DAILY TEXT, From today  Wednesday September 6, 2023,  Gray hair is a crown of beauty when it is in the path of justice (Prov. 16:31).

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2023

Wednesday, September 6

Gray hair is a crown of beauty when in the path of righteousness (Prov. 16:31).

Our faithful older brothers are a valuable treasure. God's Word compares his gray hair to a crown (Prov. 20:29). But it's easy for us not to realize the value they have. Young people who know how to value them get something more than a literal treasure. Jehovah highly values ​​older brothers. He knows well the kind of people they are and appreciates their beautiful qualities. He is happy to see the wisdom they have gained through their years of faithful service pass on to the youth (Job 12:12; Prov. 1:1-4). He also highly values ​​his endurance (Mal. 3:16). Although they have had problems in their lives, they have always shown strong faith in Jehovah. Now their hope is more alive than when they learned the truth. And Jehovah loves them because they keep speaking of his name “even in their old age” (Ps. 92:12-15). w21.09 2 pars. 23.

What can cheer up older brothers?

If you are getting older, you can be sure that Jehovah remembers the deeds you have done in the past (Heb. 6:10). He has enthusiastically supported the preaching, and that makes our heavenly Father happy. He has endured trials—some of them very painful—he has upheld the righteous standards of the Bible, he has attended to important responsibilities, and he has trained others. He has tried his best to keep up with Jehovah's organization, which is going at full speed. In addition, he has supported and encouraged those in full-time service. Jehovah loves him very much for his loyalty, and he promises that he “will not abandon his loyal ones” (Ps. 37:28). He also assures her: “Even when you get gray hair, I will continue to support you” (Is. 46: 4). So don't think that because of his age he is no longer important in Jehovah's organization. Yes he is!

What should older siblings remember?

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, as we will see in the following examples from the past and today.

Give some examples from the Bible of elderly servants of God who received blessings for their loyalty.

In the Bible we find examples of faithful people who continued to serve Jehovah in their 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.

Many other faithful servants were not as well known and could easily be overlooked by people. But Jehovah did notice them and rewarded them for their loyalty. For example, the Bible says very little about “a just and devout man named Simeon,” but Jehovah knew him well and gave him the honor of seeing little Jesus and prophesying about him and his mother (Luke 2: 22, 25-35). Let us also think of the prophetess Anna. She was an 84-year-old widow who "was always in the temple." Jehovah rewarded her for her faithfulness by also allowing her to see little Jesus. Without a doubt, Simeon and Anna were valuable to Jehovah (Luke 2:36-38).

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.

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