1. What difference is there between what we need and what we want?

THERE are only a few things we need in order to stay alive. For example, we need food, clothing, and a place to live. But there is no end to the things that we may want. And many people do not realize that they do not really need all the things they want.

2. What are some things that people want?

² Someone who lives in a poor country may want something totally different from what a person who lives in a wealthy country may want. In some parts of the world, people would like to have a mobile phone, a motorbike, or a small piece of land. In other places, people want to have lots of expensive clothes, a bigger house, or a more expensive vehicle. But no matter where we live or how much money we have, we could begin to want more and more things that we do not need or cannot afford.

MATERIALISM CAN AFFECT US

3. What is materialism?

³ What is materialism? It is the attitude of a person who cares more about things than about his relationship with God. He is not satisfied with having just what he needs, but instead he always wants more. Even those who do not have a lot of money or who do not buy expensive things could become materialistic. They may stop putting the Kingdom first in their lives.​—Hebrews 13:5.

4. How does Satan use “the desire of the eyes”?

⁴ Satan wants us to believe that we can enjoy life only if we have a lot of things. So he uses his world and “the desire of the eyes” to try to make us always want to have more. (1 John 2:15-17; Genesis 3:6; Proverbs 27:20) We constantly see and hear advertisements that try to convince us to buy new products. Have you ever bought something just because it looked appealing in the store or because you saw it in an advertisement? If so, maybe you later realized that you did not really need it. When we keep buying things that we do not need, we complicate our life. Those things can distract us from serving Jehovah. For example, we may not have enough time left to study the Bible, prepare for and attend meetings, and go out in the ministry regularly. Remember, the apostle John warned: “The world is passing away and so is its desire.”

5. What can happen to those who use most of their energy to get more things?

⁵ Satan wants us to use our energy to get more money and things instead of using it for Jehovah. (Matthew 6:24) But if we are interested only in getting more things for ourselves, our life will have no meaning. We could become frustrated or get into financial difficulties. Or worse, we could lose our faith in Jehovah and his Kingdom. (1 Timothy 6:9, 10; Revelation 3:17) Jesus said that “the desires for everything else” are like thorns that can stop a seed from growing and producing fruit.​—Mark 4:14, 18, 19.

6. What lesson do we learn from Baruch?

⁶ Think for a moment about Baruch, the secretary of the prophet Jeremiah. When Baruch began “seeking great things” for himself, Jehovah reminded him that soon Jerusalem would be destroyed. But he promised Baruch that he would save his life. (Jeremiah 45:1-5) Baruch should not have expected anything more. Jehovah was not going to save the things that people owned. (Jeremiah 20:5) Today, we are living close to the end of Satan’s world. So now is not the time to keep getting more and more things for ourselves. And we should not expect that after the great tribulation, we will still have the things we own now, even if they are precious to us.​—Proverbs 11:4; Matthew 24:21, 22; Luke 12:15.

7. What will we consider next, and why?

⁷ So how can we look after ourselves and our family and still stay focused on what is most important in life? How can we avoid materialism? And what can help us stop worrying too much about getting what we need? Jesus gave us the best advice on this in his Sermon on the Mount. (Matthew 6:19-21) Let us read and discuss Matthew 6:25-34. This will convince us that we must keep seeking the Kingdom, not things.​—Luke 12:31.

JEHOVAH PROVIDES WHAT WE NEED

8, 9. (a) Why should we not worry too much about the things we need? (b) What did Jesus know about humans and their needs?

⁸ Read Matthew 6:25. Jesus knew that his disciples were worried about what they would eat, drink, and wear, so in his Sermon on the Mount, he told them: “Stop being anxious about your lives.” Jesus wanted to help them understand why they should not worry about all these things. He knew that if they worried too much, even about things that they really needed, they could forget what is more important in life. Jesus cared about his disciples so much that he warned them four more times about this danger in his sermon.​—Matthew 6:27, 28, 31, 34.

⁹ But why did Jesus tell us not to worry about what we will eat, or drink, or wear? Do we not need food and clothing? Of course we do! And if we do not have enough money to get these things, it is normal to worry. Jesus knew that. He knew what people needed. And he knew that “in the last days,” his disciples would be living in very difficult times. (2 Timothy 3:1) In fact, many people today cannot find a job, and things keep getting more expensive. In many places, people are very poor and have little or nothing to eat. But Jesus also knew that a person’s life is more important than food and the body than clothing.

10. When Jesus taught his followers how to pray, what did he say should be most important in their life?

¹⁰ Earlier, Jesus had taught his disciples that when they prayed, they should ask their Father in heaven to give them what they needed. They could pray: “Give us today our bread for this day.” (Matthew 6:11) Another time, he told them to pray: “Give us each day our bread according to our daily needs.” (Luke 11:3) But that does not mean that we should constantly think about getting the things we need. In fact, Jesus told his followers that praying for God’s Kingdom to come is more important than praying for their own needs. (Matthew 6:10; Luke 11:2) To help the disciples stop worrying, Jesus then comforted them by reminding them of how Jehovah cares for all his creation.

11, 12. What do we learn from the way Jehovah cares for the birds of heaven? (See opening picture.)

¹¹ Read Matthew 6:26. We should “observe intently the birds of heaven.” Even though birds are small creatures, they eat a lot. In fact, if a bird were as big as a human, it would eat more food than a human does. Birds eat fruit, seeds, insects, and worms. But they do not need to sow seeds and grow their own food. Jehovah provides everything they need. (Psalm 147:9) Of course, he does not put the food in their beaks! They have to go and find it, but it is there for them to find.

¹² Jesus had no doubt that if his Father takes care of the birds, he will also take care of people.^[1] (See endnote.) (1 Peter 5:6, 7) Of course, like the birds, we should not be lazy. We must work either to grow our food or to earn money to buy it. Jehovah can bless our efforts. And when we do not have enough money or food, he can still provide what we need. For example, others may share what they have with us. Jehovah also provides birds a place to live. He has given them the ability to build nests, and he has made the things that the birds use to build these nests. Jehovah can likewise help us find a suitable place for our family to live.

13. What proves that we are worth more than the birds of heaven?

¹³ After Jesus reminded his disciples that Jehovah feeds the birds, he asked them: “Are you not worth more than they are?” (Compare Luke 12:6, 7.) When he said this, Jesus likely thought about how he would soon give his life for all humans. Yes, Jesus did not die for the birds or for any other animal. He died for us so that we may live forever.​—Matthew 20:28.

