Weekly Main Topic & Bible Theme⁠

📌 NEXT WEEK SEPTEMBER 21-27 2026.

Welcome to this week's Treasures on the theme "Jehovah Supports Those Who Stand Behind His Kingdom." Examining Jeremiah’s faithful stance during times of political unrest shows how we can remain courageously neutral, trust in God's daily support, and keep our ultimate loyalty focused on Jehovah's Kingdom during difficult trials.

TREASURES WEEKLY Theme: Jehovah Supports Those Who Stand Behind His Kingdom

There are times when simply doing what is right can make us stand out. When most people around us are strongly divided over an issue, it can take courage not to get pulled into the arguments, pressure, and emotions of the moment. And when people misunderstand our position, remaining calm and faithful can become even more difficult. Jeremiah experienced exactly that kind of situation. He lived at a time when the people of Judah were deeply divided over what their nation should do. Political tensions were high, strong opinions were being expressed, and rebellion against Babylon had become an issue that stirred powerful feelings. Yet Jeremiah had a clear position because he knew what Jehovah wanted him to do.

By Jeremiah’s time, Judah was facing the powerful Babylonian Empire. Some people believed that Judah should submit to Babylon, while others strongly supported rebellion and looked to Egypt for military assistance. Eventually, King Zedekiah did rebel and sought help from Egypt. The Babylonians responded by returning to Judah, conquering its cities, and once again surrounding Jerusalem. Imagine the pressure Jeremiah faced at that point. The people were frightened, but many were also filled with nationalistic feelings. They wanted to believe that Jerusalem would survive and that Egypt would come to their rescue. Yet Jeremiah was required to deliver a message that was very different from what many people wanted to hear.

Jehovah’s message through Jeremiah was clear: Jerusalem would fall to the Babylonians. Those who remained in the city would die, but those who went out to the Chaldeans would survive. That was not a popular message. It probably sounded to many like Jeremiah was giving up on his own people or supporting their enemies. But Jeremiah was not choosing a political side. He was supporting Jehovah’s direction. His concern was not which human government would appear stronger or which political faction would win. His concern was remaining loyal to Jehovah and delivering the message Jehovah had given him.

That distinction is important. Jeremiah was living in a politically charged environment, but he did not allow the controversy around him to determine his course. Jehovah’s Kingdom was the issue that mattered most to him. He understood that Jehovah was the one directing events and that the outcome would be exactly as Jehovah had said. So even when the message was unpopular, Jeremiah did not change it to make people feel more comfortable.

That required courage because speaking the truth brought consequences. Jeremiah was not simply ignored. His position was misunderstood. Jeremiah 37:13-15 tells us that when he was going out through the Gate of Benjamin, he was accused of deserting to the Babylonians. The princes of Judah did not understand that Jeremiah was simply delivering Jehovah’s message. They assumed that because he said Jerusalem would fall and encouraged people to surrender, he must have been taking the Babylonians’ side. They struck him and put him in detention.

Think about how painful that must have been. Jeremiah was being punished for doing exactly what Jehovah had asked him to do. He was not secretly working with Babylon. He was not betraying his people. He was faithfully giving them the only message that could save their lives. Yet his motives were completely misunderstood.

That can happen when someone chooses to support Jehovah’s Kingdom rather than become involved in political controversies. People may not always understand why we remain neutral. They may assume that if we do not support their political position, we must support the opposite position. But neutrality does not mean that we are indifferent to people or to the problems they face. It means that we recognize that human governments cannot solve mankind’s deepest problems and that our ultimate hope rests with God’s Kingdom.

Jeremiah’s example helps us appreciate why we need to be careful during times of political unrest. When people around us are angry, frightened, or strongly divided, there can be tremendous pressure to express an opinion, take a side, or become involved. It can feel difficult to remain separate from the controversy, especially when the issue affects people we know personally. But Jeremiah did not allow the political atmosphere around him to change his loyalty to Jehovah.

In fact, the more pressure Jeremiah experienced, the more important it was for him to hold firmly to Jehovah’s message. He did not soften what Jehovah had said simply because the people might react badly. He did not think, “Perhaps I should say this in a gentler way so they will not become angry with me.” He continued to speak the truth.

His faithfulness eventually led to even greater persecution. The princes told Zedekiah that Jeremiah should be put to death because they claimed he was weakening the hands of the fighting men and seeking the harm of the people. Zedekiah gave them permission to do what they wanted with Jeremiah. They took him and lowered him into an empty cistern. There was no water in it, but there was deep mud, and Jeremiah began sinking into it.

That was a frightening situation. Jeremiah had already been beaten and imprisoned, and now his life was in danger simply because he had remained faithful to Jehovah. From a human point of view, his situation looked desperate. Yet Jehovah had not abandoned him.

An Ethiopian servant named Ebed-melech heard what had happened. He courageously approached the king and explained that Jeremiah had been treated wrongly. Zedekiah gave him permission to rescue the prophet. Ebed-melech took men with him, lowered ropes and worn-out cloths into the cistern, and carefully pulled Jeremiah out of the mud.

What a beautiful reminder that Jehovah can provide support through people who are willing to do what is right. Jeremiah could not rescue himself from that cistern, but Jehovah saw his situation and made a way for help to reach him.

This also teaches us something about the way Jehovah supports his servants. His support does not always mean that he prevents a trial from happening. Jeremiah still experienced opposition, imprisonment, beatings, and the fear of death. Jehovah allowed him to face those things, but he did not leave him without help. At the right time, Jehovah provided the assistance Jeremiah needed.

That is encouraging because sometimes we may think that if Jehovah is supporting us, a difficult situation should immediately disappear. But Jeremiah’s experience shows that Jehovah’s support can take another form. He can give us the courage to endure. He can provide encouragement through fellow believers. He can give us wisdom to know what to do. And he can open a way through a situation when we may see no way forward.

Jeremiah needed that support again when he was imprisoned during the later part of the Babylonian siege. His circumstances were especially difficult because Jerusalem was running out of food. Jeremiah was confined in the Courtyard of the Guard, so he could not simply leave and look for food himself. He was dependent on others, even though many people around him opposed him.

Yet Jeremiah had good reason to trust Jehovah.

Jehovah had promised to care for Jeremiah, and he did not forget him when conditions became difficult. Jeremiah 37:21 tells us that the king commanded that Jeremiah be given a round loaf of bread each day from the bakers’ street, “until all the bread was exhausted from the city.” Think about how simple that provision sounds. Jeremiah did not receive an abundance of food. He received enough to survive each day.

But that was exactly what he needed.

The city was experiencing famine, disease, and death. Food was becoming scarce, yet Jehovah made sure that Jeremiah continued to receive what he needed. Jehovah did not remove Jeremiah from the crisis, but he sustained him through it.

There is something very reassuring about that. Sometimes we may pray for Jehovah to change our circumstances, and perhaps the circumstances do not change as quickly as we hoped. We might wonder, “Is Jehovah really helping me?” Jeremiah’s experience reminds us to look carefully at the ways Jehovah is supporting us. His help may come in a form that is simple and practical, but that does not make it any less real.

Jeremiah received his daily bread. Baruch, Ebed-melech, and others also survived that terrible period. Jehovah knew exactly what was happening to his faithful servants and did not lose sight of them.

This brings us back to our theme: Jehovah supports those who support his Kingdom.

Jeremiah supported Jehovah’s direction when it was unpopular. He did not become involved in the political struggle taking place around him. He did not change his message to gain acceptance. He continued to speak what Jehovah told him, even when doing so brought persecution. And Jehovah supported Jeremiah through those difficult circumstances.

We can apply that lesson today. We live in a world where political issues can quickly become emotional. People may feel very strongly about leaders, governments, policies, wars, elections, or national causes. Social media can make those feelings even stronger because we are constantly exposed to opinions, arguments, and emotionally charged information.

