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00:01 Welcome to the June program of JW Broadcasting. 00:24 As you likely remember, 00:25 Gilead graduations are now featured 00:27 as the monthly JW Broadcasting program 00:30 once every six months. 00:32 For this program, we are excited to share with you 00:35 the first part of the graduation of the 144th class of Gilead, 00:39 which took place on March 10, 2018. 00:43 This program features Scriptural talks with intriguing themes. 00:48 We know you’ll enjoy these thought-provoking discussions. 00:52 In coming weeks, be on the lookout 00:55 for Parts 2 and 3 of the Gilead graduation. 00:58 You’ll have an opportunity to get to know some of the students better 01:01 during another heart-stirring episode 01:03 of The Inside Story. 01:06 But now, we invite you to enjoy Part 1 01:09 of the graduation of the 144th class of Gilead. 01:15 You’ll see a picture on the monitors. 01:19 Take a look at it; 01:23 take a good look. 01:28 What’s the occasion? 01:31 I’ll give you a hint. 01:33 The picture was taken 75 years ago last month. 01:40 It’s a picture of the very first day 01:44 of the very first class of Gilead. 01:48 So 75 years ago last month 01:52 was the inception of Gilead. 01:56 Now, Gilead 01:59 —that’s an interesting word, isn’t it? 02:02 What does it mean? 02:05 Well, if you answer “Heap of Witness,” 02:09 it shows that you’re very familiar 02:11 with the 1984 edition of the New World Translation. 02:16 The 2013 edition says “Witness Pile.” 02:23 Now, there can be a difference between a heap and a pile. 02:29 Where I come from in Canada, in the wintertime it gets very cold. 02:33 And to save on heating expenses, 02:36 many families heat with a woodstove. 02:39 And so you go to the backyard, 02:42 and you see a very neat pile of wood stacked up. 02:47 They’re not careless about it. 02:48 In fact, some of them are quite meticulous about their woodpile. 02:52 If you appreciate the appearance of your home, 02:55 some of them are very artistic, almost sculpted, these woodpiles. 03:00 And we’d never call it a heap because with a heap you’d think of wood 03:03 that has just been carelessly strewn right and left. 03:07 But no, this is a woodpile, 03:09 so something rather neat. 03:13 So why are we talking about a “Witness Pile”? 03:17 Well, what was it? 03:19 What was this “Heap of Witness”? 03:22 What was this “Witness Pile” in the original meaning? 03:26 What purpose did it serve, 03:29 and why does it concern you members of the graduating class? 03:33 It does. 03:35 In fact, it concerns all of us. 03:37 There’s a lesson that all of us can learn 03:40 from this “Witness Pile” called Gilead. 03:43 Let’s go to the origin, back in Genesis chapter 31 03:50 —Genesis chapter 31. 03:53 Now, a little context: 03:55 The patriarch Jacob 03:58 was tired of being cheated by his father-in-law, Laban. 04:03 And as we read the Scriptures, 04:05 we know that Laban was kind of a shady character; 04:08 you wouldn’t want to buy a used car from Laban. 04:12 And so Jacob got tired of being cheated, 04:14 and so he ran away with his wives and his children. 04:19 Well, Laban ran after him. 04:21 And when he caught up with Jacob, 04:23 Laban and Jacob made a covenant of peace. 04:29 Now, we’ll take up the reading from verse 43. 04:32 So this is Genesis 31, beginning with verse 43: 04:37 “Then Laban answered Jacob: 04:40 “‘The daughters are my daughters 04:42 “‘and the children my children 04:44 “‘and the flock my flock, 04:46 and everything you are looking at is mine.’” 04:50 It tells you what kind of a person he was, doesn’t it? 04:52 Verse 44: 04:54 “‘Now come, let us make a covenant, you and I, 04:58 “and it will serve as a witness between us.’ 05:04 “So Jacob took a stone and set it up as a pillar. 05:08 “Then Jacob said to his brothers: 05:10 “‘Pick up stones!’ 05:12 And they took stones and made a pile.” 05:16 And notice this: 05:18 “After that they ate there 05:21 on the pile of stones.” 05:24 So scholars tell us that this “pile of stones” 05:28 must have been quite neatly arranged, 05:31 so that it would form a kind of a table, 05:35 and they had their meal of peace on this table. 05:39 And, of course, this was to serve as a monument. 05:42 It was to be a monument of the covenant of peace 05:45 between Laban and Jacob. 05:48 Now, let’s carry on, verse 47: 05:52 “And Laban began calling it Jegar-sahadutha, 05:57 but Jacob called it Galeed.” 06:01 When the brothers were picking a name for the school, 06:04 aren’t you glad they didn’t go with Laban’s? 06:08 How would you students like to be graduates 06:10 of the Watchtower Bible School of Jegar-sahadutha? 06:15 That would be a mouthful, wouldn’t it? 06:17 So they chose Galeed, or Gilead. 06:21 Verses 48 and 49: 06:23 “Laban then said: 06:25 “‘This pile of stones is a witness 06:29 “between me and you today.’ 06:32 That is why he named it Galeed, and the Watchtower.” 06:37 And isn’t it interesting that both “Watchtower” and “Gilead” 06:40 are in the name of our school? 06:43 But what was the purpose of the pile of rocks? 06:47 Verse 52: 06:49 “This pile of stones is a witness, 06:53 “and the pillar is something that bears witness, 06:56 “that I will not pass beyond this pile of stones 06:59 “to bring harm to you 07:01 “and you will not pass beyond this pile of stones and this pillar 07:06 to bring harm to me.” 07:09 So this Gilead, 07:12 this “pile of stones,” 07:14 this “Witness Pile,” 07:17 was really a monument. 07:20 It was a symbol of peace and unity. 07:24 And anytime someone would pass by that monument, 07:27 that “pile of stones,” that “witness heap,” if you like, 07:32 they would be reminded of the need for unity. 07:36 Now, the unity between Laban and Jacob 07:41 didn’t come about automatically. 07:43 We read verse 43. 07:44 Did you notice the accusations that Laban made 07:48 when he first encountered Jacob? 07:51 ‘The daughters are mine; 07:53 ‘the children are mine; 07:55 ‘the flocks are mine; 07:58 everything you see is mine.’ 08:01 Well, them were fighting words. 08:05 Jacob had worked very hard for everything he got. 08:08 He’d worked for 14 years for his wives, 08:11 and Laban changed his wages ten times. 08:15 So Laban had no right to say that it was all his, 08:18 and Jacob could have taken exception to it; 08:21 but he bit his tongue. 08:22 Why? 08:24 The goal was peace. 08:26 He wanted to make peace. 08:28 So Jacob took the high road. 08:32 Well, today, that name Gilead 08:35 is an appropriate name for our school. 08:38 And it reminds us of the blessed unity 08:41 that must pervade through the organization today. 08:45 When you think of it, Gilead has been a tremendous force 08:48 to unify God’s people. 08:50 As missionaries were sent to the far corners of the earth, 08:54 they were supplicating people to come 08:57 into a peaceful relationship with Jehovah God. 08:59 And as branches were formed, 09:01 the missionaries understood how world headquarters worked, 09:04 and they helped to promote unity 09:06 between the branches and world headquarters. 09:09 So the missionaries were agents of peace. 