Tag Archives: Digging for Spiritual Gems

Numbers 20:23-27​—What lessons can we learn from the way that Aaron reacted to discipline and from the way that Jehovah viewed him despite his mistakes?




Nu 20:23-27​—What lessons can we learn from the way that Aaron reacted to discipline and from the way that Jehovah viewed him despite his mistakes? (w14 6/15 26 ¶12)

12 In each of these situations, Jehovah could have punished Aaron on the spot. But He discerned that Aaron was not a bad person or gravely at fault. It seems that Aaron allowed circumstances or the influence of others to turn him away from the right course. Yet, when he was confronted with his own mistakes, he readily admitted them and supported Jehovah’s judgments. (Ex. 32:26; Num. 12:11; 20:23-27) Jehovah chose to focus on Aaron’s faith and repentant attitude. Centuries later, Aaron and his descendants were still remembered as fearers of Jehovah.​—Ps. 115:10-12; 135:19, 20.

What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?


Numbers 20:4-5: A warning for us, we see the Israelites again blaming Moses and Aaron because the wilderness was not like the fruitful land because of a water shortage. Also in sense was accusing Jehovah did not know how to take care of his people. So, the question for us; will we be complainers when the new system comes because it not like we thought it should be or will we wait on Jehovah. (Ps 37:7; 42;11; 106:13; 130:5, 7; Ge 49:18; Mic 7:7)  


Numbers 20:10-12: We need to try to control our anger because this could lead to bad consequences. As we see here because of this rebellious nation Moses and Aaron lost out in entering the promise land and eventually die. We to can lose out of in entering the promise paradise and to live forever if we do not control our anger and not doing Jehovah’s will. (Pr 2:21-22; Ps 37:9-10; 106:32-33; Eph 4:22, 24; Col 3:9-10; Gal 5:22-23)   


Numbers 20:12: Jehovah is a God of justice and impartially. We see that Moses did not follow the instructions on get water out of rock and fail to give glory to Jehovah for the water. Some may feel that it wasn’t Moses fault because of Israelites hard headiness. As Luke 12:48 “the one who was put in charge of much will have more than usual demanded of him.” So Jehovah was fair in his judgment by give him the same judgment that all the other Israelites who disobey him that wouldn’t enter the promise land. Also Jehovah still spoke highly of Moses in Heb 11 showing Jehovah will not forget Moses when it time of the resurrection because of his faith. (Heb 11:23-27; De 32:4; Ps 33:25; Jas 3:28)


Numbers 20:14-21: Edom is another name for Esau, the twin brother of Jacob, so they were  closely related. Life can be pleasant when members of a family deeply care about one another, yet we see this was not so here. We see here Edomites hate their brother and want them to die, maybe because they did not follow Jehovah or jealousies set in because he was the firstborn. Yet Jehovah told the Israelites at De 23:7 “You must not hate an Edomite, for he is your brother.) Yes, may we learn to love others, even those who may hate us. (1Jo 4:7-8; Mt 5:43-44; Ro 12:20; Pr 25:21-22)   


Numbers 21:1-3: Jehovah knows how to save his people, as we see here when the Canaan attacks his people, Jehovah step end help them to defeated the Canaan. There is no army and  powers on earth that can stop Jehovah from accomplish his will. This is why we need to put our trust and faith in the one that has shown over and over he can save his people. We can do this by doing his will and we will see the day then there is no more war. (Pr 2:21-22; Ps 37:9-10, 34; Isa 33:22; 12:2; Zep 3:17; De 20:4; Mt 7:21-23; 1Jo 2:17)    


Numbers 21:4-5: Imperfect humans can lose their appreciation for things that become a routine part of life; even as we see here was a reflection of Jehovah’s love for the Israelites. Their example, therefore, serves for us a warning to not lose appreciation for his provisions.   One way we can do this is by never allowing Bible teachings or the provisions we receive through the faithful and discreet slave class to become ordinary, or commonplace. Once we start to take Jehovah’s gifts for granted or become bored with them, our relationship with him could begins to cool off. (1Co 10:11; Ro 15:4; Mt 4:45; 24:12; 2Ti 3:1,4-5)