As Christians, we need to be especially careful not to allow that atmosphere to weaken our support for God’s Kingdom. We know that Jehovah’s Kingdom is the only permanent solution to mankind’s problems. So we want our words, actions, and conversations to show that our primary loyalty belongs to Jehovah and his Kingdom.

That does not mean that we stop caring about people. Quite the opposite. Jeremiah cared deeply about the people of Judah. He warned them because he wanted them to survive. We too can care about our neighbors, relatives, friends, and people in our community. We can show kindness, respect, and compassion regardless of their political opinions. But we do not need to take sides in political controversies in order to show that we care.

Jeremiah’s example also helps when others misunderstand us. Perhaps someone asks why we do not support a particular political movement. Or perhaps someone assumes that because we refuse to take a side, we must secretly support the other side. We do not need to become defensive or argumentative. We can calmly explain that our hope is in God’s Kingdom and that we want to remain neutral because of our loyalty to Jehovah.

That takes courage, especially if the people around us are passionate about the issue. But remember Jeremiah. He was misunderstood even though he was doing exactly what Jehovah had told him to do. Being misunderstood does not mean that we are doing something wrong.

What matters most is how Jehovah views our conduct.

There may also be times when remaining neutral brings personal inconvenience. We might be left out of conversations. Someone might make an unfair comment about our beliefs. We might even be accused of not caring about our country or our fellow citizens. In such situations, Jeremiah’s experience can strengthen us. He did not change his position simply because others misunderstood him.

And Jehovah did not abandon him.

The question at the end of our material is therefore worth taking seriously: “How can the examples of Jeremiah and others motivate me to support God’s Kingdom during times of political unrest?”

First, Jeremiah reminds us to keep our loyalty clear. When the world becomes divided, we do not need to become divided along with it. We can continue to focus on Jehovah’s Kingdom and the hope it gives mankind. Second, Jeremiah reminds us not to be frightened by misunderstanding. If people misinterpret our neutrality, we can remain calm and respectful while continuing to do what we know is right. Third, his experience teaches us to trust Jehovah’s support. We may face pressure, but Jehovah sees what is happening and can sustain us through it.

We can also remember Ebed-melech. He was willing to act courageously to protect Jeremiah even though doing so could have put him in a difficult position. His actions remind us that supporting Jehovah’s servants can sometimes require courage too. We want to be the kind of people who strengthen one another when pressure comes, rather than adding to the pressure.

And what about when we personally feel afraid? Jeremiah was not fearless in the sense that he never experienced fear. His circumstances were genuinely frightening. Courage meant that he continued doing what Jehovah asked even though he had reasons to be afraid.

That is encouraging because we do not need to wait until we feel completely fearless before taking a stand for what is right. We can pray to Jehovah, acknowledge our fear, and then move forward with his help.

Jehovah supported Jeremiah in the cistern. He supported him during imprisonment. He provided his daily bread when the city was experiencing famine. And he preserved Jeremiah through the destruction of Jerusalem.

Jehovah can likewise support his servants today.

We do not know exactly what circumstances we may face in the future. Political conditions can change quickly. Situations that seem stable can become uncertain. But we do know where our loyalty belongs. We know which Kingdom we support. And we know the kind of God Jehovah is.

Conclusion

Jeremiah lived through a time when people were divided, emotions were intense, and taking a political position could have seemed like the easiest course. Yet Jeremiah chose something more important. He chose to remain loyal to Jehovah and to support Jehovah’s direction, even when that made him unpopular and even when others completely misunderstood him.

His faithfulness did not mean that his life became easy. He was beaten. He was imprisoned. He was thrown into a muddy cistern. He experienced hunger and lived through a terrible siege. But through every one of those experiences, Jehovah saw him, remembered him, and supported him.

That is the part of Jeremiah’s example we should take to heart.

Supporting Jehovah’s Kingdom does not mean that we will never face pressure. It means that when pressure comes, we know where to stand.

When political opinions become heated, we can remain peaceful. When others demand that we choose a side, we can remember where our true loyalty lies. When our neutrality is misunderstood, we do not have to compromise simply to gain approval. And when remaining faithful becomes difficult, we can remember Jeremiah in that cistern and in that prison courtyard. Jehovah had not forgotten him, and Jehovah will not forget faithful servants today.

So let us keep supporting God’s Kingdom—not only when it is easy, but especially when the world around us is divided and unsettled. Let our loyalty be clear, our conduct peaceful, and our confidence in Jehovah strong.

Jeremiah stood with Jehovah when almost everything around him seemed to be falling apart. And Jehovah stood with Jeremiah.

May we have that same determination: whatever happens around us, whatever pressure we face, and whatever others may think of our position, we will continue to support Jehovah’s Kingdom. Because when we stand firmly for Jehovah, we can be certain that Jehovah will never stop supporting us.

📌 NEXT WEEK SEPTEMBER 14-20, 2026.

Welcome to this week's study review covering Jeremiah chapters 32 and 33. As we examine these scriptures, we see clear evidence of Jehovah’s unlimited power, loyal love, and perfect justice. Reflecting on these godly attributes builds our faith and stabilises our hearts during personal trials.

TREASURES WEEKLY Theme: Jehovah Rewards Those Who Obey Him Faithfully

Have you ever noticed that it is easy to make a promise when you really need help? When we are facing a problem, we may suddenly become very determined to do what is right. We may pray more, make good decisions, and promise ourselves that things will be different. But then, once the pressure passes, it can become much easier to return to our old way of doing things.

Jehovah looks beyond what we do in a moment of pressure. He sees what is in our heart. He is pleased when our obedience comes from a genuine desire to follow him—not simply because we want him to remove a problem or protect us from unpleasant consequences. That is an important lesson we can learn from what happened in Judah during Jeremiah’s day.

At one point, Jerusalem was under serious threat from the Babylonians. Zedekiah was the king of Judah, but he had rebelled against Babylon despite Jehovah’s direction through Jeremiah. The Babylonians then surrounded Jerusalem. The situation was becoming desperate, and the people knew that they needed Jehovah’s favor.

At that time, Zedekiah and the people made an agreement to release their Hebrew slaves. This was in harmony with Jehovah’s Law, which required a Hebrew slave to be released after six years of service. So, while the city was surrounded and the danger was very real, the people released their slaves.

At first, this might have looked encouraging. They were finally doing something that Jehovah had commanded. But the circumstances behind their obedience were important. They had not suddenly developed a deep love for Jehovah’s direction. The pressure of the siege had made obedience seem like a way to gain God’s favor and perhaps escape the disaster that was coming.

Then something unexpected happened. An Egyptian military force came to help Jerusalem, and the Babylonians temporarily lifted the siege. The immediate danger seemed to be gone.

And what did the people do?

They took back the slaves they had released and forced them into servitude again.

That revealed something about their heart. Their obedience had been temporary. When they were frightened, they were willing to obey. But when the danger seemed to disappear, they returned to what they wanted to do.

This is a serious warning for us because it shows that there is a difference between obeying Jehovah because we genuinely want to obey him and obeying only when we think obedience will benefit us.

Imagine someone who follows a particular command only because he is afraid of what might happen if he does not. As long as the consequences seem close, he is careful. But if he begins to think that he can get away with disobeying, his real attitude becomes visible.

Jehovah wants more than that. He wants our obedience to come from the heart.

The experience of those Jews also shows why it is dangerous to think, “If I obey Jehovah now, maybe he will make my problem go away.” Of course, we can pray to Jehovah for help when we are in trouble. We should. But our obedience should not be something we switch on and off depending on our circumstances.

Think about what happens when someone is facing a serious problem. Perhaps they become very regular at the meetings, pray often, and make changes in their life. That is good. But once the problem improves, what happens? Do they continue with those good habits because they have drawn closer to Jehovah? Or do they slowly return to the way things were before?

The issue is not whether someone has struggled. All of us can have moments when our determination weakens. The lesson is to examine our motive. Do I obey Jehovah because I love him and trust his direction, or mainly because I want to avoid the consequences of doing something wrong?

