Transcripts: Broadcasts

Transcript: JW Broadcasting September 2024
(Jeffrey Winder. Governing Body)
Jeffrey: In this month's program, we'll learn how Jehovah is there for us when life feels unfair. In a new episode of Imitate Their Faith, we'll see how Miriam accepted discipline with humility. How did two teens promote real change when they were surrounded by injustice? We'll see in our next instalment of reasons for faith. Our music video will show how Jehovah empowers us when we feel overwhelmed. Welcome to JW Broadcasting.
(JW Broadcasting logo, collage of images of people worldwide, spin round a globe, transitions into a white box with the capital letters ‘JW BROADCASTING’ a backdrop of the Earth’s sky view)
Do you ever feel disadvantaged? Do you feel that perhaps because of unfavorable circumstances over which you have no control, you just don't have a fair chance in life? Maybe you feel that in the race of life, others seem to be able to run freely, but you have to run with a crutch. In this program, we're going to talk about a very endearing aspect of Jehovah's personality, his loving care for the disadvantaged. We'll delve into his feelings for such ones, his respect for them, and his long history of caring for them. We'll also consider how Jehovah's care of the lowly ones draws us closer to him and how it can reassure you if you face disadvantages in your life. To begin with, who are the disadvantaged? When we speak of disadvantaged ones in this discussion, we're not talking about the inadequacies of the person, but rather of the unfortunate is in life that one must contend with. Often a person inherits the situation through no fault of his own. Among such ones, the Bible specifically mentions widows, orphans, and foreign residents. Notice this at Deuteronomy 24: 17. ‘You must not pervert the judgment of the foreign resident or of the fatherless child, and you must not seize the garment of a widow as security for a loan.’ The Watchtower said, "The law specifically protected those who could not protect themselves, such as orphans, widows, and foreign residents." Psalm 10:14 refers to such ones as "unfortunate victims." And The Bible also uses the term "lowly ones," not because they're less important, but because of their circumstances. Our next main question is, how does Jehovah feel about such ones? We really see a beautiful aspect of Jehovah's personality here, his compassion and empathy in action. Since a widow doesn't have a husband to care for her, an orphan doesn't have parents to provide for and protect him, and a foreigner has no advocate, Jehovah steps in and fills those roles personally. Notice this in the wording of Psalm 68 in verse 5. “A father of the fatherless and a protector of widows is God in his holy dwelling.” Jehovah himself assumes the responsibility left vacated. He becomes the Father. He becomes the protector. As their protector, note how he views their care at Exodus 22: 22 -24. “You must not afflict any widow or fatherless child. If you afflict him at all, so that he cries out to me, I will unfailingly hear his outcry, and my anger will blaze, and I will kill you with the sword, and your wives will become widows, and your children will be fatherless."
(The Watchtower April 1, 2009, p.31)
Regarding this verse, the Watchtower said, ‘Notice that Jehovah did not leave it up to the human judges in Israel to enforce this law. God Himself would execute judgment upon anyone who took advantage of a defenseless child.’ This is how, personally, Jehovah takes the care of the lowly disadvantaged ones. They become His responsibility. They come under His protection. Jehovah personally makes up for any disadvantage they may have. The fact that Jehovah takes personal responsibility for such ones is further seen in Proverbs 19:17. “The one showing favor to the lowly is lending to Jehovah and he will repay him for what he does.” Let's walk through the process that this verse describes. First, we assist the lowly, or we show favor to them in some way. We help them in a practical way.
(Two women examine together the ‘Learn to Read’ publication in their language.)