Numbers 21:5-8: There are consequences for those who make bad decisions. Like those who drink and drive when drunk can kill or cause great harm to themselves or other. Jehovah’s the great judge has made it known to those who stay on the spacious road can only lead to destruction. That is why it is important to learn about Jehovah will and then do it if we want life. (Mt 7:13-14; Acts 14:22; 1Pe 4:18; Lu 13:24; Isa 55:6; Pr 2:21-22 )     


Numbers 21:14-15: The Scriptures refer to various books that the Bible writers used as source material. (Joshua 10:12, 13; 1 Kings 11:41; 14:19, 29)  “The book of the Wars of Jehovah” was such a writing and contained a historical account of the wars of Jehovah’s people. The book of the Wars of Jehovah, seem to have been existing documents that were not inspired, and because of that Jehovah did not see to their preservation.


Numbers 21:21-35: Nations started to fall all because of Jehovah and because the Israelites were listing and doing what Jehovah told them to do. Likewise today, we need to listen and follow what Jehovah tell us to do from his Word, which we can be sure Jehovah will bless us in this life or the next that will come. (Heb 11:6; Isa 2:2-4; Pr 10:6-7; 28:20 )     





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Spiritual Gems: Numbers 15:32-35​—What lesson does this account teach?

 

Bible Reading: (4 min.) Nu 15:1-16 (th study 10)

  • Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

  • Numbers 15:32-35​—What lesson does this account teach? (w98 9/1 20 ¶1-2)    

  • Jehovah viewed the case more seriously. “In time,” the Bible states, “Jehovah said to Moses: ‘Without fail the man should be put to death.’” (Numbers 15:35) Why did Jehovah feel so strongly about what the man did?

    The people had six days to gather wood as well as to handle their needs regarding food, clothing, and shelter. The seventh day was to be devoted to their spiritual needs. While it was not wrong to gather wood, it was wrong to use time that should have been set aside to worship Jehovah to do so. Although Christians are not under the Mosaic Law, does this incident not teach us a lesson in properly setting our priorities today?—Philippians 1:10.

  • What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah, the field ministry, or something else?

Numbers 15:3, 7, 13-14, 24: We see Jehovah can be please by giving him sound and unblemished sacrifice and following his instructions. We should want please Jehovah because he is the creator and is a loving and care Father who has given us greater and better hope for the future, if we are doing his will. We can do this by being whole-soul Jehovah in doing his will.  (Col 3:23; Lu 10:27; Ro 12:11; Re 4:11; Mt 7:21-22)


Numbers 15:15-16, 30: Jehovah shows that he does not approve of partiality, we see the same law apply to both native-born Israelites and foreign resident. Jehovah has not change for we are told at Jas 2:9 “But if you continue showing favoritism, you are committing sin, and you are convicted by the law as transgressors.”  Also we are told at Ro 2:11 “For there is no partiality with God,” and since we are told to imitate Jehovah, we should be impartial if we want to be accepted by Jehovah. (Eph 5:1; De 10:17; 2Ch 19:7; Act 10:34-35;  Act 10:34; 2Ch 19:17; Ex 23:3; De 16:19; 10:17) 


Numbers 15:37-41: The unique fringe of the Israelites’ dress was intended to remind them that they were a people set apart to worship God and to obey his commandments. Our lives should show we are no part of Satan world by following God’s standards so we stand out as different from the world of Satan in speech and conduct. (John 17:16; 1Jo 2:16-17, 5:18-19; Ro 13:14)


