“Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.”
Malachi 3:16 · KJV
Sabbath Scripture ReaderBrother Kendrick Lee
Continuing from last week, Brother Kendrick saw one theme running through every reading: faith, trust and obedience. Abraham had to trust his servant with very specific instructions, sworn by oath, to go to his kinsmen and his father's house and find a wife for his son. The servant, in turn, had to trust and obey, believing Yah would make his journey successful.
And Yitzchak had to trust his father. Instead of going out and doing his own thing by choosing a wife from the people of the land where they were foreigners, he waited. Each one trusted the one above him, and in the end the right wife came, because Yehovah sent His angel ahead to show the signs.
Sabbath Scripture ReaderBrother Samuel Gaines Jr.
Dovetailing on Brother Kendrick, Brother Samuel praised Yehovah for how our leader has guided the men of the assembly in becoming husbands and in knowing what to look for in a wife. He testified that he found his own wife, and that blessed him as he read how Yitzchak's wife was chosen.
What moved him most was that when the prayer was answered, the servant bowed and worshipped. Rivka and her family also saw what Yehovah was doing. “When we see the different things that Yehovah has spoken and we see them performed time and time again, it causes us to worship.” Following Yehovah, His Word and our leader is what keeps us, even in these end times.
Sabbath Scripture ReaderDr. Marlon Jones
From Luke 9:62, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God,” Dr. Marlon drew the theme of the day. Life can take the wind out of your sails: losing loved ones, mistakes, regret so heavy that, like Judas, one is “seized with remorse,” or a dream under threat, as Shlomo's throne was. Yet we cannot sit back, and we cannot fall into destructive behavior. “Looking back causes one to veer and sway.” Keep your eyes on the mark and plow a straight line.
His charge came from Nathan's counsel to Bathsheba: go in and get an audience with the King. Like Esther, whatever comes, whoever stays or goes, however society goes, bring it to Him. “Didn't You promise me?” Then watch Him step in. The Most High God is in control, so keep plowing the line.
Sister Denise Jefferson
Abraham listened to his wife and learned from her. At the end of his life he gave gifts to the sons of the concubines and sent them away, just as he had once sent Hagar and Ishmael away at Sarah's word. That cleared the path so Yitzchak could receive his inheritance.
Sister Jade Elizabeth Cherry
For Yehovah to order my footsteps, I have to yield to Him. “My eyes are focused on Yeshua HaMashiach, who is the author and finisher of my faith.”
Sister Aurelia
From Genesis 24: “Thou blessed of the LORD; wherefore standest thou without?” We are already blessed, so keep going and go get it.
Sister Celestine
She remembered Mother's teaching: “get the right instruction, understand it and do it quickly.” She also testified that Yehovah reminded her she is not alone.
Sister Dorothy Crutchfield Lee
Our pace may not be the same as others', yet we move forward. She held on to Mother's words not to let negative facts steal our faith, and took her son's counsel to ask Yehovah exactly what to do.