We encourage them. We make sure they get justice, or care for something else they're in need of. Well, as discussed, Jehovah has assumed the responsibility to care for these disadvantaged ones. So, when we step in and assist, Jehovah views this as if we are giving to Him, assisting Him with His responsibility. But Jehovah doesn't view it as a gift or payment, but as a loan. What's the difference between a gift and a loan? A loan must be paid. Imagine, when we assist the disadvantaged, Jehovah actually views himself as indebted to us lowly humans. Jehovah will repay that debt with favor and blessings. Without a doubt, Jehovah feels strongly about the care of disadvantaged ones. But let's consider this a little further. Because of Jehovah's love and compassion for the disadvantaged, he enacted laws to protect them in Israel. In these laws, we see the depth of Jehovah's understanding and his tender care and protection of such ones. Consider just two examples. First, let's look at his law regarding a security for a loan. We find this at Exodus 22: 26, and 27, "If you seize the garment of your fellow man as security for a loan, you are to return it to him by sunset, for it is his only covering, his clothing to cover his body; in what will he lie down to sleep? When he cries out to me, I will certainly hear, for I am compassionate." There's compassion in this law for any poor Israelite who might find himself in this situation. However, note the additional stipulation made in the case of widows as stated at Deuteronomy 24:17. “You must not pervert the judgment of the foreign resident or of the fatherless child, and you must not seize the garment of a widow as security for a loan.” In the widow's case, no Israelite was to take her garment as security at all. Jehovah evidently wanted to eliminate any chance that she be left overnight without her garment to keep her warm. Isn't that beautiful? Don't we see Jehovah's special love and care for disadvantaged ones and a law like this? Here's a second example of a law made to help the lowly ones. In this case, it was related to the sacrifices the Israelites were to make to Jehovah for the forgiveness of their sins. We know the importance of blood in regard to sacrifices to atone ones from sin. Leviticus 17:11 tells us that it is the blood that makes atonement. However, note the provision made for the very poor in Israel found at Leviticus 5:11. “Now, if he cannot afford two turtle doves or two young pigeons, he must bring as his offering for his sin a tenth of an ephah of fine flower for a sin offering."
(The Watchtower June 1, 2009, p.26)
Regarding this, the Watchtower said, "For the very poor, Jehovah chose to make an exception and allow a sin offering without blood. In Israel, poverty denied no one the blessing of atonement or the privilege of making peace with God."
The Watchtower continued, "Does that mean that the flour offerings of the poor were worthless?” No. Jehovah surely valued the humble, willing spirit behind such offerings. Furthermore, the sins of the entire nation, including the poor, were covered by the blood of the animals offered to God on the annual day of atonement." In this, we see Jehovah's reasonableness, his compassion, and his love for the disadvantaged. No one was left out, and they received the same refreshment from their sacrifice as any other Israelite. From so far in our discussion, we've highlighted that Jehovah takes personal responsibility for the care of disadvantaged ones. He steps in and fills the vacated role. And when we assist such ones, he views it as lending to him. Further, we see his love and compassion in the laws he enacted to protect such ones in Israel. Here's an important question. When you think about the special place Jehovah has in his heart for disadvantaged ones. How does that make you feel about him? Doesn't it draw you closer to Jehovah? We can't help but love him for it. Jehovah's love and care for the disadvantage is in such stark contrast to the way such ones are often treated in the world. Sadly, the world often steps on the disadvantage, taking more advantage of them because they can. Further, whom does the world praise and promote? Isn't it typically the beautiful, the rich, the talented, the funny, the charismatic? Whereas the common person, even more so the disadvantaged, often doesn't receive such favor. By contrast, Jehovah is on the lookout for the lowly ones. This brings us to our next question. How is this reassuring for those of us who are disadvantaged in one way or another? At the outset, we ask that question, "Do you feel disadvantaged?" What are your circumstances. Maybe because of your situation, you relate to the widow, the orphan, or the foreign resident in Israel. And while the Mosaic Law specifically mentioned those three, we could broaden those groups today, couldn't we? For example, we certainly have widows in our midst today, and our hearts truly go out to these dear ones. But couldn’t we also include in this group wives who are neglected or abused by their husbands, verbally, emotionally, or physically?
(A despondent woman, clutching a book in her hand, sits on a piece of worn cardboard, stares directly at the camera with a look of hopelessness. She is surrounded by scattered litter and two other women nearby)
Such ones don't have the normal protection expected of a husband. Couldn't we also include single parents, either because of the death of a mate or because of divorce or abandonment?
(A mother sits on the street with her child on her lap, both their sad faces streaked with dirt.)
Along with orphans, couldn’t we include children of single parents, children of parents addicted to alcohol or drugs, or children of parents suffering from severe depression or other debilitating mental illness. In these cases, the children may not begin the normal care and training that's due them. And what about foreigners? These are disadvantaged because they have No advocate, no legal recourse for protection.
(A stressed man frowns deeply, his gaze cast downward, as his hand grips the back of his neck.)
