IMITATE THEIR FAITH/MARY MAGDALENE -"Ministering to Them From Their Belongings - Conclusion

 Mary and a number of other women helped to fill those needs. The women were "ministering to from their belongings." (Luke 8:1, 3) Some may have been women of means. The Bible does not say whether they prepared food, washed clothing, or arranged for lodgings in one village after another. But they willingly/carried out their work of supporting this traveling group, which possibly numbered about 20. The efforts of those women surely helped Jesis and his apostles to devote their full attention to the preaching work. Of course, Mary knew that she could never repay Jesus for what he had done for her-but the pleasure it gave her to do what she could!

Many today might look down on those who perform humble work in behalf of others. But that is not the way God feels. Imagine how pleased he was to see Mary giving of herself, doing all she could to support Jesus and his apostle! Today, too, many faithful Christians happily perform humble services in behalf of others. Sometimes a practical favor or even a kind word can do much good. Jehovah appreciates such contributions. - PROVERBS 19:17; HEBREWS 13:16. 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/MARY MAGDALENE - "By the Torture Stake of Jesus" 

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH/MARY MAGDALENE - "Ministering to Them From Their Belongings "

 In the Bible, the story of Mary Magdalen begins with a gift. Jesus gave her freedom, releasing her from nightmarish bondage. In those days, demon influence was prevalent, and those wicked spirits attacked many people, even entering into some and taking control of them. We do not know what effect the demons had on poor Mary Magdalene; we only know that she had been possessed by seven of those vicious, perverted bullies. And thanks to Jesus Christ, they were all evicted! - LUKE 8:2. 

Free at last and relieved beyond measure, Mary had a whole new life before her. How could she show her gratitude? She became a loyal follower of Jesus. She also responded to a need that she saw Jesus and his apostles needed food, clothing, and a place to sleep at night. They were not men of wealth, and they were not doing any secular work at the time. In order to focus on preaching and teaching, they needed material support. 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/MARY MAGDALENE - "Ministering to Them From Their Belongings - Conclusion

IMITATE THEIR FAITH/MARY MAGDALENE - "I Have Seen the Lord!"

 Mary Magdalene looked up to the sky, wiping tears from her eyes. Her beloved Lord was hanging on a stake. It was about noon on a spring day, "yet a darkness fell over all the land"! (Luke 23:44,45) She pulled her garment around her shoulders and huddled closer to the women near her. A solar eclipse, which last only minutes, could not have caused this three-hour darkness. Perhaps Mary and others standing near Jesus began to hear animals of the night that are not commonly heard during the day. Some onlookers "grew very much afraid and said: "Certainly this was God's Son."' (Matthew 27:54) Jesus' followers and others might have thought that Jehovah himself was signaling sadness and displeasure at his Son's brutal treatment. 

Mary Magdalene could hardly bear to watch the scene, but she could not leave either. (John 19:25, 26) Jesus might have been in unimaginable pain. Jesus' mother also needed comfort and support.

after all that Jesus had done for Mary, she felt compelled to do all that she could for him. She was once a broken and pitiable woman, but Jesus had all that. He had filled her with dignity and purpose. She had become a woman of great faith. How? And what can her faith teach us today? 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/MARY MAGDALENE - "I Have Seen the Lord!" -"Ministering to Them From Their Belongings 

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CHAPTER NINETEEN/When Did Joseph Die?

 We know that Joseph was alive when Jesus was 12 years old. At that age many Jewish youths began to learn their father's trade and became apprentices at 15. Joseph eventually lived long enough to teach Jesus to be a carpenter. Was Joseph living when Jesus began his ministry at about 30 years of age? That seems very doubtful. Jesus' mother, brothers, and sisters are all mentioned as living at that time but not Joseph. (Mark 6:3) Mary is spoken of at acting and taking initiatives on her own, without consulting a husband. (John 2:1-5) That would have been unusual in Bible times unless she was a widow. Finally, as he was Jesus was dying, Jesus entrusted the care of his mother to the apostle Joh. (John 19:26,27) There would have been no need to do so if Joseph were still living. Likely, then, Joseph died when Jesus was a relatively young man. As the eldest son, Jesus undoubtedly took over the carpentry business and care for his family after the baptism. 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/MARY MAGDALENE - "I Have Seen the Lord!" 

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CHAPTER NINETEEN/Joseph Persevered Faithfully - Conclusion

 We can also see evidence of Joseph's influence in Jesus' physical growth. A well-cared-for boy, Jesus grew into a strong, healthy man. Further, Joseph trained his son to be skilled in his physical work. Jesus was known not only as the carpenter's son but also as "the carpenter." (Mark 6:3) So Joseph's training was successful. Family heads wisely imitate Joseph, caring for the practical well-being of their children and ensuring that can support themselves. 

Once, we reach the point in the Bible record where Jesus is baptized at about the age of 30, we find that Joseph is no longer part of the story. Evidence suggests that Mary was a widow by the time Jesus began his ministry. (See the box "When Did Joseph Die?") Yet, Joseph left a clear mark-a shining example of a father who protected his family, provided for them, and persevered faithfully to the end. Any father, any family head, or any other Christian would do well to imitate that faith of Joseph.

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CHAPTER NINETEEN/Joseph Persevered Faithfully

 The Bible discloses only a few more traces of Joseph's life, but they are worth considering carefully. We read that "Jesus went on progressing in wisdom and in physical growth and in favor with God and men." (Read Luke 2:51, 52) What do those words reveal about Joseph? Several things. We learn that Joseph continued taking the lead in his household, for his perfect son respected his father's authority and remained in subjection to it. 