14. What can an anxious person never do?

¹⁴ Read Matthew 6:27. What did Jesus mean when he said that we cannot add one cubit to our life by being anxious? He meant that we cannot make our life any longer by worrying about the things we need. In fact, if we have too much stress, we could get sick and even die.

15, 16. (a) What do we learn from the way Jehovah cares for the lilies of the field? (See opening picture.) (b) What questions might we need to ask ourselves, and why?

¹⁵ Read Matthew 6:28-30. We are happy when we have something nice to wear, especially when we go out in the ministry or to our meetings and assemblies. But do we need to be “anxious about clothing”? Once again, Jesus reminded his disciples how Jehovah takes care of his creation. Jesus used the example of “the lilies of the field.” “The lilies” might refer to flowers such as gladiolus, hyacinths, irises, and tulips. None of these have to sew clothes for themselves. But they are so beautiful that Jesus said that “not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these”!

¹⁶ Think about what Jesus said next: “If this is how God clothes the vegetation of the field . . . , will he not much rather clothe you, you with little faith?” Of course he will! But Jesus’ disciples needed more faith. (Matthew 8:26; 14:31; 16:8; 17:20) They needed to trust that Jehovah wanted to look after them and that he really would do so. What about us? Do we believe that Jehovah will take care of us?

17. What might damage our relationship with Jehovah?

¹⁷ Read Matthew 6:31, 32. Many who do not know Jehovah focus their life on having more money and things. But if we did the same, we would damage our relationship with him. We know that Jehovah is our Father and that he loves us. And we are confident that if we do what he asks and put his Kingdom first in our life, he will give us everything we need and much more. We also realize that a good relationship with Jehovah is what will make us truly happy, and this helps us to be satisfied with having just the “food and clothing” that we need.​—1 Timothy 6:6-8.

IS GOD’S KINGDOM FIRST IN YOUR LIFE?

18. What does Jehovah know about us personally, and what will he do for us?

¹⁸ Read Matthew 6:33. If we put the Kingdom first in our life, then Jehovah will provide all that we need. Jesus explained why we can be sure of that promise. He said: “Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” Jehovah knows what you need even before you realize that you need it. (Philippians 4:19) He knows what clothes we will need next. He also knows what food you will need. And he knows that you and your family need a place to live. Jehovah will make sure that you have what you really need.

19. Why should we not worry about what might happen in the future?

¹⁹ Read Matthew 6:34. Once again Jesus told his disciples: “Never be anxious.” Jehovah will provide what we need each day. So we do not have to worry too much about what might happen in the future. If we do, we may start to rely on ourselves, which would damage our relationship with Jehovah. Instead, we must fully trust in him.​—Proverbs 3:5, 6; Philippians 4:6, 7.

SEEK THE KINGDOM FIRST, AND JEHOVAH WILL LOOK AFTER YOU

20. (a) What is a goal you may set in Jehovah’s service? (b) What can you do to simplify your life?

²⁰ How sad it would be if we did not have enough energy to serve Jehovah fully because we were trying to get more and more things! Instead, we should give Jehovah our best. For example, can you move to help a congregation that needs more publishers? Can you pioneer? Or if you are already pioneering, have you thought about applying for the School for Kingdom Evangelizers? Could you perhaps spend a few days a week helping at Bethel or at a translation office? Or maybe you could become a Local Design/​Construction volunteer and use some of your time to help build Kingdom Halls. Think about what you might do to make your lifestyle simpler so that you can have more time and energy for Kingdom activities. The box “How to Simplify Your Life” gives some suggestions. Pray to Jehovah to help you decide what you need to do. Then start making the necessary changes.

21. What will help you to draw closer to Jehovah?

²¹ Jesus taught us to seek the Kingdom first. When we do so, we avoid worrying too much about the things we need. We draw closer to Jehovah because we trust that he will look after us. We learn to control ourselves and not to buy everything we desire or everything that the world offers, even if we can afford it. If we simplify our life now, it will help us to stay faithful to Jehovah and to “get a firm hold on the real life” he has promised us.​—1 Timothy 6:19.

1. Illustrate why it is important to be aware of what time it is and what is happening around us. (See opening picture.)

THE convention was about to start. The chairman walked onto the platform and welcomed everybody. The music was about to begin. The audience knew that it was time to sit down. They wanted to listen to the beautiful music, and they looked forward to the talks to come. But perhaps there were some who did not pay attention to the chairman or notice that the music was playing. So they did not realize that the convention was starting, and they were still walking around or talking to their friends. This situation shows what can happen if we are not aware of what time it is or of what is happening around us. This is an important lesson for us because very soon a much greater event will begin, and we must be prepared for it. What event is that?

2. Why did Jesus tell his disciples to “keep on the watch”?

² Jesus Christ warned his disciples about the need to stay alert and be prepared for “the conclusion of the system of things.” He told them: “Keep looking, keep awake, for you do not know when the appointed time is.” After that, he said to them several times: “Keep on the watch.” (Matthew 24:3; read Mark 13:32-37.) Matthew’s account also shows that Jesus warned his disciples about this. He told them: “Keep on the watch, therefore, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” And again he warned them: “Prove yourselves ready, because the Son of man is coming at an hour that you do not think to be it.” Then he repeated: “Keep on the watch, therefore, because you know neither the day nor the hour.”​—Matthew 24:42-44; 25:13.

3. Why do we pay attention to Jesus’ warning?

³ Jehovah’s Witnesses pay attention to the warning that Jesus gave. We know that we are living in “the time of the end” and that the “great tribulation” will begin very soon! (Daniel 12:4; Matthew 24:21) Just as Jesus foretold, Jehovah’s people are preaching the good news about the Kingdom in all the earth. At the same time, we see wars, disease, earthquakes, and hunger in many places. There is religious confusion and more crime and violence than ever before. (Matthew 24:7, 11, 12, 14; Luke 21:11) We are now eagerly waiting for the time when Jesus will come and fulfill his Father’s purpose.​—Mark 13:26, 27.

THE DAY IS GETTING CLOSER!

4. (a) Why can we believe that Jesus now knows when Armageddon will occur? (b) Although we do not know when the great tribulation will begin, what can we be sure of?