Couldn't we also include in this group ones who are minorities in the land where they live and so are often discriminated against? Really, we could include any who do not have the normal protection do them or just don't have the same opportunities as others. Any who feel disadvantaged, such as the impoverished, the disabled, those with a lack of education or training, those who, because of unfavorable circumstances in their youth,
(Two young girls, faces streaked with dirt, and uncombed thick black hair, stand wrapped in dirty blankets. One clutches an upturned hat hand in her small hand.)
didn't get a fair chance, and the list could go on. What makes you feel disadvantaged? Well, all of Jehovah's loving tender care for the lowly ones who we discussed earlier applies to you. Jehovah feels just as strongly about your situation as he did for the widow and orphan and foreign resident in Israel. He takes personal responsibility for your care and protection. Know what the Bible says about him at Isaiah 57:15. "For this is what the high and lofty one says, who lives forever and whose name is holy: ‘I reside in the high and holy place, but also with those crushed and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of those being crushed.’" Here Jehovah says that he resides with the only ones. That means that he doesn't just see your situation from afar. He doesn't just come and go quickly. No, this gives the sense that he sits down. He gets comfortable and stays with you. And for what purpose does he remain close to you? To revive your spirit and your heart. He has open concern for your welfare. Have you personally experienced Jehovah's loving help in your situation? Of course, living during the time that we do, we know that we can't expect Jehovah to shield us from every hardship that comes our way. But have you seen Him help you endure? Have you experienced Him provide for you? Have you seen him answer a prayer at just the right time. Have you come across a scripture or article from the publications that gave you just what you needed when you needed it? Have you seen Jehovah's care through a thoughtful word or timely practical help from one of your brothers or sisters in the congregation? That is Jehovah residing with you. You are not alone. Jehovah is reviving your heart. He has assumed responsibility for your care. He takes it personally. You are important to him. And we just love him for it, don't we? Well, there's something else that Jehovah does to help the disadvantaged. He gives you hope. You will not be downtrodden forever. Jehovah's care for the disadvantaged will be fully expressed in a new world when all disadvantages will be removed.
(Vibrant artwork of joyful people gathered outside, sharing a bountiful meal surrounded by an array of fresh fruits, vegetables, and sacks of grains. A Father rests his hand on his son’s shoulder, both with beaming wide smiles.)
Psalm 145 verse 16 says, "You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.”
(Collage of five images. Image 1: A mother lifts her laughing child high into the air, while her husband, smiling warmly, watches from nearby as he digs in the garden. Image 2: A young girl picks wildflowers in a field, while in the background her mother gathers vegetables into a basket from a ploughed field, and her father chops wood in front of a large country house. Image 3: A group of friends, laughing and full of joy, drift down a small river in a boat. Image 4: A family embraces happily, with a mother, father, and child wrapped in each other's arms. Image 5: A father reaches out to help his son step across rocks, while the mother and daughter look across a beautiful waterfall.)
Not just the prominent, not just the favored, but Jehovah will satisfy the desire of every living thing.” That includes you.
(The Watchtower September 2018, p.21)
The Watchtower said, "The fulfillment of Jehovah's promises will be so impressive that the difficulties "and trials of the present time will pale into insignificance.” In the coming paradise, the blessings from Jehovah will surpass our imagination, and we will certainly experience unprecedented happiness. Nothing will be missing in paradise. Nothing will be unfair. Every person will have every advantage. Praised be Jehovah God, the protector of the disadvantaged ones. We hope that this discussion has reassured you, reminded you of Jehovah's tender care, and given you confidence that Jehovah will always be there for you. He will always protect you whatever your disadvantage may be. And in the end, Jehovah has reserved a beautiful future for all those seeking refuge in him. Jehovah cared for the widows of the past, and today he's with his servants who experience a devastating loss. Let's see how Jehovah has been there for Cort, a widower, as he deals with the pain of losing his wife.
(Cort Lawhorn. United States. Photo of Cort and Miriam smiling in front of Bethel. Photo of them holding gloves, happy with friends. Miriam wears sunglasses and a big smile as she drives a tractor with a sister in the passenger seat. Next, Cort and Miriam stroke Cheetah’s. Cort swipes on a tablet to the next photo of them unpacking boxes. He smiles as he looks at the screen)
Cort: Miriam and I had been able to experience many blessings from Jehovah, able to go on different assignments: Paraguay, Nigeria, Zambia,
(Black and white map of the world with arrows marking the locations)
and then we packed up all of our belongings from home, took up everything in our life and drove across the United States from California to Patterson and well then a couple of months she was diagnosed with ALS. We were crushed.
(Photo of the happy couple holding hard hats inside a building in front a sign which reads ‘The World Headquarters’ of Jehovah’s Witnesses’.)
I drove back to California and there we Just tried to do everything we can to help her nothing worked, and she passed away and saw this extremely difficult. She was my best friend.