Numbers 15:39: We must heed the warning of following our own heart which can lead to spiritual prostitution and end our relationship with Jehovah. Jehovah love us and does not want any to die. We are told at Jer 17:9 “The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate.” Jehovah knows how easily our heart, or inner self, can be seduced by what we take in through our eyes. So let us keep our eyes on Jehovah’s Words and become doers of it and focus on the prize that lie ahead. (Ge 6:5; Pr 28:26; 3:5; Php 3:14; 1Co 9:24-25; Col 2:18; Jas 1:22; 2Pe 3:9)


Numbers 16:1-3, 9-10: Presumptuousness lead to dishonor, and this what Korah envied of Moses and Aaron and resented their prominence. This led to wrongly saying they had arbitrarily and selfishly lifted themselves above the congregation. Also Korah very likely did not cherish his own privileges in Jehovah’s arrangement. This account serve as a warning of ”tendency to envy” other in the Christian Congregation may lead to death. (Pr 11:2; 16:18; Lu 14:8; Ob 1:3)


Numbers 16:23-26: Bad association can lead one to stop following Jehovah’s standard and do what is displeasing to Jehovah and possibly lead one to being disfellowship or even death. May we see the reason to study Jehovah’s Words, so we cannot be misled by Satan’s cunning words, so we one thinks they can worship Jehovah their way. (1Co 15:33; 5:6, 9-13; Ps 1:1; Pr 13:20)


Numbers 16:41-49: We see Jehovah patience does have limits as seen in these verses, the Israelites saw how he dealt with rebels and yet they still again started murmuring. So Jehovah’s patience came to an end those who die amounted to 14,000. Soon Jehovah’s patience will run our again and this time there will be no more wickedness in the whole world and only the righteous ones will live here. (Ps 37:9-10; 104:35; Pr 2:21-22; 10:7; Mt 25:46)

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Digging for Spiritual Gems – Genesis 12

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2020 07 13-19 Digging for Spiritual Gems – Genesis 8-9

2020 07 13-19 Digging for Spiritual Gems – Genesis 8-9

July 13-19
EXODUS 8-9
DIGGING FOR SPIRITUAL GEMS 

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2020 02 24 – 03 01 Digging for Spiritual Gems Genesis 20-21



Sarah was the half sister of Abraham. Terah was father to both of them, but they had different mothers. (Genesis 20:12) While such a marriage is improper today, it is important to keep in mind how different things were back then. Humans were closer to the perfection that Adam and Eve had enjoyed but lost. For such robust people, marriage between close relatives evidently did not present genetic dangers to offspring. Some 400 years later, though, life spans were similar to ours. At that time, the Mosaic Law outlawed all sexual unions between close relatives.—Leviticus 18:6. 


9 Abram responded with another act of faith. As the account says: “He built an altar there to Jehovah.” (Genesis 12:7) Likely, this included offering up an animal sacrifice, for the Hebrew word for “altar” means “place of sacrifice.” Later, Abram repeated these acts of faith in other parts of the land. In addition, he ‘called on the name of Jehovah.’ (Genesis 12:8;13:18; 21:33) The Hebrew phrase “call on the name” also means “declare (preach) the name.” Abram’s household as well as the Canaanites must have heard him boldly declare the name of his God, Jehovah. (Genesis 14:22-24) Likewise, all who seek God’s friendship today must call upon his name in faith. This would include sharing in public preaching, “always offer[ing] to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which make public declaration to his name.”—Hebrews 13:15; Romans 10:10. 

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2020 02 24 – 03 01 CBS – A Fig Tree Is Used to Teach a Lesson About Faith

COMMENTS Assistance for MEETINGS

Jesus and his disciples notice that the barren fig tree has withered

•    THE WITHERED FIG TREE—A LESSON ABOUT FAITH
•    JESUS’ AUTHORITY IS CHALLENGED

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Second Return Visit Video: (5 min.)

Discussion. Play the video. Then ask the audience the following questions:
How did the publisher make clear the practical value of the scripture?
How was this a good example of following up on interest shown?