09:13 Now, of course, the focus of Gilead is on strengthening the congregations, 09:17 strengthening the circuits, strengthening the branches, 09:20 forging an unbreakable link 09:23 between the branches and world headquarters. 09:25 And Gilead plays a part in all this. 09:29 We are “one flock,” under “one shepherd.” 09:33 Don’t hurt any member of the flock. 09:37 Be a peacemaker. 09:39 If you want peace, you have to work for it. 09:41 And sometimes to achieve it, we have to bite our tongues. 09:45 Now, isn’t that a good lesson 09:47 that you members of the graduating class 09:49 and all of us can learn? 09:52 Because we all want to work for the peace of Jerusalem; 09:55 we all want to work for the peace of Jehovah’s organization. 10:00 Well, back to the first class of Gilead 10:03 —graduation day, June 23, 1943. 10:09 Wait a minute, 10:11 first day of class, February 1; 10:13 graduation day, June 23. 10:17 That wasn’t five months, was it? 10:19 But they had a lovely graduation day. 10:21 And the first to speak was a member 10:24 of what would later become the Governing Body, 10:26 Brother W. E. Van Amburgh. 10:29 Well, today at the graduation of the 144th class, 10:34 we have a member of the Governing Body who will be first to speak, 10:38 not Brother Van Amburgh, 10:40 but Brother Anthony Morris. 10:42 And Tony is going to speak to us on the subject 10:45 “Supplicate All the Time!” 10:55 You soon-to-be graduates are very familiar with the fact 10:59 that in Scripture there are different forms of prayer. 11:03 You have petition. 11:05 We petition Jehovah for various needs. 11:07 You have thanksgiving —so much to thank him for. 11:11 And then, of course, Jehovah always deserves praise, 11:14 so we have these prayers we offer to praise him. 11:18 However, I just want to implant in your minds, 11:21 as you get ready to graduate and go to your assignments, 11:24 this matter of supplication. 11:26 It’s unique; 11:28 it’s just full of emotion —earnest prayer. 11:33 And I think you understand that. 11:35 We want you to understand why we’re suggesting 11:38 you should supplicate all the time —all the time. 11:42 And take, for example, Christ Jesus. 11:46 He set the perfect example for us here. 11:49 And you’ll notice in Hebrews chapter 5 11:53 how priceless his perfect example was. 11:58 At least we try to reach for it. 12:00 But not just you soon-to-be graduates 12:03 but all of us can benefit from this good counsel. 12:07 Now, notice Hebrews 5:7: 12:12 “During his life on earth, Christ offered up supplications 12:17 “and also petitions, with strong outcries and tears, 12:20 “to the One who was able to save him out of death, 12:24 and he was favorably heard for his godly fear.” 12:28 Now, did you notice, though, that “supplications” is plural? 12:32 So, certainly he supplicated throughout his three-and-a-half-year ministry. 12:37 But we can only imagine the final weeks, days, 12:42 hours was with tears 12:46 —the supplication. 12:48 So this is the example for us, 12:52 and the closer we get to the end, 12:54 Jehovah wants us to imitate his Son. 12:57 In fact, Jesus made it very clear how important this was. 13:01 And you’re aware of it, but sometimes we get so busy 13:04 with the things we’re dealing with that we can forget. 13:07 Notice what he commanded in Luke. 13:10 So find Luke, 13:12 and we’re going to look at the 21st chapter. 13:14 You’ll quickly remember it 13:19 —Luke chapter 21. 13:22 Now here, just to highlight a little bit 13:25 before we read verse 36, 13:27 you’ll notice in verse 34 13:30 that these are the things we have to “pay attention to” 13:32 to avoid being “weighed down with overeating 13:34 and heavy drinking and anxieties of life,” 13:37 so that it doesn’t hit us like a snare. 13:40 Now notice verse 36: 13:44 “Keep awake, then, 13:46 “all the time making supplication 13:50 “that you may succeed in escaping all these things 13:53 that must occur and in standing before the Son of man.” 13:57 So this is what he said: 13:59 “All the time making supplication.” 14:04 Now, obviously, 14:08 it’s not going to be something where if you’re driving a car, 14:12 you’re going to stop and start supplicating on the road. 14:16 But the spirit of his counsel is, 14:18 ‘Do you want to succeed like I succeeded? 14:23 You must supplicate all the time.’ 14:26 It just has to be. 14:27 You can’t let a day go by that you haven’t had supplication, 14:31 and the closer we get to the end, 14:33 the more important that is. 14:36 A lot of us need to focus on supplicating 14:41 —because it’s not what might occur, 14:44 it’s what will occur. 14:47 This is a reality. 14:50 So it’s very obvious, and it’s understandable 14:54 that we will supplicate 14:56 when we or a loved one face a crisis, 15:00 something happens. 15:02 And then it’s just natural to get that intense emotion in prayer, 15:07 and there could well be tears; but it’s intense. 15:09 You’re just focused. 15:11 It’s just gripping you with the emotion 15:15 as you face different things. 15:17 So you may have a life-threatening illness in the future; 15:21 you’ll start supplicating with that news. 15:23 If you have a loved one and their life is threatened, 15:27 there’s going to be supplication. 15:29 But even though that’s appropriate 15:32 and Jehovah expects us to do that, 15:36 I just want to have you take back with you on your assignments 15:40 something that you must supplicate about too. 15:43 And I have to take the same counsel. 15:46 It means a lot to Jehovah. 15:48 It’s very basic, but look at Matthew chapter 6 15:56 —Matthew chapter 6. 16:02 And this is where Jesus gave the example of prayer, 16:05 and it certainly extends to supplicating. 16:08 You’ll notice in verse 9 where he mentions: 16:11 “You must pray . . . this way: 16:13 “‘Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. 16:17 “‘Let your Kingdom come. 16:19 Let your will take place, as in heaven, also on earth.’” 16:24 So it’s Jehovah’s name. 16:27 You look at this wicked world, and it’s getting worse. 16:32 The Bible foretold it would go “from bad to worse,” 16:35 and it’s just so reproachful to the holy name of God. 16:39 Everybody is in the face of anything Scriptural. 16:42 And how terrible that is! 16:45 Supplicate about your concern to Jehovah himself 16:49 —how that bothers you— and that will touch him. 16:52 And it’s nice because it gets your mind off yourself 16:56 (which is not always spiritually healthy) 17:00 and focused on Jehovah’s name, 17:02 because it’s his name and the Kingdom 17:06 that are going to rid the whole world of all the problems anyway. 17:09 So it’s just something we want you to take with you, 17:12 to supplicate about Jehovah’s name 17:15 and removing the reproach and that his Kingdom come. 17:19 Do that often. 17:21 All the time, if you will. 17:24 Now just some final thoughts here 17:27 in a very familiar Psalm, Psalm 83. 17:30 So if you’ll find Psalm 83 here. 17:38 And this connects with supplicating Jehovah 17:42 to have his will done 17:44 and his name vindicated (as we say in English as well now), 17:49 cleared of the reproach. 17:51 I know you feel the same way I do. 17:53 I’m way over here. 17:55 I just— It’s disgusting! 