Wednesday, August 13

I will make you a great nation.​—Gen. 12:2.

Jehovah made that promise to Abraham when he was a childless 75-year-old man. Did Abraham see that promise fulfilled? Not completely. After crossing the Euphrates River and waiting 25 years, Abraham did see the miraculous birth of his son Isaac, and after another 60 years, his grandsons Esau and Jacob were born. (Heb. 6:15) But Abraham never saw his descendants become a great nation and inherit the Promised Land. However, that faithful man did enjoy a close friendship with his Creator. (Jas. 2:23) And when Abraham is resurrected, how thrilled he will be to learn that his faith and patience resulted in blessings for all nations! (Gen. 22:18) What is the lesson? We personally may not see all of Jehovah’s promises fulfilled right away. However, if we are patient like Abraham, we can be sure that Jehovah will reward us now and even more so in His promised new world.​—Mark 10:29, 30. w23.08 35:14

Thursday, August 14

During the time he was searching for Jehovah, the true God made him prosper.​—2 Chron. 26:5.

As a youth, King Uzziah was humble. He learned “to fear the true God.” And Jehovah blessed him for most of his 68 years. (2 Chron. 26:1-4) Uzziah defeated many of the nation’s enemies and strengthened Jerusalem’s defenses. (2 Chron. 26:6-15) Uzziah was surely happy with all that God had helped him to do. (Eccl. 3:12, 13) King Uzziah was accustomed to having others follow his instructions. Did that make him think he could do anything he wanted? Well, one day Uzziah decided to enter Jehovah’s temple and presumptuously tried to burn incense on the altar, which kings were not allowed to do. (2 Chron. 26:16-18) High Priest Azariah tried to correct him, but Uzziah got very angry. Sadly, Uzziah ruined his record of faithful service and was punished with leprosy. (2 Chron. 26:19-21) How different his life would have turned out had he remained humble! w23.09 38:9-10

Friday, August 15

He . . . separated himself, fearing those of the circumcised class.​—Gal. 2:12.

Even after he became an anointed Christian, the apostle Peter had to deal with his weaknesses. In 36 C.E., Peter was present when the uncircumcised Gentile Cornelius was anointed with holy spirit, which was clear evidence that “God is not partial” and that Gentiles could be part of the Christian congregation. (Acts 10:34, 44, 45) Peter thereafter felt free to share meals with Gentiles, something he would never have done earlier. However, some Jewish Christians felt that Jews and Gentiles should not eat together. When some who had that viewpoint came to Antioch, Peter stopped eating with his Gentile brothers, likely out of fear of offending Jewish Christians. The apostle Paul saw this hypocrisy and rebuked Peter publicly. (Gal. 2:13, 14) Despite this setback, Peter persevered. w23.09 40:8