DAILY TEXT, for Friday, July 8. 2016

[Queen Esther]

 

They strengthened the disciples, encouraging them to remain in the faith and saying: “We must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations.”—Acts 14:22.

http://wol.jw.org/en/wol/dt/r1/lp-e/2016/7/8

At first, that statement might seem strange. After all, the prospect of going through “many tribulations” would seem distressing, not encouraging. How is it, then, that Paul and Barnabas “strengthened the disciples” with a message that pointed to more tribulation? We can find the answer if we look carefully at Paul’s words. He did not simply say: “We must endure many tribulations.” Rather, he said: “We must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations.” So Paul strengthened the disciples by emphasizing the positive result of a faithful course. That reward was no mere illusion. Indeed, Jesus stated: “The one who has endured to the end will be saved.” (Matt. 10:22) If we endure, we will have a reward. As Paul noted, though, we will face many tribulations in the meantime. w14 9/15 2:4-6