DAILY TEXT, Today Wednesday, November 22, 2023, Whoever is on the roof must not go down to his house to take out his things (Matt. 24:17).

DAILY TEXT, Today Wednesday, November 22, Whoever is on the roof must not go down to his house to take out his things (Matt. 24:17).

Let us examine the scriptures every day 2023

Wednesday, November 22

Whoever is on the roof must not go down to his house to take out his things (Matt. 24:17).

Jesus warned first-century Christians living in Judea that one day Jerusalem would be “surrounded by encamped armies” (Luke 21:20-24). When that happened, they would have to flee to the mountains. If they did, they would be saved, but they would have to leave many things behind. A few years ago, The Watchtower said: “They abandoned their houses and fields, and did not even collect their household belongings. Confident in Jehovah’s protection and support, they placed His worship above everything else that might seem important.” And he added: “We may face tests regarding our view of material goods. Will these be of fundamental importance to us, or will the salvation that comes to all those who are on God's side be more important? Yes, escape may involve certain difficulties and hardships. “We have to be prepared to do whatever it takes.” w22.01 4 paras. 7, 8.

How are you encouraged by the advice that the apostle Paul gave to the Hebrews?

Can we imagine how difficult it must have been for those Christians to leave almost everything they had and start a new life somewhere else? They needed faith to trust that Jehovah would help them get what they needed. But, five years before the Romans surrounded Jerusalem, the apostle Paul had given the Hebrews some advice that would be of great help to them. He said: “Let your way of life be free from the love of money, and be content with the things you have. For he has said: 'I will never leave you and I will never forsake you.' So we can say with confidence: 'Jehovah is my helper. I will not have fear. What can man do to me?'” (Heb. 13:5, 6). How did Christians who took Paul's advice to heart before the Roman invasion fare? Surely it was easier for them to adapt to a simpler life in their new home. They were sure that Jehovah would provide for their basic needs. Paul's words assure us that we can have that same confidence.

What “secret” did Paul record for us?

 Paul gave similar advice to Timothy, and it works for us too. He wrote, “Therefore, if we have food and clothing, let us be content with that” (1 Tim. 6:8). Does this mean we can't enjoy a tasty meal, have a decent place to live, or buy a piece of clothing from time to time? Paul was not referring to that. What he meant is that we should be content with what we have in a material sense (Phil. 4:12). That was Paul's “secret.” The most valuable possession we have is our friendship with God, not material things (Hab. 3:17, 18).

What lesson do we learn from what Moses told the Israelites?

What we think we need may not be what Jehovah thinks. Let's look at what Moses said to the Israelites after they had spent 40 years in the wilderness: “The Lord your God has blessed you in everything you have done. He is well aware of your journey through this great desert. During these 40 years, the Lord your God has been with you and you have lacked nothing” (Deut. 2:7). During those 40 years, Jehovah gave them manna as food. And his clothes, the same ones in which they had left Egypt, never wore out (Deut. 8:3, 4). Some Israelites may have thought that all this was little, but Moses reminded them that they had everything they needed. Jehovah will be happy if we learn to be content with what we have, that is, if we value even the smallest things that he gives us, see them as a blessing and give thanks for them.

Why do we know that David trusted in Jehovah and not in himself?

David knew that Jehovah is loyal and cares deeply for those who love him. Although his life was in danger when he composed Psalm 34, his faith was so strong that he felt as if the angel of Jehovah were camping around him (Ps. 34:7). Apparently, David compared the angel of Jehovah to a soldier who was camping very alert in case the enemy appeared. Although David was a powerful warrior and Jehovah had promised him that he would become king, he did not trust in his ability to throw a stone or use the sword to defeat his enemies (1 Sam. 16:13; 24). :12). Rather, he trusted in God and that his angel rescues those who fear him. Of course, we do not expect him to protect us today in a miraculous way. But what we do know is that no servant of God who trusts in him will suffer permanent harm.

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