17:58 You’ve got to keep up with some of the news, 18:00 but it’s almost like, ‘Let me stop!’ 18:05 But you’ve got to know a little something that’s going on. 18:08 And we have connections with our brothers 18:11 from all different parts of the earth; things are coming up all the time. 18:14 There’s so much to supplicate about, 18:16 and the Kingdom is going to finally put an end to all of it. 18:19 Now, what I thought you’d appreciate 18:22 if you look at the 83rd Psalm in context, 18:26 in the first five verses (this is interesting), 18:30 it’s about those who hate Jehovah. 18:33 These arrogant enemies of Jehovah God 18:35 hate him and hate his people. 18:38 They’re cunning; they’re despicable. 18:41 Now, it’s quite fascinating that in verse 5, 18:45 see the “b” part of the verse: 18:48 “They have made an alliance against you.” 18:50 So this was an alliance of nations 18:53 coming against Jehovah’s name people —an alliance. 18:57 What does that remind you of? 18:59 So by focusing on supplicating all the time, 19:03 you’re really getting yourself ready for the great tribulation. 19:08 We call it a coalition of nations 19:12 —Gog’s attack. 19:15 It connects with what we see here that happened in the past. 19:20 And these are beautiful thoughts here. 19:22 Notice verse 17 and verse 18 19:26 of the 83rd Psalm. 19:28 And this is from our heart. 19:30 We want to supplicate this to our Father: 19:33 “May they be put to shame and be terrified forever; 19:38 “may they be disgraced and perish; 19:42 “may people know that you, whose name is Jehovah, 19:46 you alone are the Most High over all the earth.” 19:51 Ah! What a stirring supplication! 19:56 So with whatever you face, you soon-to-be graduates, 20:00 in the future, remember the Scriptural advice: 20:04 ‘Supplicate all the time,’ and you are sure to succeed. 20:16 Beautifully done. 20:17 Thank you very much, Brother Morris. 20:20 Now, at the graduation of the first class of Gilead, 20:23 the next to speak was a responsible brother. 20:27 And we have a responsible brother who is going to speak to us next, 20:30 Brother Hermanus van Selm. 20:32 He’s a helper to the Writing Committee, 20:35 and Brother van Selm is going to speak to us on the interesting theme 20:39 “See and Be Jehovah’s Hand.” 20:47 Think for a moment of your congregation back home. 20:51 Imagine that Jehovah observes there a dear elderly sister 20:56 who has suffered one painful setback after another. 21:00 As a result, she is heartbroken. 21:03 She even feels that Jehovah doesn’t love her anymore. 21:07 But then through the working of his spirit, 21:09 Jehovah makes you aware of her situation. 21:11 You want to help your dear sister, but you wonder: 21:14 ‘How can I show her that Jehovah is still reaching out to her? 21:18 ‘How can I help her to see 21:21 Jehovah’s supporting hand at work in her life?’ 21:25 To answer, let us consider a few verses 21:28 in the Bible book of Ruth, 21:31 which relates the touching story 21:33 of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. 21:37 As we remember, Naomi’s husband had died. 21:41 Then her two sons got married, 21:43 but sadly, both of them also died. 21:47 Those blows caused Naomi 21:49 to sink deeper and deeper into despair. 21:53 She even felt that Jehovah had abandoned her. 21:56 Note at chapter 1, verse 13, at the end of the verse, 22:01 note what Naomi said: 22:04 “The hand of Jehovah has turned against me.” 22:09 Verse 20, at the end of the verse: 22:12 “The Almighty has made my life very bitter for me.” 22:17 Verse 21, at the end of the verse: 22:21 “Jehovah who opposed me 22:23 and the Almighty who caused me calamity.” 22:27 Now, these were strong statements, 22:30 but, of course, none of them were true. 22:32 Jehovah had not turned against her. 22:35 Jehovah had not caused her calamity. 22:38 So how did Jehovah react to Naomi’s bitter words? 22:42 Well, he did not send fire from heaven to punish her. 22:46 He did not send a prophet to reprove her. 22:49 Instead, he used Ruth and Boaz 22:53 to reach out to Naomi 22:55 and pull her gently out of her despair. 22:59 In a sense, Jehovah gave Ruth and Boaz 23:02 the privilege to serve as His hand 23:05 —that is, the means through which He could provide 23:08 support to Naomi. 23:12 In this class, we have 22 Ruth-like sisters 23:17 and 27 Boaz-like brothers. 23:20 Also, there are thousands of Ruths and Boazes in this audience. 23:25 So how can we be Jehovah’s hand? 23:28 And how can we help the Naomis in our congregation 23:31 to see Jehovah’s hand at work in their life? 23:35 To answer, we will consider five steps 23:39 mentioned in the book of Ruth 23:41 that we could follow to help our fellow worshippers who are in need. 23:48 Step number one: Have the right motivation. 23:52 Since helping those in need takes great effort, 23:55 we have to be motivated by love. 23:58 But it needs to be a special kind of love. 24:01 What do we mean? 24:03 Well, love is a bit like coffee. 24:06 Coffee? In what way? 24:09 Well, coffee comes in different types, 24:11 such as cappuccino, caffe latte, caffe mocha 24:15 —mmm. 24:17 Similarly, love comes in different types, 24:21 such as love for family, brotherly love, principled love. 24:26 But the love considered in the book of Ruth 24:29 is yet of a different type. 24:31 What is it? 24:33 It is mentioned at chapter 1, verse 8: 24:37 “Naomi said to both of her daughters-in-law: 24:40 “‘Go, return, each of you to your mother’s home. 24:45 “‘May Jehovah show loyal love to you, 24:50 just as you have shown it to the men who have died and to me.’” 24:56 “Loyal love.” 24:58 What kind of love is that? 25:00 It’s a very strong kind of love. 25:02 It’s a bit like a double espresso, undiluted. 25:05 It gives you a real boost that helps you to attach yourself to a brother in need 25:09 and to cling to him until you have pulled him out of his despair. 25:13 Now, that’s the type of love we show to our brothers and sisters in need. 25:20 Step number two: Be persistent. 25:25 When Ruth offered her helping hand to Naomi, 25:29 Naomi first refused to accept it. 25:34 But Ruth, motivated by loyal love, did not take no for an answer. 25:38 What was the result? 25:40 Chapter 1, verse 18: 25:43 “When Naomi saw that Ruth insisted on going with her, 25:47 she stopped trying to convince her.” 25:52 Similarly today, a sister in despair 25:55 may first refuse to accept our help. 25:58 Even so, loyal love will move us to cling to that sister, 26:03 hoping that she will eventually accept our hand of friendship. 26:09 Step number three: Don’t take it personally. 26:14 When Naomi and Ruth arrived in Bethlehem, 26:17 Naomi met her former neighbors. 26:19 What did she tell them? 26:21 Chapter 1, verse 21: 26:24 “I was full when I went, 26:28 but Jehovah made me return empty-handed.” 26:36 What did she tell them? 26:38 Now, put yourself in the place of Ruth. 26:43 She had gone out of her way to help Naomi. 26:46 She cried with her, she comforted her, 26:50 she walked with her for days on end. 26:53 And then, with Ruth standing next to her, 26:57 Naomi said, ‘I returned empty-handed.’ 27:02 She did not even acknowledge the presence of Ruth. 27:06 How painful that must have been for our dear Ruth. 27:11 Yet, Ruth stuck with Naomi. 