Sunday, August 17 Worship the One who made the heaven and the earth.​—Rev. 14:7.

[Áine]

Sunday, August 17

Worship the One who made the heaven and the earth.—Rev. 14:7.

 

The ancient tabernacle had one courtyard—a fenced, open area where the priests performed their duties. The large copper altar of burnt offering was located in the courtyard, along with a copper basin of water that the priests used to cleanse themselves before performing their sacred service. (Ex. 30:17-20; 40:6-8) Today, the remnant of Christ’s anointed brothers faithfully serve in the earthly inner courtyard of the spiritual temple. The presence of the large basin of water is an important reminder for them, as it is for all Christians, to remain morally and spiritually clean. Where, then, do the “great crowd” offer their worship? The apostle John saw them “standing before the throne,” in what corresponds on earth to the outer courtyard, where “they are rendering [God] sacred service day and night in his temple.” (Rev. 7:9, 13-15) How we cherish having a place in Jehovah’s arrangement for pure worship! w23.10 28 ¶15-16