⁴ When we go to a convention, we know what time each session will begin. However, it is impossible for us to know exactly when the great tribulation will begin. When on earth, Jesus said: “Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36) Of course, since Jesus is the one who will lead the war of Armageddon, most likely he now knows when that war will be. (Revelation 19:11-16) But we still do not know the date or time when the end will come. That is why it is very important for us to keep on the watch. Jehovah has decided exactly when the great tribulation will begin, and each day it is getting closer and closer. “It will not be late!” (Read Habakkuk 2:1-3.) Why can we be so sure of this?

5. Give an example to show that Jehovah’s prophecies are always fulfilled right on time.

⁵ Jehovah’s prophecies have always been fulfilled right on time! For example, think about the day he freed his people from Egypt. That was on Nisan 14 in the year 1513 before Christ. Moses later wrote about that day: “At the end of the 430 years, on this very day, all the multitudes of Jehovah went out of the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 12:40-42) On Nisan 14 in the year 1943 before Christ, exactly 430 years before the Israelites were freed, Jehovah’s promise that he would bless Abraham’s offspring went into effect. (Galatians 3:17, 18) Sometime later, Jehovah told Abraham: “Know for certain that your offspring will be foreigners in a land not theirs and that the people there will enslave them and afflict them for 400 years.” (Genesis 15:13; Acts 7:6) The 400 years began in the year 1913 before Christ when Ishmael began to treat Isaac badly. They ended on the day that Jehovah freed the Israelites from Egypt. (Genesis 21:8-10; Galatians 4:22-29) Yes, hundreds of years in advance, Jehovah set the exact day when he would free his people!

6. Why can we be sure that Jehovah will save his people?

⁶ Joshua was one of the Israelites who were freed from Egypt. Many years later, he reminded the people: “You well know with all your heart and with all your soul that not one word out of all the good promises that Jehovah your God has spoken to you has failed. They have all come true for you. Not one word of them has failed.” (Joshua 23:2, 14) Jehovah has promised to deliver his people through the great tribulation and to give them everlasting life in the new world. And we can be sure that his promise will come true. So if we want to be in that new world, we must keep on the watch.

KEEP ON THE WATCH IN ORDER TO SURVIVE

7, 8. (a) What was the role of a watchman in ancient times, and what lesson does that teach us? (b) Give an example of what could happen when watchmen fell asleep on the job.

⁷ We can learn a lesson from the watchmen who guarded cities in ancient times. Many of these cities, including Jerusalem, were surrounded by high walls so that enemies would not be able to get inside. Watchmen stood on these walls, and from there they could see the land all around the city. Other watchmen stood at the gates of the city. Those men had to keep on the watch night and day, and if they saw enemies coming, they had to warn the people in the city. (Isaiah 62:6) They knew how important it was to stay awake and carefully watch what was going on. If they did not, many people could die.​—Ezekiel 33:6.

⁸ Josephus, who wrote about Jewish history, explained how the Romans were able to enter Jerusalem in the year 70 after Christ. The watchmen who were guarding part of the city had fallen asleep. As a result, the Roman soldiers were able to enter the city. They went to the temple, set it on fire, and destroyed the rest of Jerusalem. That was the final part of the greatest tribulation that the Jewish nation had ever experienced.

9. What are most people today not aware of?

⁹ Most governments today guard their borders with soldiers and with security systems that use the latest technology. These governments watch for anyone or anything that could threaten the security of their country. But they do not realize that there is an even more powerful government in heaven that is ruled by Christ Jesus. That government will soon go to war against all governments on earth. (Isaiah 9:6, 7, footnote; 56:10; Daniel 2:44) We wait eagerly for that day to arrive and want to be ready for it. So we pay attention to Bible prophecy and keep serving Jehovah faithfully.​—Psalm 130:6.

DO NOT BE DISTRACTED

10, 11. (a) Of what must we be careful, and why? (b) What convinces you that the Devil has influenced people to ignore Bible prophecy?

¹⁰ Imagine a watchman who has been awake all night. During the last few hours of his watch, it is much harder for him to stay awake because he is very tired. In a similar way, we are living in the last days of this world. And the closer we get to the end, the more difficult it will be for us to stay awake. How sad it would be if we did not keep on the watch! Let us discuss three things that could stop us from staying awake.

¹¹ The Devil deceives people. He is “the ruler of this world.” Shortly before Jesus died, he reminded his disciples of this fact three times. (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11) The Devil has used false religion to deceive people. That is why many today ignore Bible prophecies that clearly show that the end of this world is very near. (Zephaniah 1:14) Clearly, Satan has “blinded the minds of the unbelievers.” (2 Corinthians 4:3-6) As a result, when we try to tell people that the end of this world is near and that Christ is now ruling, many of them do not want to listen. They often say, “I’m not interested.”

12. Why must we not let the Devil deceive us?

¹² Although many are not interested in Bible prophecies, we must not let their attitude discourage us. We know why it is important to keep on the watch. Paul said to his brothers: “You yourselves know very well that Jehovah’s day is coming.” He added: “Exactly as a thief in the night.” (Read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6.) Jesus warned us: “Keep ready, because at an hour that you do not think likely, the Son of man is coming.” (Luke 12:39, 40) Soon, Satan will deceive people by making them think that there is “peace and security” in the world. Then, Jehovah’s day will suddenly come, and they will be shocked. What about us? If we want to be ready for that day and not be deceived like everyone else, we must “stay awake and keep our senses.” That is why we need to read God’s Word every day and meditate on what Jehovah tells us.

13. How is the spirit of the world affecting mankind, and how can we avoid that dangerous influence?

¹³ The spirit of the world influences the way people think. Many today feel that they do not need to know God. (Matthew 5:3) Instead, they use most of their time and energy to get many of the things that the world offers. (1 John 2:16) Also, more than ever before, there is a wide variety of entertainment that attracts people and encourages them to love pleasure and satisfy any desire they have. (2 Timothy 3:4) These things distract people from what is more important, and they do not think about their relationship with God. That is why Paul reminded Christians that they should “awake from sleep” by not focusing their lives on satisfying their desires.​—Romans 13:11-14.

14. What warning do we find at Luke 21:34, 35?

¹⁴ We want God’s spirit, not the spirit of the world, to influence the way we think. By means of his spirit, Jehovah has helped us to understand clearly what is about to happen. (1 Corinthians 2:12)^[1] (See endnote.) But we need to be careful. Even ordinary things in life could distract us from serving Jehovah. (Read Luke 21:34, 35.) Others may tell us that we are foolish to believe that we are living in the last days of this world. (2 Peter 3:3-7) But we must not let them discourage us. We have clear proof that the end is coming soon. If we want God’s spirit to influence us, we must regularly attend meetings with our brothers.