27:15 Likewise today, a brother or sister, 27:18 because of their bitter feelings of despair, 27:20 may speak to us or treat us in a hurtful way 27:23 in spite of all of our efforts to help them. 27:27 But we try not to take it personally. 27:31 We stick with our sister in need and pray to Jehovah: 27:34 “Please, open the sister’s eyes. 27:37 Let her see your outstretched hand.” 27:40 Step number four: Give practical help. 27:44 Ruth realized that Naomi’s depression 27:47 prevented her from taking the initiative. 27:49 So, what did Ruth do? 27:52 Chapter 2, verse 2: 27:55 “Ruth . . . said to Naomi: 27:58 “‘Let me go out, please, 28:00 “‘to the fields and glean among the ears of grain 28:03 behind whoever looks on me with favor.’” 28:06 Now, today, we also realize that the brother in despair 28:09 may lack the energy to take any initiative to help himself. 28:14 So loyal love for our brother moves us 28:18 to take the first step in giving him practical help 28:22 in and around his house. 28:26 Step number five: Get encouragement. 28:29 Ruth badly needed encouragement, 28:32 and Jehovah moved Boaz to give it to her. 28:35 Look at chapter 2, verse 12. 28:37 Boaz said to Ruth: 28:41 “May Jehovah reward you for what you have done, 28:45 “and may there be a perfect wage for you 28:48 “from Jehovah the God of Israel, 28:50 under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.” 28:55 Now, after Ruth had been hearing 28:57 negative talk for so long, 29:00 those heartwarming words of Boaz 29:03 deeply touched her. 29:05 In response, in the middle of verse 13 we read that Ruth said to Boaz: 29:08 “You have comforted me 29:10 and [you have] spoken reassuringly to your servant.” 29:15 The kind and timely words of Boaz 29:18 gave Ruth the strength she needed to carry on. 29:22 Today, the kind words of a caring elder 29:25 will have the same uplifting effect 29:27 on those who give their all 29:29 in helping brothers and sisters in need. 29:33 If we follow these five steps, 29:35 Jehovah may give us the privilege of being his hand. 29:39 With what result? 29:41 Consider what happened next to Naomi. 29:45 The Bible account continues by telling that Boaz provided 29:48 a generous gift of food for Ruth and Naomi. 29:52 What was Naomi’s reaction to Boaz’s generosity? 29:57 Chapter 2, verse 20: 30:01 “At that Naomi said to her daughter-in-law: 30:05 “‘May he be blessed by Jehovah, 30:08 “‘who has not failed in his loyal love 30:11 toward the living and the dead.’” 30:14 Now, what a turning point this was for Naomi. 30:17 Earlier she had cried out in pain, 30:19 ‘Jehovah caused me calamity.’ 30:22 But then she exclaimed with joy, 30:24 ‘Jehovah has not failed in his loyal love!’ 30:27 Finally, Naomi was able to connect the dots 30:31 and realize that when Ruth had said to her, 30:33 ‘I will stick with you; I will glean with you,’ 30:36 Ruth was acting as Jehovah’s hand. 30:39 And then Boaz had gone far beyond what was required 30:42 in caring for her and Ruth. 30:44 Boaz had acted as Jehovah’s hand. 30:46 ‘Ahh, now I understand,’ Naomi must have thought. 30:51 ‘Jehovah never left me. 30:53 ‘He has been with me all the time. 30:55 ‘I’m so grateful to Ruth and Boaz 31:00 that they helped me to see Jehovah’s supporting hands.’ 31:04 No doubt all three of them rejoiced 31:08 over the decisive turning point 31:11 they had reached. 31:13 In summary, what gave Ruth and Boaz 31:17 the strength to pull Naomi out of her despair? 31:20 Loyal love. 31:22 A strong kind of love that we give, not to people in general, 31:26 but to our brothers and sisters, especially those who are in need. 31:31 What was the result? 31:33 Boaz and Ruth had the joy 31:36 of seeing how Naomi regained her spiritual balance. 31:41 Today, we may experience the same deep joy 31:45 when we are able to help our brothers and sisters in need, 31:49 to see Jehovah’s hand and thus regain their spiritual strength. 31:55 Therefore, our dear Ruth-like sisters 31:59 and Boaz-like brothers 32:02 of class 144, 32:05 it is our heartfelt prayer 32:08 that the precious education that you received at Gilead 32:13 may help you more than ever 32:15 to see and to be Jehovah’s hand. 32:27 Well, that was better than a double espresso, wasn’t it? 32:33 Now we’re going to have a helper to the Teaching Committee to talk to us, 32:38 and he has the interesting theme 32:40 “Be the Keel” —K-E-E-L. 32:44 So we’ll listen with interest. 32:49 Like a sailboat in the open sea, you could be sailing along 32:54 —enjoying life, enjoying your view— 32:57 but then suddenly and unexpectedly 33:00 a turbulent storm, a trialsome situation, 33:03 could be confronting you. 33:05 That could really rock your boat. 33:09 How true are the words found in The Watchtower 33:12 of the March 1, 1896, issue 33:16 where it stated: 33:18 “The Christian course of self-sacrifice 33:21 “cannot be one of ease and continuous smooth-sailing and peace. 33:26 “There may be a calm now and then, 33:29 but storms and battles are the rule.” 33:33 Now, if that was the case 122 years ago, 33:37 way before all of us were alive, 33:39 how much more so is that the rule, or the case, today. 33:45 Life in Satan’s system is anything but smooth sailing. 33:50 How can you students help others endure present storms 33:55 and prepare them for future tests —future storms? 33:59 Be the keel. 34:02 What does that mean? 34:04 The keel is a heavily-weighted fin 34:07 attached to the bottom of a sailboat. 34:09 So when strong, gusting winds fill the sail 34:12 and the vessel leans on its side, 34:15 the keel serves as the ballast —the counterweight. 34:19 It provides stability. 34:21 It prevents the sailboat from blowing sideways 34:25 and from capsizing, or keeling over. 34:29 Our brothers and sisters, 34:31 now more than ever, need to be strengthened. 34:34 They need to be stabilized so that they can face 34:37 storms of anxiety, natural disasters, 34:41 and wave after wave of ridicule and persecution. 34:45 That’s the focus of Gilead School 34:49 —to strengthen and stabilize qualified men and women like you 34:53 so that you, in turn, can strengthen 34:56 and stabilize Jehovah’s organization. 35:00 Empowered with Jehovah’s spirit, 35:02 you can be like those strengthening aids 35:05 in the first century 35:07 who proved to be someone 35:09 who could stabilize their brothers and sisters. 35:11 And there are many examples. 35:13 But let’s look at Acts 18:24, 35:17 and let’s see why the man Apollos is someone who we want to follow. 35:22 There in Acts chapter 18, 35:24 let’s read together verse 24. 35:29 And there it reads: 35:31 “Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, 35:34 “arrived in Ephesus; 35:36 “[and notice] he was an eloquent man who was well-versed in the Scriptures. 35:41 This man had been instructed in the way of Jehovah,” 35:45 and notice that he was “aglow with the spirit,” 35:47 which caused him to speak and teach accurately 35:50 about the things of Jesus. 