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The Virgin Mary—What Does the Bible Say About Her? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502018141 | The Virgin Mary—What Does the Bible Say About Her?
The Bible’s answer
How could a virgin birth happen?
What was the purpose of the virgin birth?
Did Mary remain a virgin?
Was Jesus’ virgin birth the “Immaculate Conception”?
How should we view Mary?
The Bible’s answer
The Bible says that Mary, the mother of Jesus, had the unique privilege of giving birth to him while she was still a virgin. The Bible foretold this miracle in the book of Isaiah and reported its fulfillment in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.
In a prophecy about the appearance of the Messiah, Isaiah foretold: “Look! The young woman will become pregnant and will give birth to a son.” (Isaiah 7:14) Under divine inspiration, the Gospel writer Matthew applied Isaiah’s prophecy to Mary’s conception of Jesus. After reporting that Mary miraculously became pregnant, Matthew added: “All of this actually came about to fulfill what was spoken by Jehovah through his prophet, saying: ‘Look! The virgina will become pregnant and will give birth to a son, and they will name him Immanuel,’ which means, when translated, ‘With Us Is God.’”—Matthew 1:22, 23.
The Gospel writer Luke also reported Mary’s miraculous pregnancy. He wrote that God sent the angel Gabriel “to a virgin promised in marriage to a man named Joseph of David’s house, and the name of the virgin was Mary.” (Luke 1:26, 27) Mary confirmed that she was a virgin. After hearing that she was to become the mother of Jesus, the Messiah, Mary asked: “How is this to be, since I am not having sexual relations with a man?”—Luke 1:34.
How could a virgin birth happen?
Mary’s pregnancy came about by means of holy spirit, which is God’s power in action. (Matthew 1:18) Mary was told: “Holy spirit will come upon you, and power of the Most High will overshadow you. And for that reason the one who is born will be called holy, God’s Son.”b (Luke 1:35) God miraculously transferred his Son’s life to the womb of Mary, causing her to conceive a child.
What was the purpose of the virgin birth?
God used the virgin birth to provide Jesus with a perfect human body so that Jesus could save mankind from sin and death. (John 3:16; Hebrews 10:5) God transferred Jesus’ life to the womb of Mary. Thereafter, God’s holy spirit evidently shielded the developing embryo from acquiring any imperfection.—Luke 1:35.
Jesus was thus born a perfect human, an equal to what Adam had been before he sinned. The Bible says of Jesus: “He committed no sin.” (1 Peter 2:22) As a perfect man, Jesus could pay the ransom to redeem humans from sin and death.—1 Corinthians 15:21, 22; 1 Timothy 2:5, 6.
Did Mary remain a virgin?
The Bible does not teach that Mary was ever-virgin, or a perpetual virgin. Rather, it shows that Mary had other children.—Matthew 12:46; Mark 6:3; Luke 2:7; John 7:5.
The Bible teaches that Jesus had a number of siblings
Was Jesus’ virgin birth the “Immaculate Conception”?
No. According to the New Catholic Encyclopedia, the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception “designates the belief that the Virgin Mary was free from ORIGINAL SIN from the very beginning of her life, i.e., from her conception. The rest of mankind inherits a human nature infected with sin . . . But Mary was, by a unique GRACE, preserved from ever contracting original sin.”c
By contrast, nowhere does the Bible teach that Mary was free from original sin. (Psalm 51:5; Romans 5:12) In fact, Mary gave evidence that she was sinful when she presented the sin-atoning sacrifice that the Mosaic Law required of mothers. (Leviticus 12:2-8; Luke 2:21-24) The New Catholic Encyclopedia states: “The Immaculate Conception is not taught explicitly in Scripture . . . [It] is a judgment that the Church has made.”
How should we view Mary?
Mary set a fine example of faith, obedience, humility, and deep spirituality. She is among the faithful ones whom we do well to imitate.—Hebrews 6:12.
Yet, despite her unique role as the mother of Jesus, the Bible does not teach that we should worship Mary or pray to her. Jesus did not single out his mother for special honor, nor did he tell his followers to do so. In fact, outside of the Gospel accounts and a single reference in the book of Acts, Mary is not mentioned in the remaining 22 books of the so-called New Testament.—Acts 1:14.
The Scriptures provide no evidence that Mary received special attention—let alone veneration—by first-century Christians. Rather, the Bible teaches Christians to worship only God.—Matthew 4:10.
a The Hebrew word rendered “young woman” in Isaiah’s prophecy is ʽal·mahʹ, which can refer to either a virgin or a nonvirgin woman. However, under divine inspiration, Matthew used the more specific Greek word par·theʹnos, which means “virgin.”
b Some object to the use of the term “God’s Son,” believing that it implies that God had sexual relations with a woman. However, this idea is not taught in the Scriptures. Rather, the Bible calls Jesus “God’s Son” and “the firstborn of all creation” because he was the first and only one created directly by God. (Colossians 1:13-15) The Bible also refers to the first man, Adam, as the “son of God.” (Luke 3:38) This was because Adam was created by God.
c Second Edition, Volume 7, page 331. |
Find Joy in the Disciple-Making Work | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2009041 | Find Joy in the Disciple-Making Work
“Go therefore and make disciples.”—MATT. 28:19.
1-3. (a) How do many feel about the opportunity to conduct Bible studies? (b) What questions will we consider?
“I HAVE been studying with a family from Pakistan for the past 11 weeks,” wrote a sister who is serving with a Hindi-speaking group in the United States. “Needless to say,” she continues, “we have become friends. Tears well up in my eyes as I think about this family going back to Pakistan soon. My tears are prompted not only by the sorrow I feel at the loss of their company but also by the joy I’ve experienced while teaching them about Jehovah.”
2 Have you, like this sister, ever experienced the joy that comes from studying the Bible with someone? Jesus and his first-century disciples found great joy in the disciple-making work. When the 70 disciples whom Jesus had trained returned with a joyful report, Jesus himself became “overjoyed in the holy spirit.” (Luke 10:17-21) Similarly, many today find great joy in making disciples. In fact, in 2007, hard-working, happy publishers conducted an average of six and a half million Bible studies each month!
3 Some publishers, though, have not yet had the pleasure of conducting a Bible study. Others may not have conducted one in recent years. What challenges might we face as we endeavor to conduct a Bible study? How might we overcome those challenges? And what rewards do we receive when we do all we can to obey Jesus’ command: “Go therefore and make disciples”?—Matt. 28:19.
Challenges That Could Rob Us of Joy
4, 5. (a) How do many people respond in some parts of the world? (b) What challenges do publishers face in some other places?
4 In certain parts of the world, people eagerly accept our literature and are keen to study the Bible with us. One couple from Australia who were temporarily serving in Zambia wrote: “The stories are true. Zambia is a preaching paradise. Street witnessing is incredible! People approach us, some even asking for particular issues of the magazines.” In one recent year, the brothers and sisters in Zambia conducted over 200,000 Bible studies—that is, on average, more than one Bible study per publisher.
5 In other places, however, publishers may find it difficult to place literature and to conduct Bible studies regularly. Why? Often, people are not at home when a publisher knocks on their door, while those who are at home might be apathetic about religion. They may have been raised in a nonreligious household or may be repulsed by the hypocrisy evident in false religion. Many people have been spiritually injured—skinned and thrown about by false shepherds. (Matt. 9:36) Understandably, such ones may be wary of becoming involved in discussions about the Bible.
6. With what limitations might some contend?
6 Some faithful publishers face a different challenge that could rob them of joy. Although they were at one time very active in the disciple-making work, they are now hampered by ill health or the limitations of old age. Consider, too, some limitations that we might impose upon ourselves. For example, do you feel unqualified to conduct a Bible study? You may feel as Moses did when Jehovah commissioned him to talk to Pharaoh. Moses said: “Excuse me, Jehovah, but I am not a fluent speaker, neither since yesterday nor since before that.” (Ex. 4:10) Closely related to feelings of inadequacy is a fear of failure. We might worry that a person will not become a disciple because we are not the perfect teacher. Rather than risking that outcome, we might forgo the opportunity to conduct a study. How can we deal with the challenges just mentioned?
Prepare Your Heart
7. What motivated Jesus in his ministry?
7 A first step is to prepare our own heart. Jesus said: “Out of the heart’s abundance [the] mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45) Jesus was motivated in his ministry by a heartfelt concern for the welfare of others. For example, when he observed the poor spiritual condition of fellow Jews, “he felt pity for them.” He said to his disciples: “The harvest is great . . . Beg the Master of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.”—Matt. 9:36-38.
8. (a) What do we do well to think about? (b) What can we learn from the comments of one Bible student?
8 As we engage in the disciple-making work, we do well to think deeply about how much we have benefited because someone took the time to study the Bible with us. Think, too, of the people we will meet in the ministry and how they will benefit from hearing the message that we bear. One woman wrote to the branch office of the country in which she lives: “I would like to tell you how much I appreciate the Witnesses who teach me at my home. I know that sometimes they must get frustrated with me because I have so many questions and I always keep them overtime. But they are patient with me and eager to share what they have learned. I thank Jehovah and Jesus that these people have come into my life.”
9. On what did Jesus focus, and how can we imitate him?
9 Of course, not everyone responded to Jesus’ efforts to help them. (Matt. 23:37) Some followed him for a while but then objected to his teachings and “would no longer walk with him.” (John 6:66) However, Jesus did not allow the unfavorable response of some to make him feel that his message was of no value. Although much of the seed he sowed bore no fruit, Jesus focused on the good he was doing. He saw that the fields were white for harvesting and derived great joy from helping in that harvest. (Read John 4:35, 36.) Rather than seeing only the barren ground between the stalks of grain, can we likewise focus on the potential harvest in our assigned territory? Let us examine how we can maintain such a positive attitude.
Sow With a View to Reaping
10, 11. What can you do to maintain your joy?
10 A farmer sows seed with a view to reaping a harvest. Similarly, we need to preach with a view to starting Bible studies. What, though, if you regularly spend time in the field ministry but find few people at home or seem unable to contact your return visits again? This can be frustrating. Should you give up on the door-to-door ministry? Certainly not! Many people are still contacted first via this time-tested method of preaching.