15. What happened to Peter, James, and John, and how might that happen to us too?

¹⁵ Our weaknesses make it harder for us to stay alert. Jesus understood that humans are imperfect and have weaknesses. Think about what happened the night before he died. Although Jesus was perfect, he knew that to remain faithful, he needed to pray to his Father to help him. Jesus asked the apostles Peter, James, and John to stay awake while he prayed. But the apostles did not realize how important it was for them to stay awake. They were tired, and they went to sleep. Jesus too was tired, but he stayed awake and prayed to his Father. The apostles should have been praying at that time as well.​—Mark 14:32-41.

16. According to Luke 21:36, how did Jesus instruct us to “keep awake”?

¹⁶ What will help us to “keep awake” and be prepared for Jehovah’s day? We need a strong desire to keep doing what is right. But that is not enough. A few days before Jesus died, he told his disciples that they needed to keep praying to Jehovah for help. (Read Luke 21:36.) To stay alert in this time of the end, we too must pray to Jehovah constantly.​—1 Peter 4:7.

KEEP ON THE WATCH

17. How can we make sure that we are ready for what is coming in the near future?

¹⁷ Jesus said that the end will come “at an hour that you do not think to be it.” (Matthew 24:44) So we must be ready at all times. Now is not the time to try to have the lifestyle that Satan’s world says will bring happiness. That is just a dream. Instead, by means of the Bible, Jehovah and Jesus have told us how we can keep on the watch. So let us pay attention to Bible prophecies and to how these are being fulfilled. And may we keep drawing closer to Jehovah and put his Kingdom first in our lives. We will then be ready when the end comes. (Revelation 22:20) Our lives depend on it!

1, 2. (a) Describe Jesus’ illustration of the owner of the vineyard. (b) How does the story illustrate the qualities of generosity and undeserved kindness?

EARLY one morning, the owner of a vineyard went to a marketplace to hire men to work for him. He offered them a certain amount of money, and the men accepted the offer. But because the owner needed more workers, he went back to the market several times during the day to hire more men. He offered to pay all the men an amount of money that was fair. At the end of the day, the owner gathered the workers in order to pay them. And whether they had worked all day or just one hour, he gave them the same amount of money. However, when the men who had worked all day began to complain, the owner said: ‘Did you not agree to the payment I offered? Do I not have the right to give all my workers whatever I want? Are you envious because I am generous?’​—Matthew 20:1-15, footnote.

² Jesus’ story teaches us an important lesson about Jehovah’s “undeserved kindness.”^[1] (See endnote.) (Read 2 Corinthians 6:1.) How? Some may think that the men who worked all day deserved more money than the others. But the owner showed undeserved kindness to the workers who worked only part of the day. One expert said the following about the word for “undeserved kindness” used in the Bible: “The whole basic idea of the word is that of a free and undeserved gift, of something given to a man unearned and unmerited.”

JEHOVAH’S GENEROUS GIFT

3, 4. Why and how has Jehovah shown undeserved kindness toward all mankind?

³ The Bible tells us that God’s undeserved kindness is a “free gift.” (Ephesians 3:7) Because we cannot obey Jehovah perfectly, we do not deserve to receive any kindness from God. In fact, we deserve to die. King Solomon said: “There is no righteous man on earth who always does good and never sins.” (Ecclesiastes 7:20) Later, the apostle Paul said: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” and “the wages sin pays is death.”​—Romans 3:23; 6:23a.

⁴ Because Jehovah loves humans so much, he sent “his only-begotten Son” to die for us. That was the greatest act of undeserved kindness possible. (John 3:16) Paul said that Jesus is “now crowned with glory and honor for having suffered death, so that by God’s undeserved kindness he might taste death for everyone.” (Hebrews 2:9) Yes, “the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord.”​—Romans 6:23b.

5, 6. What are the results when we are ruled (a) by sin? (b) by undeserved kindness?

⁵ Why do we sin and die? The Bible says that “by the trespass of the one man death ruled as king.” So because we are Adam’s descendants, we are imperfect and we die. (Romans 5:12, 14, 17) However, we can still choose not to be ruled, or controlled, by sin. How is that possible? When we show faith in Christ’s ransom sacrifice, we benefit from Jehovah’s undeserved kindness. The Bible says: “Where sin abounded, undeserved kindness abounded still more. To what end? So that just as sin ruled as king with death, so also undeserved kindness might rule as king through righteousness leading to everlasting life through Jesus Christ.”​—Romans 5:20, 21.

⁶ Even though we are still sinners, we do not have to let sin rule over us. So when we do something wrong, we ask Jehovah for forgiveness. Paul warned us: “Sin must not be master over you, seeing that you are not under law but under undeserved kindness.” (Romans 6:14) How, then, can we benefit from God’s undeserved kindness? Paul said: “The undeserved kindness of God . . . trains us to reject ungodliness and worldly desires and to live with soundness of mind and righteousness and godly devotion amid this present system of things.”​—Titus 2:11, 12.

UNDESERVED KINDNESS “EXPRESSED IN VARIOUS WAYS”

7, 8. What does it mean that Jehovah’s undeserved kindness is “expressed in various ways”? (See opening pictures.)

⁷ The apostle Peter wrote: “To the extent that each one has received a gift, use it in ministering to one another as fine stewards of God’s undeserved kindness that is expressed in various ways.” (1 Peter 4:10) What does it mean that Jehovah’s undeserved kindness is “expressed in various ways”? It means that whatever difficulties we may have in life, Jehovah will give us what we need in order to endure. (1 Peter 1:6) He will always give us exactly what we need so that we can overcome each trial.

⁸ The apostle John wrote: “We all received from his fullness, even undeserved kindness upon undeserved kindness.” (John 1:16) Because Jehovah shows his undeserved kindness in many ways, we receive many blessings. What are some of these blessings?

9. How do we benefit from Jehovah’s undeserved kindness, and how can we show our gratitude for it?

⁹ Jehovah forgives our sins. Thanks to his undeserved kindness, Jehovah forgives our sins. But he does so only if we repent and continue to fight against our sinful desires. (Read 1 John 1:8, 9.) Paul explained to anointed Christians of his time how Jehovah forgives sins. He said: “[God] rescued us from the authority of the darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, by means of whom we have our release by ransom, the forgiveness of our sins.” (Colossians 1:13, 14) We are so grateful for God’s mercy that we want to praise him. And because Jehovah forgives our sins, we can also receive many other wonderful blessings.