We further learn that Jesus continued to grow in wisdom. Joseph surely had much to do with his son's progress in that regard. In those days, there was a time-honored proverb among the Jews. It can still be found and read today. The saying asserts that only men of leisure can become truly wise, whereas tradesmen, such as carpenters, farmers, and blacksmiths, "cannot declare justice and judgment; and they shall not be found where parables are spoken." Later, Jesus exposed the emptiness of that proverb. As a boy, how often he had heard his adoptive father, humble carpenter though he was, teach effectively about Jehovah's justice and judgment"! No doubt, there were countless occasions. 

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CHAPTER NINETEEN/"In Mental Distress" - Conclusion

 Joseph thought about those words many times. Perhaps he came to beam with pride over them. After all, he had worked diligently to teach his adopted son to feel that way about Jehovah God. By that time in his life as a boy, Jesus already had warm feelings about the word "father"-feelings shaped largely by his years with Joseph. 

If you are a father, do you realize how privileged you are to help your children to form a concept of what a loving, protective father is? Likewise, if you have stepchildren or adopted children, remember Joseph's example and treat each child as unique and precious. Help those children to draw closer to their heavenly Father, Jehovah God. - Read EPHESIANS 6:4. 

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CHAPTER NINETEEN/"In Mental Distress" -Continue

 Thus in a few deft strokes, God's Word paints a realistic picture of parenthood. It can be stressful-even when the child is perfect! Parenting today's dangerous world can bring untold "mental distress," but fathers and mothers can take comfort in knowing that the Bible acknowledges the challenge they face.

Jesus had stayed in the one place in the world where he felt the closest to his heavenly Father, Jehovah, eagerly soaking up anything he could learn. He answered his parents in simple sincerity: "Why did you have to go looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in the house of my Father?" - LUKE 2:49. 

Next time: CHAPTER NINETEEN/"In Mental Distress" - Conclusion

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CHAPTER NINETEEN/"In Mental Distress"

 When Jesus was 12 years old. Joseph took the family to Jerusalem as usual. It was Passover, a festive time, and large families traveled together in large caravans through the lush spring countryside. As they approached the starker landscapes near lofty Jerusalem, many would sing the familiar psalms of ascent. (Psalm 120-134) The city likely teemed with hundreds of thousands of people. Afterward, the families and their caravans began to head homeward. Joseph and Mary, perhaps with much to do, assumed that Jesus was traveling with others, maybe family members. Only after Jerusalem lay a full day behind them did they realize a terrifying truth-Jesus was missing! - LUKE 2:41-44. 

Frantically, they retraced their steps all the way to Jerusalem. Imagine how empty and strange the city seemed to them now as they paced the streets, calling out their son's name. What could the boy be? By the third day of the searching, did Joseph begin to wonder if he had failed terribly in this sacred trust from Jehovah? Finally, they went to the temple. There they searched until they came upon a chamber where many learned men, verse in the law, were gathered-with young Jesus sitting among them! Imagine the relief Joseph and Mary felt! - LUKE 2:45-46. 

Jesus was listening to the learned men and eagerly asking questions. The men were amazed at the child's understanding and his answers. Mary and Joseph, though, were astounded. In the Bible record, Joseph is silent. But Mary's words speak eloquently for both of them: "Child, why did you treat us this way? Here your father and I in mental distress have been looking for you." - LUKE 2:47, 48. 

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CHAPTER NINETEEN/Joseph Provided for His Family - Conclusion

 Joseph, however, understood that caring for his family's spiritual needs was paramount. So he spent time teaching his children about Jehovah God and His Laws. He and Mary regularly took them to the local synagogue, where the Law was read aloud and explained. Perhaps Jesus was full of questions afterward, and Joseph tried hard to satisfy the boy's spiritual hunger.  Joseph also took the family to religious festivals in Jerusalem, For the annual Passover, Joseph may have needed to weeks to make the 75-mile journey (120 km), observe the occasion, and return home.

Christian family heads today follow a similar pattern. They give of themselves for their children, putting spiritual training above every other concern, including material comforts. They go to great lengths to conduct family worship at home and to take their children to Christian meetings both large and small. Like Joseph, they know that there is no better investment they can make for the sake of their children. 

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CHAPTER NINETEEN/Joseph Provided for His Family -Continue

 Imagine Jesus as a small boy watching his adoptive father at work. His eyes wide and intent on Joseph's every movement, he no doubt admired the strength in those broad shoulders and sinewy arms. The skill of the hands, the intelligence in the eyes. Perhaps Joseph began his young son how to perform such simple tasks as using dried fish to smooth out rough spots on wood. He likely taught Jesus the differences between the varieties of wood that he used-the sycamore fig, oak, or olive, for example. 

Jesus learned, too, that those strong hands that felled trees, hewed beams, and pounded joints together were also gentle hands that caressed and comforted him, his mother, and his siblings. Yes, Joseph and Mary had a growing family that eventually included at least six children in addition to Jesus. (Matthew 13:55, 56) Joseph had to work ever harder to care for and feed them all.

Next time: CHAPTER NINETEEN/Joseph Provided for His Family - Conclusion

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CHAPTER NINETEEN/Joseph Provided for His Family - Continue

 They led a simple life-but not an easy one. The Bible refers to Joseph as the carpenter, using a word that embraces many ways of working with wood, such as cutting down timber, hauling it, and seasoning it for use in building houses, boats, and small bridges, carts, wheels, yokes, and all kinds of farm implements.  (Matthew 13:55) It was hard physical work. A carpenter in Bible times often worked near the doorway of his modest house or in a shop adjacent to it. 