11 To maintain your joy, however, can you expand your preaching methods, perhaps to include other ways of reaching people? For example, have you tried witnessing to people on the street or at their places of employment? Could you contact people by telephone or obtain the phone numbers of those with whom you have already shared the Kingdom message so that you can stay in touch with them? By showing perseverance and adaptability in your ministry, you will experience the joy of finding individuals who will favorably respond to the Kingdom message.
Coping With Apathy
12. What might we do if many in our territory seem apathetic?
12 What if many in your territory are apathetic about religion? Can you adapt your approach to appeal to their interests? The apostle Paul wrote to fellow believers in Corinth: “To the Jews I became as a Jew . . . To those without law I became as without law, although I am not without law toward God.” What was Paul’s motive? “I have become all things to people of all sorts,” he said, “that I might by all means save some.” (1 Cor. 9:20-22) Can we likewise find common ground with those in our territory? Many nonreligious people want to improve the quality of their family relationships. They may also be searching for a purpose in life. Can we present the Kingdom message to such people in a way that will appeal to them?
13, 14. How may we be able to increase the joy we gain from the disciple-making work?
13 A growing number of publishers have increased the joy they gain from the disciple-making work, even in areas where the majority of people seem apathetic. How? By learning a foreign language. One couple in their 60’s discovered that thousands of Chinese students and their families were living in the congregation’s assigned territory. “Because of this, we were encouraged to learn Chinese,” says the husband. “Though this meant spending time each day studying the language,” he continues, “it resulted in many Bible studies with Chinese people in our area.”
14 Even if you are not able to learn a foreign language, you can make good use of the booklet Good News for People of All Nations when you meet those who speak another language. You can also usually obtain literature in the language of the people whom you meet. Granted, it requires extra time and effort to communicate with those of another language and culture. But do not overlook the principle found in God’s Word: “He that sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”—2 Cor. 9:6.
The Entire Congregation Is Involved
15, 16. (a) Why is the disciple-making work a congregation effort? (b) What role do elderly ones play?
15 However, making disciples is not dependent on the efforts of just one individual. Rather, it is a congregation effort. Why? Jesus said: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.” (John 13:35) And indeed, when Bible students attend meetings, they are often impressed with the loving atmosphere of our gatherings. One Bible student wrote: “I do so enjoy attending the meetings. The people are so welcoming!” Jesus said that those who become his followers may be opposed by their literal family. (Read Matthew 10:35-37.) However, he promised that in the congregation, they would gain numerous spiritual “brothers and sisters and mothers and children.”—Mark 10:30.
16 Our elderly brothers and sisters especially play a vital role in helping Bible students to progress. In what way? Even if some elderly ones are unable to conduct a Bible study themselves, their upbuilding comments at congregation meetings strengthen the faith of all who hear them. Their record of walking “in the way of righteousness” adds beauty to the congregation and attracts honesthearted people to God’s organization.—Prov. 16:31.
Overcoming Our Fears
17. What can we do to overcome feelings of inadequacy?
17 What if you struggle with feelings of inadequacy? Recall that Jehovah helped Moses by providing him with holy spirit and with a partner, his brother, Aaron. (Ex. 4:10-17) Jesus promised that God’s spirit would back our witnessing work. (Acts 1:8) Furthermore, Jesus sent workers out to preach in pairs. (Luke 10:1) Therefore, if you find it a challenge to conduct a Bible study, pray for God’s spirit to give you wisdom and then team up with a preaching companion who can give you confidence and whose experience may be of help to you. It is faith-strengthening to remember that Jehovah chose to use ordinary people—“the weak things of the world”—to accomplish this extraordinary work.—1 Cor. 1:26-29.
18. How can we overcome the fear of failure?
18 How can we overcome the fear of failure? We do well to remember that making a disciple is not like making a meal in which success or failure depends primarily on one person—the cook. Rather, making a disciple involves at least a three-way partnership. Jehovah does the most important part, drawing the individual to him. (John 6:44) We and others in the congregation do our best to use the art of teaching to help the student progress. (Read 2 Timothy 2:15.) And the student needs to act on what he learns. (Matt. 7:24-27) If a person discontinues his Bible study, we may be disappointed. We hope that Bible students make the right choice, but each individual must “render an account for himself to God.”—Rom. 14:12.
What Are the Rewards?
19-21. (a) What benefits do we receive from conducting Bible studies? (b) How does Jehovah view all who engage in the preaching work?
19 Conducting Bible studies keeps us focused on seeking first the Kingdom. It also impresses the truths of God’s Word deeper upon our mind and heart. Why so? A pioneer named Barak explains: “Conducting Bible studies forces you to be a better student of God’s Word. I find that I must strengthen my personal convictions before I can adequately teach someone else.”
20 If you are not conducting a Bible study, does it mean that your service is of no value to God? Of course not! Jehovah deeply appreciates our efforts to praise him. All who engage in the preaching work are “God’s fellow workers.” However, conducting a Bible study brings added joy as we see how God makes the seed that we planted grow. (1 Cor. 3:6, 9) “As you see a Bible student progress,” says a pioneer named Amy, “you feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude to Jehovah for allowing you to be used to give that person a wonderful gift—the opportunity of knowing Jehovah and of receiving everlasting life.”
21 Doing our best to start and conduct Bible studies will help us to keep focused on serving God now and will strengthen our hope of surviving into the new world. With Jehovah’s backing, we may also help to save those who listen to us. (Read 1 Timothy 4:16.) What a cause for joy that would be!
Do You Recall?
• What challenges might prevent some from conducting Bible studies?
• What might we do if many in our territory seem apathetic?
• What rewards do we receive from conducting a Bible study?
[Pictures on page 9]
Do you expand your preaching methods so as to find honesthearted individuals? |
Why Pray in Jesus’ Name? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502012526 | Why Pray in Jesus’ Name?
The Bible’s answer
We must pray to God in Jesus’ name because this is the only way God has approved for us to approach Him. Jesus said: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) Jesus also told his faithful apostles: “Most truly I say to you, If you ask the Father for anything he will give it to you in my name.”—John 16:23.
More reasons to pray in Jesus’ name
We honor Jesus and his Father, Jehovah God.—Philippians 2:9-11.
We show that we appreciate Jesus’ death as God’s provision for our salvation.—Matthew 20:28; Acts 4:12.
We recognize Jesus’ unique role as Intercessor between God and men.—Hebrews 7:25.
We respect Jesus’ service as the High Priest who can help us gain a good standing with God.—Hebrews 4:14-16. |
Blood brochure (hb)
1990 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/brochures-and-booklets/blood-brochure-hb | outputs
3 Blood—Vital for Life
7 Blood Transfusions—How Safe?
13 Quality Alternatives to Transfusion
17 You Have the Right to Choose
22 The Blood That Really Saves Lives |
The Alpenhorn—Music From a Tree | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102012015 | The Alpenhorn—Music From a Tree
FOR centuries, some residents of the Swiss Alps have used a unique instrument for communication—the alpenhorn. It may not seem handy—some alpenhorns are twice as tall as the men who play them. Nevertheless, the alpenhorn can be carried by hand. Some versions even separate into pieces that fit into a convenient case. The alpenhorn can be heard for up to six miles (10 km), clear across the high Alpine valleys!
Making an Alpenhorn
Traditionally made from mountain spruce, the alpenhorn is right at home in the beautiful Swiss Alps. Natural forces cause spruce trees growing on steep hillsides to develop a curvature at the base.
After selecting a tree, the alpenhorn maker carefully splits it in two and hollows out the halves using special chisels. This step alone may take as long as 80 hours! The craftsman then files and sands the inside of the tree to smooth it. He glues the two halves together, wrapping them tightly with birch rattan. He also attaches a wooden foot, which will support the alpenhorn when it is being played. Finally, after fitting a suitable mouthpiece to the instrument and decorating the bell with a painted or hand-carved design, the craftsman coats the alpenhorn with a weatherproof lacquer.
Traditional Uses
For generations, shepherds and herders have sounded the alpenhorn from high up on the meadow to signal a comforting “all is well” to their families in the valley below. Primarily, though, they used it to call in their cows for milking. Swiss dairymen have long believed that the sweet sound of the alpenhorn helps to keep cows quiet during milking.
In winter, when the cows were back in their stalls in the valley, many herders would take their alpenhorns to town and play them for donations, which would supplement their income. Historically, the alpenhorn has even been used to call men to war.
How Do You Play It?
At first glance, it may seem that playing the alpenhorn would be easy. After all, it has no holes, keys, or valves to manipulate. The challenge lies in regulating the passage of air into the pipe so that the desired tone will result.
Alpenhorns produce only 12 natural tones. Although not all tunes can be played on the instrument, melodies are written especially for it, and an accomplished player can demonstrate thrilling virtuosity.
Famous composers have included the sound of the alpenhorn in their orchestral scores. For example, Leopold Mozart, the father of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, wrote his “Sinfonia Pastorella” for the orchestra and corno pastoritio—a kind of alpenhorn. Brahms mimicked a Swiss alpenhorn tone using flutes and horns, and Beethoven, in his Pastoral symphony, imitated the alpenhorn to evoke the atmosphere of pastoral life.
The alpenhorn was first mentioned by name in writing in Switzerland in the year 1527, in an accounts book belonging to St. Urban’s monastery. Now, nearly 500 years later, the gentle voice of the alpenhorn can still be heard rolling over the majestic Alpine meadows of Switzerland.
[Picture on page 15]
The alpenhorn can be taken apart and carried by hand |
Truth (tr)
1981 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/tr | Chapter 5
Where Are the Dead?
1. What questions do people commonly ask about the dead?
PERHAPS you have experienced the empty feeling that comes with losing a loved one in death. On such occasions most persons feel not only sad but also very helpless. It is only natural to wonder: What happens to a person when he dies? Is he still conscious somewhere? Is there a real hope that the dead will live again? The Bible contains a comforting answer to these questions.
