May 2025 – Imitate the Faithful Angels
4 The faithful angels are humble. Although they are experienced, mighty, and wise, they obey Jehovah’s instructions. (Ps. 103:20) As they carry out their assignments, they never boast about their deeds or show off their superhuman powers. They happily do God’s will even when not credited by name. a (Gen. 32:24, 29; 2 Ki. 19:35) They refuse to accept any glory that belongs to Jehovah. Why are the angels so humble? Because they love Jehovah and deeply respect him.—ReadPsalm 89:7.
5 Consider one event that illustrates the angels’ humility. In about 96 C.E., an unnamed angel delivered an awe-inspiring vision to the apostle John. (Rev. 1:1) How did John react to the vision? He tried to worship the angel. However, that loyal spirit creature quickly stopped him, saying: “Be careful! Do not do that! I am only a fellow slave of you and of your brothers . . . Worship God!” (Rev. 19:10) What a humble response! The angel was not interested in glory or admiration. He immediately turned John’s attention to Jehovah God. At the same time, the angel did not look down on John. Although the angel had served Jehovah for much longer and was much more powerful than John, he humbly referred to the apostle as his fellow slave. And even though the angel had to correct John, he did not scold him or treat the elderly apostle harshly. Instead, the angel spoke kindly. He likely recognized that John was filled with awe.
7 We can also show humility if we have to correct or counsel someone—a fellow believer or our child. When counseling, we may have to be firm. But like the angel who corrected John kindly, we can be firm without making the person being counseled feel crushed. If we do not consider ourselves superior, we will deliver the Bible-based counsel in a respectful and compassionate manner.—Col. 4:6.
13 During the last days, Jehovah has given the angels a special assignment. (Read Matthew 13:47-49.) The preaching work attracts millions of people of all kinds. Some of these people take steps to become genuine Christians, while others do not. The angels have been assigned to “separate the wicked from among the righteous.” This means that they are assigned to help protect the purity of the congregation. This does not mean that everyone who stops associating with us for whatever reason can never return; nor does it mean that there will never be problems in the congregation. Yet, we can be sure that the angels are working hard to help keep our congregations clean.
4 How can we imitate the angels’ concern for the cleanness of the congregation? By doing our part to keep our congregation morally and spiritually clean. To this end, we strive to safeguard our heart by choosing good associates and by rejecting any influence that seeks to corrupt us. (Ps. 101:3) We can also help our fellow worshippers to remain faithful to Jehovah. For example, what should we do if we learn that a fellow believer has committed a serious sin? Out of love for that person, we would urge our fellow believer to speak with the elders. If that person fails to do so, we would inform the elders about the matter. We want any spiritually weak fellow believer to get help quickly!—Jas. 5:14, 15.
15 Sadly, some who commit gross sins have to be removed from the congregation. In such cases, we “stop keeping company” with them. d(1 Cor. 5:9-13) This arrangement helps to keep the congregation clean. Moreover, by choosing not to associate with those who have been removed, we actually show them kindness. Our firm stand may move them to come to their senses. If they do so, we rejoice, along with Jehovah and his angels.—Luke 15:7.
May 2025 – Look to Jehovah for Comfort
6 Jehovah’s inspired words found at Isaiah 55:7 can comfort us if we are consumed by feelings of guilt. Some of us may continue to feel guilty for a past mistake even after we have repented. That may especially be the case if we are still suffering the consequences of our mistake. Yet, if we have confessed our sins and corrected our course, we can be sure that Jehovah has forgiven us. And when Jehovah forgives, he chooses not to remember our sin. (Compare Jeremiah 31:34.) So if Jehovah does not dwell on our past sins, neither should we. What counts with Jehovah is what we are doing now, not what mistakes we made in the past. (Ezek. 33:14-16) And soon, our Father of tender mercies will permanently free us from the consequences of our mistakes.