(Cort wearing safety clothes pulls on a chain that opens a large warehouse shutter)
I received an encouraging card from my sister just helping me to try and keep moving forward. And one of the thoughts in there was this particular scripture in Psalm 18 verse 29. By God's power, I can scale a wall. And sometimes our trials feel just like that. They feel something that you just can't get over. And it's impossible to climb a wall when there's nothing to grab onto.
(Cort sits alone of a bench in between two palm trees, outside a building)
The trial may feel this way to us, but again the scripture says that by God's power I can scale this wall.
(Looking in a mirror, he fastens he tie, and puts on his jacket)
So, sticking with the goal of Pioneering helped me to get moving and then helped me to also want to try and reach out for other goals, which is going back to do temp work at Bethel.
(In protective clothing he welds)
It's a privilege to be able to go to Bethel.
(Then he climbs into a forklift truck and reverses it)
Every day you're working for Jehovah. It was nice to be able to be with the and they're always so very, very encouraging.
(In a room of people sat at tables, Cort sits and chats with friends)
And I know that working with them and working on a theocratic project helped to motivate me to keep moving, to feel more positive.
(Cort stands alone, deep in thought)
I served as an elder in the congregation, so it's still trying to do my assignments and to try and be on shepherding visits.
(Cort with another elder chat to a gray-haired sister in her home)
And it's been something to keep my mind out on myself, but I'm trying to help others.
(Cort and a brother speak to a young man at a door)
It's always encouraging to be out in the ministry and to be with the friends.
And they have different levels of anxieties and problems, health issues, and other things that they deal with.
(As they walk, they smile and talk)
When you talk to them and they encourage you, it's an interchange of encouragement to be out in the ministry with the friends. Miriam and I always had a regular habit of personal study, and we did it together. We’d bounce ideas off of each other and we would share points that we had dug up.
(Cort alone, sat in front of bookshelves, turns the pages of a book)
Now, even more so for myself, I feel it's important because it helps me to keep motivated, to help me to keep finding those points, and also, it's good memories of something that we did together that we enjoyed.
(At the Kingdom Hall, Cort raises his hand to answer)
So, I stick to my spiritual routine,
(In the street, stood next to a literature cart he shows a publication to a man, flashback to the shepherding visit, then Cort presenting a talk at the meeting)
but I also have a physical routine.
(He puts on a helmet)
I'll mountain bike three or four times a week. And to be in Jehovah's creation and be on the trails,
(Alone, he cycles up a steep hill)
it helps me to be able to have time to pray and to meditate, and I can talk to Jehovah and be able to express myself.
(Wearing sunglasses and a helmet he stares thoughtfully)
Jehovah, what he has in store for each and every one of us, is not what we're dealing with now, but it's going to be paradise conditions. Not have the issues that we're dealing with today.
(Cort stops his bike on a mountain and gazes at the view.)
Jehovah's helping me scale the wall and helping me move forward.
Jeffrey Winder: Cort stays busy. He gives to others, and Jehovah continues to give right back to him. You can be assured he'll do the same for you. Maybe you've lost your mate for a different reason. Do you contend with feelings of loneliness? The following morning worship explains the emotional support Jehovah gives.
(Gajus Glockentin. Helper to the Publishing Committee)
Gajus: About 28 years after Jesus' death, the Apostle Paul provided comfort to the brothers by means of our scripture text today, by means of this wonderful promise when Jehovah said, I will not forget you, your works, and your love." Now, why would the fact that Jehovah does not forget be of comfort to the brothers? Don't you agree that if you tell somebody that you don't forget him or what he has done can have completely different meaning, depending on the person and the circumstances? Let us therefore focus on the meaning of Jehovah does not forget. In order to make this discussion practical, may we talk specifically to you dear sisters who lost your husband in death or whose husband was unfaithful? Similar to your situation, there must have been widows in Judea back then who went not only through the pain of they are made, but also had to deal with all the changes as well as economical and social challenges. Therefore, you want to answer the following three questions. How did Jehovah remember or not forget the widow of Zarephath? And then second, in what ways does Jehovah remember you, dear sisters, today? And then thirdly, how can we all benefit from Jehovah's remembering? So, first of all, how did Jehovah remember the widow of Zarephath? And I'd like to invite you to turn to 1 Kings 17. As we know, during a drought, the prophet Elijah was directed by God to go to Zarephath in order to be saved and kept alive through the help of a widow. So, Jehovah remembered the widow in that he took note of her. He saw her. He knew she would be willing to help and to be used by him. Jehovah saw her potential. Would the poor widow really help? We read in verses 15 and 16 of 1 Kings 17. "So she [the widow] went and did as Elijah said, and she, together with him and her household, ate for many days. The large jar of flour did not run out, and the small jar of oil did not run dry, according to Jehovah's word that he had spoken through Elijah.” Jehovah miraculously fed Elijah. Did he forget the widow? No. Jehovah became a Savior to the widow. Instead of dying, the widow continued eating and drinking. And even some time later Jehovah did not forget the widow's faith and their words. How so? After the death of the widow's son, Elijah asked Jehovah to resurrect the son. We read in verses 22 to 24 “Jehovah listened to Elijah's request, and the life of the child came back into him, and he revived. Elijah took the child and brought him down from the roof chamber into the house and gave him to his mother, and Elijah said, "See, your son is alive. At that, the woman said to Elijah, now I know, that you truly are a man of God and that Jehovah's word in your mouth is truth.”
