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Devote Yourself to ReadingThe Watchtower—1996 | May 15
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an ancestress of David and eventually of Jesus Christ. She thus received “a perfect wage.” Moreover, those reading the Scriptural account learn a valuable lesson: Be loyal to Jehovah, and you will be richly blessed.—Ruth 2:12; 4:17-22; Proverbs 10:22; Matthew 1:1, 5, 6.
16. What test did the three Hebrews undergo, and how can this account help us?
16 The account of the Hebrews named Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego can help us to be faithful to God in trialsome situations. Visualize the event as Daniel chapter 3 is read aloud. A huge image of gold towers above the plain of Dura, where Babylonian officials have been assembled. At the sound of musical instruments, they fall down and worship the image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. That is, all except Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego do so. Respectfully, but firmly, they tell the king that they will not serve his gods and worship the image of gold. These young Hebrews are cast into a superheated furnace. But what happens? Looking inside, the king sees four able-bodied men, one of them “resembling a son of the gods.” (Daniel 3:25) The three Hebrews are brought out of the furnace, and Nebuchadnezzar blesses their God. It has been rewarding to visualize the account. And what a lesson it provides regarding faithfulness to Jehovah under test!
Benefit From Reading the Bible as a Family
17. Briefly cite some of the beneficial things your family can learn by reading the Bible together.
17 Your family can enjoy many benefits if you regularly spend time reading the Bible together. Beginning in Genesis, you can witness creation and peer into man’s original Paradise home. You can share experiences of the faithful patriarchs and their families and follow the Israelites as they pass through the Red Sea dry-shod. You can see the shepherd lad David vanquish the Philistine giant Goliath. Your family can note the construction of Jehovah’s temple in Jerusalem, can see its desolation by Babylonian hordes, and can view its reconstruction under Governor Zerubbabel. Along with humble shepherds near Bethlehem, you can hear the angelic announcement of Jesus’ birth. You can get details about his baptism and his ministry, can see him give up his human life as a ransom, and can share the joy of his resurrection. Next, you can travel with the apostle Paul and observe the establishment of congregations as Christianity spreads. Then, in the book of Revelation, your family can enjoy the apostle John’s grand vision of the future, including Christ’s Thousand Year Reign.
18, 19. What suggestions are offered regarding family Bible reading?
18 If you are reading the Bible aloud as a family, read it with clarity and enthusiasm. When reading some portions of the Scriptures, one family member—possibly the father—might read the words of the general account. Others of you can assume the roles of Bible characters, reading your parts with suitable feeling.
19 As you share in Bible reading as a family, your ability to read may improve. Likely, your knowledge of God will increase, and this should draw you closer to him. Asaph sang: “As for me, the drawing near to God is good for me. In the Sovereign Lord Jehovah I have placed my refuge, to declare all your works.” (Psalm 73:28) This will help your family to be like Moses, who “continued steadfast as seeing the One who is invisible,” that is, Jehovah God.—Hebrews 11:27.
Reading and the Christian Ministry
20, 21. How is our preaching commission related to the ability to read?
20 Our desire to worship “the One who is invisible” should move us to work at being good readers. The ability to read well helps us to bear witness from God’s Word. It certainly helps us to carry on in the Kingdom-preaching work for which Jesus commissioned his followers when he said: “Go . . . and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 1:8) Witnessing is the chief work of Jehovah’s people, and reading ability helps us to accomplish it.
21 Effort is required to be a good reader and a skillful teacher of God’s Word. (Ephesians 6:17) So, ‘do your utmost to present yourself approved to God, handling the word of the truth aright.’ (2 Timothy 2:15) Increase your knowledge of Scriptural truth and your ability as a Witness of Jehovah by devoting yourself to reading.
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Read God’s Word and Serve Him in TruthThe Watchtower—1996 | May 15
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Read God’s Word and Serve Him in Truth
“Instruct me, O Jehovah, about your way. I shall walk in your truth.”—PSALM 86:11.
1. In essence, what did the first issue of this magazine say about truth?
JEHOVAH sends out light and truth. (Psalm 43:3) He also gives us the capacity to read his Word, the Bible, and learn the truth. This journal’s first issue—July 1879—said: “Truth, like a modest little flower in the wilderness of life, is surrounded and almost choked by the luxuriant growth of the weeds of error. If you would find it you must be ever on the lookout. If you would see its beauty you must brush aside the weeds of error and the brambles of bigotry. If you would possess it you must stoop to get it. Be not content with one flower of truth. Had one been sufficient there would have been no more. Gather ever, seek for more.” Reading and studying God’s Word enables us to acquire accurate knowledge and walk in his truth.—Psalm 86:11.
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