The Watchtower Study, “Article 48”, Week of January 22-28, 2024, Trust that Jehovah will help you no matter what, Answers.

The Watchtower Study, “Article 48”, January 22-28, 2024, Trust that Jehovah will help you no matter what, Answers.

“Be strong […] for I am with you,” declares Jehovah of hosts” (AGEO 2:4).

1, 2. What difficulties similar to those we face did the Jews who returned to Jerusalem face? (See also the box “The Age of Haggai, Zechariah and Ezra”).

The Jews who returned from Jerusalem after living in Babylon faced challenges similar to those we often face in life. They needed strong faith to leave behind the comfort and prosperity of Babylon, which can be compared to current difficulties, such as losing a job or worrying about family safety due to political factors or persecution.

The time of Haggai, Zechariah and Ezra

Timeline of the time of Haggai, Zechariah and Ezra (dates are from before our era). 537: Group of Jews leaving Babylon. 520: The prophets Haggai and Zechariah speaking to the Israelites in Jerusalem. 515: Temple of Jerusalem. 484: Queen Esther approaches the throne of King Ahasuerus. 468: Ezra traveling in a caravan of camels. 455: Walls of Jerusalem.

THE DATES ARE FROM BEFORE OUR ERA

537: A first group of Jews returns to Jerusalem

520: Haggai and Zechariah prophesy in Jerusalem

515: Reconstruction of the temple is completed

484 : Esther intervenes when Xerxes I (Ahasuerus) orders the extermination of the Jews

468: Ezra and a second group of Jews travel to Jerusalem

455: Reconstruction of the walls of Jerusalem is completed

3. What questions will we analyze? (Proverbs 22:19).

The analysis of the prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah, as well as the example of Ezra, will lead us to reflect on fundamental questions, for example: How did the difficulties they faced after returning to their land affect the Jews? Why should we put God's will first when we go through difficult times? And what will help us trust Jehovah more no matter what? This analysis will provide us with a deeper understanding of how they faced challenges and how we can apply those lessons to our own current situations.

HOW DIFFICULTIES AFFECTED THE JEWS

4, 5. What are some possible reasons why the Jews lost enthusiasm?

The initial enthusiasm of the Jews upon returning to Jerusalem faded due to various practical reasons and challenges they faced. First, although they quickly rebuilt Jehovah's altar and laid the foundation of the temple, they were overwhelmed by the need to build their own homes, cultivate fields, and provide for their families. The workload combined with the plotted opposition of his enemies, who tried to understand the reconstruction of the temple, contributed to discouragement.

6. What other difficulty did the Jews face, and what did Zechariah assure them? (Zechariah 4:6, 7).

In addition to economic and political problems, Jews also suffered persecution. In the year 522 BC, his enemies succeeded in prohibiting the rebuilding of Jehovah's temple. However, Zechariah assured the Jews that Jehovah would use his powerful spirit to remove any obstacles. This statement is supported by Zechariah 4:6,7, which highlights that it would not be by human strength, but by the spirit of Jehovah, that the impediments would be removed.

7. What blessings did the Jews receive for putting God's will first?

Through the Prophets Haggai and Zechariah, Jehovah promised his servants that if they prioritized rebuilding the temple, he would be with them. The Jews' loyalty to God's will, despite adversity, resulted in the material and spiritual support they needed. Inspired by the spirit of the prophets, the Jews resumed work on the temple in 520 BC and managed to complete the reconstruction in less than 5 years. This success demonstrated how, by putting God's will first, they received blessings that enabled them to worship Jehovah with joy.

PUT GOD'S WILL FIRST

8. How does Haggai 2:4 help us put God's will first? (See also note).

Haggai 2:4 offers us valuable insight into putting God's will first in the midst of adversity. In this verse, we are urged to always trust that Jehovah of hosts is at our side. This reminder helps us maintain a firm focus on the Kingdom, even when we face financial problems or opposition to our preaching from authorities.

9, 10. How were the words of Matthew 6:33 fulfilled in the case of a marriage?

The example of Oleg and Irina, a pioneer couple, vividly illustrates how the words of Matthew 6:33 are fulfilled in the lives of those who prioritize the Kingdom of God. Despite losing their jobs due to the country's economic situation, they maintained their focus on preaching and trusted in Jehovah. Despite being without a stable job for a year, they felt the support and love of Jehovah, and at times, they were also helped by the brothers.

11. What will Jehovah give us if we focus on doing his will?

Jehovah promises blessings to those who focus on making disciples and carrying out life-saving work. In the context of the article, the example of the Jews who, by obeying Haggai's call to resume the works of the temple, and experienced Divine favor stands out. It was as if Jehovah offered them a chance to start over, promising his blessing if they continued to obey.

WHAT TO DO TO TRUST MORE IN JEHOVAH

12. Why did Ezra and those who traveled with him need great faith?

In 468 BC, Ezra traveled from Babylon to Jerusalem with a group of Jews, facing challenges that required great faith. This trip involved traveling dangerous roads and transporting a valuable donation of gold and silver for the temple, making them vulnerable to possible theft.

