“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isa. 8:20. “For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth.” Mal. 2:7.
12. What will those servants be doing upon whom Christ pronounces a blessing when He comes?
“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.” Matt. 24:45-47.
13. What excuses are made by some for not expounding the prophecies?
“And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed: and the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned.” Isa. 29:11, 12.
Note.—The prophecies of Daniel were to be unsealed at “the time of the end.” See Dan. 12:4, 9, 10; Rev. 10:1, 2. In Jer. 25:34-37 is found a warning message addressed to unfaithful shepherds.
14. After receiving his commission to preach, how did the apostle Paul feel?
“For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” 1 Cor. 9:16.
15. How faithfully will the true shepherd watch the flock?
“They watch for your souls, as they that must give account.” Heb. 13:17.