Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2021
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Ten men will hold on tightly to the tunic of a Jew and say, "We want to go with you, because we have heard that God is with you" (Zech. 8:23).
The "10 men" represent those who hope to live forever on Earth. They know that it is Jehovah who has chosen the anointed ones, whom the “Jew” represents, and they consider it an honor to serve God by their side. Although the names of all the anointed remaining on Earth are not known today, those who hope to live on Earth can “go” with them. In what sense? The answer is in today's text. Notice that the Bible says that the "10 men" would hold on firmly "to the tunic of a Jew" and say, "We want to go with you, because we have heard that God is with you." This verse mentions only one Jew. But the ten men address him in the plural, saying "you." This indicates that this "Jew" is not a single person, but rather represents the entire group of anointed ones. Those who are not anointed serve Jehovah with those who are. However, they do not see them as their leaders, because they know that their only Leader is Jesus (Matt. 23:10). w20.01 26 pars. 1, 2
Why should we be careful how we treat the anointed? (See also note).
How should we treat anointed brothers and sisters? It is wrong to admire too much someone, even an anointed one, a brother of Christ (Matt. 23: 8-12). When speaking of elders, the Bible says, "They imitate their faith," but it does not say that we become followers of some human being (Heb. 13: 7). True, it also says that some Christians are "worthy of double honor." But it is not because they are anointed, but because they “lead the congregation well” and “work hard speaking and teaching” (1 Tim. 5:17). If we give too much praise or attention to the anointed, we could make them uncomfortable * or, worse still, make the fact of being anointed go to their heads (Rom. 12: 3). And is it true that we do not want to contribute to an anointed one making such a serious mistake? (Luke 17: 2).
How can we show respect to the anointed?
How can we show respect to those Jehovah has anointed? To begin with, we will not ask you how you received the heavenly call. It is a very personal matter that we do not have to know (1 Thess 4:11; 2 Thess 3:11). Nor will we assume that your spouse, parents, or other family members are also anointed. The heavenly call is not inherited; it is received from God (1 Thess. 2:12). Also, we will not ask questions that may make others feel bad. For example, we will never ask the wife of an anointed one how it feels to think about living forever on Earth without her husband. After all, we are convinced that in the new world Jehovah will satisfy the desire of all living beings (Ps. 145: 16).
Why should we not admire personalities?
On the other hand, when we don't treat the anointed as if they are more important than others, we protect ourselves. How? According to the Bible, some anointed ones could become unfaithful (Matt. 25: 10-12; 2 Pet. 2:20, 21). But if we are one of those who do not “admire personalities,” we will never be followers of men, even if they are anointed, well known, or have served Jehovah for many years (Jud. 16, note). Thus, if they become unfaithful or leave the congregation, we will not lose faith or abandon Jehovah.
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