Saturday, May 16 The wicked will be no more.​—Ps. 37:10.

[Áine]

Saturday, May 16

The wicked will be no more.—Ps. 37:10.

 

Instead, “the meek will possess the earth, and they will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.” David was also inspired to predict: “The righteous will possess the earth, and they will live forever on it.” (Ps. 37:11, 29;2 Sam. 23:2) What effect do you think those assurances had on people who wanted to do God’s will? They would have a basis for expecting that if only righteous people were living on earth, in time a paradise like the garden of Eden would be restored. Over time, most Israelites claiming to serve Jehovah turned their backs on him and on true worship. So God let the Babylonians conquer his people, ruin their land, and carry many of them into exile. (2 Chron. 36:15-21; Jer. 4:22-27) Still, God’s prophets foretold that after 70 years, his people would return to their homeland. Those prophecies were fulfilled. But they also have meaning for us—a coming paradise on earth. w18.12 4 ¶9-10

[Chris7]

Jehovah has been truly patient with his people....2 Chron. 3:15 “Jehovah the God of their forefathers kept warning them by means of his messengers, warning them again and again, because he felt compassion for his people and for his dwelling place.“

Despite punishment, he never left people without hope.  We must keep that hope alive, because Jehovah wants us to be there, in paradise.