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Digging for Spiritual Gems- Genesis 20-21

February 24–March 1
GENESIS 20-21


Digging for Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)


Ge 20:12—How was Sarah Abraham’s sister? (wp17.3 12, ftn.)
Sarah was the half sister of Abraham. Terah was father to both of them, but they had different mothers. (Genesis 20:12) While such a marriage is improper today, it is important to keep in mind how different things were back then. Humans were closer to the perfection that Adam and Eve had enjoyed but lost. For such robust people, marriage between close relatives evidently did not present genetic dangers to offspring. Some 400 years later, though, life spans were similar to ours. At that time, the Mosaic Law outlawed all sexual unions between close relatives.—Leviticus 18:6.

Ge 21:33—How did Abraham call “on the name of Jehovah”? (w89 7/1 20 ¶9)
9 Abram responded with another act of faith. As the account says: “He built an altar there to Jehovah.” (Genesis 12:7) Likely, this included offering up an animal sacrifice, for the Hebrew word for “altar” means “place of sacrifice.” Later, Abram repeated these acts of faith in other parts of the land. In addition, he ‘called on the name of Jehovah.’ (Genesis 12:8;13:18; 21:33) The Hebrew phrase “call on the name” also means “declare (preach) the name.” Abram’s household as well as the Canaanites must have heard him boldly declare the name of his God, Jehovah. (Genesis 14:22-24) Likewise, all who seek God’s friendship today must call upon his name in faith. This would include sharing in public preaching, “always offer[ing] to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which make public declaration to his name.”—Hebrews 13:15; Romans 10:10.

What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah God, the field ministry, or something else?

Genesis 21:11

The Bible says: “That thing was very unpleasant to Abraham, in what touched his son.” He loved Ishmael, and his father’s love blinded him. However, Jehovah was clear, so he intervened. Sarah was a good wife, a true companion. He did not just tell Abraham what he wanted to hear. When he saw a problem, something important for the family and for his future, he told it frankly. Sarah said tactfully what she had to say. Many women value Sarah because she knew how to speak to Abraham with frankness and respect. Perhaps, some wives would like Jehovah to intervene on certain occasions, as he did with Sarah. Even so, they can learn a lot from their excellent example of faith, love and patience.

Genesis 20: 5

Peter told the wives to work as daughters of Sarah, instructed by Sarah on how to act as wives. Sarah recognized Abraham as her lord husband. She obeyed him even though he asked her to protect his life at the risk of her own freedom and security. By being so attached to her husband Sarah was rewarded with playing an important role in the eternal salvation of herself and the rest of the human family. She became Isaac’s mother, and thus an ancestor of the Lord Jesus Christ. Likewise, a Christian wife can hold on to her husband and do so with hope in God, in whose eyes she adorns herself with a “serene and peaceful spirit” towards her husband. This can work not only for your own salvation but for that of your husband and others.

Genesis 20: 2

The malicious lie is condemned by the Bible however, sometimes it may be appropriate when we are asked something not to say the direct answer or give complete information. In this case, Abraham commented on his relationship with Sarah, but did not disclose all the information in order to be helpful with respect to the promised offspring. So in this case, his action was appropriate. Application: We never lie, but do not give the saint to dogs.

Genesis 21:12

Jehovah encourages marriage to be a respectful and honorable union. One way in which the husband can carry it out is by asking his wife’s point of view in the decisions that are going to be made, in this way she will feel loved because she has been taken into account. Application: Let’s learn to listen to the opinions of our spouse.

Genesis 20:13

The love that Abraham and Sarah showed was essential in their marriage. I learn that loyal love is essential for our marriage to remain flourishing, because Christian marriages face problems and disappointments, loyal love is like a fence that protects the home and keeps them free of threats, so please Jehovah and cultivate loyal love in our marriage.

Genesis 20: 3

Jehovah gives Abimelech a warning not to touch Sarah. This dream was provided in order to protect Sarah and pra from fulfilling Jehovah’s will and purpose successfully. This teaches us that in the past God used dreams, and today Jehovah speaks to us through his word the Bible which is a complete guide where we find answers to life’s problems and can lead us to a life full of purpose now and lasting blessings in the future.