35:53 “But he was acquainted only with the baptism of John. 35:56 “He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, 35:59 “and when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, 36:02 “[What did they do?] 36:03 “they took him into their company 36:05 and explained the way of God more accurately to him.” 36:10 Well, what outstanding qualities Apollos had 36:13 —qualities that you students have as well! 36:17 Now, Apollos had his strengths; 36:19 but like all of us, he also had his weaknesses 36:23 and he knew that he needed to humbly get more help, 36:27 more understanding. 36:29 So how thankful we are, and he was, 36:32 that Aquila and Priscilla filled in the gaps 36:36 —helped him to appreciate the deeper things of Jehovah 36:39 so that he could speak more accurately. 36:42 Yes, this well-grounded, spiritually mature couple 36:46 also helped Apollos learn life lessons. 36:51 Like what? 36:53 Like working as a team 36:55 —working in unity. 36:57 They also taught him life lessons about going the extra mile 37:01 in helping those who needed help spiritually 37:03 as well as materially; 37:06 what it means to be generous, 37:08 to be hospitable; 37:10 and also the key that humility is needed 37:14 in order to support others, 37:16 so that we’re content in our assignment. 37:20 Like Apollos, you accepted the invitation to come to Gilead 37:24 to receive extra schooling 37:26 to have a deeper understanding of God’s Word, the Bible. 37:30 And along the way, 37:32 you learned vital life lessons from this Bethel family, 37:35 who are supporting you. 37:37 You learned what it means to go the extra mile 37:39 —to be hospitable, generous, kind, and patient. 37:44 You also learned what it means to be a giver and not simply a taker. 37:50 You will soon graduate. 37:52 You will have a diploma in your hand. 37:54 Is that it? You walk away and that’s it? 37:57 That’s all for your instruction? 37:59 Of course not. 38:00 We know Jehovah promises 38:02 that he will continue to give you instruction. 38:06 In fact, at 1 Peter chapter 5, notice verse 10. 38:13 There at 1 Peter 5:10, 38:15 Jehovah promises that he will “finish your training.” 38:20 Well, how will he finish your training? 38:22 It goes on to say that his continued training 38:25 “will make you firm,” 38:27 it “will make you strong,” 38:29 and “he will firmly ground you.” 38:32 So just as a keel is filled with heavy weight 38:35 to keep the boat stable and upright, 38:39 so too Jehovah promises to give you his powerful holy spirit 38:44 so that you can be strengthened and stabilized 38:47 and help others to do the same 38:49 —to be firmly grounded. 38:52 Now, because Apollos was humble and he accepted the help, 38:56 he put himself in a position to be used mightily by Jehovah 39:00 and by his organization. 39:03 Now, what did he do to greatly help the congregations back then? 39:07 Notice Acts 18:27. 39:11 There at Acts 18:27, 39:15 Apollos not only helped the congregation in Achaia 39:19 but it says that “he greatly helped” them. 39:24 And it went on to say in another translation of this verse 39:28 that “he powerfully reinforced” them. 39:31 So he was really someone who took the training 39:34 and really made it happen. 39:37 In fact, if you look at verse 28, 39:39 he set an example of someone who should be zealous in the ministry. 39:43 He used the Scriptures that he had at the time, 39:46 and he used these as his authority. 39:48 And how did he speak? 39:50 Verse 28 says “with great intensity.” 39:54 So we could say 39:56 that basically Apollos was a keel with zeal. 40:01 And we look forward to seeing how you will use your Gilead training 40:06 to greatly help others in your assignments 40:08 and doing so with great intensity. 40:11 Now, when you look at a sailboat, 40:13 what’s the first thing that you normally see? 40:16 Isn’t it the sail? 40:18 Why? 40:19 Because it’s the most prominent, outstanding thing on a sailboat. 40:23 Now, the keel, on the other hand, is unseen. 40:27 It’s below the water, below the boat, but there it is. 40:30 It’s doing its job. 40:31 It’s keeping that sailboat upright, supported, and stabilized. 40:36 Now, you could hardly imagine Apollos thinking to himself: 40:40 ‘I know that my assignment as a keel 40:43 ‘—as a support, as a stabilizer— 40:45 ‘is important, but I don’t think I’m being tapped into my true potential. 40:49 ‘I don’t think the brothers can really see me down here, 40:52 ‘doing all that I’m supposed to do. 40:54 ‘Yes, I know that I’m not an apostle. 40:57 ‘I’m not being used to write inspired letters, 41:00 ‘although I would be a logical choice. 41:04 ‘If only, if only, I could have a more elevated, higher position, 41:09 ‘maybe like the sail. 41:11 ‘If I was the sail, everyone could see me 41:14 ‘and I could get more airtime. 41:16 ‘And then everyone could hear me 41:18 and my words that are so eloquent.’ 41:21 Well, we know that that’s ridiculous. 41:23 He never thought that, and he never acted that way toward others. 41:27 The Bible only reveals just a fraction 41:30 of all that Apollos said and that he did. 41:33 But what we do know 41:35 is that the most outstanding and most prominent thing about Apollos 41:39 was his humility. 41:41 He was willing, humble, 41:43 to do anything wherever he was sent to go. 41:48 He never allowed his strengths to become weaknesses. 41:53 Likewise, much of what you, Gilead students, 41:56 will do in the future will be unseen by others. 42:00 But you know that Jehovah sees everything you do 42:03 and all the work and the stabilizing you do 42:06 in behalf of his precious sheep. 42:09 You students have many gifts, many strengths, many abilities. 42:14 But your humility must exceed 42:17 any gifts or strengths that you have; 42:20 never allow your strengths to become your weakness. 42:24 Remember, ability without humility is a liability, 42:31 but ability with humility is stability. 42:36 And that’s the key to a keel. 42:39 And no doubt when you look back at your life, 42:41 there were many that served as a keel for you. 42:45 They were the ones who stabilized you, balanced you, 42:47 when you needed it most. 42:49 When you were going through turbulent storms in your life, 42:51 they were there for you. 42:53 Who was your Apollos? 42:55 Who was your Aquila? your Pricilla? 42:58 Remember all that they said and did for you, 43:02 and remember that you can be that person for someone else. 43:05 They can help you to be balanced, stable, even-keeled. 43:11 Now it’s your turn. 43:13 Take your Gilead training and greatly help your brothers and sisters. 43:18 Love them, support them, 43:20 strengthen them, stabilize them. 43:23 Be the keel. 43:32 By the way, I forgot to mention that was Ron Curzan, 43:35 in case you didn’t know. 43:37 So we appreciate that spiritual sailing lesson. 43:42 Now, at the first graduation in 1943, 43:46 there were four Gilead instructors 43:49 who gave parting words to the class. 43:53 Three of them 43:55 —three instructors, not the original instructors— 43:59 three instructors are going to be on the program today. 44:03 And so the first one is Brother Jim Cauthon, 44:06 and he’s going to speak on the subject 44:08 “Pause and Reset.” 44:13 There are two things that I know about you 44:17 and two things that you know about me. 44:23 The first is we want to serve Jehovah, 44:27 and we want to do so acceptably. 