(Artist's drawing of a mother and son in a heartfelt embrace.)

What a blessing for the widow. Jehovah did not forget her work and faith. What a joyous moment. Jehovah became the great comforter. Additionally, by means of her resurrected son, Jehovah cared for her as she grew old. Jehovah became the great provider. In Luke 4, Jesus makes a positive reference about her, so it could be that she could live out her days as a faithful servant of Jehovah. How delighted she will be when Jehovah will remember her soon again and resurrect her. So, as we've seen in this example, Jehovah does not forget by becoming what the individual needs the most. Now to our second question, our dear sisters, what ways does Jehovah remember you today? Let us please look at three scriptures to see what Jehovah becomes for you. Let's turn first of all to John chapter 14, because Jehovah knows that your maid who commanded you and who assured you in the past is not here anymore. What helped Jesus to know that He was loved and approved, He was strengthened by His Father's approval, by His words, and now Jesus assures you. In verse 21, this is John 14, verse 21, when He says, "Whoever has my commandments, one observes them, is the one who loves me; in turn, whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and will clearly show myself to him." So, Jehovah loves you. Please, do not allow Satan to create doubts in your mind. Doubts regarding our Heavenly Father's approval. Instead, see the commendation and the love expressed by your brothers and sisters as coming from Jehovah. Jehovah uses them because he does not forget your works and your love. Now the second scripture is Psalm 68. Jehovah knows about the need you feel for security and protection, so he is becoming your protector. We read in verse 5 of Psalm 68 about Jehovah, a father of the fatherless and a protector of widows. Yes, you are especially protected by our heavenly Father. For example, He protects you from spiritual harm. He equips you with what you need in order to avoid danger, and so you are able to safeguard your friendship with Him. By means of His Word and the publication, Jehovah makes His loving guidance and protection stand out to you. Now let's turn to the third scripture, Hebrews 13. Losing a husband goes along with anxieties regarding material things. So, what did you experience so far? Did Jehovah's promise that is repeated by the Apostle Paul here in Hebrews 13 at the end of verse 5 prove to be true in your circumstances? When he promised, "I will never leave you. I will never abandon you." Jehovah does not forget your works and your love by becoming your provider. And please, allow other brothers and sisters to help you. This is the way Jehovah remembers you. Mention your needs to them so that Jehovah can use them to care for you. So, Jehovah does not forget your works, your love by assuring you of his approval, by becoming your protector and your provider, and in many more ways. Now, our final question was, "How can you and how can we all benefit from Jehovah's remembering?" What we discussed so far was something you heard many times before. Nothing new. And yet, there are these moments where we just would like Jehovah to speak directly to us, saying, "I see you. I see your works. I see your love. And I will not forget you. What can we do in these very moments?” Now, God's words need to sound down in our mind and heart so that we are influenced by it. How can we accomplish this? By allowing our Bible reading to affect us deep inside. So, as we meditate about what we read, we can ask us the question, "Do I really believe what I just read? Why am I sure that Bible examples are not isolated events but are a pattern of Jehovah's dealings with His loyal ones? Have I not seen and experienced this personally? And don’t I see very good reason to believe that through the scriptures Jehovah is talking to me personally.” Meditating about these questions will help us to feel Jehovah's sentiments are meant for us personally. And this in turn will help us to align our thinking with God's thinking. So, the widow of Zarephath reminded us of the many different ways Jehovah remembers widows and their love and their fine works.
(Again, the image of a mother and son in a heartfelt embrace.)