Jehovah knows the difference.

And there is another side to this. Sometimes obedience is difficult precisely because we do not immediately see the benefit. Jehovah may ask us to wait, to exercise self-control, to forgive, to avoid something that seems attractive, or to follow directions that requires humility. At such times, we have an opportunity to show that our obedience is genuine.

We can say in our heart: “I may not understand everything right now, but I trust Jehovah. If he says this is the right course, I want to follow it.”

That kind of obedience has value because it shows faith.

This is where the example of the Rechabites becomes especially impressive. Their conduct was completely different from that of the people of Judah. They showed that obedience can remain firm even when there is no immediate pressure forcing us to do what is right.

The Rechabites lived during Jeremiah’s time, and they had a very unusual family tradition. Their forefather Jehonadab had given them specific commands. Among other things, he had told them not to drink wine. Jehonadab had been dead for a long time, but his descendants continued to respect his command.

Jehovah allowed their obedience to be tested in a very direct way.

Jeremiah was instructed to bring the Rechabites into one of the dining rooms at the temple. He then placed wine before them and invited them to drink it. Think about that situation. The wine was right there. Jeremiah himself was the one offering it. Yet the Rechabites refused.

They explained that their forefather Jehonadab had commanded them not to drink wine, and they had continued to follow his instruction.

What makes their example so striking is that they were not under pressure to obey Jehonadab. He was already dead. They were not afraid that he would punish them. There was no immediate disaster that they were trying to escape. They simply respected the command they had been given and were determined to follow it.

Jehovah was pleased with that attitude.

And if they showed such respect for the instruction of an earthly forefather who was no longer alive, how much more should we be determined to obey Jehovah, the living God?

That comparison makes the lesson very clear. The Judeans obeyed when obedience seemed useful, but the Rechabites obeyed because they were resolved to do so. Their circumstances did not determine whether they would follow the command.

That is the kind of determination we want to develop toward Jehovah.

The Rechabites’ example also teaches us something about what it means to be resolved. Being resolved does not mean that we will never experience temptation or that obedience will always feel easy. It means that we have already settled in our heart what we want to do.

That can make a big difference when a difficult situation suddenly comes.

Suppose we have already decided that we will obey Jehovah even when nobody is watching. Then, when we are alone and have an opportunity to do something wrong, we do not have to spend a long time debating whether we should do it. Our decision has already been made.

Or suppose we have already decided that we will follow Jehovah’s moral standards even if people around us treat those standards as outdated or unnecessary. When pressure comes, we are not trying to decide whose opinion matters more. We know where we stand.

That is similar to the Rechabites. When Jeremiah placed the wine before them, they did not suddenly have to decide what they believed. They already knew their position.

There is something else encouraging about their example. Jehovah noticed their obedience.

Jeremiah 35:18, 19 records Jehovah’s response. He commended the Rechabites for obeying the command of their forefather and then gave them a rewarding promise: “There will not be cut off from Jonadab the son of Rechab a man to stand before me always.”

Jehovah did not overlook what they had done. Their faithful obedience mattered to him.

That is important for us too. Sometimes obedience may seem unnoticed. We may make a decision to do what is right, but nobody else knows how difficult that decision was. Perhaps we resisted a temptation privately. Perhaps we kept following Jehovah’s direction even though others were not doing so. Perhaps we continued to do what is right even when we did not see an immediate reward.

Jehovah sees it.

He sees the choices we make when there is no audience. He sees the effort behind our obedience. He knows when doing what is right costs us something.

The Rechabites were rewarded for their faithful obedience. Their example stood in sharp contrast with the people of Judah, who repeatedly disobeyed their Creator even though Jehovah had given them far more reason to obey than the Rechabites had to obey their earthly forefather.

That contrast helps us appreciate the value Jehovah places on obedience.

It also helps us understand the theme: Jehovah rewards faithful obedience.

His reward is not necessarily that everything in our life will immediately become easier. The Rechabites themselves lived during a very difficult period. Jehovah did not promise them a life without problems. But he did show that he valued their faithfulness and gave them a reassuring promise of his favor and continued existence.

Likewise, we should not think of obedience as a bargain with Jehovah: “If I obey, then Jehovah must give me the life I want.” That would bring us back to the wrong attitude we saw among the Judeans.

Instead, we obey because Jehovah is our God and because we trust him. We know that his commands are for our good. We also know that he does not forget those who remain faithful to him.

That gives us a very useful question to consider personally: Am I determined to obey Jehovah even when I feel that I could avoid the consequences of disobedience?

That question goes deeper than simply asking whether we know Jehovah’s commands. We may know exactly what Jehovah says is right. The question is what we will do when disobedience seems easy and the consequences seem unlikely.

For example, what if nobody would find out?

What if we thought there would be no immediate consequences?

What if everyone around us was doing the same thing?

What if obedience meant giving up something we really wanted?

Those moments reveal what is in our heart.

The Judeans had shown that when they feared the Babylonians, they could make an outward change. But once the immediate danger passed, they returned to their former conduct. The Rechabites showed the opposite. Their obedience did not depend on pressure. It was part of who they were.

We can work toward having that same kind of settled determination.

One way is to think about Jehovah’s reasons for giving his commands. Instead of viewing his direction simply as a list of things we can and cannot do, we can remember that Jehovah knows us better than we know ourselves. His standards protect our relationship with him and protect us from the painful results of wrongdoing.

Then obedience becomes less about “What am I allowed to do?” and more about “What choice will please Jehovah?”

That is a beautiful change in thinking.

It can also help us prepare before temptation comes. The Rechabites had already made their decision long before Jeremiah put wine before them. Similarly, we can decide in advance that we will not compromise when faced with pressure.

We can pray about the areas where we know we are vulnerable. We can strengthen our conscience through regular study of God’s Word. We can take seriously the counsel we receive at our meetings. And when we recognize a weakness, we can make adjustments rather than waiting until we are in a difficult situation.

That way, when a test comes, we are not starting from zero.

Most importantly, we can remember who is asking us to obey. Jehovah is not an unreasonable ruler looking for opportunities to punish his servants. He is a loving Father who knows what is best for us. His commands are expressions of his wisdom and love.

The Rechabites’ example shows that Jehovah notices faithful obedience. The Judeans’ example warns us not to obey only when we are frightened or when we want something from Jehovah.

So perhaps we can ask ourselves that question again: “Am I resolved to obey Jehovah, even if at times I feel I could avoid the consequences of disobedience?”

If the answer is yes, we should continue strengthening that resolve. And if we realize that our obedience sometimes depends too much on our circumstances, we do not need to become discouraged. We can make our determination stronger today.

Conclusion

The people of Judah had a choice. When they were frightened, they temporarily did what Jehovah required. But when the pressure eased, they went back to their old ways. Their actions showed that their obedience had not truly reached their heart.

The Rechabites gave a completely different example. They obeyed even when there was no immediate pressure to do so. They remained faithful to a command given by an earthly forefather who was long dead. Jehovah saw that obedience, he was pleased with it, and he rewarded them.

Their example leaves us with a powerful thought: our faithfulness is never wasted, and our obedience is never invisible to Jehovah.

There may be times when doing what Jehovah asks feels difficult. There may be moments when disobedience appears easier, when nobody seems likely to know, or when we wonder whether we could escape the consequences. But that is exactly when our obedience can show Jehovah what is truly in our heart.

So let us not wait until trouble comes before we decide to obey. Let us not obey Jehovah only when we need his help. Let us make our decision now.

When obedience is difficult, remember the Rechabites. When temptation makes disobedience look harmless, remember the Judeans. And when you wonder whether Jehovah notices your efforts, remember his response to the Rechabites.

Jehovah sees faithful obedience. He values it. He remembers it. And he rewards those who remain loyal to him.