Genesis 20: 6, 7

We know that Jehovah can read hearts, so I treat Abimelech with consideration who had acted with honesty of heart and ignored that Sarah was a married woman and told her what she should do to continue living. We learn that Jehovah is a merciful God even with those who are not believers, far from criticizing an imperfect human being, Jehovah shows mercy and goodness. He is always willing to tell us what to do, so he instructs and corrects us with love.

Genesis 21:25 to 34

Abraham and Abimelech accepted a peace agreement between them when the problem of stealing a well arose, which allowed Abraham to continue living peacefully in that land. We learn that as Christians we must do everything in our power to promote peace both inside and outside the congregation, even if we are convinced that we have done nothing wrong and owe no apology to anyone. Jehovah will always bless those efforts we make.

Genesis 21: 9 to 13

Abraham did not think the same as Sarah, but he met her request when Jehovah told him to listen and the results were good. We learn that having a good marriage does not mean that spouses will always agree on everything, but we must remember that Jehovah asks us to know how to listen and respect the opinions of our partner, when each one fulfills his role, God blesses the marriage.

Genesis 20:1-2

Abraham was neither a liar nor a coward, as some critics have charged because Sarah was his half sister. Abraham was being caution for he knew that nothing was more important than God’s purpose to produce a special offspring or seed that the nations would be bless. We need to be cautious when persecution breaks out for the safety of our friends.

Genesis 20:3-6,14

Example of Jehovah using his power to control a King. He stop King A-bim-e-lech touching Sarah and show thoughtfulness because he did not know she was marry and release them.  This should give us confident in Jehovah’s Word at Re 17:17 he “put it into their hearts to carry out his thought,” to destroy Babylon the Great.   

Genesis 20:7

The word prophet is first applied to Abraham and yet Abraham was not notable for foretelling the future, certainly not in a public way. Yet Jehovah gave him a message, a prophetic promise. Abraham must have impelled to ‘speak forth’ about this, particularly to his family, explaining why he was leaving Ur and what God’s promise to him.

Genesis 20:7

Jehovah gives a warning to King A-bim-e-lech if he does not do as he said he will die and all who are his. Likewise we if we do not warn the wicked by our preaching we to can be blood guilty for we are told at Eze 3:18 . you do not warn him, and you fail to speak. ., he will die for his error because he is wicked, but I will ask his blood back from you. (Eze 33:8; 1Ti 4:16)

Genesis 20:13

Sarah was a model of submissiveness or subjection. When Jehovah commanded Abraham to pull up stakes and travel to a far country, Sarah did not raise objections, or when on two occasions, Abraham asked her to represent herself as his sister, she submitted. Imitate her faith, love, wisdom and humility wives can be submissive. (Gen. 12:1, 11-13; 13:7-12)

Genesis 20:17-18

Jehovah has the power to make sure that his words will be fulfilled and there is consequences for those who go against his will and yet Jehovah away makes away out for those who listen and obey his words. (1Co 10:13; 2Co 4:8)   

Genesis 21:1-2

Jehovah the keeper of his promises as we see here Sarah bore a son to Abraham “at the appointed time God had promised.”  Though the promises of men are often unreliable, God’s promises are completely reliable and are for our advantage, not his own. So let us put our trust in the one who keep his word at all times. (Isa 55:10-11)

Genesis 21:9-12

We need to exercising proper headship which include listing to our wife when decisions that affect the family and especially if she has more wisdom in certain matters. To keep the lines of communication open both should always be approachable, and husband should weigh carefully her preferences in his decisions.

Genesis 21:12, 14

We see Abraham has a strong and unquestioning faith that we should imitate. Image if Jehovah asked us to sent away a mother, son, and daughter and maybe never see them again. So the question is: Is my faith that strong to listen to Jehovah even if it pain us, like it did Abraham who love Ishmael?