2. What does the Bible say happened to the first man Adam at his death, and so what is death?
2 Simply stated, death is the opposite of life. In sentencing the first man Adam for his willful disobedience, God said: “You [will] return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For dust you are and to dust you will return.” (Genesis 3:19) Consider now: Where was Adam before God formed him from the dust and gave him life? Why, he simply did not exist. At his death Adam returned to the same lifeless, unconscious state. He went neither to a fiery hell nor to heavenly bliss, but died—as God said he would.—Genesis 2:17.
3. What does Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10 say about the condition of the dead, and what happens to man’s thinking at death?
3 The Bible clearly teaches that the dead are unconscious and lifeless in the grave. Note what Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10 (AV) says regarding the condition of the dead: “For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” This means that the dead cannot do anything and cannot feel anything. Their thoughts have ceased, as the Bible states: “Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.”—Psalm 146:3, 4, AV [145:2-4, Dy].
DOES MAN HAVE AN IMMORTAL SOUL?
4. What does Numbers 31:28 reveal about the word “soul”?
4 But what about the soul? Is it not a part of man that separates from his body at death and goes on living? To answer this properly we need to determine what the soul is. You may be surprised to know that animals as well as men are called “souls” in the inspired Scriptures. For instance, Numbers 31:28 speaks of “one soul [Hebrew, nephʹesh] out of five hundred, of humankind and of the herd and of the asses and of the flock.”—See also Revelation 16:3, where the Greek word for “soul,” psykhé appears.
5. How does the Bible describe the soul?
5 What, then, is the soul? Let us see what the Creator’s own written Word says about it. At Genesis 2:7 we read: “And Jehovah God proceeded to form the man out of dust from the ground and to blow into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man came to be a living soul.”
6. What Bible facts about the human soul show that it could not be a shadowy thing that can exist apart from a person? so what is the human soul?
6 Note, please, that after God started man breathing “the man came to be a living soul.” Hence the man was a soul, just as a man who becomes a doctor is a doctor. (1 Corinthians 15:45) Since the human soul is man himself, then it cannot be some shadowy thing that merely inhabits the body or that can exist apart from the person. In harmony with this fact, the Bible makes plain that the human soul possesses physical qualities. For example, the Bible speaks of the soul’s desiring physical food, saying: “Your soul craves to eat meat.” (Deuteronomy 12:20; see also Leviticus 17:12.) It says, too, that souls have blood traveling through their veins, for it speaks of “the blood of the souls of the poor innocents.” (Jeremiah 2:34, AV) Yes, your soul is really you, with all your physical and mental qualities.—Proverbs 2:10.
7. When the Bible uses the expression “my soul,” to what is it referring?
7 What, then, of the texts that use such expressions as “my soul,” or those that speak of a person’s soul as though it is within him? These texts, of course, must harmonize with the scriptures already considered, for there can be no contradiction in God’s Word. It becomes evident, then, that the word “soul” may be used in different senses. At times it refers to one’s own self as a soul. So just as one says “myself” he also can say “my soul,” meaning basically the same thing. Thus the psalmist wrote: “My soul has been sleepless from grief.”—Psalm 119:28 [118:28, Dy].
8. (a) In what other way can the word “soul” be used? So can a live person be rightly said to “have soul”? (b) What Bible accounts speak of one’s losing his life or soul?
8 “Soul” can also refer to the life one enjoys as a living soul or person. Now, we can say that someone is alive, meaning he is a live person. Or we can say that he has life, meaning he has life as a person. In the same way, man, according to the Bible, is a soul; but, as long as he is alive, he can be said to “have soul.” So, just as we speak of one’s losing his life, we can speak of his losing his soul. Jesus said: “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Matthew 16:26, AV) When Rachel had trouble in giving birth to Benjamin, her soul (or life as a soul) went out from her and she died. (Genesis 35:16-19) She ceased to be a living person and became a corpse. And when the prophet Elijah performed a miracle in connection with a dead child, the child’s soul (or life as a soul) came back into him and “he came to life.” He was again a living soul.—1 Kings 17:17-23.a
9. (a) Does the Bible say that the human soul is deathless? (b) What scriptures show that the human soul can die?
9 Since the soul is the person himself, what happens to a soul at death? The Bible is very clear in stating that the soul is subject to death, saying: “The soul that is sinning—it itself will die.” (Ezekiel 18:4, 20) The apostle Peter quoted from the writings of Moses concerning Jesus, saying: “Indeed, any soul that does not listen to that Prophet will be completely destroyed from among the people.” (Acts 3:23) Consistent with this basic truth, not once in any of its verses does the Bible say that either human or animal souls are immortal, deathless, cannot be destroyed or cannot perish. There are, however, dozens of scriptures that show that the soul can die or be killed. (Leviticus 23:30; James 5:20) Even of Jesus Christ the Bible says: “He poured out his soul to the very death.” (Isaiah 53:12) We see, then, that the human soul is the person himself, and when the person dies, it is the human soul that dies.
10. Confusion about what two words has caused much of the misunderstanding about death?
10 Much of the misunderstanding about death has been due to the confusion in many persons’ minds as to the meaning of “soul” and “spirit.” The Bible shows they are not the same, as we shall see.
WHAT IS THE SPIRIT IN LIVING CREATURES?
11. (a) According to Job 34:14, 15, what two things must man have to stay alive? (b) Explain what each of these means.
11 From Job 34:14, 15 we learn that there are two things that man (or any other conscious earthly creature) must have in order to be and stay alive: spirit and breath. There we read: “If he [God] sets his heart upon anyone, if that one’s spirit [Hebrew, ruʹahh] and breath [Hebrew, neshamahʹ] he gathers to himself, all flesh will expire together, and earthling man himself will return to the very dust.” We know that the first man was formed by God out of the “dust of the ground,” that is, the elements taken from the soil. At the time of Adam’s creation, God caused the billions of cells in his body to live, to have in them the force of life. This active life force is what is meant here by the word “spirit” (ruʹahh). But for the life force to continue in each of Adam’s billions of cells, they needed oxygen, and this was to be provided by breathing. So, God next “breathed into his nostrils the breath [neshamahʹ] of life.” Then Adam’s lungs began to function and thereby sustain by breathing the life force in his body cells.—Genesis 2:7, AV.
12. Illustrate the “breath of life” by what can happen to a newborn baby.
12 This was similar to the case of certain newborn babies. Although there is life in the baby when born, it sometimes does not begin to breathe right after birth. The doctor finds it necessary to spank the child to make it start breathing, for without breath the child would soon die. So, too, the life in Adam’s body cells had to be sustained by the breathing process in order for Adam to carry on the activities of a living person.
13. (a) Does the spirit have personality? (b) Using the illustration of an automobile, to what can the spirit be compared?
13 Whereas the human soul is the living person himself, the spirit is simply the life force that enables that person to be alive. The spirit has no personality, nor can it do the things a person can do. It cannot think, speak, hear, see or feel. In that respect, it might be likened to the electric current of a car’s battery. That current can ignite the fuel to make the engine produce power, cause the headlights to shine, sound the horn, or cause the car’s radio to produce voices and music. But, without the engine, headlights, horn or radio, could that battery current do any of these things by itself? No, for it is merely the force that enables the equipment to perform and do such things.
14. Do animals have life force or spirit the same as man does?
14 This spirit or life force is found in all living creatures, being passed on from parents to offspring at the time of conception. Thus, God told Noah that he would cause a flood of waters “to bring to ruin all flesh, in which the active force [ruʹahh, spirit] of life is,” both of animals and men.—Genesis 6:17, margin, 1953 edition; see also Ge 7:15, 22, AV, marginal reading.
15. How does Ecclesiastes 3:19, 20 show that both men and animals have this spirit or life force?
15 Because they all have this same life force or spirit, man and the animals die in a similar manner. For that reason, Ecclesiastes 3:19, 20 says: “There is an eventuality as respects the sons of mankind and an eventuality as respects the beast, and they have the same eventuality. As the one dies, so the other dies; and they all have but one spirit [ruʹahh] . . . All are going to one place. They have all come to be from the dust, and they are all returning to the dust.”
16. (a) In what way does the spirit leave the body at death? (b) How does it return to God?
16 Since God is the Giver of life, his Word says that when a person dies “the dust returns to the earth just as it happened to be and the spirit itself returns to the true God who gave it.” (Ecclesiastes 12:7) At death the life force eventually leaves all the body cells and the body begins to decay. All conscious thought and actions end. (Psalm 104:29 [103:29, Dy]) How, then, does the spirit ‘return to God who gave it’? Does the life force literally leave the earth and travel through space to God’s presence? No, but it returns to God in the sense that now the future life prospects of the person rest entirely with God. Only God can restore the spirit, causing the person to live again.
17. (a) Can a dead person harm the living, or a living person benefit a dead person? (b) Our knowing the truth about the condition of the dead protects us from what demonic practice?
17 Some persons live in fear of the dead and make offerings to appease dead ancestors. But we can find comfort in knowing that, since the dead are unconscious, it is not possible for them to harm the living. And though one may have loved very much some person who died, God’s Word shows that one cannot benefit the dead person by having religious acts or ceremonies performed for such one, perhaps at great expense to the survivors. (2 Samuel 12:21-23)b The knowledge of the true condition of the dead also protects us against the practice of trying to speak with the dead. The Bible warns that those who claim to speak with the dead are really getting in touch with demons, wicked spirits that falsely pretend to be the one who has died.—Deuteronomy 18:10-12.
WHAT IS HELL?
18. What do many religious organizations teach about hell, and what questions arise concerning it?
18 Many religious organizations teach that the wicked are tormented endlessly in a hellfire. But is this belief taught in God’s Word? You may know the meaning that your own particular church organization gives to “hell,” but have you ever investigated to see the meaning given it in the Scriptures? What is hell according to the Bible?
19. (a) From what Hebrew word is the word “hell” translated? And how is this Hebrew word rendered in various Bible versions? (b) The word “hell” is sometimes translated from what Greek word?