May we therefore be determined to obey Jehovah—not merely when it is convenient, not merely when we are afraid of the consequences, but because we love him, trust him, and want to remain close to him. Then, whatever test may come, we can have the satisfaction of knowing that we have chosen the safe and rewarding course: faithful obedience to Jehovah.

📌 NEXT WEEK SEPTEMBER 14-20, 2026.

Welcome to this week's study review covering Jeremiah chapters 32 and 33. As we examine these scriptures, we see clear evidence of Jehovah’s unlimited power, loyal love, and perfect justice. Reflecting on these godly attributes builds our faith and stabilizes our hearts during personal trials.

TREASURES WEEKLY Theme: Jehovah Rewards Those Who Obey Him Faithfully

Have you ever noticed that it is easy to make a promise when you really need help? When we are facing a problem, we may suddenly become very determined to do what is right. We may pray more, make good decisions, and promise ourselves that things will be different. But then, once the pressure passes, it can become much easier to return to our old way of doing things.

Jehovah looks beyond what we do in a moment of pressure. He sees what is in our heart. He is pleased when our obedience comes from a genuine desire to follow him—not simply because we want him to remove a problem or protect us from unpleasant consequences. That is an important lesson we can learn from what happened in Judah during Jeremiah’s day.

At one point, Jerusalem was under serious threat from the Babylonians. Zedekiah was the king of Judah, but he had rebelled against Babylon despite Jehovah’s direction through Jeremiah. The Babylonians then surrounded Jerusalem. The situation was becoming desperate, and the people knew that they needed Jehovah’s favor.

At that time, Zedekiah and the people made an agreement to release their Hebrew slaves. This was in harmony with Jehovah’s Law, which required a Hebrew slave to be released after six years of service. So, while the city was surrounded and the danger was very real, the people released their slaves.

At first, this might have looked encouraging. They were finally doing something that Jehovah had commanded. But the circumstances behind their obedience were important. They had not suddenly developed a deep love for Jehovah’s direction. The pressure of the siege had made obedience seem like a way to gain God’s favor and perhaps escape the disaster that was coming.

Then something unexpected happened. An Egyptian military force came to help Jerusalem, and the Babylonians temporarily lifted the siege. The immediate danger seemed to be gone.

And what did the people do?

They took back the slaves they had released and forced them into servitude again.

That revealed something about their heart. Their obedience had been temporary. When they were frightened, they were willing to obey. But when the danger seemed to disappear, they returned to what they wanted to do.

This is a serious warning for us because it shows that there is a difference between obeying Jehovah because we genuinely want to obey him and obeying only when we think obedience will benefit us.

Imagine someone who follows a particular command only because he is afraid of what might happen if he does not. As long as the consequences seem close, he is careful. But if he begins to think that he can get away with disobeying, his real attitude becomes visible.

Jehovah wants more than that. He wants our obedience to come from the heart.

The experience of those Jews also shows why it is dangerous to think, “If I obey Jehovah now, maybe he will make my problem go away.” Of course, we can pray to Jehovah for help when we are in trouble. We should. But our obedience should not be something we switch on and off depending on our circumstances.

Think about what happens when someone is facing a serious problem. Perhaps they become very regular at the meetings, pray often, and make changes in their life. That is good. But once the problem improves, what happens? Do they continue with those good habits because they have drawn closer to Jehovah? Or do they slowly return to the way things were before?

The issue is not whether someone has struggled. All of us can have moments when our determination weakens. The lesson is to examine our motive. Do I obey Jehovah because I love him and trust his direction, or mainly because I want to avoid the consequences of doing something wrong?

Jehovah knows the difference.

And there is another side to this. Sometimes obedience is difficult precisely because we do not immediately see the benefit. Jehovah may ask us to wait, to exercise self-control, to forgive, to avoid something that seems attractive, or to follow directions that requires humility. At such times, we have an opportunity to show that our obedience is genuine.

We can say in our heart: “I may not understand everything right now, but I trust Jehovah. If he says this is the right course, I want to follow it.”

That kind of obedience has value because it shows faith.

This is where the example of the Rechabites becomes especially impressive. Their conduct was completely different from that of the people of Judah. They showed that obedience can remain firm even when there is no immediate pressure forcing us to do what is right.

The Rechabites lived during Jeremiah’s time, and they had a very unusual family tradition. Their forefather Jehonadab had given them specific commands. Among other things, he had told them not to drink wine. Jehonadab had been dead for a long time, but his descendants continued to respect his command.

Jehovah allowed their obedience to be tested in a very direct way.

Jeremiah was instructed to bring the Rechabites into one of the dining rooms at the temple. He then placed wine before them and invited them to drink it. Think about that situation. The wine was right there. Jeremiah himself was the one offering it. Yet the Rechabites refused.

They explained that their forefather Jehonadab had commanded them not to drink wine, and they had continued to follow his instruction.

What makes their example so striking is that they were not under pressure to obey Jehonadab. He was already dead. They were not afraid that he would punish them. There was no immediate disaster that they were trying to escape. They simply respected the command they had been given and were determined to follow it.

Jehovah was pleased with that attitude.

And if they showed such respect for the instruction of an earthly forefather who was no longer alive, how much more should we be determined to obey Jehovah, the living God?

That comparison makes the lesson very clear. The Judeans obeyed when obedience seemed useful, but the Rechabites obeyed because they were resolved to do so. Their circumstances did not determine whether they would follow the command.

That is the kind of determination we want to develop toward Jehovah.

The Rechabites’ example also teaches us something about what it means to be resolved. Being resolved does not mean that we will never experience temptation or that obedience will always feel easy. It means that we have already settled in our heart what we want to do.

That can make a big difference when a difficult situation suddenly comes.

Suppose we have already decided that we will obey Jehovah even when nobody is watching. Then, when we are alone and have an opportunity to do something wrong, we do not have to spend a long time debating whether we should do it. Our decision has already been made.

Or suppose we have already decided that we will follow Jehovah’s moral standards even if people around us treat those standards as outdated or unnecessary. When pressure comes, we are not trying to decide whose opinion matters more. We know where we stand.

That is similar to the Rechabites. When Jeremiah placed the wine before them, they did not suddenly have to decide what they believed. They already knew their position.

There is something else encouraging about their example. Jehovah noticed their obedience.

Jeremiah 35:18, 19 records Jehovah’s response. He commended the Rechabites for obeying the command of their forefather and then gave them a rewarding promise: “There will not be cut off from Jonadab the son of Rechab a man to stand before me always.”

Jehovah did not overlook what they had done. Their faithful obedience mattered to him.

That is important for us too. Sometimes obedience may seem unnoticed. We may make a decision to do what is right, but nobody else knows how difficult that decision was. Perhaps we resisted a temptation privately. Perhaps we kept following Jehovah’s direction even though others were not doing so. Perhaps we continued to do what is right even when we did not see an immediate reward.

Jehovah sees it.

He sees the choices we make when there is no audience. He sees the effort behind our obedience. He knows when doing what is right costs us something.

The Rechabites were rewarded for their faithful obedience. Their example stood in sharp contrast with the people of Judah, who repeatedly disobeyed their Creator even though Jehovah had given them far more reason to obey than the Rechabites had to obey their earthly forefather.

That contrast helps us appreciate the value Jehovah places on obedience.

It also helps us understand the theme: Jehovah rewards faithful obedience.

His reward is not necessarily that everything in our life will immediately become easier. The Rechabites themselves lived during a very difficult period. Jehovah did not promise them a life without problems. But he did show that he valued their faithfulness and gave them a reassuring promise of his favor and continued existence.

Likewise, we should not think of obedience as a bargain with Jehovah: “If I obey, then Jehovah must give me the life I want.” That would bring us back to the wrong attitude we saw among the Judeans.

Instead, we obey because Jehovah is our God and because we trust him. We know that his commands are for our good. We also know that he does not forget those who remain faithful to him.

That gives us a very useful question to consider personally: Am I determined to obey Jehovah even when I feel that I could avoid the consequences of disobedience?