Genesis 21:17-21

Jehovah knows how to make a way out, even though things may seem bleak. We see here that Ha’gar felt her son would die and yet Jehovah sent his angel and water was found and son did become a nation.  We can be sure that Jehovah will make a way out, as we see in Germany now have 165,393 brothers and sisters when Hitler promise to annihilate Jehovah Witnesses. (1Co 10:13; 2Co 4:8)

Genesis 21:33

True servants of Jehovah should “call on the name” which also means “declare (preach) the name,” like Abraham did. Jesus taught his followers to pray that name to be sanctified, later Jehovah told Jesus at John 12:28 “I have glorified it and will glorify it again.” Also we should imitate Jesus who shows he made his Father name known and would continue to at John 17:6, 28. 

Genesis 21: 9 shows that persecution does not necessarily involve violence, Ishmael made fun of Isaac and persecuted him, young Christians sometimes suffer this persecution from classmates, but Jesus said we would be happy if we did not suffer because of his Name.

Here we have an example of something we have to avoid in the preaching and that is what happened to Abraham, because although he was wise when he said that Sarah was his sister, he was wrong to judge Abimelech, because in Genesis 20:11 we read that he thought that the people here are not afraid of God, because when he saw the conversation that Abimelech had with Jehovah, he was afraid of God, so he rushed to judge so we should avoid this by preaching to judge to the people.

In Genesis 21: 10-12 he teaches us many things, because first he shows that Jehovah values women, although Abraham felt very hurt by the words that Sara said to him, he did not give importance to the fact that Sara spoke to him like that or to his authority as head of the family and Jehovah himself told him to listen to his voice, Abraham made it and in this way peace was converted and he made sure that God’s purpose was preserved, he also teaches wives that when they think to say something to their husbands to contribute to the good of the family, provided that they are taking into account the will of Jehovah because they must be sincere and express themselves with their husbands, on the other hand husbands that when their wives tell them something that is in harmony with Jehovah’s will They have to listen to it because Jehovah often uses wives to fulfill his will.

A little quoting from Genesis 20:12, when Abraham presents Sarah as his sister actually did what Jesus also showed, it is not to say those things to those who do not correspond to what they are asking us, the lesson is not to give answers complete to whom it does not correspond will help them not to have worse consequences, and that is how Jesus said that we should not give the holy thing to the dogs nor throw pearls in front of the pigs, because that way they will not tear us apart.

Genesis 20: 1-7 where it is seen that King Abimelech commanded Sara to be brought to his palace but Jehovah intervened so that they would not touch her, and it is quite possible that Satan expected Sara to be impressed by the luxuries of the palace, which He committed adultery, and Sara would have liked to see that she loses the privilege of being an ancestor of the messiah and ruining her marriage and her relationship with Jehovah. to his servants as he did in the case of Sara.

Genesis 21:13, we see that Jehovah promised to show consideration to Ishmael because he was a descendant of Abraham, Ishmael behaved badly this is the degree that he had to throw him out of his house, however in spite of that Jehovah showed him consideration for Abraham, this It also illustrates what other parts of the Bible show, and that the behavior that parents have affects the future of our children for better or worse, and if we strive to have Jehovah’s approval without children, we may benefit. 

Another lesson from Genesis 21:12, in the case of Abraham and Sara they had it relatively easy because Jehovah spoke to them, Jehovah told Abraham to listen to Sara, to us when we have problems in marriage, Jehovah is not going to speak directly to us from heaven, but if we have a way to listen to Jehovah, and it is reading the bible daily, it is a recommendation to read the bible together every day and in this way we will be listening to Jehovah if we implement the recommendations in our lives.       

Although Sara had to endure a tense situation at home, she did not see in Abimelec a situation of escaping from her husband and the problems, although by that time Ishmael was about 13 years old, I do not doubt Jehovah’s promise that by In the midst of his offspring, blessings would come to the earth, so soon the Lord rewarded her for being faithful to both him and her husband.