Joseph used a wide range of tools, some likely handed down from his father. He may have used a square, a plummet, a chalk line, a hatchet, a saw, an adze, a hammer, a mallet, chisels, a drill that worked by pulling a bow back and forth, various glues, and perhaps some nails, though they were costly.

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CHAPTER NINETEEN/Joseph Provided for His Family

 It seems that the family did not stay long in Egypt, for soon the angel informed Joseph that Herod was dead. Joseph brought his family back to their homeland. An ancient prophecy had foretold that Jehovah would call his son "out of Egypt"(Matthew 2:15) Joseph helped to fulfill that prophecy, but where would he lead his family now?

Joseph was cautious. He wisely feared Herod's successor, Archelaus, who was likewise vicious and murderous. Divine guidance led Joseph to take his family up north, away from Jerusalem and all its intrigues, back to his hometown of Nazareth in Galilee. There he and Mary raised their family. - Read MATTHEW 2:19-23.

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CHAPTER NINETEEN/ Joseph Protected His Family - Conclusion

 Apocryphal myths and legends later romanticized the journey to Egypt, claiming little Jesus miraculously shortened the trip, rendered bandits harmless, and even made date palms bend down to his mother to yield their fruit.  In truth, it was simply a long, arduous trek into the unknown.

Parents can learn a lot from Joseph. He really set aside his work and sacrificed his own comfort in order to protect his family from danger. Clearly, he viewed his family as a sacred trust from Jehovah. Parents today raise their children in a perilous world, a world of forces that would endanger, corrupt, or even destroy young ones. How admirable it is when mothers and fathers act decisively, as Joseph did, work to protect their children from influences!

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CHAPTER NINETEEN/Joseph Protected His Family - Continue

 Happily, though, there were forces greater than Herod or Satan at work. How so? Well, when the visitors reached Jesus' house and saw him with his mother, they brought out gifts, asking for nothing in return. How strange it must have been for Joseph and Mary to find themselves suddenly in possession of "gold and frankincense and myrrh"-valuable commodities! The astrologers intended to go back and tell King Herod just where they had found the child. However, Jehovah intervened. By means of a dream, he instructed the astrologers to return home by another route. -Read MATTHEW 2:1-12. 

Shortly after the astrologers left, Joseph received this warning from Jehovah's angel: "Get up and take the young child and its mother and flee into Egypt and stay there until I give you word; for Herod is about to search for the young child to destroy it." (Matthew 2:13) So, as we noted at the outset, Joseph obeyed swiftly. He put his child's safety above all else and took his family to Egypt. Because those pagan astrologers had brough such costly gifts, Joseph now had assets that might help the family during their sojourn ahead. 

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CHAPTER NINETEEN/Joseph Protected His Family - Continue

 A group of men arrived, astrologers from the East, likely from faraway Babylon. They had followed a "star" to the home of Joseph and Mary and were looking for a child who was to become king of the Jews. The men were deeply respectful.

Whether they knew it or not, the astrologers put little Jesus in great peril.  "The "star" they had seen them led them first, not to Bethlehem, but to Jerusalem. There they told wicked King Herod that they were looking for a child who was to become king of the Jews. Their report filled the man with jealous rage. 

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CHAPTER NINETEEN/ Joseph Protected His Family

 Months earlier, in his hometown of Nazareth, Joseph found his live changed forever after his engagement to the daughter of Heli. Joseph knew Mary as an innocent, faithful young woman. But then he learned that she was pregnant. He intended to divorce her secretly to protect her from scandal. However, an angel spoke to him in a dream explaining that Mary was pregnant by means of Jehovah's holy spirit. The angel added that the son she bore would save his people from their sins." He further reassured Joseph: "Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife home." - MATTHEW 1:18-21.

Joseph, a righteous and obedient man, did just that. He took on the weightiest of assignments: raising and carrying for a son who was not his own but who was most precious to God.  Later, in obedience to an imperial decree, Joseph and his pregnant wife went to Bethlehem to register. It was there that the child was born. 

Joseph did not take the family back to Nazareth. Instead, they settled in Bethlehem, just a few miles (about 10 km) from Jerusalem. They were poor, but Joseph did all he could to protect Mary and Jesus from want or suffering.  In a short time, they took up living in a humble home. Then, when Jesus was no longer a baby but a small child-perhaps over a year old-their lives suddenly changed again.

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CHAPTER NINETEEN/He Protected, He Provided, He Persevered

 JOSEPH swung another load on the donkey's back. Picture him looking around at the darkened village of Bethlehem and patting the flank of the sturdy beast of burden. He was surely thinking of the long trip ahead. Egypt!  A foreign people, a foreign tongue, foreign customs-how would this little family adapt to so much change?

It was not easy to tell the bad news to his beloved wife, Mary, but Joseph braced himself and did it. He told her of the dream in which an angel delivered this message from God: The king, Herod, wanted their little son dead! They had to leave right away. (Read Matthew 2:13, 14.) Mary was deeply concerned. How could anyone want to kill her innocent, harmless child? Neither Mary nor Joseph could fathom it. But they trusted in Jehovah, so they readied themselves.