7 What should we do if we are afflicted by a guilty conscience because of hiding a serious sin? The Bible encourages us to ask the elders for help. (Jas. 5:14, 15) However, we may not find it easy to admit our wrongdoing. But we will be moved to approach those faithful men if we are repentant and if we remember that Jehovah and the men he has appointed to help us will lovingly show mercy. Consider how Jehovah’s mercy comforted a brother named Arthur, a whose conscience was deeply troubled. “For about a year, I viewed pornography,” said Arthur. “But after hearing a talk about the conscience, I confessed my sin to my wife and to the elders. After that, I finally felt relief, but I was still weighed down by what I had done. The elders reminded me that Jehovah had not rejected me. He disciplines us because he loves us. Their kind words reached my heart and helped me to reset my thinking.” Today, Arthur serves as a pioneer and a ministerial servant. How comforting it is to know that Jehovah shows us mercy if we are repentant!
11 Consider how hope has comforted and strengthened a sister named Joy, who has chronic health problems. She says: “When I feel overwhelmed, I share my deepest feelings with Jehovah, knowing that he understands me. In response, Jehovah has given me ‘the power beyond what is normal.’” (2 Cor. 4:7) Joy also pictures herself in the new world, where “no resident will say: ‘I am sick.’” (Isa. 33:24) If we too pour out our heart to Jehovah and focus on our hope, we can regain power.
13 Although Jehovah comforted the exiles with a wonderful hope, he knew that they would face challenges at the time of their liberation. Jehovah had foretold that toward the end of the Jewish exile, a conqueror would devastate the surrounding nations and threaten Babylon. (Isa. 41:2-5) Would the Jews need to be worried? Jehovah comforted his people in advance, saying: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious, for I am your God.” (Read Isaiah 41:10-13.) What did he mean by “I am your God”? He was not reminding the Jews to worship him—that need was obvious. Rather, he was reminding them that he was still on their side.—Ps. 118:6.
May 2025 – Seek the City That Will Remain
6 When Paul wrote to the Hebrews, Jerusalem was a thriving city. A Roman author of that era called Jerusalem “by far the most famous city of the East.” Jews from many lands traveled there yearly to observe the festivals, which contributed to a thriving economy. No doubt some Christians also benefited from this favorable economic situation. Perhaps that is why Paul told them: “Let your way of life be free of the love of money, while you are content with the present things.” He then quoted a powerful assurance found in the Scriptures, expressing Jehovah’s personal guarantee: “I will never leave you, and I will never abandon you.” (Read Hebrews 13:5, 6; Deut. 31:6; Ps. 118:6) Christians living in Jerusalem and Judea would need this assurance. Why? Because shortly after receiving this letter, they would be obliged to leave behind their homes, their businesses, and most of their belongings. Then they would have to face what lay ahead of them.
7 Lesson for us: What lies ahead for us? The end of this present system of things in the “great tribulation.” (Matt. 24:21) Like the first-century Christians, we must stay awake and be ready. (Luke 21:34-36) During the great tribulation, we may have to leave behind some or all of our belongings, trusting completely that Jehovah will never abandon his people. Even now, before that tribulation breaks out, we have an opportunity to show where we place our trust. Ask yourself, ‘Do my actions and goals reveal that I put my trust, not in riches, but in the God who promises to care for me?’ (1 Tim. 6:17) Of course, although we can draw lessons from what happened in the first century, the future “great tribulation” will be unprecedented. So how will we know exactly what to do when that tribulation begins?
10 It appears that Jehovah guided the Christians by means of those who were taking the lead in the congregation. Historian Eusebius later wrote: “The people of the congregation in Jerusalem, by divine providence, received a revelation given to approved men; they were commanded . . . to migrate from the city before the war and to settle in a certain city of Perea called Pella.” Pella seems to have been an ideal choice. It was not far from Jerusalem, making it relatively easy to reach. It was primarily a Gentile city and for the most part unaffected by the fanatical Jewish freedom fighters and their battles with the Romans.—See map.
