Meaning of Psalm 23:4 - Conclusion

 Note: For some reason, my bold and italics are not working. So please forgive if I cannot bold and italicize the passage in the title, i can  only get the bold and italics down in my paragraphs etc.

. He instructs and comforts them through his written Word, the Bible. -ROMANS 15:4.

. He listens to their prayers, granting the mental and emotional peace. - PHILIPPIANS 4:6, 7.

. He uses fellow worshippers to encourage them. - HEBREWS 10:24.

. He gives them the sure hope of a better future, when he will undo any harm they currently experience. -PSALM 37:29; REVELATION 21:3-5. 

Next time: Context of PSALM 23:4

From the jw.org publications

Meaning of Psalm 23:4

 Those who worship God enjoy his protective care-even while they endure difficult situations. The verse uses the metaphor of a sheep under a shepherd's care to illustrate how God looks after his worshippers. They do not feel alone when they face dire circumstances, described in this verse as a place of deep shadow or darkness and risk of death. They feel secure, as though God were right there with them.

In Bible times, a shepherd would use his rod or club to protect the sheep from predators. He would also use his staff generally a long pole with a crook at one end, to guide the sheep or pull them away from danger. Similarly, Jehovah God is like a loving Shepherd who protects and guides those who worship him. Even during the darkest days of their life, Jehovah cares for them in various ways.

Next time: Meaning of Psalm 23:4 -Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

BIBLE VERSES EXPLAINED/Psalm23:4 -"Though the Valley of the Shadow of Death"

 "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me." -PSALM 23:4, King James Version.

"Though I walk through the shadow of death I will fear no harm, for you are with me; your rod and your staff reassure me." -PSALM 23:4, New World Translation.

Next time: Meaning of Psalm 23:4

From the jw.org publications

NEVER STOP LEARNING -Conclusion

 As you study, look for ways to put what you learn into practice. For example, imitate Jehovah's justice by treating others impartially. Imitate Jesus' love for his Father and for others by being willing to suffer for Jehovah's name and by expending yourself in behalf of your fellow Christians. Also, imitate Jesus by witnessing to others so that they too have the opportunity to accept Jehovah's priceless gift. 

The more we understand and appreciate the ransom, the more we will love Jehovah and his Son. In turn, they will respond with increased love for us. (John14:21; James 4:8) So let us use Jehovah's provisions to keep learning about the ransom. The following article will consider some ways that we can benefit from the ransom and that we can respond appreciatively to Jehovah's love. 

Next time: BIBLE VERSES EXPLAINED/Psalm 23:4- "Through I Walk Through the Shadow of Death" 

From the jw.org publications

NEVER STOP LEARNING

 You can keep learning about the love that Jehovah and Christ Jesus have for is of us if you continue to meditate on it. Perhaps during this year's Memorial season, you can carefully read one or more of the Gospels. Do not try to cover too much material at one time. Instead, slow down and look for additional reasons by we should love Jehovah and Jesus. And by all means, share what you learn with others. 

If you have been in the truth for many years, you might wonder if it is possible to discover new insights on such familiar subjects as God's justice, his love and the ransom. The truth is no end to what we learn about these and other topics. So, what can you do? Take full advantage of the wealth of information that can be found in our publications. When you find a passage that you do not fully understand, do research. Then throughout the day, meditate on what you have discovered and what it tells you about Jehovah, his Son, and their love for you. -Read PSALM 119:97. and footnote.

Do not be discouraged if you do not find something new or exciting every time you sit down to read or to do research. In a sense, you are like person who pans for gold. Patiently, prospectors spend hours of days before finding even the smallest nugget of gold. Yet, they persist because every bit gold is valuable to them. Of how much greater value is every gem of Bible truth! (Psalm 119:127; Proverbs 8:10) So be patient and stick to your Bible reading schedule. - PSALM 1:2. 

Next time: NEVER STOP LEARNING - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

Jesus' Integrity Vindicated Jehovah's Name

 By remaining faithful under test, Jesus refuted the Devil's claim that humans would not remain loyal to God when under trial. (Job 2:4, 5) Jesus also showed that Adam was to blame for his sin, not Jehovah. Jesus thus proved that perfect Adam could have been faithful if he had wanted to be and there was nothing faulty in how Jehovah treated Adam.

The ransom teaches us that Jesus cares deeply for people, especially for his disciples. (Proverbs 8:31; read John 13:1.) For example, Jesus knew that some aspects of his earthly ministry would be very challenging, in particularly his painful death. Yet, in carrying out is assignment on earth, he did not simply go through the motions. Instead, Jesus put his whole heart into preaching, teaching, and ministering to others. Even on the death of his death, Jesus took time to wash the feet of his apostles and give them many parting words of comfort and instruction. (John 13:12-15) Then while he was on the stake, Jesus took a few moments to give hope to a dying criminal and to arrange for his mother's care. (Luke 23:42, 43; John19:26, 27) Thus Jesus' deep love was expressed not only through his death but also through his entire life course on earth.

While Christ died "once for all time," he is still making sacrifices for us. (Romans 6:10) How so? He continues to expend time and effort as he puts the ransom benefits to work in our behalf. Consider what he is busy doing. He serves our King, High Priest, and head of the congregation. (1 Corinthians 15:25; Ephesians 5:23; Hebrews 2:17) He is in charge of the work of gathering the anointed and the great crowd, a task that will be completed before the great tribulation ends.  (Matthew 25+:32; Mark 13:27) He also sees that his faithful servants are well-fed spiritually during these last days. (Matthew 25:32;) And throughout his Millennial Reign, he will continue to serve our interests. Jehovah truly gave his Son for us!

