DAILY TEXT, Today Friday, January 17, 2025, “Neither by military force nor by power, but by my spirit,” says Jehovah (Zech. 4:6).

Let us examine the scriptures every day 2025

Friday January 17, 2025

“Neither by military force nor by power, but by my spirit,” says Jehovah (Zech. 4:6).

In the year 522 BC, the enemies of the Jews succeeded in prohibiting the rebuilding of Jehovah's temple. But Zechariah assured the Jews that Jehovah would use his powerful spirit to remove any obstacles from their path. In 520, King Darius not only lifted the ban, but also gave the Jews money to continue the work and ordered local authorities to support them (Ezra 6:1, 6-10). Jehovah promised his servants that if they prioritized rebuilding the temple, he would be with them (Haggai 1:8, 13, 14; Zech. 1:3, 16). With the encouragement given to them by the prophets, the Jews resumed work on the temple in 520 and in less than 5 years they completed the reconstruction. Despite the problems, they put God's will first. That's why Jehovah gave them the support they needed. As a result, they were able to worship Jehovah with joy (Ezra 6:14-16, 22. w23.11 15 paras. 6, 7).

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

(Read Zechariah 4:6, 7). In addition to economic and political problems, Jews suffered persecution. In 522 BC, his enemies succeeded in prohibiting the rebuilding of Jehovah's temple. But Zechariah assured the Jews that Jehovah would use his powerful spirit to remove any obstacles from their path. In 520, King Darius not only lifted the ban, but also gave the Jews money to continue the work and ordered local authorities to support them (Ezra 6:1, 6-10).

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

Through Haggai and Zechariah, Jehovah promised his servants that if they prioritized rebuilding the temple, he would be with them (Haggai 1:8, 13, 14; Zech. 1:3, 16). With the encouragement given to them by the prophets, the Jews resumed work on the temple in 520 and in less than 5 years they completed the reconstruction. Despite the problems, they put God's will first. That is why Jehovah gave them the material and spiritual support they needed. As a result, they were able to worship Jehovah with joy (Ezra 6:14-16, 22).

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

We know that the great tribulation is very near. Therefore, it is more urgent than ever that we obey the command to preach the good news (Mark 13:10). But, of course, if we are experiencing financial problems or the authorities oppose our preaching, it may be difficult for us to focus on our ministry. What will help us put the Kingdom first? Always trust that “Jehovah of hosts”b is at our side. He will support us if we give more importance to the Kingdom than to our own affairs. So there is nothing to fear (read Haggai 2:4).

How were the words of Matthew 6:33 fulfilled in the case of a marriage?

Let's look at the example of Oleg and Irina, a pioneer marriage. After moving to help a congregation, they lost their jobs due to the country's poor economic situation. Although they were without stable employment for a year, they always felt the support and love of Jehovah, and at times their brothers also helped them. How did they manage to get ahead? Oleg, who felt discouraged at first, says, “Keeping busy preaching helped us focus on what was most important.” While he and his wife continued looking for work, they devoted themselves fully to preaching.

One day, when they returned home from preaching, they learned from a neighbor that a good friend had traveled about 100 miles (160 kilometers) to bring them two bags of food. Oleg says: “That day we saw again how much Jehovah and the congregation care about us. We are convinced that Jehovah never forgets his servants, even if their situation seems hopeless” (Matt. 6:33).

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