44:29 And the second is we want to be happy. 44:32 Wouldn’t you agree? 44:34 Now, to the first point, there’s not much of a problem 44:38 because you’ve had five months of study now. 44:41 You’ve been through the Bible. 44:43 You know what Jehovah expects —what he wants— 44:46 and you’re prepared to do it. 44:48 But, now, as to the second point, 44:50 that can be a little bit more challenging. 44:52 Why do I say that? 44:54 Well, happiness can be tricky. 44:57 We all know people who by all standards 45:01 should seem to be happy, but they’re not. 45:05 On the other hand, we know people who face 45:08 many, many difficult challenges every day, 45:11 but they just seem to radiate happiness. 45:17 We quickly realize that happiness 45:20 is not dependent on things, on circumstances, 45:24 or even on people. 45:26 Why is that? 45:27 It’s because true happiness is not an end goal; 45:31 it is a by-product. 45:33 But a by-product of what? 45:36 Well, the answer to that question lies back in time. 45:40 Open your Bibles, if you would, to Deuteronomy chapter 16. 45:46 And here, discussing one of the three annual festivals 45:50 that Jehovah required the Israelites to attend, 45:54 in verse 15 he gave these words. 45:58 He said: “Seven days you will celebrate the festival to Jehovah your God 46:03 “in the place that Jehovah chooses, 46:05 “for Jehovah your God will bless all your produce and all that you do, 46:10 and you will become nothing but joyful.” 46:14 Now, did you notice Jehovah’s words there? 46:18 “You will become nothing but joyful.” 46:22 You see, being joyful as a worshipper of Jehovah 46:27 was not an option. 46:29 He actually made it an act of worship. 46:32 But why? 46:34 It’s because imperfect humans can lose their appreciation 46:38 for things that become a routine part of life, 46:41 even if these things are a reflection of Jehovah’s loving concern. 46:47 So, what was it about these festivals that would cause all who attended them 46:51 to “become nothing but joyful”? 46:54 Well, each festival was to be a time 46:57 when the Israelites stopped what they were doing. 47:00 In other words, they would pause, 47:03 and they would go up to Jerusalem 47:06 to reflect on the blessings that they had received from Jehovah 47:10 and that they were receiving. 47:12 In other words, they would reset. 47:16 What effect did this pause and reset have on the Israelites? 47:21 One word —gratitude. 47:24 You know what happens when we feel gratitude? 47:28 Happiness always follows. 47:30 You remember Jehovah’s words: 47:32 “You will become nothing but joyful,” 47:35 and Jehovah knows that happiness is a by-product of gratitude. 47:40 Now, how does this ancient example help us today? 47:44 Well, life in this old system is filled with hardships. 47:49 Ahead of you will be challenges, uncertainties, 47:54 “time and unforeseen occurrence.” 47:56 And really, that’s true for all of us. 47:59 Jehovah knows this, 48:01 but he also knows that it is precisely during times of crisis 48:06 that we have the most to gain 48:08 by having a grateful perspective. 48:12 Gratitude reminds us that our Creator loves us and that he cares about us. 48:17 It reminds us that God’s goodness exists 48:21 even in the worst that life has to offer. 48:25 Gratitude doesn’t cure suffering, but it has the power to heal. 48:29 Gratitude doesn’t erase despair, 48:32 but it has the power to radiate hope. 48:36 Gratitude nullifies negativity. 48:41 “The joy of Jehovah [becomes our] stronghold.” 48:45 But it’s up to us. 48:47 Because gratitude is more than just a feeling, 48:49 brothers and sisters; 48:51 it’s a mind-set, it’s a disposition, 48:55 and it’s a choice. 48:57 Why do we say a choice? 48:59 It’s because we can make a conscious decision 49:03 to see blessings instead of curses. 49:06 Jehovah is called “the happy God,” 49:08 and he gives us the recipe to be happy too. 49:13 That recipe is found, in part, 49:15 in Psalm 143. 49:18 Let’s turn there, 49:20 Psalm 143:5. 49:24 David, the psalmist, said this; 49:28 he said: “I remember the days of old; 49:31 “I meditate on all your activity; 49:34 I eagerly ponder over the works of your hands.” 49:39 What’s the point? 49:41 The psalmist is basically telling us 49:43 that from time to time 49:45 we have to stop and press the pause button. 49:48 We need to take time to look around. 49:51 Jehovah has bejeweled our world with daily reminders 49:56 of his goodness, his power, but most of all, his love for us. 50:02 All we have to do is take the time to look. 50:07 We are immersed in the goodness of God, 50:10 so pause from time to time. 50:13 Take a moment to appreciate what God is giving you each day. 50:18 Contemplate the abundance 50:20 and the diversity of life. 50:23 Ponder, muse, meditate 50:26 on all the works of the true God. 50:28 Drink in the awesomeness of the universe 50:30 on a starry night. 50:35 No two sunrises and no two sunsets 50:39 are ever exactly alike. 50:43 Look up to the clouds. 50:44 What you see is ever changing. 50:47 There was nothing exactly like it before, nor will there ever be again. 50:53 The feeling you will experience is a refreshment of the soul; 50:56 it’s a reset. 50:59 Eyes see only light, and ears hear only sound; 51:02 but a grateful heart perceives meaning. 51:05 We perceive that Jehovah created all these things 51:10 as a gift for us. 51:14 That’s right; each day was to be a very special gift, 51:18 unique unto itself. 51:20 Why? 51:22 To make endless life not just special 51:25 but amazing, wondrous, and always a joy. 51:30 Connecting with Jehovah’s creation 51:33 helps to discharge anxiety. 51:36 It shifts our attention 51:38 to something safe, something enduring, 51:40 something outside ourselves. 51:43 It helps us to accept life’s uncertainties 51:46 by reassuring us that we are a part of something larger, 51:50 something everlasting, 51:52 something immensely important. 51:55 Yes, we are a part of God’s purpose. 52:01 Gratitude is important 52:04 not only because it helps us feel good 52:07 but because it inspires us to do good. 52:11 A grateful spirit will make you more loving, 52:14 more forgiving, more feeling, more thoughtful. 52:20 Thankfulness is a soil in which joy thrives. 52:25 So open your hearts to the blessings around you. 52:30 Let gratefulness flow from the inside out to others. 52:35 You too “will become nothing but joyful,” 52:38 and that joy will show in your smile, 52:40 in your eyes, in your touch, 52:43 and in your words. 52:44 Why? 52:45 Because gratitude 52:47 is the ability to experience life, 52:50 not as a test, but as a gift. 52:52 It will impact every relationship 52:55 that you have —your family, 52:57 your marriage, your work, 52:59 even your ministry. 53:02 You’ll be in a much better position to make 53:05 a real difference in the lives of others. 53:07 It will liberate you from the prison of self-preoccupation, 53:12 and it will replace a critical spirit with a sense of appreciation. 53:18 So pause regularly 53:22 to reflect on what Jehovah has given you. 53:25 Give the digital world a break. 53:29 Take a walk outside, and don’t just look 53:32 —pause and perceive. 