Unaware of the unfolding drama, Bethlehem slept as Joseph, Mary, and Jesus slipped out of the village in the darkness. Heading southward, with the sky beginning to lighten in the east, Joseph likely wondered what lay ahead. How could a lowly carpenter protect his family against forces so powerful? Would he always be able to provide for his own? Would he manage to persevere in carrying out this heavy assignment that Jehovah God had given him, to care for and raise this unique child? Joseph faced daunting challenges. As we consider how he rose to meet each one, we will see why fathers today-and all of us-need to imitate the faith of Joseph. 

Next time: CHAPTER NINETEEN/He Protected, He Provided, He Persevered -Joseph Protected His Family

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The Final Assignment

 Where did Elijah go next? Some religions teach that he was taken up to heaven to be with God. But that impossible. Centuries later, Jesus Christ stated that no one ascended to heaven prior to his own time. (John 3:13) So when we read that "Elijah ascended to the heavens in the windstorm," we must ask, What heavens? (2 Kings 2:11) The Bible uses "heavens" to refer not only to the place where Jehovah lives but also to the atmospheric heavens of our earth, where clouds float and birds fly. (Psalm 147:8) To those heavens-the sky-Elijah ascended. And then to what? 

Jehovah simply transferred the beloved prophet to a new assignment, this time in the neighboring kingdom of Judah. The Bible record show Elijah still at work there, perhaps over seven years later. Ruling Judah at that time was wicked King Jehoram. He had married the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel, so their evil influence was still at work. Jehovah commissioned Elijah to write a letter pronouncing judgment on Jehoram. As foretold, Jehoram died a horrible death. Worse, the account concludes: "No one regretted it when he died." - 2 CHRONICLES 21:12-20. 

What a contrast between the evil man and Elijah! We do not know just how or when Elijah. But we know that he did not die as Jehoram did, with no one to regret his passing. Elijah missed his friend. The other faithful prophets surely did as well. Jehovah himself still valued Elijah some 1,000 years later, for he used a representation of that beloved prophet in the transfiguration vision. (Matthew 17:1-9) Do you want to learn from Elijah and develop faith that endures despite hardships? Never forget, then, to build friendships with others who love God, to keep your life focused on spiritual things, and to pray often from the heart. May you likewise find a permanent place in the loving heart of Jehovah!

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH/ELIJAH - Transferring the Mantle - Conclusion

 Elisha watched, awestruck. Because he was seeing this amazing spectacle unfold, Elisha knew that Jehovah would, indeed, give him "a double portion of Elijah's courageous spirit. But Elisha was too sad to think of that. He did not know where his dear old friend was going, but he likely did not expect to see Elijah again." He cried out: "My father, my father! the chariot of Israel and his horsemen!" He watched as his beloved mentor disappeared in the distance, then Elisha ripped his garments in grief. - 2 KINGS 2:12.

As Elijah rose into the sky, did he hear the forlorn cry of his young friend and perhaps a tear or two himself? At any rate, he surely knew that having such a friend had helped him endure some difficult times. We do well to learn from Elijah's example and build friendships with people who love God and seek to do his will! 

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH/ELIJAH - Transferring the Mantle - Continue

 Humbly, Elijah left the answer in Jehovah's hands. If Jehovah allowed Elisha to see Elijah as God took the older prophet away, then God's answer to Elisha's request was yes. And before long, as the two longtime friends were walking along, "speaking as they walked," something wonderful happened! - 2 KINGS 2:10, 11. 

A strange glow lit up the sky and loomed nearer and nearer. We may imagine a roaring, whooshing sound as a windstorm suddenly arose accompanying a bright object that was hurtling toward the two men, forcing them to part, perhaps to stagger awe. What they saw was a vehicle, a chariot, gleaming as if made of fire. Elijah knew that his time had come. Did he climb aboard? The account does not say. In any case, he felt himself being lifted up, up, high in the air, carried off in the windstorm!

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH/ELIJAH - Transferring the Mantle -Continue

 It surely touched Elijah to see the loyal love of his young companion. Because of it, Elisha had the privilege of seeing Elijah's final miracle. By the bank of the Jordan River, which tends to be swift and deep in places, Elijah struck the water with his official mantle. The waters parted! Also watching this miracle were "50 of the sons of the prophets," evidently part of a growing school of men being trained to take the lead in pure worship in the land. (2 Kings 2:7, 8) Elijah likely oversaw that training program. There had been a time some years earlier when Elijah felt that he was the only faithful man left in the land. Since then, Jehovah had rewarded Elijah's endurance, allowing him to see a great deal of progress among his worshippers. - 1 KINGS 19:10

After they crossed the Jodan, Elijah said to Elisha: "Ask what you want me to do for you before I am taken from you." Elijah knew that the time for his departure had come. He did begrudge his younger friend the privileges and the prominence that lay ahead. Rather, Elijah was eager to help him in any way possible. Elisha made only this request: "Please, may I have a double portion of your spirit?" (2 Kings 2:9) He did not mean that he wanted the double amount of holy spirit that Elijah had received. Rather, he was asking for an inheritance like that of a firstborn son, who by law received the largest, or double, inheritance to match his new responsibilities as family head.  (Deuteronomy 21:17) As Elijah's spirit heir, he evidently saw the need to have Elijah's courageous spirit in order to get the work done. 