In Genesis 20:11 we see that Abraham thought that people would not be afraid of God and would kill him because of his wife, but we see that the reality was very different, because Abimelech did fear God, this teaches us that we should not to think that bad things will happen to us beforehand, rather as Jesus said that we should not worry too much about what will happen tomorrow.

In Genesis 20: 6, 7 we see a very special consideration of Jehovah, it is true that he can read hearts so I treat Abimelech with compassion, because he did not know that Sarah would be married, and the lesson that contains this for us is that we must to treat people with consideration, even when they do not believe in Jehovah.

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2020 02 24 – 03 01 Digging for Spiritual Gems: Genesis 20-21

February 24–March 1 –  GENESIS 20-21
Digging for Spiritual Gems: (10 min.)

Ge 20:12—How was Sarah Abraham’s sister? (wp17.3 12, ftn.)

Sarah was the half sister of Abraham. Terah was father to both of them, but they had different mothers. (Genesis 20:12) While such a marriage is improper today, it is important to keep in mind how different things were back then. Humans were closer to the perfection that Adam and Eve had enjoyed but lost. For such robust people, marriage between close relatives evidently did not present genetic dangers to offspring. Some 400 years later, though, life spans were similar to ours. At that time, the Mosaic Law outlawed all sexual unions between close relatives.—Leviticus 18:6.

Ge 21:33—How did Abraham call “on the name of Jehovah”? (w89 7/1 20 ¶9)

9 Abram responded with another act of faith. As the account says: “He built an altar there to Jehovah.” (Genesis 12:7) Likely, this included offering up an animal sacrifice, for the Hebrew word for “altar” means “place of sacrifice.” Later, Abram repeated these acts of faith in other parts of the land. In addition, he ‘called on the name of Jehovah.’ (Genesis 12:8;13:18; 21:33) The Hebrew phrase “call on the name” also means “declare (preach) the name.” Abram’s household as well as the Canaanites must have heard him boldly declare the name of his God, Jehovah. (Genesis 14:22-24) Likewise, all who seek God’s friendship today must call upon his name in faith. This would include sharing in public preaching, “always offer[ing] to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which make public declaration to his name.”—Hebrews 13:15; Romans 10:10.

What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah God, the field ministry, or something else?

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Digging for Spiritual Gems – February 17-23 | GENESIS 18-19