19 In the Hebrew Scriptures of the Bible the word “hell” is translated from the Hebrew word sheolʹ. This word occurs 65 times in all. The King James Version of the Bible, however, translates sheolʹ 31 times as “hell,” 31 times as “grave,” and 3 times as “pit.” The Catholic Douay Version of the Bible translates sheolʹ as “hell” 63 times and as “pit” once and as “death” once. In the Christian Greek Scriptures the word “hell” is sometimes translated from the Greek word hádes. Both the King James and Douay versions translate hádes as “hell” in each of its ten occurrences.
20. (a) Why is hell not a place where people suffer? (b) Was Jesus in hell?
20 Is hell a hot place? Do sheolʹ and hádes refer to some place where the wicked suffer after death? It is plain that they do not, for we have already seen that the dead are not conscious and therefore cannot suffer. The Bible does not contradict itself with regard to the condition of those in hell. This is proved by the fact that the Bible says that Jesus was in hell. (Acts 2:31, AV, Dy) When the apostle Peter stated this on the day of Pentecost, he clearly meant that Jesus had been in the grave, not in a place of fiery torment. (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4) In saying this the apostle quoted from Psalm 16:10 [15:10, Dy]. Here the Hebrew word sheolʹ was used, and at Acts 2:31 this word is translated by the Greek word hádes. This shows that sheolʹ and hádes refer to the same thing. The Bible “hell” is actually mankind’s grave.
21. (a) Did the righteous man Job believe hell to be a fiery-hot place? (b) So what is the Bible hell?
21 As further proof of this, consider the case of Job, a righteous servant of God who suffered much. He prayed to God: “Who will grant me this, that thou mayst protect me in hell [sheolʹ; the grave, AV], and hide me till thy wrath pass, and appoint me a time when thou wilt remember me?” (Job 14:13, Dy) How unreasonable to think that Job desired protection in hell if it is a fiery-hot place! Clearly, this “hell” is simply the grave, and Job desired to go there so that his sufferings might end. Good people as well as bad people go to the Bible “hell,” the common grave of all mankind.
RICH MAN AND LAZARUS
22. How do we know that Jesus’ words about the rich man and Lazarus are an illustration?
22 There is one place where hádes occurs, however, that has caused some persons to believe that the Bible hell is a place of physical torment. That is where Jesus spoke of the rich man and Lazarus, and said that the rich man died, and in hádes experienced torment. (Luke 16:22-31) Why is the use of hádes here so different from its use in other places? Because Jesus was giving a parable or illustration and was not speaking of a literal place of torment. (Matthew 13:34) Consider: Is it reasonable or Scriptural to believe that a man suffers torment simply because he is rich, wears good clothing and has plenty to eat? Is it Scriptural to believe that one is blessed with heavenly life just because he is a beggar? Consider this too: Is hell literally within speaking distance of heaven so that an actual conversation could be carried on? Also, if the rich man were in a literal burning lake, how could Abraham send Lazarus to cool his tongue with just a drop of water on the tip of his finger? What, then, was Jesus illustrating?
23. What is the meaning of the illustration with regard to (a) the rich man? (b) Lazarus? (c) the death of each? (d) the torments of the rich man?
23 In this illustration the rich man stood for the class of religious leaders who rejected and later killed Jesus. Lazarus pictured the common people who accepted God’s Son. The Bible shows that death can be used as a symbol, representing a great change in one’s life or course of action. (Compare Romans 6:2, 11-13; 7:4-6.) A death, or change from former conditions, happened when Jesus fed the Lazarus class spiritually, and they thus came into the favor of the greater Abraham, Jehovah God. At the same time, the false religious leaders “died” with respect to having God’s favor. Being cast off, they suffered torments when Christ’s followers after Pentecost forcefully exposed their evil works. (Acts 7:51-57) So this illustration does not teach that some dead persons are tormented in a literal fiery hell.
GEHENNA AND PURGATORY
24. (a) When some Bible versions speak of “hell fire,” from what original Greek word is the term “hell” translated? (b) How was Gehenna used when Jesus was on earth?
24 Perhaps someone may object and say that the Bible does speak of “hell fire.” (Matthew 5:22, AV, Dy) True, some versions use this expression, but in such cases the original Greek word here used for “hell” is Géenna, and not hádes. Gehenna occurs twelve times in the Christian Greek Scriptures, and refers to the valley of Hinnom outside the walls of Jerusalem. When Jesus was on earth this valley was used as a huge garbage dump where fires were kept burning by adding brimstone (sulfur) to burn up the refuse. Smith’s Dictionary of the Bible, Volume I, explains: “It became the common lay-stall [garbage dump] of the city, where the dead bodies of criminals, and the carcasses of animals, and every other kind of filth was cast.”
25. (a) Of what is Gehenna a proper symbol? (b) What terms in the Bible book of Revelation are a symbol of the same thing?
25 So when Jesus said that persons would be thrown into Gehenna for their bad deeds, what did he mean? Not that they would be tormented forever. Jesus used that valley (Gehenna) of fire and brimstone as a proper symbol of everlasting destruction. That is what his first-century listeners understood it to mean. The “lake of fire” mentioned in Revelation has a similar meaning, not conscious torment, but “second death,” everlasting death or destruction. It is evident that this “lake” is a symbol, because death and hell (hádes) are thrown into it. Such things cannot literally be burned, but they can be done away with, or destroyed.—Revelation 20:14; 21:8.
26. Does the Bible ever mention such a place as purgatory?
26 What, then, about purgatory? This is said to be a place where human souls are conscious and going through fiery purging after death. Since the Bible clearly shows that the dead are unconscious, how could God be tormenting anyone in such a place? (Psalm 146:4 [145:4, Dy]) Actually, neither the word “purgatory” nor the idea of a “purgatory” occurs in the Bible.
WILL THE DEAD LIVE AGAIN?
27. What hope is there for the dead?
27 The Bible teaching on the true condition of the dead relieves one’s mind of much unnecessary fear and worry regarding those who have died. To know that such ones are not suffering helps us to appreciate far more God’s love, and his justice. Yet, one may still wonder, If a man dies and simply goes to the grave, what hope is there for the dead? The Bible reveals that there is a wonderful hope, the hope of living again.
28. (a) Of what did Jesus’ raising of persons from the dead provide a preview? (b) To what will most people be resurrected?
28 During his earthly ministry Jesus Christ showed his power over death, actually bringing dead persons back to human life. (Luke 7:11-16; John 11:39-44) He thus provided a preview of what he will do on a grand scale in God’s new system of things. The heartwarming prospect is that then hell, mankind’s common grave, will be emptied of its unconscious dead. (Revelation 20:13) Some receive a resurrection to heavenly glory as spirit creatures, even as did Jesus Christ. (Romans 6:5) However, the vast majority of mankind will be brought back to enjoy life on a restored earthly paradise.—Acts 24:15; Luke 23:43.
29. What should Jehovah’s grand provisions for blessing mankind encourage us to do?
29 In God’s new system the resurrected dead, if they carry out God’s righteous laws, will never need to die again. (Isaiah 25:8) Certainly this grand provision for blessing mankind is reason for us to take in more knowledge of Jehovah and his Son, Jesus Christ. Doing so can lead to our eternal life and blessing.
[Footnotes]
a 3 Kings 17:17-23, Dy.
b 2 Kings 12:21-23, Dy. |
Life (lp)
1977 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/lp | Chapter 13
A Pattern of Things to Come
1. What makes it difficult for an individual to get justice under today’s legal arrangement?
TODAY there is such a maze of laws on the books of most nations that the individual seeking justice is usually unwise to try to be his own lawyer. Besides, “loopholes” exist that usually favor the rich. Would it not be pleasant to live under a law code that was straightforward and simple—in that a court case would not be costly, even for the ordinary man, and where any man, rich or poor, could informally bring his case before the court and get an impartial hearing?
2, 3. Why is it profitable for us to give consideration to the law that God gave to Israel?
2 Such was the Mosaic law code that God gave to Israel. Of this law the Bible says: “The judicial decisions of Jehovah are true; they have proved altogether righteous.” (Psalm 19:9) The fine quality of Jehovah’s judicial decisions can be seen in an examination of a few of the statutes making up this code of a little more than 600 laws.
3 Christians are not under that law given to Israel, but it is profitable to consider it. Why? Because the Law clarifies how Jehovah views matters and it illuminates the principles by which he deals with his creation at all times.
4. What position and authority did Jehovah have in ancient Israel’s government?
4 The administration of the government of Israel was unique in that Jehovah was its supreme and absolute Ruler. He was the King and was, additionally, God, the Head of religion. The prophet Isaiah said: “Jehovah is our Judge, Jehovah is our Statute-giver, Jehovah is our King; he himself will save us.”—Isaiah 33:22.
5. In Israel, how was obedience to the law also a practice of true worship?
5 Idolatry, or the worship of any other god, was therefore at the same time treason, an offense against the government. Likewise, flagrantly violating the law of the land was an act of disrespect toward God, the Head of the nation’s worship. A willful violation of the law was tantamount to blasphemy. Thus, obedience to the law was a part of true worship.
CIVIL RIGHTS
6, 7. Describe how civil rights were protected.
6 There were no civil-rights problems under the Law when its judges and rulers obeyed God. It protected the native, the alien resident and even the foreigner staying temporarily in the land.—Exodus 22:21; 23:9; Leviticus 19:33, 34.
7 Under the Law the poor man was not deprived of justice because he was poor, nor the rich man simply because he was rich.—Leviticus 19:15; Exodus 23:3.
KIND CONSIDERATION FOR THE POOR
8. How did the Law give consideration to the poor?
8 The economy of Israel was mostly agricultural, each man having his own land inheritance. Some Israelites, through bad management or financial reverses, might become poor and have to sell their land. Some alien residents might also come into bad circumstances. In kindness to them, the arrangement was that each farmer, in harvesting, should not reap the edges of his field. He should also leave behind any sheaf of grain forgotten by the harvesters. (Leviticus 19:9, 10; Deuteronomy 24:19-21) This was left as gleanings for the poor person.—Ruth 2:15, 16.
9, 10. How did all the people benefit from the laws protecting poor persons?
