TREASURES FROM GOD'S WORD: Week August 26 to September 1, 2024, Let us not become unfaithful like the Israelites, Prepared Speech.

TREASURES FROM GOD'S WORD: August 26-September 1, 2024, Let us not become unfaithful like the Israelites, Prepared Speech.

Let us not become unfaithful like the Israelites (10 mins.)

As we reflect on the history of the people of Israel, we see that we are offered a clear and powerful warning: we must not follow the example of unfaithfulness that they demonstrated. 

The Israelites had the privilege of being Jehovah's chosen people, but sadly, time and time again they forgot the wonderful things that He had done for them, today we have the same privilege that we can do to avoid falling into the error of Israelites. We are going to call the first point forgetting. Why? Let's read what Psalm 78:11, 42 says... 

LET'S READ PSALM 78:11,42.

Furthermore, they forgot what he had done, the wonderful works that he had shown them.

This forgetfulness was not simple carelessness; It was a repeated act of ingratitude and selflessness. What was the result? “Time after time they tested God and caused pain. Over time, this lack of spiritual memory led to Jehovah's rejection of them.

The psalmist offers us a contrast when he says, “I will remember the practices of Jah; Well, I will certainly remember your wonderful work from a long time ago.” Reflecting in this way motivates us and gives us strength to continue being faithful.

We would call the second point the lack of appreciation. The Israelites did not value all the good things that Jehovah gave them. In Psalm 78:19, we read… 

LET'S READ PSALM 78:19.

So they spoke against God. They said, “Can God prepare a table in the desert?”

This murmuring was a sign of lack of faith and ingratitude. For example, murmuring causes us to focus on our complaints and problems, forgetting the blessings we enjoy as servants of Jehovah. We, unlike them, must constantly remember our blessings: the privilege of bearing Jehovah's name, the ability to pray to the “Hearer of Prayer,” and having a life of purpose and meaning.

And finally we will talk about repetition of infidelity. Psalm 78 reminds us that, instead of learning from their mistakes, the Israelites were unfaithful time after time. Psalm 78:40,41… 

LET'S READ PSALM 78:40,41.

How many times did they rebel against him in the arid land! How many times did they hurt his feelings in the desert! Time after time they put God to the test and grieved the Holy One of Israel. 

His disrespectful attitude toward Jehovah began shortly after his liberation from Egypt and continued during his time in the wilderness.

Although Jehovah forgave them when they repented, they fell back into the same infidelity. This continued rebellion was not only disobedience, but it also “made him feel hurt.” Jehovah, in his love and patience, suffered every time they turned their backs on him.

In our activity guide for this week we can see a series of images, in which we see an Israelite remembering his life in Egypt while, with disgust, he lets the manna fall between his fingers. Meditating on how we can avoid infidelity to Jehovah is essential to remain firm in our relationship with Him. Here are some keys that can help us:

Constantly remember the works of Jehovah: The Israelites' unfaithfulness began when they forgot the wonders that Jehovah had done for them. If we strive to regularly remember and reflect on Jehovah's blessings and powerful acts in our lives, this will keep us grateful and faithful.

Value our spiritual blessings: The Israelites did not value what Jehovah gave them, which led them to complain and rebel. We can avoid this mistake by deeply appreciating our blessings, such as the privilege of praying, the hope we have, and the sense of purpose our faith gives us. By maintaining a spirit of gratitude, we are less likely to stray.

Maintain a close relationship with Jehovah: The repetition of the Israelites' unfaithfulness shows that their relationship with Jehovah was superficial and not based on deep love. Strengthening our relationship with Jehovah through prayer, Bible study, and meditation will help us resist temptations to turn away from Him.

Learning from past mistakes: The Israelites did not learn from their mistakes and, as a result, continued to rebel. If we are aware of the lessons that biblical history teaches us, and apply them in our daily lives, we can avoid making the same mistakes.

In conclusion, to avoid unfaithfulness to Jehovah, it is crucial that we cultivate an active spiritual memory, continually remembering his powerful works and the blessings he has given us. By maintaining deep gratitude and a close relationship with Him, we can resist the temptations to walk away and remain steadfast in our loyalty.

Learning from the mistakes of the past and applying those lessons in our daily lives will further strengthen us in our resolve to remain faithful. Let us continue to value our privilege to serve Jehovah, and strive to be loyal, knowing that this not only honors God, but also protects us from falling into unfaithfulness.