10. What do we enjoy because of God’s undeserved kindness?

¹⁰ We can have a peaceful relationship with God. We are imperfect, so from the time we are born, we are enemies of God. Yet Paul said: “When we were enemies we became reconciled to God through the death of his Son.” (Romans 5:10) Because of the ransom, we can become reconciled to God, that is, we can be at peace with him and become his friends. Paul explained this and how it relates to Jehovah’s undeserved kindness when he said to his anointed brothers: “Now that we have been declared righteous as a result of faith, let us enjoy peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we also have obtained access by faith into this undeserved kindness in which we now stand.” (Romans 5:1, 2) How grateful we are to enjoy a peaceful friendship with Jehovah!

11. How do the anointed bring the “other sheep” to righteousness?

¹¹ We can become righteous before God. The prophet Daniel wrote that during the time of the end, “those having insight,” that is, the anointed, would bring “many to righteousness.” (Read Daniel 12:3.) How do the anointed do that? They preach the good news and teach millions of “other sheep” Jehovah’s laws. (John 10:16) They help them to be considered righteous before God, which is only possible because of Jehovah’s undeserved kindness. Paul explained: “It is as a free gift that they are being declared righteous by his [God’s] undeserved kindness through the release by the ransom paid by Christ Jesus.”​—Romans 3:23, 24.

12. How is prayer related to God’s undeserved kindness?

¹² We can draw close to God through prayer. Because of his undeserved kindness, we can pray to Jehovah. Paul calls Jehovah’s throne “the throne of undeserved kindness,” and he invites us to approach it “with freeness of speech.” (Hebrews 4:16a) We can pray to Jehovah anytime through Jesus. This is truly a great honor! Paul said: “We have this freeness of speech and free access with confidence through our faith in him.”​—Ephesians 3:12.

13. How can undeserved kindness “help us at the right time”?

¹³ We can find help at the right time. Paul encouraged us to pray to Jehovah whenever there is a need, “so that we may receive mercy and find undeserved kindness to help us at the right time.” (Hebrews 4:16b) Whenever we have trials or difficulties in our lives, we can beg Jehovah for help. And he answers our prayers even though he does not have to do so. He often uses our brothers and sisters to help us. Jehovah answers our prayers “so that we may be of good courage and say: ‘Jehovah is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’”​—Hebrews 13:6.

14. How does Jehovah’s undeserved kindness benefit our hearts?

¹⁴ We can receive comfort for our hearts. It is a great blessing that Jehovah comforts us whenever we are under emotional stress. (Psalm 51:17) When Christians in Thessalonica were suffering persecution, Paul wrote: “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and gave everlasting comfort and good hope by means of undeserved kindness, comfort your hearts and strengthen you.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17, footnote.) How comforting it is to know that out of his undeserved kindness, Jehovah loves and cares for us!

15. Thanks to God’s undeserved kindness, what hope do we have?

¹⁵ We have the hope of everlasting life. Because we are sinners, we have no hope without Jehovah’s help. (Read Psalm 49:7, 8.) But Jehovah has given us a wonderful hope. What is it? Jesus said: “This is the will of my Father, that everyone who recognizes the Son and exercises faith in him should have everlasting life.” (John 6:40) So we have the hope of living forever because of Jehovah’s undeserved kindness. Paul said: “The undeserved kindness of God has been manifested, bringing salvation to all sorts of people.”​—Titus 2:11.

DO NOT TURN GOD’S UNDESERVED KINDNESS INTO AN EXCUSE TO SIN

16. How did some early Christians abuse God’s undeserved kindness?

¹⁶ We receive many blessings because of Jehovah’s undeserved kindness. However, we should not abuse his kindness, that is, turn it into an excuse to sin. Among the early Christians, there were some who tried to “turn the undeserved kindness of . . . God into an excuse for brazen conduct.” (Jude 4) These unfaithful Christians apparently thought that they could sin and that Jehovah would always forgive them. They even tried to make their brothers join them in their sins. Today also, anyone doing that “has outraged the spirit of undeserved kindness.”​—Hebrews 10:29.

17. What strong counsel did Peter give?

¹⁷ Satan has tricked some Christians today into thinking that they can commit sins and that Jehovah will automatically forgive them. It is true that Jehovah is willing to forgive sinners who repent; however, he does expect us to fight against our sinful desires. Jehovah inspired Peter to write: “You, therefore, beloved ones, having this advance knowledge, be on your guard so that you may not be led astray with them by the error of the lawless people and fall from your own steadfastness. No, but go on growing in the undeserved kindness and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”​—2 Peter 3:17, 18.

UNDESERVED KINDNESS BRINGS RESPONSIBILITIES

18. Because of Jehovah’s undeserved kindness, what responsibilities do we have?

¹⁸ We are very grateful for Jehovah’s undeserved kindness. Therefore, we should use our gifts to honor Jehovah and to help others. We owe it to them. How can we use those gifts? Paul says: “Since, then, we have gifts that differ according to the undeserved kindness given to us . . . if it is a ministry, let us be at this ministry; or the one who teaches, let him be at his teaching; or the one who encourages, let him give encouragement; . . . the one who shows mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:6-8) So because of Jehovah’s undeserved kindness, we have the responsibility to work hard in the ministry, to teach the Bible to others, to encourage our brothers and sisters, and to forgive any who may offend us.

19. What responsibility of ours will be examined in the next article?

¹⁹ As those who have been blessed with Jehovah’s undeserved kindness, we should be moved to do our best “to bear thorough witness to the good news of the undeserved kindness of God.” (Acts 20:24) We will examine this responsibility in the following article.

1, 2. How did the apostle Paul show that he was grateful for God’s undeserved kindness?

THE apostle Paul could honestly say: “[God’s] undeserved kindness to me was not in vain.” (Read 1 Corinthians 15:9, 10.) Paul clearly knew that he had not earned or deserved God’s great mercy. He had been a persecutor of Christians.