9 Of course, this took work on the part of the poor person, for gleaning was not easy. Consequently, there were no idle poor on the hands of the government—no dole and no welfare state. (Deuteronomy 15:11; Ruth 2:3, 7) This parallels the Christian principle at 2 Thessalonians 3:10, where we read: “If anyone does not want to work, neither let him eat.”
10 Along with the arrangements for the poor person to earn a living, all citizens were put under obligation to treat needy ones with generosity. This promoted brotherhood and national unity.—Leviticus 25:35-38.
A “SLAVERY” THAT WAS NOT OPPRESSIVE
11. In ancient Israel, why was slavery not harsh and oppressive, as it has been in more recent times?
11 “Slavery” in Israel was not like the oppressive slavery known in more recent times. It was actually a way of protecting the family who, through financial reverses or calamity, were obliged to sell their land inheritance and who eventually used up the money received from the sale and were destitute. Or, they might get heavily into debt. Then, instead of being self-employed as they had been, the family, or certain members thereof, could go into “slavery.” But this slavery was very much like our modern-day principle of employment, working for another person, which for many is a form of ‘economic slavery.’
12. What was the arrangement for Hebrew “slaves”?
12 For example, the Hebrew “slave” had to be treated, not like property, but as a “hired laborer.” Furthermore, he was to be released after six years’ servitude. (Leviticus 25:39-43) At his release his master or “employer” had to give him material things, as he was able, to help the man and his family to make a fresh start. (Deuteronomy 15:12-15) By this arrangement a family could avoid being destitute and could have food and clothing until such time as they could stand on their own.
13. (a) What was the possibility of freedom before the normal six years of servitude was fulfilled? (b) What protection was provided for young Hebrew girls who were slaves?
13 Moreover, the person, while in “slavery,” could engage in projects or other business or investments, so that in some cases a man was able to buy himself out of servitude. Or a near relative could pay off any indebtedness he might have, thereby releasing the man as a free person. (Leviticus 25:47-54) A daughter who went into “slavery” often was taken as the wife of her master. She had to be given full dues as was the case with any wife.—Exodus 21:7-11.
PROTECTION FOR WOMEN
14. How was a divorced woman protected?
14 Women were protected by the marriage laws. A man had to have valid cause to divorce his wife, and additionally was required to give her a certificate of divorce. The certificate of divorce protected her from any false charges in case of remarriage.—Deuteronomy 24:1; see Jesus’ explanation about divorce at Matthew 19:3-9.
15. What laws served as a deterrent to fornication?
15 A man who seduced a virgin girl, not engaged to marry, had to marry her, at her father’s discretion, and could never divorce her. (Deuteronomy 22:28, 29; Exodus 22:16, 17) In the case of an engaged woman, a death penalty for the man protected her from sexual assault, which was considered as serious as murder.—Deuteronomy 22:25-27.
16. (a) Was polygamy the original arrangement of God? (Matthew 19:4-6) (b) Why did God tolerate polygamy in ancient Israel?
16 Although polygamy was allowed, it was regulated for the woman’s benefit. Polygamy, a practice of long standing, was tolerated because it was not God’s time to straighten out all things. God waited until the time of Christianity to restore the original state of monogamy. (1 Corinthians 7:2) God’s way has been to teach and lead his people as they were able to understand and accept correction of their ways. Jesus said to his disciples, at John 16:12: “I have many things yet to say to you, but you are not able to bear them at present.” Thus, after Jesus’ death and resurrection, many things were clarified and made straight for them.
17. How was the less loved wife in a polygamous marriage protected?
17 In a polygamous marriage, one of the wives was often favored by the husband. But protection was given by the Law to the less loved wife. For example, if her son was the father’s firstborn he would not be deprived of his firstborn rights, for the father could not give them to a son later born to a favorite wife.—Deuteronomy 21:15-17.
18. How were women, even among Israel’s enemies, protected?
18 Even women in enemy cities were not sexually molested. Nor were prostitutes found in the vicinity of army camps, for sex relations were forbidden to soldiers engaged in war operations.—Deuteronomy 21:10-14.
CRIMINAL LAWS
19. What was the advantage of there being no prisons in ancient Israel?
19 The criminal laws were far finer than those on statute books today. There were no prisons provided for under the Law. Only later, during the rule of the kings, were prisons instituted, improperly, in Israel. (Jeremiah 37:15, 16; 38:6, 28) Since no prison sentence was given for any crime, it meant that no criminals were being fed and housed at the expense of the hardworking people who obeyed the law.
20. What was the penalty for stealing, and what benefits did it bring?
20 If a man stole from his fellowman, he was not imprisoned. In this way he was able to work and pay for what he stole. His victim suffered no loss. In addition, the thief was required to pay double or more for what he stole, depending upon the item stolen and his disposition of it. (Exodus 22:1, 4, 7) If he did not pay, he was sold into slavery. He had to work for his victim or for another Israelite until he had paid off the judgment against him for what he had stolen. (Exodus 22:3) If he presumptuously refused to follow through on his sentence, he would be put to death. (Deuteronomy 17:12) This law not only helped the victim of the thief but also was a strong deterrent to stealing.
21. (a) What was the penalty for deliberate murder? (b) What was the arrangement for the accidental manslayer?
21 Life was considered sacred under the Law. A deliberate murderer could in no way be exonerated. He was to be put to death without fail. Thus in Numbers 35:30-33 we read: “Every fatal striker of a soul should be slain as a murderer at the mouth of witnesses, and one witness may not testify against a soul for him to die. And you must take no ransom for the soul of a murderer who is deserving to die, for without fail he should be put to death. . . . And you must not pollute the land in which you are; because it is blood that pollutes the land, and for the land there may be no atonement respecting the blood that has been spilled upon it except by the blood of the one spilling it.” This law removed such a wicked person from Israelite society. He did not run free to commit more murders. The accidental manslayer, however, could receive mercy.—Numbers 35:9-15, 22-29.
22. How was the sacredness of life especially emphasized?
22 Even the unsolved murder was not allowed to go unatoned for. The city nearest the scene of the slaying was considered as bloodguilty and under a curse unless the city elders performed the ceremony required, to receive removal of community bloodguilt before God. Thus the sacredness of life was deeply impressed upon the people.—Deuteronomy 21:1-9.
23. Describe the law governing kidnapping.
23 One’s person was considered inviolable. Kidnapping was a capital crime. The kidnapper in whose hand the person was found or who had sold the kidnapped one into slavery was to be put to death without fail.—Exodus 21:16; Deuteronomy 24:7.
NO DELINQUENCY
24. How was respect for the family maintained, and with what result?
24 When the nation followed the Law, there were few problems of juvenile delinquency. The essential unit of the nation was the family. Great respect for the parents, as well as for the chieftains of the nation, was taught. (Exodus 20:12; 22:28) Mob action was condemned. (Exodus 23:1, 2) A son of responsible age who was incurably rebellious, perhaps becoming a glutton and a drunkard, was to be executed. (Deuteronomy 21:18-21) Whoever struck his father or mother, or called down evil upon them, was to be put to death. (Exodus 21:15, 17; Leviticus 20:9) Respect for the home and family resulted in respect for the nation’s rulers, particularly its Chief Ruler, Jehovah God.
RESPECT FOR PROPERTY RIGHTS
25. How were lost-and-found items handled?
25 In modern times, the practice popularly followed in regard to lost items is ‘finders keepers.’ But in Israel, anyone who found an animal or some item was required to restore it to its owner. If the owner lived far away and was unknown, then the item was to be kept until the owner searched for it. (Deuteronomy 22:1-3) In order to aid the owner who came to the village looking for his lost property, the finder would, of course, have to report to the city elders or officials that he had it.
26, 27. (a) What respect was maintained for a man’s home and property? (b) Of what benefit were these laws to the poor?
26 The sanctity of the home was most highly respected. A man could not collect a debt by going into the debtor’s house to get what had been pledged as security. The creditor had to wait outside and let the man bring out the pledged article to him. (Deuteronomy 24:10, 11) Neither could a creditor foreclose on one’s immediate means of living or one’s essential clothing, since a poor man might have only some grain to grind to feed his family, or only one outer garment as a covering.
27 On this point it is written in Deuteronomy 24:6, 12, 13: “No one should seize a hand mill or its upper grindstone as a pledge, because it is a soul that he is seizing as a pledge. And if the man is in trouble, you must not go to bed with his pledge. You should by all means return the pledge to him as soon as the sun sets, and he must go to bed in his garment, and he must bless you; and it will mean righteousness for you before Jehovah your God.”
KINDNESS TO ANIMALS
28. How did God show his thoughtfulness and kindness in his laws regarding animals?
28 Animals were also given kind consideration. If a man saw a domestic animal in distress he was required to help it, even if it belonged to an enemy of his. (Exodus 23:4, 5; Deuteronomy 22:4) Beasts of burden were not to be overworked or mistreated. (Deuteronomy 22:10; Proverbs 12:10) The bull was not to be muzzled so that he could not enjoy the fruits of his labor when threshing grain. (Deuteronomy 25:4) Kindness to wild animals was also fostered. A man was not to remove both a mother bird and her eggs, thereby wiping out the family. (Deuteronomy 22:6, 7) Among domestic animals an individual was not to slaughter a bull or a sheep and its young on the same day. All of this was a deterrent to a spirit of cruelty.—Leviticus 22:28; compare God’s consideration for animals as expressed at Jonah 4:11 and Leviticus 25:4, 5, 7.
ZEAL FOR TRUTH
29, 30. What laws governed witnesses in legal cases?
29 In the interests of justice and mercy, a witness in a legal case was required to testify to whatever he knew about the case. If he did not do so he would be subject to a curse publicly uttered by the judges. Such a curse, God would enforce. (Leviticus 5:1; Proverbs 29:24) He was not to commit perjury, for this was lying “before Jehovah.” If accusations made against another were found to be deliberately false, the accuser would suffer the same penalty that would have been meted out to the one falsely accused.