Dear sisters, please continue to see Jehovah as your provider, your protector, and the one that assures you personally of his love.
Jeffrey Winder: You may feel abandoned, but you're never alone. Jehovah sees you and loves you. Well, life can be hard through no fault of our own, but sometimes it's hard because of our own mistakes. How can we recover? Let's see how the faithful woman, Maryam, did it.
(A gray-haired woman lies awake in an open tent. She exits, followed by two men, and walks through the camp with her head bowed.)
Presenter: Discipline can and be painful.
(People stare at her as she passes by)
Appreciating it for what it truly is takes faith.
[music] (A young girl in the reeds, watch three women hold baby Moses in a river. Miriam lies on the ground, reminiscing.)
Miriam: Moses!
Moses: Mariam, oh, it's so good to see you.
(They embrace)
I've missed you. It is time.
(With tambourines, Miriam and women sing and dance)
Women sing: For he has become highly exalted. The horse and its rider
(Back in the tent Miriam sits up)
Oh Jehovah, highly exalted one, please, don't give up on me.
(Text: Imitate their Faith. Miriam collects manna from the ground in a basket)
Woman: Hi, Miriam!
Miriam: Oh, hello.
Presenter: Miriam was well-known in the camp of Israel. She enjoyed a close relationship with her brothers, Moses and Aaron.
(The three laugh and talk)
During the slavery in Egypt and the Exodus that followed, the people had grown to respect and love her.
(Miriam sat with two children, holds a wooden toy horse, a boy pulls a toy out of a sack)
Miriam: Ah! Oh! What do you have?
(Aaron and Miriam sit talking in the tent)
Women: Zipporah is back! Zipporah, welcome home.
Zipporah: Thank you.
Miriam: Zipporah!
Zipporah: Miriam.
Miriam: Welcome back.
Zipporah: Aaron.
Aaron: Zipporah, welcome.
Presenter: Perhaps at first Miriam was pleased to have Zipporah back.
Woman: How is Zipporah settling in?
Miriam: Well
Woman: Everyone seems excited. Don’t you think?
Presenter: But it seems that in time, she gave in to pride.
(Miriam watches Zipporah then turns away)
She might have felt threatened,
Woman: Thank you, Zipporah.
Presenter: thinking that Zipporah would replace her as the most prominent woman in the nation. In any case, Miriam and Aaron engaged in negative talk.
Miriam: But she’s a Cushite.
Aaron: Yeah, but she is his wife.
Miriam: Yes, but she’s not one of us. Who knows how she influences him?
Presenter: At first, their talk focused on Zipporah, but it soon escalated into complaining about Moses himself.
Miriam: Look! The people need leadership, and they trust us.
Aaron: Miriam, Jehovah is leading the people.
Miriam: You’re not listening.
Aaron: Miriam! Wait!
Different People murmuring: We are suffering out here. Maybe she’s right. Some have questioned my brother. Something has to be done. She says his Cushite wife is distracting him. I just don’t understand what Moses is doing. I’m tired of this. We suffered in Egypt, and we’re suffering here. I hear Miriam is worried. Maybe there’s a better way. Miriam says we shouldn’t trust Zipporah. Do you think Moses is still qualified to lead the nation? Does Moses know what he’s doing? Maybe Jehovah wants us to do something. Why do we have to listen to Moses? I’m sure other people feel the same. We should’ve stayed in Egypt. Something has to be done. We’re suffering here. There’s a lot of frustration. Why do we have to listen to Moses? Do you think Jehovah is still with us? Let’s turn back. Maybe Jehovah wants us to do something. The men in the camp are worried. Is it only by Moses that Jehovah has spoken? Has he not also spoken through us?
(Everyone looks heavenward)
God’s Voice: Go out, the three of you, to the tent of meeting. Hear my words, please. It is not that way with my servant Moses! Face-to-face I speak to him, and the appearance of Jehovah is what he sees. Why, then, did you not fear to speak against my servant, against Moses?
(Miriam weeps as she looks at her skin change on her arm, her arms and face covered in leprosy)
Aaron: I beg you, my lord! Please do not hold this sin against us! We have acted foolishly. Please, do not let her continue like someone dead!
Moses: O God, please heal her! Please!
God’s Voice: Let her be quarantined for seven days, afterward she may be brought back.
Miriam: O Jehovah, you are the Most High. You chose Moses to lead your people, and I, I disrespected him. And you, please, please forgive me.
(she weeps)
Presenter: Miriam was not defined by her mistakes.
