DAILY TEXT, Today Thursday, October 3, 2024,  Do not be afraid of the things you are going to suffer. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life (Rev. 2:10).

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Thursday, October 3, 2024

Do not be afraid of the things you are going to suffer. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life (Rev. 2:10).

In the messages that came to the congregations in Smyrna and Philadelphia, Jesus told these Christians not to fear persecution, for Jehovah would reward them for their faithfulness. (Rev. 3:10) Persecution is something we should expect, and we should be prepared to endure it. (Matt. 24:9, 13; 2 Cor. 12:10) The book of Revelation tells us that “on the day of the Lord”—that is, in our day—God’s servants would be persecuted. (Rev. 1:10) Chapter 12 explains that “war broke out in heaven” just after the birth of God’s Kingdom. Michael—the glorified Jesus Christ—and his armies fought against Satan and the demons. (Rev. 12:7, 8) As a result, these enemies of God were defeated and cast down to earth, where they cause great suffering. (Rev. 12:9, 12) w22.05 5 pars. 12, 13.

Who are the “two witnesses” in Revelation chapter 11, and what happened to them?

Satan caused God’s enemies to attack the anointed brothers who were leading the Kingdom preaching. Among them were brothers with great responsibilities. These are the “two witnesses” who, according to the book of Revelation, are executed (Rev. 11:3, 7-11). In 1918, eight of the brothers who were leading the work were falsely accused and sentenced to long prison terms. From a human point of view, it seemed that their work was finished.

What surprisingly happened in 1919, but what has Satan continued to do since then?

The prophecy in Revelation chapter 11 also says that the “two witnesses” would return to life after a short period of time. This was fulfilled in a surprising way less than a year after their imprisonment. In March 1919, these anointed Christians were released from prison, and the charges against them were later dropped. The brothers quickly resumed Kingdom work. But Satan did not give up. Since then, he has released “a flood” of persecution against all of God’s servants (Rev. 12:15). No wonder all of us need to “have endurance and faith” (Rev. 13:10).

What unexpected help have God's servants received despite being the target of Satan's attacks?

Then, Revelation chapter 12 indicates that God’s servants would receive unexpected help. It says that “the earth . . . was swallowed up by the river” of persecution. (Rev. 12:16) And that is exactly what has happened. At times, the more reasonable elements of Satan’s world, such as certain judicial systems, have come to the aid of God’s people. Jehovah’s servants have won many legal victories that have allowed them to enjoy a measure of freedom. How have they used it? By making the most of every opportunity to accomplish the work Jehovah has given them to do. (1 Cor. 16:9) What does this mission involve?

What is our main mission in these last days?

Jesus predicted that his disciples would proclaim “the good news of the kingdom” of God throughout the earth before the end comes (Matt. 24:14). To accomplish this mission, they have the support of an angel—or a group of angels—who have “everlasting good news to proclaim to those living on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue and people” (Rev. 14:6).

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