² Toward the end of his life, Paul wrote to Timothy: “I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who imparted power to me, because he considered me faithful by assigning me to a ministry.” (1 Timothy 1:12-14) What ministry was that? Paul told the elders of the congregation in Ephesus: “I do not consider my own life of any importance to me, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to bear thorough witness to the good news of the undeserved kindness of God.”​—Acts 20:24.

3. What special ministry was Paul given? (See opening picture.)

³ What “good news” did Paul preach, and how did it show Jehovah’s undeserved kindness? Paul said to the Christians in Ephesus: “You have heard about the stewardship of God’s undeserved kindness that was given to me for your sakes.” (Ephesians 3:1, 2) Jesus had told Paul to preach the good news to those who were not Jews. Now it was possible for people from the nations to be part of the Kingdom government ruled by the Messiah. (Read Ephesians 3:5-8.) Paul preached with zeal and set a good example for Christians today. He showed that God’s undeserved kindness was not “in vain,” or wasted on him.

DOES GOD’S UNDESERVED KINDNESS MOTIVATE YOU?

4, 5. Why can we say that the “good news of the Kingdom” is the same as the good news of “the undeserved kindness of God”?

⁴ In this time of the end, Jehovah’s people have the assignment to preach the “good news of the Kingdom . . . in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations.” (Matthew 24:14) The good news of the Kingdom is also “the good news of the undeserved kindness of God.” How is that so? All the blessings we will receive from God’s Kingdom will be the result of Jehovah’s kindness. (Ephesians 1:3) Paul showed gratitude for Jehovah’s undeserved kindness by zealously preaching. Are we imitating Paul’s example?​—Read Romans 1:14-16.

⁵ In the previous article, we learned how we as sinners benefit from Jehovah’s undeserved kindness in many ways. Because we have benefited so much, we have the responsibility to teach others how Jehovah is showing his love and how they can benefit from it. In what ways can we help others to be grateful for God’s undeserved kindness?

SPREAD THE GOOD NEWS OF THE RANSOM SACRIFICE

6, 7. When we explain the ransom to people, how are we spreading the good news of God’s undeserved kindness?

⁶ Today, many people do not feel guilty when they sin, so they do not understand why humans need the ransom. At the same time, more and more people realize that their lifestyle does not make them happy. And until they talk to Jehovah’s Witnesses, many people do not know what sin is, how it affects us, and what we need to do to be freed from slavery to sin. Once they understand what sin is, sincere people are grateful to learn that Jehovah sent his Son to the earth to free us from sin and death. Jehovah did that because of his great love and undeserved kindness.​—1 John 4:9, 10.

⁷ Notice what Paul said about Jehovah’s beloved Son: “By means of him we have the release by ransom through the blood of that one, yes, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his [Jehovah’s] undeserved kindness.” (Ephesians 1:7) Christ’s ransom sacrifice is the greatest proof of God’s love for us and shows how great His undeserved kindness is. It is such a relief to learn that if we show faith in Jesus’ sacrifice, our sins will be forgiven and we will have a clean conscience! (Hebrews 9:14) This is certainly good news to share with others!

HELP PEOPLE TO BECOME FRIENDS OF GOD

8. Why do sinful humans need to be reconciled to God?

⁸ If people do not show faith in Jesus’ sacrifice, God views them as enemies. Therefore, we have the responsibility to tell them that they can become friends of God. The apostle John wrote: “The one who exercises faith in the Son has everlasting life; the one who disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.” (John 3:36) We can be happy that Christ’s sacrifice makes it possible for us to become God’s friends. Paul described it this way: “You who were once alienated and enemies because your minds were on the works that were wicked, he has now reconciled by means of that one’s fleshly body through his death.”​—Colossians 1:21, 22.

9, 10. (a) What responsibility did Christ give to his anointed brothers? (b) How do the “other sheep” help the anointed?

⁹ Christ has given his anointed brothers on earth “the ministry of the reconciliation.” Paul told them: “All things are from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of the reconciliation, namely, that God was by means of Christ reconciling a world to himself, not counting their offenses against them, and he entrusted to us the message of the reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors substituting for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us. As substitutes for Christ, we beg: ‘Become reconciled to God.’”​—2 Corinthians 5:18-20.

¹⁰ It is a privilege for the “other sheep” to help the anointed in this ministry. (John 10:16) As Christ’s “envoys,” or messengers, the “other sheep” are doing the biggest part of the preaching work, teaching people the truth and helping them to have a close relationship with Jehovah. This is an important part of preaching the good news of the undeserved kindness of God.

TEACH PEOPLE THAT GOD HEARS PRAYERS

11, 12. Why is it good news for people to learn that they can pray to Jehovah?

¹¹ Many people pray because it makes them feel good, but they do not really believe that God hears their prayers. They need to know that Jehovah is the “Hearer of prayer.” The psalmist David wrote: “O Hearer of prayer, to you people of all sorts will come. My errors have overwhelmed me, but you cover over our transgressions.”​—Psalm 65:2, 3.

¹² Jesus told his disciples: “If you ask anything in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:14) This means that we can pray for “anything” that is in harmony with Jehovah’s will. John wrote: “This is the confidence that we have toward him, that no matter what we ask according to his will, he hears us.” (1 John 5:14) How good it is to help people understand that prayer is not just something that makes them feel good but is a way to approach Jehovah’s “throne of undeserved kindness”! (Hebrews 4:16) When we teach people how to pray in the right way, to the right Person, and for the right things, we help them to become Jehovah’s friends and to find comfort when they suffer.​—Psalm 4:1; 145:18.

UNDESERVED KINDNESS IN THE NEW SYSTEM OF THINGS

13, 14. (a) What marvelous privileges will the anointed have in the future? (b) What wonderful work will the anointed do for mankind?

¹³ Jehovah will show his undeserved kindness even more “in the coming systems of things.” How so? God will give the 144,000 who will rule with Christ in heaven an amazing privilege. Paul explained what that privilege will be when he wrote: “God, being rich in mercy, because of his great love with which he loved us, made us alive together with the Christ, even when we were dead in trespasses​—by undeserved kindness you have been saved. Moreover, he raised us up together and seated us together in the heavenly places in union with Christ Jesus, so that in the coming systems of things he might demonstrate the surpassing riches of his undeserved kindness in his graciousness toward us in union with Christ Jesus.”​—Ephesians 2:4-7.