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IMITATE THEIR FAITHY/ELIJAH - Transferring the Mantle

 The time had now come for Elijah to relinquish his official assignment. Note what he did. As he and Elisha were leaving the town of Gilgal. Elijah urged Elisha to remain there while he went on, alone to Bethel about 11 kilometers (7 mi) distant. Elisha's response was firm: "As surely is Jehovah is living and you are living, I will not leave you." After the pair arrived at Bethel, Elijah advised Elisha that he would be traveling alone to Jericho, some 22 kilometers (14 mi) away. Elisha steadfastly replied as he had before. A third time, at Jericho, the same scene was played out before they headed toward the Jordan River, some 8 kilometers (5 mi) away. Again, the younger man held firm. He would not leave Elijah! -2 KINGS 2:1-6. 

Elisha was demonstrating a vital quality, loyal love. This is the kind of love that Ruth showed for Naomi, the kind of love that is firmly committed to its object and refuses to let go. (Ruth 1:15, 16) All servants of God need that quality-today more than ever. Do we see its importance as clearly as Elisha did? 

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH/ELIJAH -Judging Ahaziah - Conclusion

 Ahaziah sent another chief with 50 more men. The second chief was even more reckless than the first. For one thing, he learned nothing from the deaths of those 51 men, though their ashes may still have littered the hillside. For another, not only did he repeat his predecessor's contemptuous order to Elijah to "come down" but he added the word "quickly"! How foolish! So he and his men lost their lives in the same way as the first group did. Even more foolishly, though, was the king. Unmoved, he sent a third contingent of soldiers. Happily, this third chief was a wiser man. He humbly approached Elijah and pleaded that he and his men be spared. Elijah a man of God, no doubt reflected Jehovah's mercy when he responded to the humble chief'. Jehovah's angel directed Elijah to go with these soldiers. Elijah obeyed and then repeated Jehovah's pronouncement on the wicked king. True to God's repeated words, Ahaziah died. His rule had lasted just two years. - 2 KINGS 1:11-17.

How did Elijah endure in the face of the stubborn, rebellious behavior of those around him? That question is relevant today, is it not? Have you ever been frustrated when someone you care about refused to listen to good sense and insisted on pursuing a harmful course? How can we endure such disappointments? We may draw a clue from the place where the soldiers found Elijah, "on top of the mountain." We cannot say dogmatically why Elijah was there, but we may be quite certain that as a man of prayer, he found the solitude of that place offered him good opportunities to draw closer to his beloved God. (James 5:160-18) We likewise can regularly make time to be alone with God, calling on him by name and confiding our troubles and concerns to him. We will then be able to endure when those around us act in reckless and self-destructive ways. 

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH/ELIHAH - Judging Ahaziah - Continue

 Unrepentant Ahaziah demanded: "What did the man look like who came up to meet you and spoke these words to you?" The messengers answered by describing the simple garb of a prophet, and Ahaziah instantly said: "It was Elijah." (2 Kings 1:7, 8) It is worth noting that Elijah led such a simple, focused life that he could easily be identified by just a description of his rustic clothing. Surely, no such thing could be said of Ahaziah or his parents who were greedy materialists. Elijah's example reminds us today to live by Jesus' counsel to keep our life simple, our eye focused on what truly matters. - MATTHEW 6:22-24. 

Bent on vengeance, Ahaziah dispatched a contingent of 50 soldiers and their chief to arrest Elijah. When they found Elijah "sitting on the top of the mountain, the army chief brusquely ordered Elijah in the king's name to "come down"-likely meaning to be led off to execution. Imagine! Even though they knew that Elijah was a "man of the true God," those soldiers actually thought it right to bully and threaten him. How wrong they were! Elijah told the chief: "Well if I a man of God, let fire come down from the heavens and consumed him and his 50 men." God acted! "Fire came down from the heavens and consumed him and his 50 men.  - 2 KINGS 1:9, 10) The tragic end of those soldiers is a vivid reminder that Jehovah does not take it lightly when people treat his servant with contempt or disrespect. -1 CHRONICLES 16:21, 22. 

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH/ELIJAH -Juding Ahaziah

 Ahaziah, the son of Ahab and Jezebel, was now king of Israel. Instead of learning from the folly of his parents, he followed in their wicked steps. (1 Kings 22:52) Like them, Ahaziah worshipped Baal. Baalism was a religion that degraded everyone whom it touched, promoting temple prostitution and even the sacrifice of children. Would anything persuade Ahaziah to change his ways and steer his people away from such gross disloyalty to Jehovah?

Tragedy suddenly struck the arrogant young king. He tumbled through a grating in his roof chamber injured. Though his very life was threatened, he still did not turn to Jehovah for help. Rather, he sent messengers to the enemy Philistine city of Ekron to ask the god Baal-zebub if there was any hope of recovery. Jehovah had had enough. He sent an angel to Elijah, telling him to intercept those messengers. The prophet sent them back to the king with a scathing message. Ahaziah had sinned grievously by acting as if Israel had no God. Jehovah had determined that Ahaziah would never leave his sickbed. - 2 KINGS 1:2-4. 

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH/ELIJAH -HE ENDURED TO THE END

 Elijah took in the news; King Ahab was dead. We may imagine the elderly prophet stroking his beard thoughtfully, his eyes unfocused, as he cast his thoughts back over decades of dealing with that wicked king. Elijah had to endure so much! He had been threatened and hunted and had even faced death-all at the hands of Ahab and his queen Jezebel. The king had nothing to stop Jezebel from ordering the slaughter of many of Jehovah's prophets. Together the couple had also conspired to murder and innocent and righteous man, Naboth, along with his sons, purely out of greed. In response, Elijah had delivered Jehovah's judgment message condemning Ahab and his entire dynasty. Now, God's words were coming true. Ahab died in the way Jehovah foretold. - 1 KINGS 18:4; 21:1-26; 22:37. 38; 2 KINGS 9:26. 

