:13)  But rather than focus on what made us stumble, let us focus on the prize ahead.  If we do stumble, let us to choose to get back up and keep in running. If we become bitter and resentful and refuse to get back up, we will not cross the finish line and receive the prize.  In addition, we likely to become an obstacle for others who are trying to run on the cramped road to life.

Another way we can avoid becoming "a stumbling block" to our fellow runners is by yielding to their preferences whenever possible instead on insisting on our rights.  (Romans 14:13, 19-21; 1 Corinthians 8:9, 13)  In this important way, we are not like runners in a literal race.  They compete against the other runners, and each runner strives to gain the prize just for himself. Those runners think primarily about their own interests.  So they may try to push  their way to the front of hte pack. By contrast, we are not competing against one another.  ( Galatians 5:26; 6:4)   Our goal is to help as many as possible to cross the finish line with us and gain the prize of life.  So we try to apply Paul's counsel to  "look our not only for [our] own interests, but also for the interests of others." - PHILIPPIANS 2:4.

In addition to looking at the road immediately in front of them, the runners in a literal race focus on the finish line.   Even if  they cannot see that line with their literal eyes, they can imagine themselves crossing it and receiving the prize.  They stay motivated by keeping the prize clearly in mind. 

In the race that we run, Jehovah has kindly offered  his peop,e a guraanteed reward for completing the race-everlasting life either in heaven or an a paradise earth.  The Scriptures provide previews of this reward, so that we can imagine how wonderful our life will be.  The more we keep the hope alive in our mind and heart, the less likely we are to allow anything to stumble us permanently.

Next time: "Run the Race to the Finish " - KEEP RUNNING DESPITE CHALLENGES

From the jw.org publications

 

"Run the Race to the Finish"

FOLLOW THE RIGHT COURSE

To qualify for the prize in a literal race, the runners must follow the course laid out by the organizers of the event.  Similary, if we want to receive the prize of everlasting life, we must  follow the Christian course, or way of life.  (Acts 20:24; 1 Peter 2:21)  However, Satan and thsoe who follow the example want us to make a different choice; they want us to "continue running with them." (1 Peter 4:4)  They ridicule the  course of life we follow and calaim that the path they are on is better.  But their claim is false. - 2 PETER 2:19.

Any who run with those influenced by Satan's world soon discover that the path they chosen does not lead to freedom; it leads to slavery.  (Romans 6:16)  Consider the examplle of Brian.  His parents encouraged him to follow the Christian course of life.  But when when he was in his teens, he questioned whether  that path would make him happy.  Brian decided to run with those who lived by Satan's standards.  "Little did I realize the so-called freedom I desired would lead me into  the clutches of addiction," he says.  "In time, I was abusing drugs and alcohol and living immorally.  Over the next several years, I progressivly experimented with harder drugs and became a slave to many of them. . .I began selling drugs to support my lifestyle."  Eventually, Brian decided to live by Jehovah's standards. He changed paths and got baptized  in 2001.  He is genuinely happy now that he is following the Christian course of life." 

How important it is that we choose the right road to follow!  Satan wants all uf to stop running on the cramped road that is "leading off into life" and cross over to the spacious road that most people in the world are on. That road is popular and is easier to travel. But it is "leading off into destruction."  (Read Matthew 7:13, 14)  To remain on the right road and not be sidetraced, we must trust Jehovah  and listen to him.

Next time: "Run the Race to the Finish" - STAY FOCUSED AND AVOID STUMBLING

From  the jw. org publications