DAILY TEXT, From today Thursday July 13, 2023, They are required to be marked on the right hand or on the forehead (Apoc. 13:16).

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2023

Thursday July 13

They are required to be marked on the right hand or on the forehead (Rev. 13:16).

In ancient times, slaves were given a mark that identified who their master was. Similarly, today all people will be expected to have a symbolic mark on their hand or forehead. In other words, everyone will be expected to show by their actions and thoughts that they belong to and support political governments. And us, what will we do? Will we accept this symbolic mark and give our allegiance to political governments? Those who refuse to receive the mark will face difficulties and dangers. The book of Revelation says that no one can "buy or sell except the person who has the mark" (Rev. 13:17). But God's servants know what he will do to those who have the mark (Rev. 14:9, 10). Therefore, instead of carrying that mark, it will be as if they wrote on his hand: “Jehovah's property” (Is. 44:5). Now is the time to make sure that our loyalty to Jehovah is unwavering. If it is, he'll be happy to say we belong to him. w21.09 18 pars. 15, 16.

THE FINAL SHOCK

What should we remember about Jehovah's patience?

Jehovah has shown much patience during these last days. He does not want anyone to be destroyed (2 Pet. 3:9). He has given everyone the opportunity to repent and make the right choice. But his patience has a limit. Those who reject this opportunity will find themselves in the same situation as the pharaoh of the time of Moses. Jehovah told him: “I could already have stretched out my hand to punish you and your people with a deadly disease, and you would have already disappeared from the earth. But I have let you live for this reason: to show you my power and so that my name may be proclaimed throughout all the earth” (Ex. 9:15, 16). Ultimately, all nations will have to know that Jehovah is the only true God (Ezek. 38:23). How will this happen?

What other type of shaking is described in Haggai 2:6, 20-22? And how do we know that Haggai's words will have a fulfillment in the future?

Centuries after Haggai's death, the apostle Paul showed by divine inspiration that the words found in Haggai 2:6, 20-22 would have a future fulfillment (read it). Paul wrote: “Now he has promised: 'Once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heaven.' Now the expression 'once more' indicates that the things that are shaken—the things made—will be eliminated so that the things that are not shaken may remain” (Heb. 12:26, ​​27). Unlike the shaking mentioned at Haggai 2:7, this shaking will spell eternal destruction for those, like Pharaoh, who refuse to acknowledge Jehovah's right to rule.

What is it that will not be shaken, and how do we know?

What is it that will not be shaken or removed? Paul went on to say: “Since we are going to receive a Kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us continue to receive undeserved kindness, so that through it we can render sacred service to God as he pleases, with fear of God and deep respect” ( Heb 12:28). Indeed, when the great final shock passes, the only thing that will remain firm and standing will be the Kingdom of God (Ps. 110:5, 6; Dan. 2:44).

What decision do people need to make, and how can we help them?

There is no time to lose. People must choose. Will they continue to support the lifestyle this world fosters and be destroyed? Or will they make the necessary changes to live according to God's will and receive eternal life? (Heb. 12:25). Through preaching, we help people make this very important decision. Therefore, let us continue contributing to more valuable things being part of the Kingdom of God. And let us always keep in mind the words of our Lord Jesus: "The good news of the Kingdom will be preached throughout the inhabited earth as a witness to all nations, and then the end will come" (Matt. 24:14).

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