 Next time: NEVER STOP LEARNING

From the jw.org publications

WHAT THE RANSOM TEACHES US ABOUT JESUS

Jesus cares very deeply about his Father's reputation. (John 14:31) Jesus was grieved that his being charged with blasphemy and sedition could bring reproach to his Father's name. That is why he prayed: "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me." (Matthew 26:39) By keeping his integrity to Jehovah until death, Jesus ultimately vindicated the name of his Father. 

Next time: JESUS' Integrity Vindicate Jehovah's Name

From the jw.org publications

WHAT THE RANSOM TEACHES US ABOUT JEHOVAH - Conclusion

 Let us not think that because God is almighty, he does not have feelings! We are made in his image, created with the ability to feel, so it stands to reason that Jehovah has feelings. The Bible describes him as feeling "hurt" and "grieved." (Psalm 78:40, 41) Consider, too, the experience Abraham and Isaac. You will recall that Abraham was commanded to offer up his only son in sacrifice. (Genesis 22:9-12; Hebrews 11:17-19) We can only imagine the range of emotions Abraham felt as he prepared to end Issac's life with a quick stroke of a knife. How much more grieved Jehovah must have felt as he observed his Son being cruelly tortured to death by ungodly men! See on jw.org the video Imitate Their Faith-Abraham, Part 2. 

The ransom teaches us that no one loves us as much as Jehovah does-not even our dearest relative or best friend. (Read Romans 8:32, 38, 39.) No doubt Jehovah loves us more than we love ourselves. Do you want to live forever? Not as much as Jehovah wants you to. Do you want your sins forgiven? Not as much as Jehovah wants to forgive them. All he asks is that we accept his gracious gift by exercising faith and being obedient. The ransom is truly a profound expression of God's love. And in the new world, we will learn even more about Jehovah's love. - ECCLESIASTES 3:11. 

Next time: WHAT THE RANSOM TEACHES US ABOUT JESUS

From the jw.org publications

 

WHAT THE RANSOM TEACHES US ABOUT JEHOVAH - Continue

 While the ransom helps us to understand that Jehovah is just, it especially helps us to grasp the dept of his love.  (John 3:16; read 1 John 4:9, 10) The teaching of the ransom reveals that Jehovah wants us not only to have endless life but also to be part of his family.  Consider when Adam sinned, Jehovah expelled him from His family of worshippers. As a result, all of us have been born outside of God's family. But on the basis of the ransom, Jehovah forgives our sins and will eventually bring into his family all mankind who exercise faith and are obedient. Even now we can have a warm relationship with Jehovah and with our fellow worshippers. Truly, we are recipients of Jehovah's tender love! -ROMANS 5:10, 11. 

We can better understand how much Jehovah loves us if we consider what the ransom cost him. Satan claims that no servant of God will remain loyal to Him when it is hard to do so. To refute that charge, Jehovah allowed Jesus to suffer before he died. (Job 2:1-5; 1 Peter 2:21) As Jehovah looked on, Jesus was mocked by religious opposers, whipped raw by soldiers, and nailed to a stake. Then Jehovah watched as his dear Son was left to suffer a painful death. (Matthew 27:28-31, 39) Jehovah had the power to stop the process at any given point. For example. when opposers said: "Let [God] now rescue him if he wants him. "Jehovah could have done just that. (Matthew 27:42, 43) However, if God had stepped in, no ransom would have been paid and we would have left without hope. So Jehovah permitted his Son to endure suffering until he drew his last breath.

Next time: WHAT THE RANSOM TEACHES US ABOUT JEHOVAH - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications

WHAT THE RANSOM TEACHES US ABOUT JEHOVAH

 The ransom teaches us about Jehovah's justice. (Deuteronomy 32:4) How so? Consider: From disobedient Adam, we inherited sin that leads to death. (Romans 5:12) To set us free from sin and death, Jehovah arranged for Jesus to provide the ransom. But how could the sacrifice of one perfect human redeem millions of people? The apostle Paul explains: "Just as through the disobedience of one man [Adam] many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one person [Jesus] many will be made righteous." (Romans 5:19; 1 Timothy 2:6) In other words, it took one disobedient perfect man to cause us to become enslaved to sin and death. Therefore, it took one obedient perfect man to set us free. 

Did Jesus really have to die in order to save us? Couldn't Jehovah have simply decided to allow righthearted members of Adam's offspring to live forever? To imperfect humans, that would seem to be the kind and reasonable thing to do. But it does not take into account Jehovah's perfect justice. Because Jehovah is just, he would never choose to ignore Adam's glaring act of disobedience.

What, though, if Jehovah had not provided a ransom but had set justice aside by allowing Adam's imperfect sons and daughters to live forever? People would likely wonder if God might disregard justice in other matters as well. For example, might he fail to keep some of his promises? We need not worry about such a possibility. The fact that Jehovah carried out justice even at a great cost to himself-sacrificing his own dear Son-assures us that he will always do what is right.

Next time: WHAT THE RANSOM TEACHES US ABOUT JEHOVAH -Continue

From the jw.org publications