DECEMBER 30, 2024–JANUARY 5, 2025

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD

Israelites joyfully gathering a bountiful wheat harvest. — Repatriated Israelites reaping with joy because of Jehovah’s blessing on their hard work

1. They Sowed With Tears, but Reaped With Joy

(10 min.)

The Israelites were happy when they were freed from Babylon to restore pure worship (Ps 126:1-3)

Those who returned to Judea may have wept because of the considerable effort involved (Ps 126:5; w04 6/1 16 ¶10)

The people persisted and were blessed (Ps 126:6; w21.11 47:17; w01 7/15 18-19 ¶13-14; see picture)

Israelites working hard to cultivate the land. One man sows seed while another plows the field.

FOR MEDITATION: After we are delivered from this old world at Armageddon, what challenges will we have during the great reconstruction? What blessings will we reap?

2. Spiritual Gems

(10 min.)

Ps 124:2-5—Can we expect Jehovah to protect us physically as he did the nation of Israel? (cl 73 ¶15)

Your answer
What spiritual gems from this week’s Bible reading would you like to share?

Your answer

3. Bible Reading

(4 min.) Luke 6:24-36 (th study 5)

APPLY YOURSELF TO THE FIELD MINISTRY

4. Starting a Conversation

(3 min.) PUBLIC WITNESSING. (lmd lesson 3 point 5)

5. Following Up

(4 min.) HOUSE TO HOUSE. On the previous visit, the person expressed doubts about the Bible. (lmd lesson 9 point 5)

6. Making Disciples

(5 min.) lff lesson 16 intro and points 1-3 (lmd lesson 11 point 3)

LIVING AS CHRISTIANS

7. Take Delight in God’s Promises

(15 min.) Discussion.

Jehovah fulfilled his promises to his people exiled in Babylon. He delivered them and healed them spiritually. (Isa 33:24) He evidently protected them and their domestic animals from falling prey to lions and other beasts that had increased during the time the people were gone. (Isa 65:25) They could enjoy living in their own homes and eating the fruitage of their own vineyards. (Isa 65:21) God blessed their work, and they enjoyed long lives.—Isa 65:22, 23.

Scenes from the video “Take Delight in God’s Promises of Peace—Excerpt.” Collage: 1. Brothers and sisters enjoy a picnic together. 2. An aerial view of mountains and forests. 3. The resurrected prophet Daniel walks through a forest. 4. A couple hugs their resurrected young daughter. 5. A tray of fruits and vegetables. 6. A waterfall.

Play the VIDEO Take Delight in God’s Promises of Peace—Excerpt. Then ask the audience:

How are we experiencing a spiritual fulfillment of these prophecies?

Your answer
How will they be fulfilled in a grander way in the new world?

Your answer
Which ones are you looking forward to the most?

Your answer

8. Congregation Bible Study

(30 min.) w19.12 49:1-7