Wednesday, November 27
We have . . . a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us.—Heb. 12:1.
All the witnesses referred to in today’s text went through severe trials; yet, they built an outstanding record of faithfulness to Jehovah. (Heb. 11:36-40) Were their endurance and hard work wasted? Most definitely not! Even though during their lifetime they never saw the fulfillment of all of God’s promises, they continued to hope in Jehovah. And because they were certain that they had gained Jehovah’s approval, they were confident that they would see the promises come true. (Heb. 11:4, 5) Their example can strengthen our resolve to continue hoping in Jehovah. Today we live in a world that is going from bad to worse. (2 Tim. 3:13) Satan has not finished putting God’s people to the test. Regardless of the challenges that lie ahead, may we be determined to work hard for Jehovah, confident that “we have rested our hope on a living God.”—1 Tim. 4:10. w22.06 25 ¶17-18
Thursday, November 28
What profit is there in my death . . . ? Will the dust praise you?—Ps. 30:9.
One reason why we should try to stay healthy is that we can serve Jehovah to the best of our ability. (Mark 12:30) So we avoid choosing to do things that we know will harm our health. (Rom. 12:1) Granted, there is only so much that we can do to stay in good health. But we do what we can because we want to show our heavenly Father that we appreciate the gift of life. Sickness and old age may prevent us from doing many of the things we once did. As a result, we may feel frustrated and sad. But never should we give up and neglect our health. Why not? Because no matter how old or how sick we are, we can still praise Jehovah, as did King David. How touching it is to realize that our God treasures us despite our being imperfect! (Matt. 10:29-31) Even if we were to die, he would long to resurrect us. (Job 14:14, 15) While we are alive, we want to do what we can to protect our health and life. w23.02 20-21 ¶3-5
Friday, November 29
Whoever blasphemes against the holy spirit has no forgiveness forever.—Mark 3:29.
Will the names of the great crowd of other sheep still be in the book of life after they survive Armageddon? Yes. (Rev. 7:14) Jesus said that these sheeplike ones will depart “into everlasting life.” (Matt. 25:46) But those Armageddon survivors will not immediately receive everlasting life. During the Thousand Year Reign, Jesus “will shepherd them and will guide them to springs of waters of life.” Those who respond positively to Christ’s guidance and are finally judged faithful to Jehovah will have their names recorded permanently in the book of life. (Rev. 7:16, 17) However, the goats will be destroyed at Armageddon. Jesus says that they “will depart into everlasting cutting-off.” (Matt. 25:46) Under inspiration, the apostle Paul tells us that “these very ones will undergo the judicial punishment of everlasting destruction.”—2 Thess. 1:9; 2 Pet. 2:9. w22.09 16 ¶7-8