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

Saturday, August 16

He will firmly ground you.​—1 Pet. 5:10.

An honest self-examination may reveal that you have certain weaknesses, but do not be discouraged. “The Lord is kind,” and he will help you to improve. (1 Pet. 2:3) The apostle Peter assures us: “God . . . will himself finish your training. He will make you firm.” Peter once felt unworthy to be in the presence of God’s Son. (Luke 5:8) But with the loving support of Jehovah and of Jesus, Peter persevered as a follower of Christ. Peter thus was approved to gain “entrance into the everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2 Pet. 1:11) What a reward! If you persevere as Peter did and allow yourself to be trained by Jehovah, you too will receive the reward of everlasting life. You will “attain the goal of your faith, your salvation.”​—1 Pet. 1:9. w23.09 41:16-17

Sunday, August 17

Worship the One who made the heaven and the earth.​—Rev. 14:7.

The ancient tabernacle had one courtyard​—a fenced, open area where the priests performed their duties. The large copper altar of burnt offering was located in the courtyard, along with a copper basin of water that the priests used to cleanse themselves before performing their sacred service. (Ex. 30:17-20; 40:6-8) Today, the remnant of Christ’s anointed brothers faithfully serve in the earthly inner courtyard of the spiritual temple. The presence of the large basin of water is an important reminder for them, as it is for all Christians, to remain morally and spiritually clean. Where, then, do the “great crowd” offer their worship? The apostle John saw them “standing before the throne,” in what corresponds on earth to the outer courtyard, where “they are rendering [God] sacred service day and night in his temple.” (Rev. 7:9, 13-15) How we cherish having a place in Jehovah’s arrangement for pure worship! w23.10 45:15-16