The Daily Text: today: Sunday; yesterday and day before: Sunday, June 30 You yourselves will become to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.—Ex. 19:6. Was Jehovah’s promise that the Israelites could furnish “a kingdom of priests” an empty one? Not at all. If they sincerely tried to obey, they would have this opportunity—but not under the Law. Why not? (Gal. 3:19-25) For those who faithfully endeavored to observe it, the Law had the effect of preserving pure worship. It made the Jews aware of their transgressions and of the need for a sacrifice greater than their high priest could offer. It was a tutor that would lead them to the Christ, or Messiah, titles that mean “Anointed One.” However, when the Messiah arrived, he would introduce the new covenant foretold by Jeremiah. Those who accepted the Christ were invited to become party to the new covenant and would actually become “a kingdom of priests.” w12 1/15 5:5, 10 Saturday, June 29 Look! Jehovah’s slave girl! May it take place with me according to your declaration.—Luke 1:38. In stating matters that way, Mary revealed a heart attitude that God had already noted. Her immediate response to the angel indicates that she was ready to accept God’s will concerning her. She did not raise any question about how people in the community would view her pregnancy or what possible effect it could have on her relationship with her fiancé. By referring to herself as the lowliest of servants, Mary showed that she trusted completely in Jehovah as her Master. Have you at times felt somewhat overwhelmed by challenges or responsibilities in God’s service? Each of us does well to ask himself: ‘Do I completely trust in Jehovah to work matters out in harmony with his will? Am I truly demonstrating a willing spirit?’ Be assured that God gives his spirit to those who trust in him with all their heart and recognize his sovereign will.—Acts 5:32. w11 12/15 4:3, 4 Friday, June 28 Be training yourself with godly devotion as your aim.—1 Tim. 4:7. The elders take the lead in training men to reach out. Although others can help and support him, the primary responsibility for reaching out rests with the man himself. (Gal. 6:5) Of course, a brother does not have to be a ministerial servant or an elder in order to help others and have a full share in the ministry. However, reaching out for privileges in the congregation does mean striving to meet the qualifications set out in the Scriptures. (1 Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Pet. 5:1-3) So if a man desires to serve as a ministerial servant or an elder but has not yet been appointed to be one, he should give attention to areas where he needs to make spiritual advancement. This calls for regular Bible reading, diligent personal study, serious meditation, heartfelt prayer, and zealous participation in the Christian ministry. w11 11/15 5:15, 16 wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2013/6/28 Copyright © 2013 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. All Rights Reserved.
Posted on: Sun, 30 Jun 2013 09:11:03 +0000
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