Nonetheless, Elijah knew that he needed to continue enduring. Jezebel was still alive, and she continued to exert her awful influence over her family and nation. Elijah would face more challenges, and he had much yet to teach his companion and successor, so Elijah. So let us consider three of Elijah's final assignments. As we see how his faith helped him to endure, we may see better how to strengthen our own faith during the troubled times in which we live. 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/ELIJAH - Judging Ahaziah

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH -"HAVE YOU SEEN HOW AHAB HAS HUMBLED HIMSELF?" -

 Still, Jehovah judgment of the man stood. Jehovah later consulted with his angels the best way to fool Ahab into joining the battle that would end his life.  Soon thereafter, Jehovah's sentence on Ahab was carried out. Wounded in battle, Ahab bled to death in his chariot. The account adds this grim detail: When the royal chariot was washed out, some of the dogs licked up the king's blood. In this public way, Jehovah's words that Elijah delivered to Ahab were fulfilled: "In the place where the dogs licked up; the blood, the dogs will lick up your own blood." - 1 KINGS 21:19; 22:19-22, 34-38. 

For Elijah, Elisha, and all other faithful ones among God's people, Ahab's end provided a reassuring reminder that Jehovah did not forget Naboth's courage and faith. The God of justice never fails to bring punishment for wickedness, whether it is sooner or later; nor does he fail to include mercy in his judgment if there a basis for doing so. (Numbers 14:18) What a powerful lesson that was for Elijah, who had endured for decades under the rule of that wicked king! Have you been a victim of injustice? Do you long to see God set matters right? You do well to imitate the faith of Elijah. With his faithful companion Elisha, he kept on proclaiming God's messages enduring in the face if justice.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/ELIJAH -He Endured to the End

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH - "HAVE YOU SEEN HOW AHAB HAS HUMBLED HIMSELF?"

 Perhaps Elijah was surprised at Ahab's reaction the divine judgment. The account reads: "As soon as Ahab heard these words, he ripped his garments apart and ripped his garments apart and put sackcloth on and walking despondently." (1 Kings 21:27) Was Ahab repentant of his ways? 

We can at least say that it was a move in the right direction. Ahab was humbling himself-surely a difficult thing for a proud, arrogant man to do. But was it true repentance3? Consider, by comparison, a later king who may have exceeded Ahab in wickedness-Manasseh. When Jehovah punished Manasseh, the man humbled himself, calling out to Jehovah for help. But he went further. He then turned his life course around by getting rid of the idolatrous images that he had set up, making efforts to serve Jehovah, and encouraging his people to do the same. (2 Chronicles 33:1-17) So we see such actions on Ahab's part? Sadly, no.

Did Jehovah notice that Ahab made that public display of his sadness? Jehovah said to Elijah: "Have you how Ahab has humbled himself on my account? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the calamity during his lifetime. I will the calamity upon his house in the days of his son." (1 Kings 1:29) Was Jehovah forgiving Ahab? No, only true repentance would have elicited such divine mercy.  (Ezekiel 33:14-16) But Ahab showed a measure of regret, Jehovah responded with a corresponding measure of mercy. Ahab would be spared the horrific experience of seeing his entire family destroyed. 

Next time: IMTATE THEIR FAITH - "HAVE YOU SEEN HOW AHAB HAS HUMBLED HIMSELF?" - Conclusion 

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH -"SO YOU HAVE FOUND ME, O MY ENEMY!" - Conclusion

 We may learn vital lessons from Ahab's folly. We must always remember that Jehovah sees all. As a loving Father, knows when we stray from the path of what is right, and he is eager to see us change our ways. To help us, he often uses his friends-faithful humans who, like Elijah, bear God's words to their fellow humans. What a mistake it would be to view God's friends as our enemies! - PSALM 141:5.

Picture Elijah answering Ahab: "I have found you." He found Ahab for what he was-a thief, a murderer, and a rebel against Jehovah God. What courage it took for him to stand up to that wicked man! Elijah went on to pronounce God's sentence on Ahab. Jehovah saw the whole picture-wickedness was spreading out from the family of Ahab and infecting the people. So Elijah told Ahab that God had ordained "a clean sweep," the extermination of that entire dynasty. Jezebel too would be brought to justice. - 1 KINGS 21:20-26.

Elijah did not cynically assume that people simply get away with wicked, unjust conduct. That is an easy assumption to make in today's world. This Bible account remind us not only that Jehovah God sees what is going on but also that he brings about justice in his due time. His Word assures us that the day is coming when he will put an end to all injustice for all time! (Psalm 37:10, 11) You may wonder, though: 'Do God's judgments involve only punishment? Are they merciful?'

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH -"HAVE YOU SEEN HOW AHAB HAS HUMBLED HIMSELF?" 

From the jw.org publications 

IMTATE THEIR FAITH/"SO YOU HAVE FOUND ME,O MY ENEMY!"

 Jehovah sent Elijah to Ahab. Pointedly, God said: "There he is in the vineyard of Naboth." (1 Kings 21:18) When Jezebel told Ahab that the vineyard was now his, he got right up and went to enjoy his new acquisition. It never occurred to him that Jehovah was watching. Imagine his expression as he lingered in that vineyard, his head full of dreams about the wonderous garden he would make of the place. But suddenly Elijah appeared! Ahab's blissful countenance changed twisted with rage and hatred, as he spat out the words: "So you have found me, O my enemy!" - 1 KINGS 21:20. 