53:36 Try to count all the blessings that you receive each day, 53:39 and you will find it easier to cope with the trials and the stresses of life. 53:44 We are never more than one grateful thought away 53:49 from increased peace of mind and greater peace of heart. 53:53 Just remember, pause and reflect. 54:04 I think we all agree that we needed that. 54:08 We appreciate that effective presentation. 54:11 Now, the second of our instructors to speak today 54:14 is Brother Mark Noumair. 54:16 And he’s going to talk on the subject 54:18 “The Unsung Legacy.” 54:22 Legacy. 54:24 The word carries the thought 54:27 of passing on something of value 54:31 to those that come after you. 54:34 But what is an unsung legacy? 54:38 It’s a legacy that’s unknown. 54:41 So if no one knows about you, 54:45 how can you pass on anything of value to them? 54:50 Can you influence others 54:52 if your work is behind the scenes? 54:57 Yes. 54:58 The Kenites did. 55:00 They’re not included in the “cloud of witnesses” 55:04 in Hebrews chapter 11. 55:07 Yet the value of their faith, 55:09 what they’ve passed on to you, 55:11 is worth meditating on. 55:14 They never enjoyed the spotlight. 55:17 Yet, in Jehovah’s eyes, 55:19 they are so precious and unforgettable. 55:23 Let’s do some digging 55:25 and unearth the legacy of the Kenites. 55:30 And we want you to learn valuable lessons, 55:32 especially lessons that will help you 55:36 search your hearts and motives. 55:39 The first Kenite mentioned in the Bible 55:42 is Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law. 55:46 When hearing that Jehovah freed the Israelites from Egypt, 55:50 notice what Jethro said here 55:52 —his response— at Exodus 18:11. 55:58 Jethro says: “Now I know 56:01 “that Jehovah is greater than all the other gods, 56:04 “because of what he did 56:06 to those who acted arrogantly against his people.” 56:09 These are Jethro’s words. 56:11 And now in verse 12, what he did was offer up sacrifices 56:15 to Jehovah God. 56:17 You see —this Jethro, this Kenite— 56:20 he recognized that Jehovah God 56:23 was directing the nation of Israel, 56:26 and he recognized that he was to help Moses. 56:29 Jehovah God was using Moses. 56:32 Moses had been given this exhausting job 56:34 of directing some three million people. 56:37 So Jethro said, ‘How can I assist?’ 56:40 He wanted to support Moses —support. 56:43 So he assisted Moses to reach a God-approved solution. 56:48 ‘Select capable, trustworthy men, Moses, 56:50 ‘and appoint them as chiefs 56:55 over hundreds and fifties and tens’ and so forth. 56:59 Them, not me —them. 57:02 You see, Jethro was not looking for a position for himself. 57:06 He simply gave advice to be of support to Moses. 57:10 Why? 57:11 So that Moses could continue to do Jehovah God’s work. 57:16 He wanted to be involved in helping. 57:18 He saw Jehovah’s blessing on Moses. 57:21 He didn’t criticize. 57:23 Jethro didn’t sit back and say: ‘You’re not even a fluent speaker. 57:27 ‘Who do you think you are, trying to manage three million people? 57:29 I knew you as a shepherd boy, back with me.’ 57:32 He didn’t do that. 57:34 He said, ‘I want to assist.’ 57:36 So the support of this Kenite proved to be invaluable 57:40 not just to Moses 57:42 but ultimately for the entire nation 57:45 that was chosen by God. 57:47 So this is your first big lesson. 57:50 Like Jethro, look for ways to support 57:54 and to be selfless. 57:57 Don’t look for position. 57:59 Positions come and go, 58:01 but your value to Jehovah God will not. 58:04 That’s what Jehovah is looking for. 58:07 He loves your faithful service, not position. 58:10 And rather than criticize others, help. 58:13 Help your brother succeed at their work. 58:16 Let them take the credit. 58:19 Drain the venom of position and human recognition from your mind. 58:25 Jesus said, 58:27 “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing.” 58:31 So prove to yourself and prove to Jehovah God 58:36 that you are more for the Kingdom than for the glory. 58:41 That’s Jethro. 58:43 But the legacy of the Kenites continues. 58:46 Jethro had a son, Hobab. 58:50 Hobab was Moses’ brother-in-law. 58:52 So when the time now came for the Israelites 58:55 to travel toward the Promised Land, 58:57 Moses requested something from Hobab. 59:00 And that’s found at Numbers chapter 10 59:04 —Numbers 10:31. 59:09 Now, at this Moses says to Hobab, in verse 31: 59:13 “Please do not leave us, 59:15 “for you know where we should camp in the wilderness, 59:18 and you can serve as our guide.” 59:20 As the footnote says, our “eyes.” 59:23 You see, Moses wanted Hobab to come. 59:27 Why? He was familiar with the terrain; 59:30 he knew where to find water; he knew where to find pasturage. 59:33 Hobab saw the big picture. 59:35 Hobab, come with us; serve as our “eyes.” 59:38 Use your knowledge; 59:40 use your experience 59:43 as a scout for the nation. 59:45 We need your experience. 59:47 Hobab could have stayed home. 59:49 Why go? 59:50 ‘I have a family; I have my friends; I have a comfortable life. 59:53 ‘Why should I throw my lot in with some three million people? 59:56 I have no idea what’s going to happen to you.’ 59:59 But he went. 1:00:01 Hobab, with no apparent reward for himself, 1:00:04 used his experience to guide the nation 1:00:09 as they traveled toward the Promised Land. 1:00:12 Now, what does this mean for you? 1:00:14 It means something big. 1:00:16 During the past five months, you have become familiar 1:00:20 with this spiritual terrain 1:00:22 of the 66 books of the Bible. 1:00:25 You’ve been given the big picture. 1:00:27 You got it from Genesis to Revelation 1:00:30 —history lessons, geography lessons, archaeology lessons, 1:00:33 lesson after lesson, day after day, 1:00:36 written review after written review. 1:00:38 You got it. 1:00:40 Use your experience now. 1:00:42 Use that knowledge —to do what? 1:00:44 To serve as a guide for others. 1:00:47 For example, 1:00:50 when someone faces a crisis of faith, 1:00:53 they might find it difficult to travel this unfamiliar terrain. 1:00:57 It could be challenging for them. 1:00:59 Show them from God’s Word where they can find spiritual water. 1:01:03 Where can they get refreshment? Where can they get the energy? 1:01:07 Help them travel that terrain. 1:01:10 You owe it to them. 1:01:13 You have been given a beautiful view, while being here at school, 1:01:17 of the organization 1:01:19 —a unique vista of God’s organization that many will never see. 1:01:23 You will go back to your assignments, and many will never experience 1:01:26 what you’ve been able to experience. 1:01:30 Share with them your memories, your experience. 1:01:33 Strengthen their confidence in Jehovah God’s organization. 1:01:37 Don’t be stingy by holding your knowledge hostage. 1:01:41 Train two to become better than you. 1:01:45 Then, they train two, 1:01:48 and then they train two, 1:01:51 and they train two. 1:01:53 Imagine, if you adopt and embrace 1:01:58 this healthy mind-set, 1:02:01 you will help forge a path 1:02:03 toward a strong and unified organization. 1:02:07 That’s your responsibility. 