Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022
Sunday April 24, 2022
I am glad to receive insults (2 Cor. 12:10).
Nobody likes to be insulted. But, if we worry too much when enemies insult us, we can get discouraged (Prov. 24:10). So how should we view their attacks? We can do like the apostle Paul and rejoice when “receiving insults”. Why? Because insults and opposition are proof that we are true disciples of Christ (1 Pet. 4:14). Jesus said that his followers would suffer persecution (John 15: 18-20). And that was what happened in the first century. For example, for those who had allowed themselves to be influenced by Greek culture, Christians were ignorant and inferior. And for the Jews they were “common men and with little education”, as they said of the apostles Peter and John (Acts 4:13). Many thought that Christians were weak, as they had no political influence or military power, and society despised them. The early Christians did not let the negative views of their enemies stop them. w20.07 14, 15 paras. 3. 4
Why did David seem weak? (See cover drawing.)
When the mighty warrior Goliath saw David, he seemed so weak that he “began to sneer at him with contempt.” After all, Goliath was much bigger and better equipped and trained for war. David was just an inexperienced young man who did not seem ready for battle, but he trusted in the power of Jehovah. As a result, what appeared to be a weakness turned out to be an advantage, and in the end he defeated his enemy (1 Sam. 17:41-45, 50).
What other problem did David face?
David faced another problem that could have made him feel weak and helpless. He was a loyal servant of Saul, the king Jehovah had appointed in Israel. At first, Saul respected him. But over time, pride made him jealous of David. He began to treat him badly and even tried to kill him (1 Sam. 18: 6-9, 29; 19: 9-11).
How did David react to King Saul's unfair treatment?
Although Saul treated him unfairly, David did not lose respect for him, knowing that he was the king whom Jehovah had appointed (1 Sam. 24:6). He also didn't blame God for the bad things Saul did. On the contrary, he trusted that Jehovah would give him the strength to endure this difficult test (Ps. 18: 1 and heading).
What David-like situation did the apostle Paul face?
The apostle Paul faced a situation similar to David's. He had enemies far more powerful than he. He was surrounded by influential leaders who hated him and many times had him beaten and thrown into prison. Like David, he suffered mistreatment from those who should have been his friends. Even some in the Christian congregation turned against him (2 Cor. 12:11; Phil. 3:18). But he never let himself be defeated by his enemies. He continued to preach despite opposition. He was loyal to his brothers even when they let him down. And, above all, he was faithful to God to the end of his days (2 Tim. 4:8). Although he had so much against him, he came out victorious because he trusted Jehovah and not his own strength.
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