Ahab's words reveal two kinds of folly. First in saying, "So you have found me" to Elijah, Ahab revealed he was spiritually blind. Jehovah had "found" him. He had seen Ahab abuse the gift of free will and enjoy the fruitage of Jezebel's wicked plot. God saw into Ahab's heart, where love for a material possession had eclipsed any sense of mercy, injustice, or compassion. Second, in saying to Elijah, "O my enemy!" Ahab revealed his hatred for a man who was a friend of Jehovah God and who could have helped Ahab turn from his disastrous course.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH - "SO YOU HAVE FOUND ME, O MY ENEMY" - Conclusion

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH - "GET UP, GO DOWN TO MEET AHAB" - Conclusion

 It is hard to read of her plot without feeling astonished by its wickedness. Queen Jezebel knew that God's Law required the testimony of two witnesses for a serious charge to be substantiated. (Deuteronomy 19:15) So she wrote letters in Ahab's name, directing prominent men of Jezreel to find two men willing to launch a false accusation against Naboth-that of blasphemy, which carried the death penalty. Her plan worked only too well. Two "good-for-nothing men" testified falsely  against Naboth, and he was stoned to death as a result. Not only that-Naboth's sons were killed as well! (1 Kings 21:5-14; Leviticus 24:16; 2 Kings 9:26) Ahab had in fact, abdicated his headship, allowing his wife to run rampant and destroy those innocent people. 

Imagine Elijah's feelings when Jehovah revealed to him what the king and queen had done. It can be very discouraging when wicked people seem to triumph over the innocent. (Psalm 73:3-5, 12, 13) Today, we often see terrible injustices done-sometimes by very powerful men who claim to act as God's representatives. We my find comfort in this account, though. The Bible here reminds us that nothing is hidden from Jehovah. He sees all. (Hebrews 4:13) And what does he do about the wicked acts he sees? 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH - "SO YOU HAVE FOUND ME, O MY ENEMY!" 

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH/"GET UP, GO DOWN TO MEET AHAB"- Continue

 Ahab had a palace in Samaria-and quite a colossal structure it was! He also had a palace in Jezreel, some 23 miles (37 km) away. Adjacent to this second residence lay a vineyard. Ahab coveted that bit of land which belonged to a man name Naboth.  Ahab summoned him and offered to give him money or trade for the vineyard. Naboth, though, said: "It is unthinkable, from Jehovah's standpoint, for me to give you the inheritance of my forefathers." (1 Kings 21:3) Was Naboth stubborn? Reckless? Many have assumed so. In fact, he was obeying the law of Jehovah, which did not allow Israelites permanently to sell land that was the hereditary possession of the family. (Leviticus 25:23-28) To Naboth, it was unthinkable to break God's Law. He was a man of faith and courage, for he surely knew that it was dangerous to stand to Ahab.  

Ahab, of course thought nothing of Jehovah's Law. He went home, "sullen and dejected" that he had not got his way. We read: "He lay down on his bed, kept him face turned away, and refused to eat." (1 Kings 21:4) When Jezebel saw her husband pouting like a petulant child, she swiftly hatched a scheme to get him what he wanted-and also, in the process, to destroy a righteous family. 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH - "GET UP, GO DOWN TO MEET AHAB" - Conclusion

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IMITATE THEIR FAITH/"GET UP, GO DOWN TO MEET AHAB

 Elijah and Elisha worked hard to build up the people spiritually. Evidently, they took the lead in training other prophets, who may have been organized into schools of some kind. In time, though, Elijah received a new assignment from Jehovah: "Get up, go down to meet Ahab the king of Israel." (1 Kings 21:18) What had Ahab done?

The king was already and apostate, the worst of Israel's kings to that point. He had married Jezebel and had caused Baal worship to flourish in the land, with the king himself taking part. (1 Kings 16:31-33) Baalism included family rites, ritual prostitution, and even child sacrifice. Further, Ahab ha recently disobeyed a command from Jehovah to execute the wicked Syrian King Ben-hadad. Ahab's refusal evidently had to do with the prospect of monetary gain. (1 Kings chapter 20) Now, though, the greed, materialism, and violence of Ahab and Jezebel sank to new depths.

Next time: IMTATE THEIR FAITH/ "GET UP, GOD DOWN TO MEED AHAB" - Continue

From the jw.org publications

IMITATE THEIR FAITH/He Endured in the Face of Injustice - Conclusion

 Did Elijah also feel a bit hesitant about delegating some of his responsibilities, sharing his privileges, or someday being replaced? We cannot say; nor can rule out the possibility that such concerns crossed his mind. He was, after all, "a man with feelings like." (James 5:17) In any case, the record states: "Elijah went over to him and threw his official garment on him." (1 Kings 19:19) Elijah's official garment-likely of sheepskin or goatskin-was worn as a cloak and signified his special appointment from Jehovah. Throwing it over Elisha's shoulders, then, was a gesture full of meaning.  Elijah willingly submitted to Jehovah's command to appoint Elisha as his successor. Elijah trusted his God and obeyed him. 

The younger man, for his part, was eager to help the older prophet. Elisha was not to succeed Elijah right away. Rather, for about six years, he humbly accompanied the older prophet and assisted him, later being known as the one "who used to pour out water on the hands of Elijah." (2 Kings 3:11) How comforting for Elijah to have such a capable, helpful attendant! The two men likely became fast friends. Their mutual encouragement surely helped both of them to endure despite seeing the terrible injustices in the land. In particular, the wickedness of the king, Ahab, was going from bad to worse.

