Have you ever wanted to fulfill a theocratic assignment but couldn't because of health problems, advanced age or some other factor? These situations can be disappointing; however, it's good to know that we're not alone if we've faced this situation before. One biblical example that could guide us when these things arise is King David, when he desired to build the temple in Jerusalem.
David was a zealous worshiper of Jehovah, a man after God's own heart who fulfilled numerous assignments in Jehovah's service (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22). He was a shepherd, musician, prophet and king. More importantly, David placed complete trust in the Most High God no matter what duty he performed. It is no wonder that David desired to build a beautiful temple for his God. Please notice his words at 1 Chronicles 17:1-2 (Read).
Jehovah blessed the son of Jesse with plenty of material wealth: the king had an impressive dwelling but he said the ark of the covenant was "under tent cloths." In light of his zeal for true worship, it is no surprise that David wanted to build a temple to Jehovah. What joy the temple would bring to lovers of Jehovah and how it would magnify the living and true God. Even the prophet Nathan encouraged David to carry out whatever his heart desired in this respect. Nevertheless, Jehovah had other things in mind for David. Please read 1 Chronicles 17:4.
Although he earnestly desired to build the temple in Jerusalem, Jehovah informed David that he would not be the one to accomplish this significant theocratic task. Can you imagine how David must have felt? He was undoubtedly disappointed, but did he slow down in his theocratic activity? Did he allow Jehovah's decision to take away his godly joy? We find the answers in 1 Chronicles 17:7; 18:14.
Jehovah personally chose David to lead his people: he was a divinely chosen ruler and shepherd of Israel. Even after Jehovah told David that he could not build the temple, he continued to immerse himself in theocratic activities. David did not allow this limitation to diminish his joy, and he threw his whole heart into supporting the temple project. What an example that David set for us when we cannot fulfill an assignment due to health, age or maybe we need to develop a Christian quality to a fuller degree like humility.
Compare Acts 18:5.
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Maintain Joy Despite Disappointments (Modified Talk)
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3 comments:
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My late mentor used to say that every servant of JEHOVAH ought to think of himself/herself as "full time" servant of JEHOVAH.
Anonymous, thanks.
Servant: agree 100%. Besides the fact that we all should have plenty to do in the Lord's work, according to our circumstances (1 Cor. 15:58), it has well been said that we never stop being witnesses of Jehovah. No vacations or downtime for those who serve the living God. This doesn't mean that we individually preach 24/7, but we're always conscious of who we are: Jehovah's faithful servants/his Witnesses.
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