DAILY TEXT, Saturday, May 16, 2026. Always be vigilant (Matt. 25:13).

Let us examine the Scriptures every day 2026

Saturday, May 16, 2026

Always be vigilant (Matt. 25:13).

With each passing day, the preaching work becomes more urgent. Why? Because time is running out. Consider what Jesus foretold about preaching in the last days, which we find at Mark 13:10. In Matthew’s parallel account, Jesus said that the good news would be preached in all the inhabited earth before “the end” came (Matt. 24:14). This expression refers to the final end of Satan’s wicked system. Jehovah has determined “the day and the hour” when the things he has foretold will take place (Matt. 24:36; Acts 1:7). And with each passing day, there is one less day to go (Rom. 13:11). Until the end comes, we must keep preaching. There is a very important question we should all ask ourselves: Why do we preach the good news? Simply put, out of love. When we preach, we show that we love the good news, that we love people, and above all, that we love Jehovah and his name. w24.05 14 paragraphs 2, 3

What do we usually do when we receive good news?

Try to think about the last time someone gave you good news. Perhaps they told you that a relative had had a baby, or they offered you a job you had been seeking for a long time. How did you feel? You were probably so happy that you couldn't wait to tell your relatives and friends. Didn't you feel something similar when you heard the best news anyone can hear: the good news of God's Kingdom?

How did you feel when you were studying the Bible?

Think, too, about how you felt when you were studying the Bible. Among other things, you learned that Jehovah loves you, that he wants you to be part of his family of worshippers, that he has promised to end pain and suffering, and that in the new world he will resurrect your loved ones who have died (Mark 10:29, 30; John 5:28, 29; Rom. 8:38, 39; Rev. 21:3, 4). All of these truths touched your heart (Luke 24:32). You came to love the valuable teachings you were learning and were eager to share them with everyone (compare Jeremiah 20:9).

What does Ernest and Rose's experience teach you?

Let’s consider the case of a brother named Ernest. He relates that when he was 10 years old, his father died. He adds: “I wondered, ‘Has he gone to heaven, or is he gone forever?’ I envied the children who still had their parents alive.” He went to the cemetery almost daily, knelt at his father’s grave, and prayed: “Please, God, I need to know where Dad is.” When he was about 27 years old, he was offered the opportunity to study the Bible, and he immediately accepted. He was thrilled to discover that the dead are unconscious, as if in a deep sleep, and that the Bible promises a resurrection (Eccl. 9:5, 10; Acts 24:15). At last, he had found the answer to the questions that had plagued him for so long! He was overjoyed by the Bible truths he was learning. His wife, Rose, began studying along with him and was also delighted with what she was learning. Later, in 1978, they both got baptized. Full of enthusiasm, they shared their beliefs with their relatives, friends, and anyone else who would listen. Over the years, Ernest and Rose have helped more than 70 people come to know Jehovah and get baptized.

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