1:02:10 So now we have two —two generations of Kenites 1:02:15 who loyally supported Jehovah God and his people. 1:02:19 A legacy had begun. 1:02:22 Would it continue? 1:02:25 Well, let’s jump ahead to the time of the kings. 1:02:28 We have 1 Chronicles 2:55 1:02:31 that identifies another Kenite named Rechab, 1:02:34 and his son was Jehonadab. 1:02:37 Jehonadab lived during the time period of King Jehu, 1:02:41 when Jehovah God commissioned Jehu to go wipe out Baal worship. 1:02:45 And then Jehonadab comes out. 1:02:47 He meets Jehu. 1:02:49 Imagine, he wants to meet him; he wants to support Jehu. 1:02:52 At 2 Kings 10:15, what did Jehu say? 1:02:55 ‘Jehonadab, is your heart with me?’ 1:02:57 ‘It is, my heart is with you.’ 1:02:59 ‘Then get up into this chariot.’ 1:03:01 He pulled him up in. 1:03:02 Wonderful! 1:03:04 Jehonadab wanted to support [Jehu]. 1:03:06 It was a privilege for Jehonadab to come out publicly 1:03:11 and show his loyalty for Jehu’s God-given commission 1:03:14 —a privilege. 1:03:15 I’m going to be with you. 1:03:18 When Jehonadab accepted Jehu’s hand, 1:03:21 imagine, he stepped into that chariot. 1:03:23 He didn’t get underneath. 1:03:24 He stood up. 1:03:25 He was proud to be a part of that process. 1:03:28 He in effect was saying: 1:03:30 “Jehu, I’m sticking with you. 1:03:33 “I’ll do whatever you need. 1:03:35 “It doesn’t matter what the job is. 1:03:37 I’m with you.” 1:03:39 Like Jehonadab, be determined to accept the privilege 1:03:44 of loyally supporting the decisions 1:03:47 made by God’s visible organization. 1:03:50 Support those decisions today, tomorrow, 1:03:53 next week, next month, next year. 1:03:56 Who knows? 1:03:57 But you’re going to be a part of this, and it’s big. 1:04:02 You know, from a human standpoint the Kenites had no royal lineage, 1:04:06 no notable accomplishments, no home. 1:04:08 There’s no country of Kenite. 1:04:10 They’re easy to miss and overlook. 1:04:13 Unsung as a people 1:04:17 but not unseen by Jehovah. 1:04:21 Jehovah saw these faithful Kenites and all they had done for his people, 1:04:25 and he never forgot them. 1:04:27 Jehovah didn’t forget them; he loved them. 1:04:30 How do we know? 1:04:33 Well, again, 1 Chronicles 2:55 says 1:04:36 that they are part of the genealogy of Judah. 1:04:39 They’re tacked on at the end. 1:04:41 Jehovah said, ‘Welcome to the family.’ 1:04:43 Beautiful! 1:04:45 First Samuel 15:6 shows that Jehovah protected them 1:04:49 when Saul was going against the Amalekites. 1:04:51 And the Kenites, get out of the way. 1:04:53 Because of your loyal love, 1:04:55 move out of the way so that you don’t get hurt. 1:04:58 And he rewarded them. 1:05:00 In Jeremiah’s day, he concluded a covenant 1:05:03 with Jehonadab’s descendants, the Rechabites, 1:05:05 because of their enduring loyalty for decades. 1:05:10 Jehovah declared at Jeremiah 35:19: 1:05:15 “There will never fail to be a descendant of Jehonadab 1:05:19 the son of Rechab [ever] 1:05:22 to serve in my presence.” 1:05:25 Jehovah respected the loyal endurance of these Rechabites. 1:05:30 He promised that they would survive 1:05:32 the destruction of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. 1:05:37 “There will never fail to be a descendant 1:05:40 . . . in my presence.” 1:05:42 Perhaps, just perhaps, 1:05:45 there were descendants of the Kenites in Jesus’ time 1:05:48 that later became his disciples and are in heaven right now. 1:05:53 Now, we can’t say for a certainty, 1:05:55 we don’t know. 1:05:57 But we would not be surprised. 1:06:01 This is a valuable lesson for you. 1:06:04 If you’re in a land where our work is restricted 1:06:07 or an area where few know the work you are doing, 1:06:11 you might feel alone without an army of support. 1:06:15 Be assured that Jehovah’s eyes 1:06:18 are on your enduring loyalty, 1:06:22 and he so deeply appreciates your faithfulness. 1:06:26 You see, like the Kenites, 1:06:28 your work —it might not be in the spotlight. 1:06:32 At times, you might feel overlooked, unacknowledged, 1:06:36 maybe unsung by humans. 1:06:39 But, again, never unseen by Jehovah. 1:06:43 And just as Jehovah did with the Kenites, 1:06:46 know that your heavenly Father 1:06:49 cherishes and treasures everything you do 1:06:52 and will never forget your faithful service. 1:06:57 The Kenites teach us what we need to do, 1:07:00 what you and I, 1:07:02 what we need to do to be approved by Jehovah. 1:07:06 It’s so precious. 1:07:07 What do we need to do? 1:07:09 Nothing spectacular, just be faithful. 1:07:13 It’s not about fanfare. 1:07:15 It’s silent resilience. 1:07:20 The legacy of the Kenites is now yours. 1:07:25 What will you do with it? 1:07:27 Be a Jethro. 1:07:29 Prove that you love the Kingdom and your brothers 1:07:33 more than your position. 1:07:36 Be a Hobab. 1:07:38 Use your experience to help your brothers find refreshment, 1:07:42 bolstering their spiritual energy to climb those difficult terrains. 1:07:48 And be a Jehonadab. 1:07:50 Show your loyal support 1:07:52 —your loyalty for Jehovah and his organization 1:07:55 by saying, “I’ll do whatever you need 1:07:57 for however long.” 1:07:59 The job doesn’t matter. 1:08:02 By imitating the Kenites, 1:08:05 their example will live on in you 1:08:08 and their unsung loyal support will remain unforgettable. 1:08:21 Well, we appreciate that wise counsel very much. 1:08:26 What a riveting and faith-strengthening program! 1:08:30 Before we conclude, 1:08:32 we’d like to share these greetings from Bulgaria. 1:08:36 Bulgaria is a beautiful mountainous country 1:08:38 in southeastern Europe. 1:08:41 Individual farms are still an important part of life. 1:08:45 Many people still vint their own wine, 1:08:48 can their own fruits and vegetables, 1:08:50 and chop their own firewood to prepare for the cold winters. 1:08:56 In late 1989, when the upheaval of Communism shook Bulgaria, 1:09:00 there were less than 50 publishers in the entire country. 1:09:04 In 1991, the first Gilead-trained missionaries 1:09:09 were assigned there. 1:09:11 Today, Bulgaria has some 2,500 publishers. 1:09:16 Let’s visit the congregation in Vratsa, 1:09:18 a town where houses are built right up to the steep mountain cliffs. 1:09:23 The dramatic rock formations, waterfalls, and caves 1:09:27 attract many tourists. 1:09:30 The Vratsa Congregation has 43 publishers, 1:09:33 of which 5 serve as elders. 1:09:36 The publishers conduct on average 1:09:38 80 Bible studies each month. 1:09:41 Witnesses from other European countries have moved there 1:09:44 to help in the ministry. 1:09:46 The congregation has 14 regular pioneers, 1:09:49 2 special pioneers, and 2 missionaries. 1:09:54 In the recent past, the brothers and sisters in Vratsa 1:09:58 could be issued a fine just for participating in the preaching work, 1:10:02 and some were harassed by the police. 1:10:06 But in October 2017, the congregation rejoiced when a local court 1:10:10 ruled that limiting our preaching work is unconstitutional. 1:10:16 We keep our brothers and sisters 1:10:18 in Bulgaria in our prayers. 1:10:20 We love them very much! 1:10:24 From the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1:10:27 this is JW Broadcasting.