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Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022
Wednesday, November 16
Shepherd the flock of God that is in your care, serving as overseers; do not do it out of obligation, but willingly before God (1 Pet. 5:2).
A good shepherd knew that the sheep could be lost. So if this happened, he didn't treat them harshly. Let's think about what Jehovah did when some of his servants did not do for a while what he expected of them. The prophet Jonah fled to avoid fulfilling his assignment. But Jehovah was not quick to give it up. As he would do a good shepherd, he rescued him and gave him the strength he needed to carry out his commission (Jon. 2:7; 3:1, 2). Then he used a bottle gourd to teach her that each person's life is important (Jon. 4:10, 11). What lesson do we learn? That the elderly should not rush to give up the inactive. Rather, they must strive to understand why they strayed from the herd. And, when these sheep return to Jehovah, they should continue to treat them with love and concern. w20.06 20, 21 pars. 10-12.13.
What can we learn from Jehovah's reaction to what the writer of Psalm 73 said?
The writer of Psalm 73 was disheartened to see that the wicked seemed to be doing well. He came to think that it was not worth doing the will of God (Ps. 73:12, 13, 16). How did Jehovah react? He did not condemn it. What's more, he had his words recorded in the Bible. Over time, the psalmist understood that there is nothing better in life than being a friend of Jehovah (Ps. 73:23, 24, 26, 28). What lesson do we learn? That elders should not be quick to judge those who begin to wonder if Jehovah is worth serving. Instead of condemning them, they should work to understand why they speak and act in a certain way. Only then can they use the Bible to encourage them.
Why did Elijah need help, and how did Jehovah give it to him?
The prophet Elijah fled from Queen Jezebel (1 Kings 19:1-3). He thought that there were no more prophets of Jehovah and that what he was doing did not make any sense. He became so depressed that he even wanted to die (1 Kings 19:4, 10). Jehovah did not condemn Elijah. Rather, he assured him that he was not alone, that he could rely on divine power and that there was still much to do. He listened kindly as Elijah shared his concerns, and charged him with new responsibilities (1 Kings 19:11-16, 18). What lesson do we learn? That all of us, and especially the elderly, should treat Jehovah's sheep with kindness. If a person expresses himself bitterly or feels unworthy of Jehovah's mercy, the elders will listen as he opens his heart. Then, they will try to confirm to the lost sheep that it is very valuable to Jehovah.
According to John 6:39, how did Jesus view his Father's sheep?
How does Jehovah want us to see his lost sheep? Jesus gave us the example. He knew that to God all his sheep are valuable. So he did all he could to help “the lost sheep of the nation of Israel” to return to Jehovah (Matt. 15:24; Luke 19:9, 10). Because Jesus is the excellent shepherd, he also tried his best not to lose any of his Father's sheep (see John 6:39).
How should the elders view the work of helping the inactive? (See the sidebar “How a Lost Sheep Might Feel.”)
The apostle Paul told the elders of the Ephesian congregation that they should copy the example of Jesus. He wrote to them: “You should work this hard to help those who are weak and . . . you should remember these words spoken by the Lord Jesus: 'There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.'” (Acts 20:17, 35 ). As we see, the elderly have a serious responsibility. An elder from Spain named Salvador puts it this way: “When I think of how much Jehovah loves his lost sheep, I am moved to do all I can to help them. I have no doubt that Jehovah wants me to take care of them.”
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