¹⁴ It is difficult to imagine the wonderful things that Jehovah has prepared for anointed Christians when they rule with Christ in heaven. (Luke 22:28-30; Philippians 3:20, 21; 1 John 3:2) Jehovah will “demonstrate the surpassing riches of his undeserved kindness” toward them in a special way. They will be “the New Jerusalem,” the bride of Christ. (Revelation 3:12; 17:14; 21:2, 9, 10) They will work with Jesus in “the healing of the nations.” They will help humans to become free from the burden of sin and death and will help them to become perfect.​—Read Revelation 22:1, 2, 17.

15, 16. How will Jehovah show his undeserved kindness toward the “other sheep” in the future?

¹⁵ Ephesians 2:7 says that God will show undeserved kindness “in the coming systems of things.” At that time, everyone on earth will certainly experience “the surpassing riches of his undeserved kindness.” (Luke 18:29, 30) One of the greatest ways that Jehovah will show his undeserved kindness on earth will be the resurrection of humans from “the Grave.” (Job 14:13-15; John 5:28, 29) Who will be resurrected? Faithful men and women who died before Christ’s death and those of the “other sheep” who die faithful to Jehovah during the last days. All these faithful ones will be brought back to life to continue serving Jehovah.

¹⁶ Millions of humans who died without knowing God will also be resurrected. John wrote: “I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and scrolls were opened. But another scroll was opened; it is the scroll of life. The dead were judged out of those things written in the scrolls according to their deeds. And the sea gave up the dead in it, and death and the Grave gave up the dead in them, and they were judged individually according to their deeds.” (Revelation 20:12, 13) The resurrected ones will have an opportunity to learn about Jehovah and to accept his rule. They will have to learn and apply Bible principles and new instructions found in “the scrolls.” Those new instructions will be another way Jehovah will show his undeserved kindness.

KEEP PREACHING THE GOOD NEWS

17. What should we keep in mind when sharing in our witnessing work?

¹⁷ It is more important than ever before that we preach the good news of the Kingdom, because the end is near! (Mark 13:10) We need to remember that our goal when we preach is to honor Jehovah. How can we do this? We need to tell people that all the blessings we will enjoy in the new world are possible only because of Jehovah’s wonderful kindness.

18, 19. How do we glorify Jehovah’s undeserved kindness?

¹⁸ When we preach to people, we can explain that when Christ’s Kingdom rules, humans will receive all the benefits of the ransom and will gradually become perfect. The Bible says: “The creation itself will also be set free from enslavement to corruption and have the glorious freedom of the children of God.” (Romans 8:21) This will be possible only through Jehovah’s undeserved kindness.

¹⁹ We have the privilege of telling all people about the thrilling promise that is found at Revelation 21:4, 5: “[God] will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” And Jehovah, the one seated on the throne, says: “Look! I am making all things new.” He also says: “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” When we zealously preach this good news to others, we truly glorify Jehovah’s undeserved kindness!

IMAGINE that you are walking on the street late at night. Suddenly you realize that someone is following you. When you stop walking, the person behind you also stops. When you walk faster, so does he. You start to run to a friend’s house nearby. When your friend opens the door and welcomes you in, you are relieved because now you know you are safe.

Perhaps you have not had the experience mentioned above. But likely you have other anxieties in life that cause you to worry. For example, are you struggling with a weakness that you would like to overcome but you keep making the same mistake? Have you been unemployed for a long time and unable to find a job despite all the efforts you make to find one? Are you worried about getting older and facing health issues in the future? Or is there something else that concerns you?

Whatever problem you may have, it is good to have a friend to whom you can tell your worries and who is willing to help you. Do you have such a close friend? Yes, you do! Jehovah is such a friend to you, just as he was to the faithful man Abraham, as noted at Isaiah 41:8-13. In verses 10 and 13, Jehovah promises each one of us: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify you, yes, I will help you, I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness. For I, Jehovah your God, am grasping your right hand, the One saying to you, ‘Do not be afraid. I will help you.’”

“I WILL REALLY HOLD ON TO YOU”

Jehovah’s words are very comforting. Try to imagine what Jehovah is actually promising us. The verse does not say that you are walking next to Jehovah holding his hand. If you were walking next to him, Jehovah’s right hand would be holding your left hand. Instead, Jehovah holds out his “right hand of righteousness” and grabs “your right hand,” as if he were pulling you out of a difficult situation. When Jehovah grabs your right hand, he strengthens you by saying: “Do not be afraid. I will help you.”

Do you see Jehovah as your loving Father and Friend? Do you believe that he will help you when you experience difficulties? Jehovah really cares for you and wants to help you. When you have problems and difficulties, Jehovah wants you to feel safe. Why? Because he loves you very much. He is truly “a help that is readily found in times of distress.”​—Psalm 46:1.

WHEN WE FEEL GUILTY ABOUT PAST MISTAKES

Some keep remembering their past mistakes and wonder whether God has forgiven them. If you feel that way, think of the faithful man Job. He admitted that he sinned when he was young. (Job 13:26) The psalmist David also felt that way and begged Jehovah: “Do not remember the sins of my youth and my transgressions.” (Psalm 25:7) Because we are imperfect, all of us “have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”​—Romans 3:23.

The comforting words in Isaiah chapter 41 were written for the Israelites. Their sins were so serious that Jehovah said he would punish them by having them exiled to Babylon. (Isaiah 39:6, 7) At the same time, God promised that he would free those who would repent and return to him! (Isaiah 41:8, 9; 49:8) Jehovah shows the same love and mercy today toward those who sincerely repent and want to please him.​—Psalm 51:1.

Consider the experience of Takuya,a who was trying to overcome the unclean habits of watching pornography and practicing masturbation. Many times, he gave in to his habit. How did he feel? “I felt that I was totally unworthy, but when I approached Jehovah in prayer to beg for his forgiveness, he would pick me up from my fallen state.” How did Jehovah do that? Elders in Takuya’s congregation told him to call them on the phone whenever he gave in to his habit. He admits: “It was not easy to call them, but whenever I did, I was strengthened.” Then the elders arranged for the circuit overseer to visit Takuya. The circuit overseer told him: “I am not here by coincidence. I am here because the elders wanted me to be here. They chose you to receive this shepherding visit.” Takuya says: “I was the one sinning, yet Jehovah, through the elders, extended help to me.” Eventually, Takuya stopped his bad habits, became a regular pioneer, and is now serving at a branch office. Just as God helped this brother, he will help you when you make mistakes.