That question goes deeper than simply asking whether we know Jehovah’s commands. We may know exactly what Jehovah says is right. The question is what we will do when disobedience seems easy and the consequences seem unlikely.

For example, what if nobody would find out?

What if we thought there would be no immediate consequences?

What if everyone around us was doing the same thing?

What if obedience meant giving up something we really wanted?

Those moments reveal what is in our heart.

The Judeans had shown that when they feared the Babylonians, they could make an outward change. But once the immediate danger passed, they returned to their former conduct. The Rechabites showed the opposite. Their obedience did not depend on pressure. It was part of who they were.

We can work toward having that same kind of settled determination.

One way is to think about Jehovah’s reasons for giving his commands. Instead of viewing his direction simply as a list of things we can and cannot do, we can remember that Jehovah knows us better than we know ourselves. His standards protect our relationship with him and protect us from the painful results of wrongdoing.

Then obedience becomes less about “What am I allowed to do?” and more about “What choice will please Jehovah?”

That is a beautiful change in thinking.

It can also help us prepare before temptation comes. The Rechabites had already made their decision long before Jeremiah put wine before them. Similarly, we can decide in advance that we will not compromise when faced with pressure.

We can pray about the areas where we know we are vulnerable. We can strengthen our conscience through regular study of God’s Word. We can take seriously the counsel we receive at our meetings. And when we recognize a weakness, we can make adjustments rather than waiting until we are in a difficult situation.

That way, when a test comes, we are not starting from zero.

Most importantly, we can remember who is asking us to obey. Jehovah is not an unreasonable ruler looking for opportunities to punish his servants. He is a loving Father who knows what is best for us. His commands are expressions of his wisdom and love.

The Rechabites’ example shows that Jehovah notices faithful obedience. The Judeans’ example warns us not to obey only when we are frightened or when we want something from Jehovah.

So perhaps we can ask ourselves that question again: “Am I resolved to obey Jehovah, even if at times I feel I could avoid the consequences of disobedience?”

If the answer is yes, we should continue strengthening that resolve. And if we realize that our obedience sometimes depends too much on our circumstances, we do not need to become discouraged. We can make our determination stronger today.

Conclusion

The people of Judah had a choice. When they were frightened, they temporarily did what Jehovah required. But when the pressure eased, they went back to their old ways. Their actions showed that their obedience had not truly reached their heart.

The Rechabites gave a completely different example. They obeyed even when there was no immediate pressure to do so. They remained faithful to a command given by an earthly forefather who was long dead. Jehovah saw that obedience, he was pleased with it, and he rewarded them.

Their example leaves us with a powerful thought: our faithfulness is never wasted, and our obedience is never invisible to Jehovah.

There may be times when doing what Jehovah asks feels difficult. There may be moments when disobedience appears easier, when nobody seems likely to know, or when we wonder whether we could escape the consequences. But that is exactly when our obedience can show Jehovah what is truly in our heart.

So let us not wait until trouble comes before we decide to obey. Let us not obey Jehovah only when we need his help. Let us make our decision now.

When obedience is difficult, remember the Rechabites. When temptation makes disobedience look harmless, remember the Judeans. And when you wonder whether Jehovah notices your efforts, remember his response to the Rechabites.

Jehovah sees faithful obedience. He values it. He remembers it. And he rewards those who remain loyal to him.

May we therefore be determined to obey Jehovah—not merely when it is convenient, not merely when we are afraid of the consequences, but because we love him, trust him, and want to remain close to him. Then, whatever test may come, we can have the satisfaction of knowing that we have chosen the safe and rewarding course: faithful obedience to Jehovah.

📌 NEXT WEEK SEPTEMBER 7-13, 2026.

TREASURES WEEKLY Theme: Jehovah’s Qualities Give Us Stronger Faith

Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to trust someone when you really know that person? If someone has always kept their word, has been there when you needed help, and has shown that they genuinely care about you, you do not have to keep wondering whether you can rely on them. Your experience with that person gives you confidence. The same is true in our friendship with Jehovah. The more we get to know him, the more reasons we have to trust him. And when we regularly stop and reflect on his qualities, that trust becomes even stronger.

The prophet Jeremiah had many reasons to strengthen his faith in Jehovah. He lived during a very difficult period. He saw the wickedness of the people around him, experienced opposition, and at times was troubled by what he saw happening. Yet he continued to rely on Jehovah. Why? Jeremiah knew the kind of God he was serving. He had seen evidence of Jehovah’s power, he knew about His loyal love, and he trusted His perfect sense of justice.

We can benefit from doing the same. There may be times when we know that Jehovah can help us but, because of the situation we are facing, we still feel worried. We may wonder how we are going to cope or how a problem will work out. At those moments, reflecting on Jehovah’s qualities can make our faith feel real and personal. Today we will consider three qualities in particular: Jehovah’s power, his loyal love, and his sense of justice. Each one gives us another reason to trust him.

Let’s begin with Jehovah’s power. Jeremiah expressed his confidence in Jehovah at Jeremiah 32:17: “O Sovereign Lord Jehovah! Look! You made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm. Nothing is too wonderful for you.” Jeremiah was surrounded by circumstances that were far beyond his control. But he knew that his circumstances were not beyond Jehovah’s control.

Think about what Jeremiah was saying. Jehovah made the heavens and the earth. When we take even a little time to consider what that means, it gives us a very small glimpse of Jehovah’s power. Look at the sun, for example. We depend on it every day. We feel its warmth, we benefit from its light, and life on earth depends on the energy it provides. Yet the sun is only one star among the enormous number of stars in the universe. Some stars are vastly larger than our sun. The scale of creation is difficult for us even to imagine.

And who made all of it? Jehovah.

So when Jeremiah said, “Nothing is too wonderful for you,” he was not using an empty expression. He was thinking about something he knew to be true. Jehovah’s creative power proves that there is no situation beyond his ability.

That can be very reassuring when we face a problem that seems too big for us. Maybe we have tried to solve something ourselves and have reached the point where we simply do not know what else to do. We might feel tired or even helpless. But Jehovah is not limited in the way we are. His power is unlimited.

Of course, Jehovah’s power is not merely something we admire when we look at creation. He has used his power to benefit people. In the first century, Jehovah gave Jesus the power to perform miracles. The blind could see, the lame could walk, lepers were cleansed, the deaf could hear, and the dead were raised. Those miracles gave people powerful evidence of what Jehovah can accomplish.

What about us today? We do not expect Jehovah to perform miraculous healings. But he still uses his power to strengthen his servants. Isaiah 40:29 says: “He gives power to the tired one and full might to those lacking strength.” That is a promise we can really appreciate because Jehovah understands that his servants sometimes become tired.

Notice that Jehovah does not say that his servants will never feel weak. Instead, he promises to give power to the tired one. So there may be a situation that we cannot change immediately, but Jehovah can give us the strength to endure it.

Isaiah 40:31 adds: “Those hoping in Jehovah will regain power.” Think about how that might work in our life. We may wake up and still have the same problem we had yesterday. The circumstances may not have changed. But after praying to Jehovah, reading his Word, attending our meetings, and receiving encouragement from fellow believers, we find that we can face another day. We have strength that we did not feel we had before.

That does not mean the problem was imaginary. It means Jehovah helped us endure it.

Paul referred to this kind of help as “power beyond what is normal.” Jehovah can give us strength that goes beyond what we might expect from ourselves. So when we feel that we are running out of strength, it is good to remember what Jeremiah remembered: the One we are depending on made the heavens and the earth. Nothing is too wonderful for him.

But there is another reason we can confidently turn to Jehovah. It is not enough simply to know that someone can help us. We also want to know that they want to help us. That brings us to Jehovah’s loyal love.

Jeremiah 32:18 speaks of Jehovah as the One who shows loyal love. What does that mean for us? Jehovah’s love for his servants is not shallow or temporary. His loyal love moves him to remain faithful to those who are devoted to him. He wants them to stay close to him and wants them to succeed in remaining faithful.