13. What helped Ezra trust in Jehovah more? (See also note).

Ezra's experience of seeing how Jehovah protected his people in difficult times, such as the threat of extermination in 484 BC, strengthened his trust in God. At that critical moment, the prayer and supplication of the people led to an unexpected turn of events, where those who planned to eliminate the Jews were executed in their place.

14. What did a sister learn when she lost her job?

In the case of Anastasia, a sister from Eastern Europe, she highlights how trusting in Jehovah during difficult times strengthened her faith. Facing pressure at her job and deciding to maintain her neutrality, she lost her job. However, by talking about it with Jehovah, she was able to experience God's loving care. Despite her job loss and financial worries, her confidence that Jehovah would care for her in the future was strengthened. This testimony exemplifies how faith in Jehovah gives us security, even in uncertain circumstances.

15. What made Ezra continue to trust in Jehovah? (Ezra 7:27, 28).

Ezra continued to trust in Jehovah because of the constant evidence of divine hand in his life. The times when Jehovah had previously helped him were reflected upon by Ezra, strengthening his confidence. The expression “The hand of the Lord my God was with me” suddenly appears in the book of Ezra, underlining the constant presence and Divine help in his life.

16. In what situations can we see Jehovah's hand more clearly? (See also photos).

We can experience Jehovah’s hand most obviously in situations that test us, such as requesting time off to attend assemblies or adjusting our work schedule so as not to miss meetings. In these circumstances, we have the opportunity to see Divine intervention in our lives, and the result may surprise us, thus strengthening our trust in Jehovah.

ILLUSTRATION

A brother asks his boss to give him time off to go to an assembly, but his boss says no. The brother prays to Jehovah and asks him to help him talk to his boss again. He shows his boss the invitation to the assembly and explains that the Bible helps us be better people. The boss is impressed and gives him permission to go to the assembly. In what situations can we see Jehovah's hand more clearly? (See paragraph 16).

17. How do we know that Ezra was humble in difficult times? (See cover drawing).

Ezra demonstrated humility in the face of difficult times, seeking help from Jehovah when he felt his responsibilities were overwhelming. His humble attitude was reflected in his prayers, as recorded in Ezra 8:21-23 and 9:35. This humility not only led him to receive support from others, but also inspired those around him, who copied his faith. In similar situations, when facing financial problems or concerns for family, we can imitate Ezra's humility and turn to Jehovah in prayer with confidence in his help.

ILLUSTRATION

Ezra crying in the temple with other Israelites. Shecaniah helps him up. Ezra is in the temple. There he prays to Jehovah and cries for the sins of the people. The people who are also in the temple cry. Then Shecaniah consoles him, saying: “There is still hope for Israel. […] We are with you” (Ezra 10:​2, 4). (See paragraph 17).

18. What will help us trust Jehovah more?

Our trust in Jehovah will be strengthened if we remain humble, seek his help in prayer, and allow our brothers to support us. The example of Erika, who faced the loss of her unborn daughter and her husband, highlights how trusting in Jehovah during difficult times strengthens faith. Although circumstances may seem challenging, divine help through friends and brothers demonstrates that Jehovah always cares for his servants.

ALWAYS TRUST IN JEHOVAH

19, 20. What do we learn from the Jews who were unable to return to Jerusalem?

The Jews were unable to return to Jerusalem, due to advanced age, poor health, or family responsibilities. They offer us a valuable lesson. Which implies that despite their limitations, they gladly supported those who returned, providing material donations. This act of generosity was recognized by Jehovah, who instructed the prophet Zechariah to make a purchase with the gold and silver sent by the Jews in Babylon, making it a reminder of his generosity. This example illustrates that Jehovah values ​​everything we do for him, even when our contributions may be limited.

21. What will help us look to the future without fear?

Although we know that we will face difficulties in the last days, we must not allow ourselves to be overcome by anxiety. Let us remember the words of Jehovah to his servants in the days of Haggai: “I am with you…. "Do not be afraid" By striving to do Jehovah's will and applying the lessons of the prophets of Haggai and Zechariah, as well as the example of Ezra, we can always trust in Jehovah regardless of the circumstances. 

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

How might difficulties affect our service to Jehovah?

Difficulties can affect our service to Jehovah in various ways. As illustrated in the article with the experience of the Jews who returned to Jerusalem, we face economic, political and opposition challenges that can diminish our enthusiasm and affect our dedication to Divine service. Concern about livelihood, political stability, persecution, or opposition to preaching are examples of difficulties that could negatively influence our service to Jehovah.

Why should we put God's will first despite problems?

Despite the problems, we must put God's will first because, as we learn from the example of the Jews who returned to Jerusalem, by doing so, we will be able to receive material and spiritual support from Jehovah. Trust in God and prioritizing his will allows us to overcome adversity and continue serving with joy. Furthermore, the story of Ezra demonstrates that dedication to true worship, even in difficult times, leads to divine blessing and the fulfillment of Jehovah's purposes.

What will help us trust Jehovah more no matter what?

To trust Jehovah more no matter what, we must remain humble, seek his help through prayer, and allow our brothers to provide us with support. The experience of people like Erika, who trusted Jehovah despite losses and difficulties, highlight the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God. Furthermore, trust that Jehovah values ​​every effort and contribution, even when circumstances are difficult, helps us face the future without fear.