30 Accordingly, we read in Deuteronomy 19:16-19: “In case a witness scheming violence should rise up against a man to bring a charge of revolt against him, the two men who have the dispute must also stand before Jehovah, before the priests and the judges who will be acting in those days. And the judges must search thoroughly, and if the witness is a false witness and has brought a false charge against his brother, you must also do to him just as he had schemed to do to his brother, and you must clear away what is bad from your midst.”
31. What other laws promoted zeal for righteousness and also tended to prevent false or careless testimony in a legal case?
31 No one could be put to death on circumstantial evidence alone. There had to be at least two eyewitnesses to establish the truth. (Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15) The witnesses against a man found guilty of a capital crime were to be the first to share in stoning the man to death. This law promoted zeal for righteousness in Israel. Not only the judges, but every citizen was thus required to demonstrate his desire to keep the land clean from bloodguilt before God. It was also a deterrent to false, hasty or careless testimony. Good was derived from the law in Deuteronomy 17:7, which reads: “The hand of the witnesses first of all should come upon him to put him to death, and the hand of all the people afterward; and you must clear out what is bad from your midst.”
FORBIDDEN SEXUAL RELATIONS
32. What illicit sexual relations were punishable by death?
32 Adultery was punishable by death for both parties. (Leviticus 20:10) The revolting practices of homosexuality and bestiality incurred the death penalty, according to Leviticus 20:13, 15, where it is written: “When a man lies down with a male the same as one lies down with a woman, both of them have done a detestable thing. They should be put to death without fail. Their own blood is upon them. And where a man gives his seminal emission to a beast, he should be put to death without fail, and you should kill the beast.”—See also Leviticus 20:16, 17; Romans 1:24-28.
CLEANNESS
33, 34. How did the Law promote physical cleanliness?
33 The Law enjoined upon the people not only moral cleanness but also physical cleanliness. The laws on cleanness required the Israelites to destroy earthenware vessels that came into contact with any animal that died of itself. Other vessels as well as garments had to be washed. Such a law kept the Israelites ever alert to be clean. Persons with communicable diseases were quarantined. (Leviticus 13:4, 5, 21, 26) Infected garments and houses were quarantined, and in some cases, destroyed. (Leviticus 13:47-52, 55; 14:38, 45) No blood was to be eaten.—Leviticus 7:26.
34 From a medical viewpoint, the law of sanitation and quarantine, along with the moral laws and the prohibition on blood, were marvelous protections from typhoid, typhus, bubonic plague, hepatitis, gonorrhea and syphilis and a host of other diseases.
MERCY TO REPENTANT ONES
35. Were the judges in legal cases allowed latitude to show mercy, depending on the circumstances?
35 The Law was not harsh or inflexible. Judges were given latitude to show mercy. If a man sinned against his fellowman, and then repented, he could be restored to God’s favor by first straightening out matters with the injured party and then by presenting a guilt offering to Jehovah. (Leviticus 6:2-7) Jesus Christ alluded to this law when he said: “If, then, you are bringing your gift to the altar and you there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar, and go away; first make your peace with your brother, and then, when you have come back, offer up your gift.” (Matthew 5:23, 24) Today, servants of God cannot have peace with Him if they are doing wrong toward their fellowman.
JUBILEE YEAR
36. What fine things did the Jubilee year law provide?
36 The Jubilee, which occurred every fiftieth year, was a time of rejoicing. All land inheritances that had been “sold” were returned to their owners. Hebrew slaves were released, even if their six years’ servitude was not yet fulfilled. (Leviticus 25:8-13, 39-41) This law had the grand effect of restoring the economy to the original, balanced state that God established when Israel entered the Promised Land. It prevented the situation we see in many lands today—an extremely rich landowner class and an extremely poor “serf” class. No land monopoly was possible when the law was enforced.
37. In summary, what reason could be given that we should study God’s law to Israel?
37 Thus the Law made a citizen a free man. Every family was safe from falling into a state of perpetual poverty. The family dignity was maintained, the family spirituality was kept high. The father could spend time with the family, the sabbath days and sabbath years providing time for attention to such things as teaching the children. So, while Christians are not under the Mosaic law today, it provides a glimpse of God’s ways and dealings and a “shadow of the good things to come.”—Hebrews 10:1.
[Picture on page 145]
The Law provided for the poor, requiring that the edges of fields be left for them to glean
[Picture on page 155]
Announcement of the Jubilee year required that all lands be returned to their original owners |
Trust the Creator (T-82)
2007 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/T-82 | You Can Trust the Creator!
“All men were made by the same Great Spirit.”—CHIEF JOSEPH
BY 1879, Chief Joseph of the Nez Percé people in North America was so disappointed with government authorities that he said: “I am tired of talk that comes to nothing. It makes my heart sick when I remember all the good words and all the broken promises.”
Many of the Native people in North America feel the need for help from someone trustworthy. For example, Lone Man of the Teton Sioux said: “I have seen that in any great undertaking it is not enough for a man to depend simply upon himself.”
Is there anyone dependable who can bring about justice for all people? Yes! We can trust the Creator.
THE ONE WHO KEEPS HIS WORD
The Creator has spoken to mankind, and his words are written in a book. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) In this book, the Bible, he has promised to make all things new. (2 Peter 3:13) The One above never forgets his promises. He said about his people: “Can a wife forget her suckling so that she should not pity the son of her belly? Even these women can forget, yet I myself shall not forget you.” (Isaiah 49:15) Chief Joseph said: “We were taught to believe that the Great Spirit sees and hears everything, and that he never forgets.”
The great Spirit has given himself a name that inspires confidence. He is “Jehovah, the Creator of the extremities of the earth.” (Isaiah 40:28) The name Jehovah means “He Causes to Become.” He has that name because he becomes whatever is necessary to fulfill his promises. What qualities of Jehovah make him trustworthy?
WHY TRUST THE CREATOR?
Love: The land is an expression of the Creator’s love for mankind. Geronimo, an Apache chief, commented: “I was warmed by the sun, rocked by the winds and sheltered by the trees as other Indian babes. . . . I can go everywhere with a good feeling.” The Creator will keep his promises because he loves the people of every tribe and nation. The Bible says: “Jehovah is good; his loving-kindness is to time indefinite, and his faithfulness to generation after generation.”—Psalm 100:5.
“How many your works are, O Jehovah! All of them in wisdom you have made.”—PSALM 104:24
Wisdom: Many human leaders want to help those in need, but they lack the wisdom to do so. In contrast, Jehovah wisely provides for every living thing. (Psalm 145:16) Standing Bear, a chief of the Dakotas, said: “The hand that fashioned the continent also fashioned the man for his surroundings.” The Bible says: “How many your works are, O Jehovah! All of them in wisdom you have made. The earth is full of your productions.” (Psalm 104:24) The Creator’s wisdom assures us that he can do what he promises.
Justice: Chief Joseph said: “All men were made by the same Great Spirit.” Surely, then, the great Spirit will see that justice is done for all peoples. Of him, the Bible says: “All his ways are justice.” (Deuteronomy 32:4) In addition, the Creator “is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.” (Acts 10:34, 35) The Creator’s justice gives us confidence that he will keep his word.
Power: Some human leaders have good intentions but lack sufficient power to help people. The Creator has no such limitation. Of the stars, he says: “Raise your eyes high up and see. Who has created these things? It is the One who is bringing forth the army of them even by number, all of whom he calls even by name. Due to the abundance of dynamic energy, he also being vigorous in power, not one of them is missing.” (Isaiah 40:25, 26) The Creator’s power guarantees that he can do what he says.
The Creator’s qualities inspire confidence in his promises. Ancient King Solomon said: “There has not failed one word of all his good promise that he has promised.”—1 Kings 8:56.
WHAT HAS THE CREATOR PROMISED?
Jehovah, the Creator, has provided his Son, Jesus, as Ruler to bring about justice for all mankind. Jehovah says: “Look! My servant, on whom I keep fast hold! My chosen one, whom my soul has approved! I have put my spirit in him. Justice to the nations is what he will bring forth.” (Isaiah 42:1) Jehovah’s appointed King will provide help even for oppressed people. We read concerning Jesus: “Let him save the sons of the poor one, and let him crush the defrauder. . . . He will deliver the poor one crying for help, also the afflicted one and whoever has no helper.”—Psalm 72:4, 12.
The Creator originally designed the earth to be a paradise of peace. Soon he will bring his purpose to completion. The Bible says: “He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” Can you trust the Creator’s promise? He states: “These words are faithful and true.”—Revelation 21:4, 5.
TRUST THE CREATOR’S WISDOM
Jehovah says: “If only you would actually pay attention to my commandments! Then your peace would become just like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea.” (Isaiah 48:18) From the Creator, you can learn the best way of life. If you study the Bible, you will learn about the real purpose of life, how to get along with others, and how to find happiness.—Micah 6:8; Luke 6:27-31; 11:28.
The Creator tells the truth about questions that no one else can answer, such as: Why do good people sometimes suffer? What happens when we die? And will the dead live again?
The Creator has always proved himself trustworthy. Will you respond to his love by learning more about him? Jehovah’s Witnesses will be happy to show you what the Bible really teaches. “Trust in Jehovah and do good . . . Take exquisite delight in Jehovah, and he will give you the requests of your heart.”—Psalm 37:3, 4. |
Examining the Scriptures—2017
2016 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/brochures-and-booklets/examining-the-scriptures/examining-the-scriptures-2017 | February
Wednesday, February 1
Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.—Jas. 4:8.
Are you a dedicated, baptized Witness of Jehovah? If so, you have a precious possession—a personal relationship with God. However, that relationship is under attack by pressures not only from Satan’s world but also from our own imperfect flesh. This trying situation faces all Christians. Therefore, our relationship with Jehovah must be as strong as possible. How real to you is your personal relationship with Jehovah? Would you like to strengthen it? James 4:8, our text for today, tells you how you can do that. Note that this is a two-way process. As we take steps to draw close to God, he takes reciprocating action toward us. This interaction, frequently repeated, progressively strengthens our relationship with Jehovah. As a result, that relationship becomes very real to us. We develop the kind of confidence Jesus had when he said: “The One who sent me is real, and . . . I know him.”—John 7:28, 29. w15 4/15 3:1, 2
Thursday, February 2
Endure under tribulation. Persevere in prayer.—Rom. 12:12.