11 The Christians who fled to the mountains applied Paul’s counsel to “be obedient to those who are taking the lead” in the congregation. (Read Hebrews 13:7, 17.) As a result, God’s people survived. History confirms that God did not abandon those “awaiting the city having real foundations”—God’s Kingdom.—Heb. 11:10.
12 Lesson for us: Jehovah uses those taking the lead to provide his people with specific direction. The Scriptures are filled with examples of how Jehovah has raised up shepherds to guide his people during critical times. (Deut. 31:23; Ps. 77:20) And we today have seen ample evidence that Jehovah continues to use those taking the lead.
13 For example, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, “those . . . taking the lead” gave needed direction. The elders received instructions for meeting the spiritual needs of their brothers and sisters. Shortly after the outbreak of the pandemic, we held a landmark convention in more than 500 languages via Internet, TV, and radio. The flow of spiritual food did not stop. As a result, we remained united. We can be confident that no matter what trials we may face in the future, Jehovah will continue to help those taking the lead to determine the wise course to take. Besides trust in Jehovah and obedience to his commands, what other qualities will help us to prepare for the great tribulation and to act wisely during that earthshaking period?
14 When the great tribulation strikes, we will need to show love to one another as never before. In this regard, we will need to follow the example of those Christians living in Jerusalem and Judea. They had always shown love to one another. (Heb. 10:32-34) But in the years leading up to the end of the Jewish system of things, Christians had to show “brotherly love” and “hospitality” to an even greater degree. c(Read Hebrews 13:1-3.) The same will be true for us as this system of things comes to an end.
16 Lesson for us: Love motivates us to support fellow worshippers when they need our help. Many of God’s people have been willing to care for the spiritual and material needs of their brothers and sisters who have become refugees because of recent wars and natural disasters. A Ukrainian sister who left her home because of war said: “We have felt Jehovah’s hand guiding us and helping us by means of our brothers. They have welcomed us and helped us so well in Ukraine, in Hungary, and now here in Germany.” Those who show hospitality to their brothers and sisters and care for their needs are tools in Jehovah’s hands.—Prov. 19:17; 2 Cor. 1:3, 4.
May 2025 – Jehovah’s Name—What It Means to Jesus
3 In his prayer, Jesus said: “I have made your name known to them.” In fact, he twice mentioned that he had made Jehovah’s name known to his disciples. (Read John 17:6, 26.) What did he mean? Had he revealed to them a name that they did not know? Jesus’ disciples were Jews, so they already knew God’s name, Jehovah. That name appeared thousands of times in the Hebrew Scriptures. So Jesus was not referring to the personal name of God; rather, he was referring to what that name represented. Jesus had made known the Person behind Jehovah’s name, including His purposes, activities, and qualities, in a way that no one else ever could.
14 In the prayer he offered the night before he died, Jesus could say: “I have . . . finished the work you have given me to do.” He trusted that Jehovah would reward him for his faithfulness. (John 17:4, 5) Jesus’ trust in his Father was not misplaced. Jehovah did not allow him to remain in the grave. (Acts 2:23, 24) He resurrected Jesus and gave him a superior position in heaven. (Phil. 2:8, 9) Eventually, Jesus began ruling as King of God’s Kingdom. What would that Kingdom accomplish? The second part of the model prayer tells us: “Let your Kingdom come. Let your [Jehovah’s] will take place, as in heaven, also on earth.”—Matt. 6:10.
17 What else happens at the end of the Thousand Year Reign? At that point, something very special will happen. The debate that involves the sanctification of Jehovah’s name will end. How? In the garden of Eden, Satan claimed that Jehovah is a liar and that He does not rule mankind out of love. Since that time, his name has been sanctified over and over again by those who honor and respect him. So at the end of the Thousand Year Reign, Jehovah’s reputation will be fully vindicated. He will have proved beyond all doubt that he is a loving heavenly Father.
