DAILY TEXT, Today Thursday, September 14, 2023, I will shake the heavens and the earth (Haggai 2:6).

Let us examine the Scriptures every day 2023

Thursday September 14

I will shake the heavens and the earth (Haggai 2:6).

What will not be shaken or removed? The apostle Paul wrote: “Since we are to receive a Kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us continue to receive undeserved kindness, so that through it we may render sacred service to God as He pleases, with the fear of God and deep respect.” (Heb. 12:28). In fact, when the great final shock passes, the only thing that will remain standing will be the Kingdom of God (Ps. 110:5, 6; Dan. 2:44). There is no time to lose. People must choose. Will they continue to support the lifestyle that this world encourages and will they 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 important decision. 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 testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matt. 24:14). w21.09 19 paras. 18-20.

What decision do people have to make now?

In this end time, the shaking of the nations is forcing all people to make a decision: will they support the Kingdom of God, or will they trust the governments of this world? Although Jehovah’s servants obey the laws of the country in which they live, they remain completely neutral in political matters (Rom. 13:1-7). They know that the Kingdom is the only solution to humanity's problems, and that Kingdom is not part of this world (John 18:36, 37).

What great test of loyalty is predicted in the book of Revelation?

In the book of Revelation it is explained that in the last days the loyalty of God's people will be tested. This means that we will continue to suffer intense persecution and opposition. The governments of this world will demand that we worship them and will persecute those who refuse to support them (Rev. 13:12, 15). And “everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—” will have “an obligation 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 everyone will be expected to have a symbolic mark on their hand or forehead. In other words, everyone will be expected to demonstrate by their actions and thoughts that they belong to and support political governments.

Why is it urgent that we strengthen our loyalty to Jehovah now?

And we, what will we do? Will we accept this symbolic brand and give our loyalty to political governments? Those who refuse to receive the mark will face difficulties and dangers. The book of Revelation goes on to say 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 bearing that mark, it will be as if they wrote on their hand: “Property of the Lord” (Isa. 44:5). Now is the time to ensure that our loyalty to Jehovah is firm. If it is, he will be happy to say that we belong to him.

What should we remember about Jehovah's patience?

Jehovah has shown great patience during these last few 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 decision. But his patience has a limit. Those who reject this opportunity will find themselves in the same situation as the Pharaoh of Moses' time. Jehovah said to him: “I could have stretched out my hand to punish you and your people with a deadly disease, and you would have 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 the earth” (Ex. 9:15, 16). In the end, all nations will have to know that Jehovah is the only true God (Ezek. 38:23). How will this happen?

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