Digging for Spiritual Gems – February 17-23
GENESIS 18-19
Ge 18:1, 22​—How was it that “Jehovah appeared to” Abraham and “remained with” him? (w88 5/15 23 ¶4-5)
Now it is possible to understand why Abraham addressed the materialized angelic spokesman of God as if he were talking to Jehovah God himself. Since this angel spoke precisely what God wanted to have said to Abraham and was there personally representing Him, the Biblical record could say that “Jehovah appeared to him.”​—Genesis 18:1.
Remember that an angelic spokesman for God could transmit His messages just as precisely as a telephone or a radio can transmit our words to another person. Hence, it can be understood how Abraham, Moses, Manoah, and others could speak with a materialized angel as if they were talking to God. While such individuals were able to see these angels and the glory of Jehovah reflected by them, they were not able to see God. Therefore, this in no way contradicts the apostle John’s statement: “No man has seen God at any time.” (John 1:18) What these men saw were angelic representatives and not God himself.
Ge 19:26​—Why did Lot’s wife become “a pillar of salt”? (w19.06 20 ¶3)
Lot made a bad decision when he chose to live among the grossly immoral people of Sodom. (Read 2 Peter 2:7, 8.) The region was prosperous, but Lot paid a high price for moving to Sodom. (Gen. 13:8-13; 14:12) His wife apparently became so attached to the city or to some of the people living there that she disobeyed Jehovah. She lost her life when God rained fire and sulfur on the region. And think of Lot’s two daughters. They were engaged to men who died in Sodom. Lot lost his home, his possessions and, most painful of all, his wife. (Gen. 19:12-14, 17, 26) During this stressful period, did Jehovah lose patience with Lot? No.
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share regarding Jehovah God, the field ministry, or something else?
Genesis 19:16
To save Lot, Jehovah sent angels to warn him that the cities were going to be destroyed and that he and his family had to flee. “When he continued to delay,” the angels grabbed “his hand and his wife’s hand and the hands of his two daughters and proceeded to take him out and place him outside the city.” This case teaches us that Jehovah knows very well the difficulties that his faithful servants face.
Genesis 18: 23-33
Jehovah does not destroy people indiscriminately, but protects the upright. We learn that he does not let himself be carried away by anger but that he is patient and gives time to the wicked to change, but he will bring the end for justice to his faithful servants.
Genesis 19:16
Lot “continued to delay”, and the angels almost had to drag him and his family out of Sodom. We do well not to lose our sense of urgency while waiting for the end of the bad world.
Genesis 19:26
It is totally foolish to yearn for what we have left behind in the world or to be distracted by it. That is why we never look back, like lamenting what we have left, or perhaps opportunities in this wicked world.
Genesis 19: 8
Wasn’t it wrong that Lot offered his daughters to the inhabitants of Sodom? According to Eastern ethics, it was the responsibility of the host to protect and defend guests even with life, if necessary. And Lot was willing to do it. With courage he left, closed the door behind him and appeared alone before the crowd. By the time Lot offered his daughters, he probably already knew that his guests were messengers of God and, therefore, he thought that God could take care of protecting them just as he protected his aunt Sarah in Egypt (Genesis 12: 17-20). And so it was, both Lot and his daughters received protection.
Genesis 19: 30-38
Did Jehovah approve of Lot getting drunk and begetting offspring with his two daughters? Jehovah does not approve of incest or drunkenness (Leviticus 18: 6, 7, 29; 1 Corinthians 6: 9, 10). Lot actually deplored the “wild facts” of the inhabitants of Sodom (2 Peter 2: 6-8). The fact that his daughters got him drunk indicates that they knew that his father would not consent to having sex with them while he was sober. But being foreigners in the country, his daughters thought that this was the only way to prevent Lot’s family from becoming extinct. The story is in the Bible to reveal the relationship between the Moabites (through Moab) and the Ammonites (through Ben-Ammi) with Abraham’s descendants, the Israelites.
Genesis 18: 22-33
What does this story teach us about Jehovah’s way of thinking? It is obvious that God did not need to consult Abraham to make the right decision. Now, he could have explained from the beginning the reasons why he had made that decision. But by letting him question it, he gave him time to accept the situation and to understand his way of looking at matters, as well as the magnitude of his compassion and justice. Certainly, Jehovah treated Abraham like a friend.
Genesis 18: 22-33
Why did Jehovah allow Abraham to speak to him so openly? First, because he realized that Abraham was distressed. He knew that his nephew Lot lived in Sodom, and that Abraham was concerned for his safety. In addition, Abraham was a friend of God. When a person speaks to us roughly, do we strive to understand their feelings and take them into consideration, especially if they are a friend who is under some emotional pressure? Isn’t it comforting to know that Jehovah will be understanding when we speak frankly as he was in the case of Abraham?
Genesis 18:25
Who is going to resurrect? Sometimes we can make our conversations turn to those who are going to resurrect or not, issues that may concern us, generate doubts or debates “that are nothing more than a waste of time” (w10 4/15). That is why Jehovah’s recommendation in this verse is to have the same faith as Abraham and to be convinced that Jehovah will do justice.
Genesis 19:26
How easy it is to let ourselves be disturbed by the world! Even some have returned to the world after meeting Jehovah! We must examine ourselves regularly to determine if our faith may be diverting from the things of the world. Application: Let’s reflect on how far we are from the world and its attitudes.

from Blogger http://meekspaceng.blogspot.com/2020/02/digging-for-spiritual-gems-february-17.html