SA22 - Keep Traveling on “the Way of Holiness”

In the bustling city of Babylon, a community of Jewish people found themselves as captives in a foreign land, yet they managed to prosper despite their circumstances. Jehovah said to them, “build houses and live in them, plant gardens and eat their fruit, and seek the peace of the city to which I have exiled you…, for in its peace you will have peace.” (Jeremiah 29:5, 7) Thanks to Jehovah, many Jews had the freedom to manage their own affairs, and even had the liberty to move around Babylon, living comfortable lives by adapting to the environment created by their captors.

During that time, Babylon served as a central hub of trade and commerce, providing opportunities for the Jews to master various skills such as buying, selling, craftsmanship, and negotiation. These talents would prove beneficial for every generation to come, even down to our modern times. As prosperity smiled upon them, many enjoyed material wealth and influence. Yet, amid all the riches and success, there was a void in their lives—a longing for a deeper connection with their God, Jehovah.

Although outwardly prospering, the Jewish captives knew they were not wholly following God's ways. The laws and customs of Babylon clashed with the commandments they held dear. They yearned for pure worship and a way of living in harmony with Jehovah, but within the confines of the opulent city, where commerce ruled supreme, achieving such a life seemed impossible.

As time passed, a stirring of hope spread among the Jewish community. Rumors of a promise began to circulate, a promise made by Jehovah Himself. He spoke of a way that would lead those who sought pure worship back to their homeland, Jerusalem. The journey ahead was daunting, spanning a vast distance that could take up to four arduous months. Despite leaving behind their comfortable lives, a group of determined Jewish people set out on what Isaiah spoke of as a highway, the Way of Holiness, which would lead them to becoming a restored nation. In much the same way as their forefather Abraham, who left the relative ease and relaxation of the city of Ur, their hearts filled with faith and anticipation as they embarked on a spiritual pilgrimage that would forever change their lives. Such a blessing indeed for those travelers!

Upon arriving at the once majestic city of Jerusalem, they were met with desolation. Parts of the walls that had once stood tall were reduced to rubble, and the grandeur of the past now seemed like a distant memory. Yet, this was the place where they could truly worship God without compromise. With unyielding resolve, they began to rebuild both the city and their connection to Jehovah.

As they immersed themselves in the rebuilding work, they discovered a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose that transcended material wealth. Their prosperity in Babylon paled in comparison to the richness they felt in their pursuit of pure worship. They were no longer ensnared by the trappings of commercialism and spiritual degradation; they had fled the allure of modern life to find harmony with God's way of living.

Fast forward to modern times, where echoes of this ancient journey resonate with the lives of Christians today. Many find themselves prospering in the modern world, surrounded by commercialism and moral decline, which threaten to hinder their ability to worship God with a whole heart. Yet, like the Jewish captives, we hear and hold on to the call to pursue pure worship, to flee the entanglements of Satan's modern world.

As we travel this road, God does not expect us to make drastic changes all at once, for He refines His people over time. It is a continuous journey, a pilgrimage on the Way of Holiness, guided by faith and obedience. As we walk this path, we let go of excesses and superficialities that burden us, seeking a life that aligns with God's desires.

This journey is not without its trials, but as we press on, we are inspired by the prospect of pleasing our God, Jehovah, in all we do. Though modern Babylon the Great continues to exert its influence, we keep in mind the example of the Jewish people who left their comfort and prosperity behind to find true fulfillment.

In the end, it is not material wealth or superficial comfort that brings genuine happiness; it is the unwavering devotion to God's way that nourishes our lives. And so, as modern-day Christians, we continue onward, walking the Way of Holiness, knowing that the destination is not just a city-state, but a life in harmony with Jehovah's requirements and a heart full of joy and contentment. How happy we will be when we are able to please our God in everything we do. (Colossians 1:10)

Do you have a comment that did not get mentioned during the Watchtower study? What encouraging observations would you like to point out? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.