That is especially comforting when we are going through a trial. Sometimes a difficult situation can affect our emotions. We may know that Jehovah loves us, but we might not always feel that love. We may wonder, “Does Jehovah really understand what I am dealing with?” At such times, reflecting on his loyal love can help us see the situation differently.

Jehovah lovingly supports his servants. Psalm 46 describes him as a refuge and a source of strength. So when we are under pressure, we can approach Jehovah in prayer. We are not speaking to someone who is distant or uninterested. We are speaking to our heavenly Father, who wants us to remain close to him.

Jeremiah himself is a good example. He openly expressed his feelings to Jehovah. He did not pretend that everything was easy. When he was troubled, he spoke to Jehovah. And yet Jeremiah continued to trust him.

That teaches us something comforting. We do not have to hide our feelings from Jehovah. If we are worried, we can tell him. If we are discouraged, we can tell him. If something has deeply hurt us, we can tell him. Then, as we pray, we can remind ourselves of Jehovah’s loyal love. He has not stopped caring simply because we are going through a difficult period.

Jehovah’s loyal love also assures us that he wants us to succeed spiritually. He does not look at us as though he is simply waiting for us to make a mistake. He wants us to stay close to him. He gives us what we need to maintain our integrity.

So when we are facing a trial, we can think about both Jehovah’s power and his loyal love. He is able to help us, and he wants to help us.

There is still another quality that can strengthen our faith, especially when we experience something that seems unfair. That is Jehovah’s perfect sense of justice.

Jeremiah knew that Jehovah is just. But there was a time when what he was seeing troubled him so much that he asked Jehovah a very direct question. At Jeremiah 12:1, he said: “Why is it that the way of the wicked succeeds?”

Can we understand why Jeremiah felt that way? He was seeing wicked people prosper while he himself was experiencing difficulties. He was also personally affected by the way people treated him because he faithfully delivered Jehovah’s message. So Jeremiah was not asking this question because he had stopped trusting Jehovah. He was trying to understand something that was difficult for him.

We may have felt something similar. Perhaps we have watched someone act dishonestly and yet appear to prosper. Maybe someone has treated us unfairly and we wondered why nothing seemed to happen. Or we may see situations in the world that seem so wrong that we wonder how long Jehovah will allow them to continue.

What can help us when that happens? We can reflect on Jehovah’s justice.

Jeremiah 32:19 says of Jehovah: “Your eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, to give to each one according to his ways and the fruitage of his works.”

What a reassuring thought. Jehovah’s eyes are open. He sees everything. We may not see the complete picture, but Jehovah does. We may not know another person’s motives, but Jehovah does. We may not know what happened when nobody else was watching, but Jehovah does.

So if we experience an injustice, we do not need to feel that Jehovah has somehow missed it. He has not.

And because Jehovah’s sense of justice is perfect, we can trust him completely. Human justice can be limited. People can make mistakes because they do not have all the facts. But Jehovah never lacks information. He knows the full situation, and his judgment is always right.

Jeremiah saw evidence of this in the way Jehovah dealt with Judah. Jehovah had been patient with his people. He repeatedly warned them and gave them opportunities to change. But they continued in their wrongdoing. Eventually Jehovah acted in harmony with his justice.

So Jeremiah had good reason to trust that Jehovah would deal with wickedness, even when he did not understand the timing.

That is something we need to remember too. Jehovah’s justice does not always operate according to our timetable. We may think, “This should have been corrected already.” But Jehovah sees matters from a much larger perspective. We can tell him how we feel, just as Jeremiah did, while continuing to trust that Jehovah will act at the right time.

That can protect us from becoming bitter.

When we are treated unfairly, it is natural to feel hurt. But if we keep replaying the injustice in our mind, it can begin to affect our peace and even our relationship with Jehovah. Reflecting on his justice can help us let go of what we cannot control. We can remind ourselves: Jehovah saw what happened. He knows the whole situation. I can leave this in his hands.

That does not mean we pretend that injustice does not hurt. It means we refuse to allow it to weaken our trust in Jehovah.

And now we can see how beautifully these three qualities work together.

When we are facing something that seems impossible, we can remember Jehovah’s power. He made the heavens and the earth, and he can give us strength beyond what we feel we have.

When we feel alone or wonder whether Jehovah really cares, we can remember his loyal love. He wants his servants to stay close to him, and he lovingly supports them through their trials.

And when we face something unfair, we can remember Jehovah’s justice. His eyes are open to all that happens. Nothing escapes his notice, and he will always do what is right.

This is why reflecting on Jehovah’s qualities is so valuable. We are not simply learning information about God. We are getting to know our Father better. And the better we know him, the easier it becomes to trust him.

So when we read the Bible, we can look for opportunities to think about Jehovah himself. We can ask, “What does this account show me about his power? What does it show me about his loyal love? What does it tell me about his justice?” The answers can become something we carry with us when we face our own challenges.

Jeremiah did that. His life was not easy, but his faith was not based on having easy circumstances. He knew Jehovah. And that knowledge helped him keep going.

We can build that same kind of faith. We do not have to wait until a crisis comes before we think about Jehovah’s qualities. We can reflect on them now. Then, if something difficult happens later, we will already have strong reasons to trust him.

And perhaps one of the best times to reflect on Jehovah’s qualities is when everything is going well. Why? Because that is when we can quietly strengthen our friendship with him. Then, when our circumstances change, our confidence in Jehovah does not have to change with them.

Conclusion

All of us will face moments when we do not know exactly how a situation will turn out. There may be times when we feel that we do not have enough strength. There may be times when we are hurt by unfair treatment. And there may be times when we simply wish we could understand why Jehovah has allowed something to happen.

At those moments, we have something very precious to turn to—not simply an answer to every question, but a Person we know we can trust.

Think about Jehovah’s power. The One who made the heavens and the earth can give us the strength we need.

Think about his loyal love. He wants us to remain close to him, and he cares about helping us stay faithful.

And think about his justice. His eyes are open to everything. He sees what we see, he sees what we do not see, and he will always do what is right.

Jeremiah had those reasons to trust Jehovah, and so do we.

So when a problem feels too big, don’t look only at the problem. Take a moment to think about Jehovah’s power. When you feel discouraged, don’t allow your feelings to convince you that Jehovah is far away. Reflect on his loyal love. And when something seems unfair, tell Jehovah how you feel, but then remember that his eyes are open and his justice is perfect.

The more we reflect on Jehovah’s qualities, the better we come to know him. And the better we know him, the stronger our faith becomes.

Jehovah can help us because he is powerful. He wants to help us because he has loyal love for his servants. And we can trust him completely because everything he does is perfectly just.

That is why taking time to reflect on who Jehovah is can do more than make us feel encouraged for a moment. It can build the kind of faith that helps us keep trusting Jehovah, whatever circumstances we may face.

📌 NEXT WEEK AUGUST 31- SEPTEMBER 6, 2026.

TREASURES WEEKLY Theme: I Will Make . . . a New Covenant

Have you ever received a promise that completely changed the way you viewed a difficult situation? When someone trustworthy makes a promise, we gain confidence because we know that person has both the ability and the desire to fulfill it. Throughout history, Jehovah has made many promises to his servants. Each one reveals his love and his desire to bless mankind. One of the most remarkable promises he made was through the prophet Jeremiah: “I will make a new covenant.”

Those words were especially meaningful because Jehovah’s people already had a covenant with him—the Law covenant given through Moses. So why was a new covenant needed? Did it mean that the Law covenant had failed? Not at all. The Law covenant had accomplished exactly what Jehovah intended. It helped the Israelites understand his standards, revealed the seriousness of sin, and prepared them for something greater that would come in the future.