(Back to the River with baby Moses)
Young girl: Shall I go and call a nursing woman from the Hebrews to nurse the child for you?
(Miriam reflects)
God’s Voice: It is time.
Zipporah: Jehovah will bless you and Aaron.
(The dancing women cheer. Moses smiles)
Presenter: Jehovah disciplines those he loves. Miriam accepted his discipline with faith. She was restored to God’s favor and continued serving faithfully for decades.
(Aaron, Moses and Zipporah hug Miriam)
Centuries afterward, Jehovah lovingly honored Miriam for her faithful service. Through His prophet Micah, He reminded His people: “From the house of slavery I redeemed you; I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.”
Jeffrey Winder: Miriam humbly used the discipline to draw closer to God. If you’ve made a serious mistake, don’t give up on yourself. Jehovah hasn’t. Injustice has grown out of control. How does it make you feel when it’s in front of you? We’ll learn from two young ones how they overcame inequality.
(Text: Reasons for Faith. Love Conquers Injustice)
Presenter: Why did the fight for equality initially appeal to you?
(Emma Sanders. South Africa)
Emma: South Africa has a history of legalized racism. But just because the law has changed, it doesn’t mean that what’s been entrenched into the minds and hearts of people has also changed. I observed that people still have prejudices, and they have ideas of what I should look like or talk like or where I should live, and I didn’t feel like I was accepted anywhere.
(Alwande Sibiya. South Africa)
Alwande: I realized that people’s needs were not taken care of. For example, their living conditions were not great, some had water, and some didn’t.
(Sketch of a man using a water pump and a woman carrying a bucket on her head with a baby strapped to her back)
I wanted to help people. The time came when some political parties were saying that they could make a change. Now, in my heart, although I wouldn’t say it, little by little I started to support them.
Emma: Protests are so powerful. Everything is so loud and so moving
(Sketch of protestors holding placards)
different colors, cultures, boys, girls, everybody getting together to fight for the equality of others. I wanted to be part of making a change.
Presenter: What changes did you notice in yourself?
Alwande: Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I could no longer go out freely. Yes, I did other things, but I also watched TV. When I watched TV,
(Sketch of him lying down watching tv)
I noticed the things I used to see while I was preaching, the way women and children, the elderly, and the immigrants in this country were treated. It made me want to do something.
Emma: My school also had a protest.
(Sketch of her on her phone looking at protestors)
I knew that I couldn’t protest as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, so it was a bit frustrating. And I also felt bad about not getting involved, like I was a bystander. I looked like I didn’t care. And I didn’t want anyone to think that that was the case.
Alwande: My parents noticed that I had become very focused on these things.
(Sketch of Alwande and his concerned parents watching him)
Sometimes I would even ask why people were treated this way. They helped me in many ways. They used relevant JW Broadcasting® episodes. They also helped me through family worship.
Emma: The 2019 “Love Never Fails”! Convention was my favorite convention. The talk that stood out to me the most spoke about how love “believes all things.” If we love our brothers and sisters, that means that we believe they have the best intentions toward us and toward each other. I realized that I had to let go of negative and critical thinking, and now I have such amazing friendships with a variety of people.
(Sketch of her hugging a sister at a convention)
But to see the love that they have for me and for each other, I get to show that and also receive it.
Alwande: The scripture that came to mind was Jeremiah 10:23, where it says that “it does not belong to man . . . to direct his step.” Thinking about that scripture made me realize that people will not have success. They have never succeeded in the past, and even now I see people fail. For me to show support, either by protesting or on social media, would be like painting a sinking ship.
(Sketch of him painting a ship as it sinks)
This world is sinking, and it won’t do me any good to show support for it.
Presenter: How are you conquering injustice today?
Emma: I don’t feel like I’m a bystander anymore or that I’m not involved.
(Sketch of angry protestors)
Instead of feeling, like, exhausted and that there’s no change, I get to help people by giving people a hope for the future that comes from the Bible.
Alwande: Now I don’t focus much on news about how people are treated, the injustice. But as a volunteer who preaches full time, I help people to know Jehovah, know the truth, and know what Jehovah has in store for them in the future.
Emma: During my Bible study with my dad, we studied prophecies and the fulfilment of them. And so, I got to see that whatever Jehovah promised, he fulfilled 100 percent. So, whatever he’s promised for the future, he’s also going to fulfil.
Alwande: Jehovah’s people have love. They support each other in difficult times, even though they speak different languages, and they come from different places, different countries. It convinces me that even in the future under the rule of God’s Kingdom, everyone in the world will be showing that love.