Suppose a beloved relative is disfellowshipped. From your study of the Bible, you know how disfellowshipped ones are to be treated. (1 Cor. 5:11; 2 John 10) Yet, upholding the disfellowshipping decision may at times seem very difficult, even impossible. Can you trust that your heavenly Father will give you the fortitude you need to be resolute in abiding by the Bible’s direction about disfellowshipping? Do you see here an opportunity for you to make your relationship with Jehovah stronger by forming a closer bond with him? Does this suggest that we should not have strong love for our relatives? Of course not! But our strongest love should be for Jehovah. (Matt. 22:37, 38) This is actually in the best interests of our relatives, whether they are presently serving Jehovah or not. And if you are particularly troubled over the course of a disfellowshipped relative, pour out your heart to Jehovah in prayer.—Phil. 4:6, 7. w15 4/15 4:14, 16
Friday, February 3
We ourselves take pride in you among the congregations of God because of your endurance and faith.—2 Thess. 1:4.
Feeling good about the works of others and even having a degree of pride in ourselves can be healthy. We are not expected to be ashamed of our family, culture, or the region where we grew up. (Acts 21:39) On the other hand, there is a kind of pride that can eat away at relationships and damage our friendship with Jehovah. Such pride can cause us to resent and reject needed counsel rather than humbly accept it. (Ps. 141:5) This type of pride is defined as “inordinate self-esteem” or “a haughty attitude shown by people who believe, often unjustifiably, that they are better than others.” Jehovah hates arrogant pride. (Ezek. 33:28; Amos 6:8) But Satan must delight to see humans display boastful pride, for it echoes his own arrogance. How Satan must have reveled in the boasting of such men as Nimrod, Pharaoh, and Absalom—all of whom fell victim to improper pride!—Gen. 10:8, 9; Ex. 5:1, 2; 2 Sam. 15:4-6. w15 5/15 2:5, 6
Saturday, February 4
You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.—Ps. 145:16.
Reflecting his Father, ‘Christ, the power of God,’ frequently opened his hand and satisfied the desires of his followers. (1 Cor. 1:24) His doing so was not merely an expression of power. He was guided by his heartfelt concern for others. Consider Matthew 14:14-21. Jesus’ disciples came to him to discuss the food situation. Not only may they themselves have been hungry but they were concerned about the plight of the famished and weary crowd that had followed Jesus on foot from the cities. (Matt. 14:13) What would he do? With five loaves and two fish, Jesus fed about 5,000 men, as well as women and children! The crowds “ate and were satisfied.” This suggests that there was an abundant supply of food. Jesus kindly provided, not a mere taste of bread, but a meal that would sustain the crowds for their long journey back home. (Luke 9:10-17) And 12 baskets were filled with the leftovers! w15 6/15 1:8, 9
Sunday, February 5
The sons of men promote depravity.—Ps. 12:8.
With immorality so pervasive, you may wonder, ‘Is it really possible to live a chaste life?’ Yes, with Jehovah’s help. However, in order to live a chaste life, we must reject immoral desires. Just as a baited hook may attract a fish, so immoral thoughts and lewd desires—when not immediately dismissed—may begin to draw out and entice a Christian. They can appeal to our fallen flesh and lead us toward immoral acts. In time, the allure of sin may become so great that the unclean desire becomes fertile. At that point, even a servant of Jehovah may be ready to act on his desire when an opportunity arises. Yes, “desire . . . gives birth to sin.” (Jas. 1:14, 15) It is sobering to reflect on how a momentary desire can develop into a serious sin. But how encouraging it is to know that if we prevent unclean desires from taking root, we need not become involved in immoral conduct and suffer its bitter consequences!—Gal. 5:16. w15 6/15 3:1-3
Monday, February 6
Let your will take place . . . on earth.—Matt. 6:10.
About 6,000 years ago, God’s will was being done perfectly on earth. That is why Jehovah could look upon the fine start he had given to mankind and say: “It was very good.” (Gen. 1:31) Then Satan rebelled, and ever since, comparatively few humans have done God’s will on earth. But today we are privileged to be alive at a time when about eight million Witnesses not only are praying for God’s will to take place on earth but also are striving to live in harmony with that prayer. They do so by their way of life and by having a zealous share in the disciple-making work. Until the enemies of God’s Kingdom are removed from the earth, we will continue to pray for God’s will to be done. Then we will see God’s will taking place in an even more complete way as billions are resurrected on a paradise earth. (John 5:28, 29) What a wonderful time to be alive to welcome back our dead loved ones! w15 6/15 4:15, 17
Tuesday, February 7
I will glorify the place for my feet.—Isa. 60:13.
The expression “spiritual paradise” has become a part of our theocratic vocabulary. It describes our unique, spiritually rich environment, or condition, which allows us to enjoy peace with God and with our brothers. Of course, we should not conclude that the terms “spiritual paradise” and “spiritual temple” are the same. The spiritual temple is God’s arrangement for true worship. The spiritual paradise serves to identify clearly those who have God’s approval and who are today serving him at his spiritual temple. (Mal. 3:18) How exciting it is to know that since 1919, Jehovah has allowed imperfect humans to work with him in cultivating, strengthening, and expanding the spiritual paradise on earth! Do you see yourself playing a part in this marvelous work? Are you moved to continue working with Jehovah in glorifying ‘the place for his feet’? w15 7/15 1:10, 11
Wednesday, February 8
I [will] sanctify myself through you before their eyes, O Gog.—Ezek. 38:16.
Shortly before the remaining ones of the 144,000 are taken to heaven, Gog will attack God’s people. What reaction does this provoke? On earth, God’s people will appear to be defenseless. They will obey the instructions given in the days of King Jehoshaphat: “You will not need to fight this battle. Take your position, stand still, and see the salvation of Jehovah in your behalf. O Judah and Jerusalem, do not be afraid or be terrified.” (2 Chron. 20:17) In heaven, however, there is a different reaction. Referring to the time when all the anointed are in heaven, Revelation 17:14 tells us this about the enemies of God’s people: “These will battle with the Lamb, but because he is Lord of lords and King of kings, the Lamb will conquer them. Also, those with him who are called and chosen and faithful will do so.” Together with his 144,000 corulers in heaven, Jesus will come to the rescue of God’s people here on earth. w15 7/15 2:16
Thursday, February 9
There is an appointed time for everything.—Eccl. 3:1.
Our respect for the God who invites us to Christian meetings should be manifested in our decorum, dress, and grooming. Respect also requires that we avoid extremes. Jehovah wants his servants and other guests to feel comfortable at the Kingdom Hall. At the same time, those in attendance would not want to detract from the meetings by being overly casual in their dress, by texting or talking during the meetings, by eating and drinking, and so on. Parents should train their children to understand that the Kingdom Hall is not the place for running or playing. Filled with indignation, Jesus threw out of God’s temple those who were introducing commercial activities. (John 2:13-17) Our Kingdom Halls too are places for pure worship and spiritual education. So any business activities that have nothing to do with spiritual pursuits ought to be taken care of elsewhere.—Compare Nehemiah 13:7, 8. w15 7/15 4:7, 8
Friday, February 10
In the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here.—2 Tim. 3:1.
The Bible indicates that wickedness will greatly increase “in the last days.” (2 Tim. 3:13; Matt. 24:21; Rev. 12:12) So we can expect that world conditions, bad as they are now, will continue to decline. But how bad do you expect conditions to become before “the great tribulation”? (Rev. 7:14) For example, do you expect that there will be a war in every country, no food on anyone’s table, and illness in every household? Under those conditions, even skeptics would likely feel compelled to admit that Bible prophecy was undergoing fulfillment. However, Jesus said that most people would take “no note” of his presence, carrying on with life’s normal activities until it is too late. (Matt. 24:37-39) Thus, the Scriptures indicate that world conditions during the last days would not become so extreme that people would be forced to believe that the end is near.—Luke 17:20; 2 Pet. 3:3, 4. w15 8/15 2:6, 7
Saturday, February 11
Your loyal love is better than life.—Ps. 63:3.
Does spending our time preparing for God’s new world mean forfeiting a better or more fulfilling way of life today? By no means! Serving Jehovah is the most satisfying way of life there is. It is not a matter of servitude under duress just so that we can pass through the great tribulation. It is the way we are designed to live, the way that yields the greatest joy. Having Jehovah’s guidance and experiencing his loyal love are far better than life apart from intimacy with him. (Ps. 63:1, 2) Of course, we need not wait for the new world in order to enjoy spiritual blessings that result from wholehearted service to Jehovah—they are available to us right now! Indeed, some of us have been reaping such blessings for decades, and we know from experience that no other life course could produce greater satisfaction.—Ps. 1:1-3; Isa. 58:13, 14. w15 8/15 3:16
Sunday, February 12
You have been saved through faith.—Eph. 2:8.
Faith enables us to do things that from a human standpoint may seem impossible. (Matt. 21:21, 22) For instance, many of us have changed our attitudes and practices so drastically that we are almost unrecognizable to those who knew us before. Jehovah supported our efforts because we took these steps based on our faith in him. (Col. 3:5-10) Once our faith moved us to dedicate ourselves to Jehovah, we became his friends, something we could never have done in our own power. Our faith continues to empower us. In faith we are able to resist the attacks of our superhuman adversary, the Devil. (Eph. 6:16) In addition, trust in Jehovah helps us to minimize our anxiety during challenging times. Jehovah says that when our faith moves us to put Kingdom interests first, he will provide for our material needs. (Matt. 6:30-34) More than that, because of our faith, we will receive a gift no human could ever obtain by his own efforts—everlasting life.—John 3:16. w15 9/15 3:4, 5
Monday, February 13
We love, because [God] first loved us.—1 John 4:19.