18 Satan’s claims will finally be proved false once for all time. What will Jesus do when the time comes for him to finish ruling? Will he follow the example of Satan and rebel against Jehovah? No! (Read 1 Corinthians 15:24, 28.) Jesus will hand the Kingdom back to his Father. He will submit to Jehovah’s rule. Yes, unlike Satan, Jesus is willing to give up everything because of his love for Jehovah.
May 2025 – Jehovah’s Name—What It Should Mean to Us
9 All genuine followers of Jesus, therefore, need to be interested in the sanctification of Jehovah’s name. (Matt. 6:9, 10) They must consider Jehovah’s name to be above all others. This involves action on their part. But how can we have a part in sanctifying Jehovah’s name, or in clearing it of the slander that Satan heaped upon it?
10 The importance of our role in sanctifying Jehovah’s name is highlighted in chapters 42 to 44 of the book of Isaiah. Those chapters describe a figurative court case in which the issue of godship is on trial. Jehovah challenges all those who claim to be gods to prove that they really are gods. He also calls for witnesses to come forward and prove the claims of these gods. But no one can!—Read Isaiah 43:9; 44:7-9.
14 We are proud of Jehovah’s name. (Read Psalm 105:3.) Jehovah takes great delight in our boasting about his name. (Jer. 9:23, 24; 1 Cor. 1:31;2 Cor. 10:17) To “boast in Jehovah” means to take pride in Jehovah as our God. We view it as a privilege to honor his name and support his reputation. We must never be ashamed to tell our workmates, classmates, neighbors, and others that we are Jehovah’s Witnesses! The Devil wants us to stop talking about Jehovah’s name to others. (Jer. 11:21; Rev. 12:17) In fact, Satan and his false prophets want to make people forget the name of Jehovah. (Jer. 23:26, 27) But our love for Jehovah’s name keeps us rejoicing in it “all day long.”—Ps. 5:11; 89:16.
15 We continue to call on Jehovah’s name. (Joel 2:32; Rom. 10:13, 14) Calling on Jehovah’s name involves more than just knowing and using God’s personal name. We come to know God as a Person, to trust in him, and to look to him for help and guidance. (Ps. 20:7; 99:6; 116:4;145:18) We also declare his name and qualities to others, exhorting them to repent and take action so that they can gain Jehovah’s approval.—Isa. 12:4; Acts 2:21, 38.
16 We are willing to suffer for Jehovah’s name. (Jas. 5:10, 11) When we remain loyal to Jehovah in the face of suffering, we prove Satan to be a liar. In Job’s day, Satan made this accusation with regard to those who serve Jehovah: “A man will give everything that he has for his life.” (Job 2:4) Satan claimed that people would serve Jehovah only in good times and that they would abandon Jehovah if faced with hardships. Faithful Job proved that accusation false. We likewise have the privilege of proving that no matter what Satan throws at us, we will never turn our back on Jehovah. We can be absolutely confident that Jehovah will keep watch over us on account of his name.—John 17:11.
17 We show respect for Jehovah’s name. (Prov. 30:9; Jer. 7:8-11) Because we represent Jehovah and bear his name, we can either praise his name or dishonor it. (Read 1 Peter 2:12.) Therefore, we want to do everything we can to praise Jehovah by means of our speech and conduct. In this way, we will bring glory to his name to the best of our imperfect abilities.
18 We are more concerned with Jehovah’s name than with our own reputation. (Ps. 138:2) Why is this so important? Because our love for Jehovah’s name may damage our reputation with those around us. aJesus was willing to die a shameful death as a convicted criminal in order to honor Jehovah’s name. He ‘despised shame’ in that he was not troubled or overly concerned about what others thought of him. (Heb. 12:2-4) His focus was on doing God’s will.—Matt. 26:39.
19 We are proud of Jehovah’s name and feel honored to be called Jehovah’s Witnesses. Because of that, we are willing to put up with any reproach we may face. Jehovah’s name is more important to us than even our own reputation. So let us be determined to continue praising Jehovah’s name no matter what Satan may hurl at us. In this way, we will prove that Jehovah’s name is of utmost importance to us, just as it is to Jesus Christ.