(Text: Additional reading. The Watchtower No.2 2020 “What is God’s Kingdom?”)
Jeffrey: When we see injustice, we want to help; we’re not unfeeling robots. Like Emma and Alwande, we use our energy to help people experience lasting comfort. In this month’s program, we’ve seen how to accept discipline with humility, how to fight injustice with lasting acts of love, and how to scale the unexpected walls of life with Jehovah’s help. And our music video beautifully sums up many of the points we’ve considered.
(A woman watches through a window as her husband packs bags into a car. A boy watches as he removes his clothes in the closest)
Lyrics: Jehovah God,
(she cries)
a weight I bear of anxious thoughts,
(Sat on the floor she hugs her knees)
of all of life’s cares.
(The sad boy wearing headphones hugs his knees)
I approach your throne so sure that you Will hold my hand
(The sad mother and her son sit at the table, poking at their food)
And help me get through.
(The boy stares at the empty seat)
I do pray
(Mom looks at him and rubs his shoulder)
To have your spirit ev’ry day. With a lift from you,
(In bed, Mom rolls over and stares at the empty space)
I can fly up high above the world below.
(She opens the empty closet)
Like an eagle with its wings outstretched,
(she moves clothes to the middle)
I soar on the power beyond my own,
(She opens a box to reveal a ring)
The power beyond my own.
(At the table, Mom with Bible and meeting workbook)
The strength I’ve gained from you,
(The sad boy fastens his tie)
my God,
(At the Kingdom Hall, Mom and son sit near the front)
Helps me, in turn, care for downhearted ones.
(Son stares at a nearby family and looks down)
And when they know that you are there,
(A sister sits next to Mom, and they smile)
They feel your love
(A couple sit next to the son)
and tender care.
(During the meeting Mom and son smile)
I do pray
(After the meeting, Mom and a sister hug and a brother talks to her son)
To have your spirit ev’ry day.
(At home, sisters talk)
With a lift from you,
(Mom wipes her eyes with a tissue.)
I can fly up high above the world below.
(The brother and son talk)
Like an eagle with its wings outstretched, I soar on the power beyond my own, The power beyond my own.
(They all play a board game together)
With a lift from you, I can fly up high above the world below.
(They laugh)
Like an eagle with its wings outstretched,
(At home, Mom calculates finances. In his room, the boy reads his Bible)
I soar on the power beyond my own, The power beyond my own, The power beyond my own,
(In the street, the group set up literature displays)
The power beyond my own.
(They smile at people walking past. The boy shows his phone to a man. At night, restless Mom sits up in bed and turns on a lamp)
With a lift from you,
(She reaches for her Bible)
I can fly up high above the world below.
(Lying in bed she rests her open Bible on her and closes her eyes)
Like an eagle with its wings outstretched,
(Mom and son wash dishes together, he puts his arm around Mom)
I soar on the power beyond my own,
(Mom places a tablecloth)
The power beyond my own,
(Mom and son laugh as they lay the table)
The power beyond my own,
(With friends they laugh)
The power beyond my own,
A group of friends, Mom and son all laugh together)
The power beyond my own.
Jeffrey: This month’s postcard comes from Canada, where you’ll find snowcapped mountains, crystal clear freshwater lakes, and sweeping prairies. Tourists travel from around the world to see Canada’s moose, black bears, and woodland caribou. You’ll also find one of the world’s largest deposits of dinosaur fossils. And no trip is complete without trying the local foods.
(Fish lay in ice)
You can have poutine, French fries smothered in gravy and cheese curds, or sweets made with maple syrup. Canada is unique in having the world’s longest coastline, where our Canadian brothers have a rich history of preaching.
(A couple stands by a literature display on the coast)
In 1930, a motorboat named the Charmian and equipped with a powerful speaker system was used to project Bible lectures across the water. And in the 1940’s, the Kingdom 1 carried ministers up and down the Newfoundland and Labrador coasts. And that zealous pattern continues to this day in the fishing towns of Newfoundland, at the lighthouses of Nova Scotia, and at the harbors of British Columbia. Canada had an all-time high of regular pioneers and publishers in 2023! The Casa Loma Congregation in Ontario wish to send their love and greetings to the worldwide brotherhood.
(In front of the Kingdom Hall, the brothers and sisters smile and wave)
From the World Headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses, this is JW Broadcasting.
(Logo: Black capital letters inside a white box. Copyright 2024 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania)