DAILY TEXT, From today Friday May 12, 2023,  Gray hair is a crown of beauty (Prov. 16:31).

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2023

Friday May 12

Gray hair is a crown of beauty (Prov. 16:31).

Big brothers have a lot to offer. Although they may not have the strength they once had, they have all the experience they have accumulated over the years. Jehovah can continue to use them in many ways. For example, the Bible mentions faithful people who continued to serve Jehovah in his old age. One of them is Moses, who was in his 80s when he became a prophet and leader of the nation of Israel. Another case is that of Daniel, who was probably over 90 years old and was still serving as Jehovah's prophet. And apparently the apostle John was also over 90 when he inspired the book of Revelation. The Bible says very little about “a just and devoted man named Simeon,” but Jehovah knew him well and gave him the honor of seeing little Jesus and speaking a prophecy about him and his mother.—Luke 2:22, 25 -35). w21.09 3, 4 paras. 5-7.

What valuable contribution do the widowed sisters continue to make?

In our days, many older brothers are a great example for the younger ones. Let's look at the experience of Sister Lois Didur. When she was only 21 years old, she began special pioneering in Canada. Later, she and her husband, John, spent many years in the circuit work. Later, they served at Canada Bethel for more than 20 years. When she was 58 years old, they were invited to serve in the Ukraine. What would they do? Would they think they were too old to move to another country? They accepted the invitation, and John was made a member of the Branch Committee. He died seven years later, and Lois decided to stay on his allotment. Now 81 years old, she continues to serve Jehovah faithfully at Bethel in Ukraine, and is loved by all.

Some sisters, like Lois, may be a little more inconspicuous when they are widowed, but they are still invaluable to Jehovah. He greatly appreciates the support they have given their husbands over the years and that they continue to serve him loyally (1 Tim. 5:3). They are also a great source of encouragement for young people.

What do we learn from Tony's good example?

There are many elderly brothers who live in nursing homes or residences for the elderly, and they are also a spiritual treasure. That is the case with a brother named Tony. He was baptized in Pennsylvania (United States) in August 1942 at the age of 20. Shortly thereafter, he refused military service and spent two and a half years in jail. He and his wife, Hilda, raised his two children in the truth. Over the years, Tony served as the presiding overseer of three congregations (what is now the coordinator of the body of elders) and was also a circuit assembly overseer. In addition, he led meetings and taught Bible classes at a state prison. At 98, he has no intention of taking it easy. He continues to do his best to serve Jehovah and support his congregation.

How can we show that we honor the brothers who live in residences for the elderly or who can no longer leave their homes?

How can we show that we honor the brothers who live in residences for the elderly or who can no longer leave their homes? To the extent possible, the elders of the congregation can help them preach and attend or listen to the meetings. We can show our interest by visiting them or speaking with them by video call. It is important that we take special account of those who live far from the congregation. We must make sure that we do not overlook them. Some may not find it easy to talk about themselves or may not feel appropriate to do so. But it will do us a lot of good to take the time to ask them about the joys they have experienced in Jehovah's organization and listen to what they have to say.

What can we discover in our own congregation?

It may surprise us to discover that in our own congregation we have older siblings who are fine examples of faithfulness. A sister from the United States named Harriette served Jehovah faithfully for decades in her New Jersey congregation. She then went to live with her daughter. The brothers in her new congregation took the time to get to know her and discovered a treasure about her. She told them encouraging experiences from preaching in the twenties, when she learned the truth. Back then, she always carried a toothbrush when she went to preach, in case she got arrested. In fact, in 1933, she twice spent a week in jail. While she was in prison, her husband—who was not a Witness—supported her and took care of her three little children. Definitely,

What have we learned about the place of older brothers in Jehovah's organization?

Our older brothers have an important place in Jehovah's organization. They have seen how Jehovah has bestowed many blessings on his organization and on them as well. They have learned valuable lessons from their own mistakes. So let's see them as a source of wisdom and draw on his experience (Prov. 18:4). If we spend time getting to know them well, our faith will be strengthened and we will learn more than we thought.

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