Do you ever face injustice? Most of us do in this corrupt world. Finding a friend who loves God can help you endure. You can also learn much from Elijah's faith when dealing with injustice. 

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH - "GET UP, GO DOWN TO MEET AHAB"

From the the jw.org publications

IMITATE THEIR FAITH/He Endured in the Face of Injustice

 ELIJAH walked along the Jordan Valley. He had been journeying for weeks, making his way north from distant Mount Horeb. Now, back in Israel at last, he could see changes in his homeland. The effects of the long drought were starting to fade. The soft autumn rains had begun to fall, and farmers were out plowing their fields.  It may have brought a measure of peace to the prophet's heart to see the land healing, but it was the people he cared about most. Spiritually, they were far from well. The plague of Baal worship was still prevalent among them, and Elijah had much work to do.

Near the town of Abel-Meholah, Elijah saw a large-scale farming project under way. There were twenty-four oxen yoked in pairs, and the 12 teams were plowing in tandem, drawing parallel furrows in the damp soil. The man driving them was the one Elijah was seeking. It was Elisha, the man Jehovah had selected as Elijah's successor. Elijah had once thought that he was alone in his loyalty to God, so he was no doubt eager to meet this man. - 1 KINGS 18:22; 19:14-19.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/He Endured in the Face of Injustice - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications 

What Does the Bible Say About Dinosaurs? -Conclusion

 Were Behemoth and Leviathan dinosaurs?

No. Although these animals mentioned in the book of Job cannot be identified with certainty, Behemoth is generally identified as the hippopotamus and Leviathan as the crocodile. These identifications match the description of them given in the Scriptures. (Job 40:15-23; 41:1, 14-17, 31) In any case, the terms "Behemoth" and "Leviathan" cannot refer to dinosaurs. God told Job to observe these animals personally, and Job lived long enough after the dinosaurs had passed off the scene. -  JOB 40:16; 421:8. 

What happened to the dinosaurs?

The Bible does not comment on the disappearance of the dinosaurs. However, it does state that all things were created "because of [God's] will," so God clearly had a purpose for making dinosaurs. (Revelation 4:11) When that purpose was fulfilled, God allowed the dinosaurs to become extinct.

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/He Endured in the Face of Injustice

From the jw.org publications 

What Does the Bible Say About Dinosaurs? - Continue

 Did dinosaurs evolve from other animals? 

Rather than appearing gradually as if by evolution, dinosaurs appear abruptly in the fossil record. This harmonizes with Bible statements showing that God created all the animals. For example, Psalm 146:6 Describes God as "the Maker of heaven and earth, of the sea, and of all that is in them." 

When did the dinosaurs live?

The Bible describes sea and land animals as being created during the fifth and sixth days, or epochs of creation. (Genesis 1:20-25, 31) Thus, the Bibel allows for the appearance and existence of dinosaurs over a lengthy period of time. 

Next time: What Does the Bible Say About Dinosaurs? - Conclusion 

From the jw.org publications 

What Does the Bible Say About Dinosaurs?/The Bible's answer

 There is no direct reference to dinosaurs in the Bible. However, the Bible credits God with having "created all things," so it is evident that they were among the things he made. (Revelation 4:11) Without mentioning dinosaurs specifically, the Bible does refer to groups of creatures that may include them: 

. "Great sea creatures," or "monsters; New American Bible.

. "All the creeping animals of the ground." - Genesis 1:25.

Next time: What Does the Bible Say About Dinosaurs? -  Continue

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Facts about Cain and his family - Conclusion

 . Early in human history, marrying one's relatives was not uncommon. The faithful man Abraham, for example, married his half-sister. (Genesis 20:12) The first prohibitions against such marriage appeared in the Mosaic Law, which was codified centuries after Cain's day. (Leviticus 18:9, 12, 13) It seems that children born to close relatives back then were not as prone to birth defects as they are today. 

. The Bible presents the account of Adam and Eve, and their family as accurate history. Detailed genealogies going back to Adam can be found not in the book of Genesis, written by Moses, but also in the writings of the historians Ezra and Luke. (Genesis 5:3-5; 1 Chronicles 1:1-4; Luke 3:38) Bible writers cite the story of Cain as a historical event. - HEBREWS 11:4; 1 JOHN 3:12; JUDE 11.

What Does the Bible Say About Dinosaurs?/The Bibles's answer

From the jw.org publications

Who Was Cain's Wife?/The Bible's answer

 Cain, the eldest child of the first human couple, married one of his sisters or another close female relative. This conclusion may be drawn by considering what the Bible say about Cain and his family.

Facts about Cain and his family

. All humans descended from Adam and Eve. God "made out of one man [Adam] every nation of men to dwell on the entire surface of the earth." (Acts 17:26) Adam's wife, Eve, became "the mother of everyone living." (Genesis 3:20) Therefore, Cain must have married a fellow descendant of Adam and Eve. 

. Cain and his brother Abel were the first of a number of children born to Eve. (Genesis 4:1, 2) When Cain was banished for killing his brother, he complained: "Anyone who finds me will certainly kill me." (Genesis 4:14) Of whom was Cain afraid? The Bible says that Adam "became father to sons and daughters." (Genesis 5:4) Evidently, these other descendants of Adam and Eve could have posed a threat to Cain.

Next time: Who Was Cain's wife - Facts about Cain and his family. Conclusion

From the jw.org publications