When Jehovah made the Law covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai, He gave that nation a special relationship with Him. They became His treasured possession, and He arranged for the tribe of Levi to provide priests who would serve the nation. Jehovah even spoke of them becoming “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” This showed that He had a wonderful purpose in mind for them.

However, there was a serious problem that the Law covenant itself helped reveal. The Israelites were imperfect. Even though many sincerely wanted to serve Jehovah, they could not keep His perfect standards completely. Their repeated sins showed that mankind needed something more than a written law and repeated animal sacrifices. A greater provision was needed—one that could provide a permanent solution to the problem of sin.

This is why Jehovah’s promise of a new covenant was such encouraging news. It would bring benefits that the previous covenant could not provide. It would make possible lasting forgiveness and open the way for Jehovah to accomplish His purpose through the promised Seed.

The promise of the new covenant revealed something beautiful about Jehovah. He knew that humans needed more than just instructions telling them what was right and wrong. They needed help to draw closer to him and to have their sins forgiven in a permanent way. The Law covenant clearly showed Jehovah’s righteous standards, but it also showed that imperfect humans could not save themselves from sin. They needed Jehovah to provide a greater arrangement.

Through Jeremiah, Jehovah explained what would make the new covenant different. He said that He would put His law within his people and write it on their hearts. This did not mean that Jehovah would simply remove his standards or allow people to do whatever they wanted. Instead, it meant that true worshippers would be moved from within to obey Jehovah. His laws would not just be written in a record for them to read; they would become part of their thinking, their desires, and their way of life.

That teaches us an important lesson today. Jehovah has always cared about what is inside a person. He is not only interested in outward actions. A person could follow certain commands outwardly while their heart is far from Jehovah. But Jehovah desires worship that comes from love. He wants us to serve him because we appreciate who he is and because we trust that his ways are always best.

This also helps us understand why the new covenant is connected with forgiveness of sins. Jehovah did not simply ignore the sins of imperfect humans. He did not lower his standards of justice just to show mercy. Instead, he provided a perfect legal basis for forgiveness. This was possible because of the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Under the Law covenant, animal sacrifices were offered repeatedly. Those sacrifices had value because Jehovah commanded them, and they helped the Israelites understand that sin requires a sacrifice. However, those sacrifices could not completely remove sin. They pointed forward to something greater. The new covenant would be made effective, not by the blood of animals, but by the precious blood of Jesus.

This is why the apostle Paul explained that without the pouring out of blood, forgiveness does not take place. Jesus’ perfect human life was given as the ransom. Because of that sacrifice, Jehovah could forgive sins in a way that fully satisfied his perfect justice. The new covenant was therefore not based on overlooking wrongdoing. It was based on Jehovah’s loving provision through his Son.

Think about what this tells us about Jehovah’s personality. He is both just and merciful. Some people may find it difficult to balance those qualities. They may think that showing mercy means ignoring what is right, or that being just means being harsh. But Jehovah shows the perfect balance. He does not excuse sin, yet he lovingly provides a way for repentant humans to receive forgiveness.

This should move us to appreciate the value of the ransom. When Jehovah forgives someone, it is not because sin is a small matter. Sin has serious consequences, and Jehovah paid a great price to make forgiveness possible. The sacrifice of Jesus shows how much Jehovah loves humans and how much he desires to restore a close relationship with them.

But who would be included in this new covenant? Jeremiah’s prophecy mentioned “the house of Israel and the house of Judah.” However, the natural nation of Israel as a whole did not become part of this arrangement. Many rejected Jesus as the Messiah and refused to accept the way Jehovah was fulfilling his purpose. Instead, Jehovah formed a new spiritual nation—the Israel of God—made up of anointed Christians.

This helps us see the difference between the Law covenant and the new covenant. The Law covenant was between Jehovah and the nation of natural Israel. The new covenant is between Jehovah and spiritual Israel, with Jesus Christ serving as the Mediator. Through this arrangement, Jehovah accomplishes his purpose involving those who will serve with Christ in the heavenly Kingdom.

But does that mean the new covenant has no benefit for Christians who do not have the heavenly hope? Not at all. The blessings connected with this covenant extend far beyond those who are directly included in it. Those who look forward to everlasting life on earth are also able to benefit from this loving arrangement.

They are able to approach Jehovah with a clean conscience because of the ransom sacrifice that made forgiveness possible. They support the arrangement Jehovah has established and gladly accept the blessings that flow from it. Just as foreigners in ancient times could join themselves to Jehovah and worship him, those with an earthly hope today can draw close to Jehovah and enjoy a relationship with him.

This shows how generous Jehovah’s purpose is. The new covenant highlights that Jehovah is not only concerned with a limited group of people. His desire is to bless obedient humans from all nations. Through the promised Seed, Jesus Christ, Jehovah is bringing about blessings that will benefit countless people who love and serve him.

So when we think about the new covenant, we should not see it as just a Bible teaching to understand. We should see it as a reflection of Jehovah’s love. It shows that he understands our condition, knows our need for forgiveness, and has lovingly provided the perfect solution to sin.

Understanding the new covenant should affect the way we view Jehovah and the way we treat others. One of the most touching aspects of this arrangement is Jehovah’s willingness to forgive. Through Jeremiah, Jehovah promised: “I will forgive their error, and I will no longer remember their sin.” This does not mean that Jehovah forgets in the sense of losing memory. Rather, it means that when he forgives, he does not continue bringing up the matter or hold the sin against the person. Once Jehovah has accepted the ransom and forgiven a repentant person, he does not keep reopening the past.

What a comforting thought that is. Many imperfect humans struggle with letting go of past mistakes—both their own and those of others. We may say that we forgive someone, but later, when the situation comes up again, we may be tempted to mention what happened. Jehovah sets the perfect example for us. Since he is willing to forgive and no longer bring up sins that have been forgiven, we should strive to imitate his generous attitude.

Of course, forgiving others does not mean that we minimize serious wrongdoing or pretend that hurtful actions never happened. Jehovah himself does not do that. He takes sin seriously. But when a matter has been handled properly and forgiveness has been extended, continuing to hold on to resentment would not reflect Jehovah’s way of thinking.

This is especially important within the Christian family. We all make mistakes because we are imperfect. Sometimes a brother or sister may say something hurtful, disappoint us, or make a decision that affects us. If they are repentant and we have forgiven them, we want to avoid constantly bringing up their past mistakes. Doing so would be very different from the way Jehovah treats those he forgives.

Jesus also highlighted the importance of forgiveness when he taught his disciples to pray: “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” Jehovah has shown us tremendous mercy, and he wants us to extend that same spirit to others. When we forgive, we are not saying that wrong actions do not matter. Rather, we are showing that we appreciate the forgiveness Jehovah has extended to us.

The new covenant also reminds us that Jehovah wants a close relationship with his servants. He did not simply provide a legal arrangement for forgiveness and leave humans at a distance. Through Jesus Christ, he opened the way for people to become close to him. What a privilege it is to approach Jehovah with confidence, knowing that he understands our weaknesses and has provided the means for us to receive forgiveness.

This should motivate us to examine our own relationship with Jehovah. Do we view his forgiveness as something ordinary, or do we deeply appreciate the price that made it possible? Do we allow gratitude for the ransom to influence our choices and our attitude? The more we appreciate Jehovah’s mercy, the more we will want to please him.

The new covenant also teaches us something about trust. Jehovah always keeps his promises. When he said through Jeremiah, “I will make a new covenant,” it may have seemed impossible from a human viewpoint. The nation of Israel had failed many times. Jerusalem would eventually be destroyed, and the people would experience exile. Yet Jehovah’s purpose did not fail. At the right time, he brought about every detail of his promise.

That gives us confidence today. We live in a world where many promises are broken. People may have good intentions but lack the ability to fulfill what they say. Jehovah is completely different. When he makes a promise, he has both the power and the desire to carry it out. The fulfillment of the new covenant assures us that every other promise Jehovah has made will also come true.

