Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2025
Sunday, June 1, 2025
We have to go through many difficulties to enter the Kingdom of God (Acts 14:22).
Jehovah blessed the first-century Christians because they adapted to change. They suffered persecution on many occasions, sometimes when they least expected it. Consider what happened to Barnabas and the apostle Paul while they were preaching in the Lystra area. At first, the people welcomed them and listened to them. But later, enemies turned the people against them, and some of those same people stoned Paul and left him for dead (Acts 14:19). But Barnabas and Paul went elsewhere and continued preaching. What was the result? They made “a great number of disciples” and strengthened their fellow believers with their words and example (Acts 14:21, 22). Barnabas and Paul did not give up despite the persecution, and that benefited many people. Likewise, if we do not give up and continue doing the work Jehovah has given us to do, we will receive many blessings. w23.04 16, 17 pars. 13, 14.
What blessings did Christians receive during the time of famine?
What blessings did Christians receive during this difficult time? Those who received material assistance saw with their own eyes that Jehovah was caring for them (Matt. 6:31-33). And they certainly felt closer to the brothers and sisters who offered their support. On the other hand, those who made donations or participated in some other way in the relief efforts felt very happy (Acts 20:35). Jehovah blessed them all because they adapted to the changes.
What happened to Barnabas and the apostle Paul, and what was the outcome? (Acts 14:21, 22)
First-century Christians suffered persecution on many occasions, sometimes when they least expected it. Consider what happened to Barnabas and the apostle Paul while they were preaching in the Lystra region. At first, the people welcomed them and listened to them. But later, enemies turned the people against them, and some of those same people stoned Paul and left him for dead (Acts 14:19). But Barnabas and Paul went elsewhere and continued preaching. What was the result? They made “a great number of disciples” and strengthened their fellow believers with their words and example (read Acts 14:21, 22). Barnabas and Paul did not give up despite the persecution, and that benefited many people. Likewise, if we do not give up and continue doing the work Jehovah has given us to do, we will receive many blessings.
What do you learn from the example of Brother Alexander Macmillan?
During the years before 1914, Jehovah's servants had great expectations. One of them was Brother Alexander Macmillan. Like many at that time, he thought he would soon receive his heavenly reward. In a talk he gave in September 1914, he said, "This will probably be the last public talk I ever give." But that wasn't the case. Later, he wrote, "Some of us had perhaps been a little hasty in believing we would go to heaven immediately." He added, "What we had to do was remain engaged in the Lord's service." And that's what he did. He preached enthusiastically, encouraged many brothers who were imprisoned for their neutrality, and continued to attend meetings even well into his old age. He made good use of his time while awaiting his reward. How did that benefit him? He wrote the following in 1966, shortly before his death: "My faith is as strong today as it has ever been." He certainly left us a good example for all of us, especially for those of us who have been enduring this system longer than we expected (Heb. 13:7).
What unexpected problem did Brother Jennings and his wife face? (James 4:14)
Many of Jehovah’s servants face unexpected health problems. For example, Brother Herbert Jennings explained in his biography that he and his wife were very happy as missionaries in Ghana. But later, he was diagnosed with a mental illness. Brother Jennings described this as “a ‘tomorrow’ we had not expected,” referring to James 4:14 (read it). He wrote: “We faced reality and prepared to say goodbye to Ghana and many close friends and return to Canada [for medical treatment].” Jehovah helped Brother Jennings and his wife to continue serving him faithfully under these difficult circumstances.
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