Friday, April 2 Happy and holy is anyone having part in the first resurrection.​—Rev. 20:6.

[Áine]

Friday, April 2

Happy and holy is anyone having part in the first resurrection.—Rev. 20:6.

 

Someone who has been anointed may feel unworthy of this precious privilege. But he does not for one minute doubt that Jehovah has chosen him. His heart bursts with joy and appreciation when he thinks of his future prospects. (1 Pet. 1:3, 4) So does this mean that anointed ones want to die? The apostle Paul answers that question. He compared their human body to a tent and said: “In fact, we who are in this tent groan, being weighed down, because we do not want to put this one off, but we want to put the other on, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.” (2 Cor. 5:4) These Christians have not lost interest in this life, wanting it to end quickly. On the contrary, they enjoy life and want to use each day to serve Jehovah with their family and friends. Yet, no matter what they are doing, they always remember the glorious hope that they have for the future.—1 Cor. 15:53; 2 Pet. 1:4; 1 John 3:2, 3. w20.01 23 ¶12-13

[Vinnie]

Jehovah put into us a strong desire to live and a strong desire to hold onto loved ones. Some have made close friendships with those who are anointed.  We may mourn their absence  when they pass but their place in the heavenly Kingdom government is what we long for as it means getting rid of this wicked system, including death.  This may be the one time we can be properly happy for those who have died.

[dove]

Many years ago I was sitting behind one of the anointed as she was partaking of the emblems, and her shoulders shook; I assumed out of appreciation, love and humility to be one of Jehovah's chosen ones.

As she lay dying in the hospital some years later-her husband at her side, they looked intently at each other, tears in their eyes knowing they would soon part forever.

 

These put their love for Jehovah above all others, but feel a great sadness to leave loved ones as Paul explained...