WHEN WE ARE ANXIOUS ABOUT WORK

Some feel anxious because they have lost their job and cannot find another one. Imagine how difficult it is to be rejected by one employer after another. When some experience this difficult situation, they feel worthless. How might Jehovah help you? He may not immediately give you an ideal job, but he can help you to remember David’s words: “I was once young and now I am old, but I have not seen anyone righteous abandoned, nor his children looking for food.” (Psalm 37:25, footnote.) Jehovah views you as precious, and he gives you his “right hand of righteousness” so that you will have what you need to keep on serving him.

Sara, who lives in Colombia, saw how Jehovah was able to help her. She made a lot of money working full-time for a well-known and respected company. But she wanted to do more in Jehovah’s service, so she quit her job and started to pioneer. However, it was difficult for her to find the part-time job she needed. She set up a small ice-cream shop but gradually ran out of money and had to close the business. She says, “Three long years passed, but thanks to Jehovah, I was able to endure.” She learned what things she really needed and how to avoid being anxious about the next day. (Matthew 6:33, 34) Eventually, her former boss called and offered her the same job that she had before. She said that she would accept work only if it was part-time and only if she was allowed to take time off for meetings, assemblies, and conventions. Today, Sara does not earn as much money as she used to, but she is able to continue pioneering. She says that during that difficult time, she felt the loving hand of Jehovah.

WHEN WE ARE ANXIOUS ABOUT GETTING OLD

Many feel anxious because they are getting old and will soon retire. They wonder if they will have enough money to live comfortably. They also worry about health issues that may arise in the future. It was probably King David who begged Jehovah: “Do not cast me off in my old age; do not abandon me when my strength fails.”​—Psalm 71:9, 18.

How can older ones feel confident about the future? They need to keep strengthening their faith in God and to trust that he will give them everything they need. However, some enjoyed luxuries when they had more money, so they may need to learn to live a simpler life and be satisfied with having less. They may even realize that eating “a dish of vegetables” instead of “a fattened bull” may be better for their health! (Proverbs 15:17) If you are focused on serving Jehovah, he will make sure that you have everything you need when you are old.

Think about José and Rose, who have served Jehovah full-time for more than 65 years. During that time, they have had many challenges. They cared for Rose’s father, who needed help night and day. Also, José had to endure cancer surgery and chemotherapy. How did Jehovah give his right hand to this faithful couple? He used another Christian couple, Tony and Wendy. They had an apartment that they wanted to offer to full-time pioneers free of charge. Tony remembered that when he was in high school, he would look out the window and see José and Rose regularly preaching in the ministry. Tony loved the zeal they showed, and it made a big impression on him. Because José and Rose had spent their whole lives serving Jehovah, Tony and Wendy offered the apartment to them. For the past 15 years, they have helped José and Rose, who are now about 85 years old. José and Rose feel that Tony and Wendy are a gift from Jehovah.

Jehovah promises you: “Do not be afraid. I will help you.” He is offering his “right hand of righteousness” to you too. Will you hold out your hand to him?

Ezekiel chapter 37 describes two sticks that became one stick. What does this mean?

Through his prophet Ezekiel, Jehovah foretold that his people would return to the Promised Land and that they would be united as one nation again. That prophecy also foretold that those who worship God during the last days would be united as one people.

Jehovah told his prophet Ezekiel to write on two sticks. He was to write on one stick, “For Judah and for the people of Israel who are with him,” and on the other one, “For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and all the house of Israel who are with him.” The two sticks were to become “just one stick” in Ezekiel’s hand.​—Ezekiel 37:15-17.

What does the term “Ephraim” mean? The tribe of Ephraim was the most prominent of the ten tribes of the northern kingdom of Israel. In fact, the first king who ruled over that kingdom, Jeroboam, was from the tribe of Ephraim. (Deuteronomy 33:13, 17; 1 Kings 11:26) That tribe descended from Ephraim, a son of Joseph. (Numbers 1:32, 33) Joseph had received a special blessing from his father, Jacob. So it was appropriate that “the stick of Ephraim” represented the ten tribes of the northern kingdom. In the year 740 before Christ, long before Ezekiel prophesied, the Assyrians conquered the northern kingdom of Israel and took the people captive. (2 Kings 17:6) Years later, the Babylonians defeated the Assyrians. So when Ezekiel wrote the prophecy about the two sticks, most of those Israelites were scattered throughout the Babylonian Empire.

In the year 607 before Christ, the Babylonians conquered the southern two-tribe kingdom of Judah and took the people to Babylon. They may also have taken any who remained from the northern kingdom of Israel. The kings of the southern kingdom were from the tribe of Judah. The priests also lived in Judah because they served at the temple in Jerusalem. (2 Chronicles 11:13, 14; 34:30) So it was fitting that the stick that was “for Judah” represented the two tribes of the southern kingdom.

When were the two sticks joined together? This happened in the year 537 before Christ, when representatives of both the southern kingdom and the northern kingdom returned to Jerusalem from exile to rebuild the temple. The nation of Israel was no longer divided. Once again, the Israelites worshipped Jehovah together. (Ezekiel 37:21, 22) This unity had also been foretold by the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah.​—Isaiah 11:12, 13; Jeremiah 31:1, 6, 31.

What did Ezekiel’s prophecy foretell about pure worship? That Jehovah will cause all those who worship him to “become one.” (Ezekiel 37:18, 19) Has this promise come true in recent times? Yes. The prophecy began to be fulfilled in 1919. Before that, Satan had tried to divide God’s people permanently. But in 1919, they were gradually reorganized and reunited.

At that time, most of God’s people had the hope of becoming kings and priests in heaven with Jesus. (Revelation 20:6) They were like the stick for Judah. There were a few, however, who had the hope of living forever on earth. And as time went on, those with this hope increased in number. (Zechariah 8:23) They were like the stick for Joseph.

Today, both groups serve Jehovah together. And they have one King, Jesus Christ. In Ezekiel’s prophecy, he is spoken of as “my servant David.” (Ezekiel 37:24, 25) Jesus prayed to his Father about his followers: “May all [of them] be one, just as you, Father, are in union with me and I am in union with you.”a (See footnote.) (John 17:20, 21) Jesus also foretold that his little flock of anointed disciples would “become one flock” with his “other sheep.” All of them would follow “one shepherd.” (John 10:16) Just as Jesus described, all of God’s people today are united, whether they look forward to living forever in heaven or on earth!