Conclusion

The promise of the new covenant teaches us something precious about Jehovah. It shows that he understands the greatest problem facing imperfect humans—the problem of sin—and that he lovingly provided a solution. The Law covenant helped people recognize their need for forgiveness, but the new covenant brought the perfect sacrifice that could make lasting forgiveness possible.

It also reminds us that Jehovah’s forgiveness is not based on ignoring justice. He did not simply overlook sin. Instead, he provided the ransom through Jesus Christ, a sacrifice that satisfied his perfect standards and opened the way for humans to have a clean standing before him.

So how should we respond? We can show our appreciation by allowing Jehovah’s laws to be written on our hearts. We do not want to serve him merely because of obligation. We want his standards to shape our thinking, our decisions, and our desires. We also want to imitate his willingness to forgive others, remembering that we ourselves benefit every day from his mercy.

The new covenant is a powerful reminder that Jehovah does not give up on imperfect humans who sincerely want to serve him. He provided a way for sins to be forgiven, for people to draw close to him, and for his purpose to move forward. What a privilege it is to know a God who is both perfectly just and deeply loving.

May we continue to value the blessings made possible through the new covenant, strengthen our trust in Jehovah’s promises, and always show by our actions that we are grateful for the greatest expression of love he has provided through Jesus Christ.

TREASURES FOR THE WEEK OF AUGUST 3-9, 2026.

Theme: The Importance of Good Shepherds

Imagine a flock of sheep out in open countryside. They are not dangerous animals. They are gentle, dependent, and easily influenced by their surroundings. They do not always know where the safest path is or where danger may be hidden. Because of that, they rely completely on a shepherd to guide them, protect them, and care for them. When the shepherd is attentive, the sheep feel secure. They are fed, they are guided to safe places, and they can rest without fear. But when the shepherd is careless or selfish, the sheep quickly suffer. They become scattered, vulnerable, and confused.

That simple picture helps us understand a very important spiritual truth: the kind of shepherds people follow matters deeply.

In the time of ancient Judah, Jehovah used the illustration of shepherds to describe those who were responsible for guiding His people. Sadly, many of those “shepherds” failed in their responsibility. Instead of caring for the people, they neglected them. Instead of protecting them, they allowed them to be harmed spiritually.

At Jeremiah 23:2, Jehovah strongly rebuked the shepherds of Israel because they were scattering His flock. Instead of strengthening the people spiritually, they were contributing to their downfall. Similarly, Ezekiel 34:2-5 shows that these shepherds were feeding themselves rather than caring for the flock. They were focused on their own benefit, their own position, and their own comfort, while the people under their care were left spiritually weak and vulnerable.

That is a very serious situation.

Because when those who are supposed to guide others spiritually fail to do so, the consequences do not remain limited. They spread. The people begin to lose direction. Wrong practices become more acceptable. Spiritual standards weaken. Over time, confusion grows, and the relationship between the people and Jehovah becomes damaged.

And that is exactly what happened in Judah.

But the problem did not stop with neglect. It went even further. False prophets and unfaithful teachers also played a role in leading the people astray. Instead of correcting wrongdoing, they encouraged it. Instead of helping people return to Jehovah, they gave them messages that made them feel comfortable in their wrong course.

At Jeremiah 23:14, we see that these prophets strengthened those who were doing wrong, telling them that everything was fine, even when it was not. They gave false assurance instead of honest guidance. As a result, immoral behavior and spiritual decline became more widespread.

When those who are supposed to represent Jehovah begin to mislead others, the effect is very damaging. People start to lose their sense of direction. Wrong actions begin to feel normal. And slowly, what is spiritually dangerous becomes accepted.

This is why Jehovah took such strong action against that condition. Because He cares deeply about His people, He does not allow them to be misled without warning.

When we look at history, we also see that this was not a new problem. Many leaders in Israel and Judah failed in their responsibility. Some kings, instead of guiding the nation in worship of Jehovah, led them into false worship. Over time, this pattern contributed to spiritual decline among the people.

And the result was very sad. A nation that was meant to be close to Jehovah gradually drifted away from Him. Not because Jehovah stopped caring, but because the guidance they were receiving was corrupted.

This helps us understand a very important principle: the quality of spiritual leadership has a direct impact on the spiritual condition of those who are being led.

But Jehovah did not leave His people without hope.

In contrast to those unfaithful shepherds, Jehovah also provided faithful ones. True shepherds, or overseers, were meant to care for the flock in a very different way. They were not to dominate or neglect the people, but to serve them with love and humility.

In the Christian arrangement today, overseers are encouraged to shepherd the congregation with care, not out of obligation, but willingly. They are to set a good example, not just give instructions. That means their actions are just as important as their words.

They are reminded that the flock does not belong to them—it belongs to Jehovah. That understanding helps them to treat others with respect, kindness, and genuine concern.

And this is where the contrast becomes very clear.

Bad shepherds lead by neglect, self-interest, or misleading influence. Good shepherds lead by care, example, and faithfulness to Jehovah’s standards.

One produces confusion and harm. The other produces stability and spiritual strength.

This arrangement reflects something very beautiful about Jehovah. He does not only provide direction for His people—He also provides caring ones to help guide them. And when those individuals follow His standards closely, the congregation benefits greatly.

But this also highlights something for all of us personally.

Even though not everyone serves as an overseer, all of us are influenced by spiritual guidance. That means we benefit when those taking the lead are spiritually strong and faithful. At the same time, we also contribute to the spiritual health of the congregation by the way we respond, support, and imitate good examples.

So this is not just about leadership—it is about the whole spiritual environment.

When shepherds are faithful, the flock feels safe. There is peace, unity, and encouragement. People are more likely to grow spiritually because they are receiving proper care and direction.

And when we think about it, that is exactly what Jehovah wants for His people.

He does not want His servants to feel confused, neglected, or misled. He wants them to feel supported, guided, and spiritually nourished.

That is why faithful shepherding is so valuable.

It is also why the Bible encourages those who take the lead to do it with eagerness and humility, not as if they are ruling over others, but as examples the flock can follow.

That kind of leadership builds trust. It strengthens unity. And it reflects Jehovah’s own caring personality.

Because Jehovah Himself is the ultimate Shepherd. He is never careless with His people. He never misleads them. He always provides what they need spiritually, and He ensures that faithful shepherds are available to care for the congregation.

So when we see good shepherds at work, it is really a reflection of Jehovah’s care in action.

And when we think about the difference between good and bad shepherding, it becomes clear why Jehovah takes this matter so seriously. The spiritual well-being of His people depends on it.

Conclusion

So what have we learned?

We have seen that when spiritual shepherds are unfaithful—whether through neglect, wrong example, or misleading influence—the people suffer. History shows that this can lead to confusion, spiritual weakness, and even turning away from Jehovah.

But we have also seen the beautiful contrast. When shepherds are faithful, caring, and humble, the congregation is strengthened. People are guided properly, protected spiritually, and encouraged to remain close to Jehovah.

This helps us appreciate even more the value of good shepherds among Jehovah’s people today.

They are not perfect, but when they follow Jehovah’s standards and set a good example, they contribute to a healthy, united, and spiritually strong congregation.

So we can be grateful for the arrangement Jehovah has provided. And we can also support it by cooperating with loving guidance and continuing to build unity among ourselves.

Because ultimately, good shepherding reflects Jehovah’s own care—and that is something that benefits all of us deeply.

How did the fulfillment of Jeremiah 23:5, 6 benefit God’s people?

The fulfillment of this prophecy benefits God’s people because it provides them with a righteous and trustworthy Shepherd-King who gives loving direction and ensures proper care for Jehovah’s people. Unlike the unfaithful leaders of ancient Judah who misled and neglected the flock, this promised ruler would guide God’s people with justice, wisdom, and genuine concern.

For God’s people today, this prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Under his leadership, Jehovah’s servants receive clear spiritual direction, protection from being misled, and loving care that helps them remain close to Jehovah and spiritually secure.