In what way has God “first loved us”? The apostle Paul said: “God recommends his own love to us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8) Love is Jehovah’s dominant attribute, so we can understand why Jesus told one inquirer that the first commandment from God is: “You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind and with your whole strength.” (Mark 12:30) From Jesus’ words, we learn that love for God involves, first of all, our heart. Being halfhearted is displeasing to Jehovah. However, we note that love for God also involves our whole soul, mind, and strength. This means that genuine love for God is much more than just an emotional feeling of the heart. In addition to being heartfelt, our love for God must involve all our spiritual and physical faculties. According to the prophet Micah, that is what Jehovah wants from us.—Mic. 6:8. w15 9/15 5:1-3
Tuesday, February 14
My ears have heard about you, but now I do see you with my eyes.—Job 42:5.
What are some reasons why we may not clearly see God’s hand in our affairs? Life’s challenges can overwhelm us. When this happens, we may forget to keep focused on how Jehovah has already helped us. When Queen Jezebel threatened the prophet Elijah’s life, even Elijah momentarily forgot how God had acted in his behalf. Regarding Elijah, the Bible says: “He asked that he might die.” (1 Ki. 19:1-4) What was the solution to Elijah’s problem? He needed to look to Jehovah for encouragement. (1 Ki. 19:14-18) Job also got so distracted by his own concerns that he neglected to see things from God’s viewpoint. (Job 42:3-6) Like Job, we may need to put forth greater effort to see God. How can we do that? In the light of the Scriptures, we need to meditate on what is happening around us. As we become aware of how Jehovah supports us, he will become more real to us. w15 10/15 1:15, 16
Wednesday, February 15
Man, who appointed me judge or arbitrator between you two?—Luke 12:14.
Many things happened during Jesus’ ministry that could have distracted him, but he never succumbed to them. Early in his ministry, after he had taught the crowds and performed miracles in Capernaum, people begged him not to leave their city. But how did Jesus react to this flattering request? He said: “I must also declare the good news of the Kingdom of God to other cities, because for this I was sent.” (Luke 4:42-44) True to his word, Jesus walked the length and breadth of Palestine, preaching and teaching. Though perfect, he had normal human needs and sometimes felt very tired because of expending himself in God’s service. (Luke 8:23; John 4:6) On a later occasion while Jesus was teaching his followers how to cope with opposition, a man interrupted, saying: “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” But Jesus refused to be drawn into this dispute.—Luke 12:13-15. w15 10/15 3:10, 11
Thursday, February 16
God is love.—1 John 4:8.
Love is God’s dominant quality, his most important one. Jehovah does not just possess love—he is the personification of it. How wonderful it is to know that the Creator of the universe and of all living things is a God of love! Everything he does is guided by that quality. The warm, benevolent affection that God has for his creatures assures us that all his purposes for the human family will be fulfilled in the best possible way and will result in the greatest benefit to all who come under his rulership. For example, out of love Jehovah “has set a day on which he purposes to judge the inhabited earth in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed,” Jesus Christ. (Acts 17:31) We can be confident that this will come to pass. For rightly disposed and obedient humans, favorable judgment will result in a truly blessed future that will go on and on throughout all eternity. w15 11/15 3:1, 2
Friday, February 17
Let your words always be gracious, seasoned with salt.—Col. 4:6.
In our preaching work, we meet with varied responses—some favorable, some hostile. Regardless of how people react, however, God’s Word shows the standard that his servants must maintain. When we make a defense before everyone who demands of us a reason for our hope, we do so “with a mild temper and deep respect” because we are motivated by neighbor love. (1 Pet. 3:15) We show love of neighbor even if our message is rejected by an angry householder who berates us. We imitate Jesus: “When he was being insulted, he did not insult in return. When he was suffering, he did not threaten, but he entrusted himself to the One [Jehovah] who judges righteously.” (1 Pet. 2:23) Whether we are with fellow believers or others, we show humility and apply the counsel: “Do not pay back injury for injury or insult for insult. Instead, repay with a blessing.”—1 Pet. 3:8, 9. w15 11/15 4:17, 18
Saturday, February 18
Advise [them] . . . to love their children.—Titus 2:4.
Jesus did not hesitate to tell his disciples that he loved them. (John 15:9) He also showed his love by closely and regularly associating with his disciples. (Mark 6:31, 32; John 2:2; 21:12, 13) Similarly, tell your children that you love them, and regularly show them how much they mean to you. (Prov. 4:3) Samuel, who lives in Australia, says: “When I was very young, Dad used to read My Book of Bible Stories to me every evening. He would answer my questions, hug me, and kiss me good-night. What a surprise when I later discovered that Dad was not raised in a family where hugs and kisses were common! Yet, he made a real effort to express his love for me. As a result, I developed a strong bond with him, and I felt outputed and secure.” Help your children to feel that way by often telling them “I love you.” Show your affection for your children. Talk with them, eat with them, play with them. w15 11/15 1:3, 4
Sunday, February 19
Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time?—Matt. 24:45.
When early in the last century a small group of diligent Bible students was appointed as “the faithful and discreet slave,” much of their communication with the “domestics” was in English. That “slave” has put forth great effort to make spiritual food available in more and more languages; the number has now risen to over 700. There was also a need for a Bible that would accurately convey in modern speech the intent of the original writings. The New World Bible Translation Committee was formed, and over a ten-year period from 1950 to 1960, the committee’s translation was released in six volumes. When releasing the first volume on August 2, 1950, Brother N. H. Knorr expressed the hope that this translation would spread its spiritual help to millions of people. w15 12/15 1:15, 17
Monday, February 20
The congregator sought to find delightful words and to record accurate words of truth.—Eccl. 12:10.
Do you find that it is often a challenge to come up with “delightful words”? If so, you may need to enlarge your vocabulary. One way to do this is to take note of how words are used in the Bible and in our Christian publications. Learn the meanings of unfamiliar expressions. More important, learn how to use words in a way that helps others. Regarding the relationship between Jehovah and his firstborn Son, we read: “Jehovah has given me [Jesus] the tongue of those taught, so that I may know how to answer the tired one with the right word.” (Isa. 50:4) Taking time to meditate on what we are going to say can help us to find the right words. (Jas. 1:19) We could ask ourselves, ‘Will these words really convey what I want to say? What effect will my choice of words have on my listener?’ w15 12/15 3:12
Tuesday, February 21
The desolating of [Jerusalem] has drawn near.—Luke 21:20.
Seeing Jerusalem “surrounded by encamped armies,” just as Jesus had prophesied, Christians in Judea, and especially those living in Jerusalem, had to act decisively. Jesus had warned them that they would need to flee as soon as they saw these events start to unfold. (Luke 21:21-24) In the 28 years since Jesus had uttered that prophecy, the faithful Jewish Christians living in Israel had already faced much opposition and persecution successfully. (Heb. 10:32-34) Yet, Paul knew that they were about to be confronted with one of the most challenging tests of their faith. (Matt. 24:20, 21; Heb. 12:4) He wanted them to be prepared for whatever might come their way. They would need exceptional endurance and faith—faith strong enough to preserve their lives. (Heb. 10:36-39) So Paul was prompted by Jehovah’s spirit to write those dear brothers and sisters a letter designed to meet their special needs. That letter is now known as the book of Hebrews. w16.01 1:1, 2
Wednesday, February 22
Beloved ones, if this is how God loved us, then we are also under obligation to love one another.—1 John 4:11.
We cannot properly accept God’s love without recognizing our obligation to love our brothers. (1 John 3:16) How can we demonstrate our love in practical ways? Consider the example of Jesus. During his earthly ministry, he gave special attention to lowly ones. He reached out to those with physical infirmities—the lame, the blind, the deaf, and the speechless. (Matt. 11:4, 5) Jesus took pleasure in teaching spiritually hungry ones, those who were viewed by the Jewish religious leaders as “accursed people.” (John 7:49) He loved these lowly ones and worked hard to minister to them. (Matt. 20:28) Can you consider the brothers and sisters in your own congregation? No doubt you will see some who could benefit from your love. Perhaps there are elderly ones who need help. We must let God’s love move us to reach out and express our love for our brothers. w16.01 2:12-14
Thursday, February 23
I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; those too I must bring in, . . . and they will become one flock, one shepherd.—John 10:16.
Do those of the other sheep need to know the names of all those who are anointed today? The short answer is no. Why not? Because even if someone has received the heavenly calling, that person has received only an invitation, not a final confirmation of the reward. That is why Satan raises up “false prophets . . . to mislead, if possible, even the chosen ones.” (Matt. 24:24) No one can know whether an anointed Christian will receive his heavenly reward until Jehovah judges that person to be worthy of such a prize. Jehovah makes this determination and gives him the final sealing either sometime before he dies faithful or sometime before the outbreak of “the great tribulation.” (Rev. 2:10; 7:3, 14) It would be pointless, then, for anyone now living on earth to try to ascertain who among God’s servants will eventually be part of the 144,000. w16.01 4:2, 3
Friday, February 24
[My word] will have sure success in what I send it to do.—Isa. 55:11.
Think about how the preaching of the good news fits in with Jehovah’s loving purpose for humankind. He purposed that humans would inhabit the earth without ever dying; though Adam sinned, Jehovah did not change His mind. Instead, he arranged for humans to be delivered from condemnation to sin and death. Working along with that purpose, Jesus came to earth and sacrificed his life for obedient humans. In order to become obedient, however, they had to understand what God required of them. So Jesus also taught people what God’s requirements are, and he commanded his disciples to do the same. By helping others to become reconciled to God, we share directly in his loving arrangement to rescue mankind from sin and death. This also demonstrates our love both for our fellow man and for Jehovah, “whose will is that all sorts of people should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.”—1 Tim. 2:4. w16.01 5:15, 16
Saturday, February 25
[Ahaz] burned up his sons in the fire.—2 Chron. 28:3.
Ahaz’s son Hezekiah might easily have grown up to be a bitter, angry man who turned against God. Others who have endured far less have become “enraged against Jehovah” or embittered toward his organization. (Prov. 19:3) And some people are convinced that their unwholesome family background dooms them to lead a bad life, perhaps to repeat their parents’ mistakes. (Ezek. 18:2, 3) Are such notions correct? Hezekiah’s life record gives us a resounding answer: Absolutely not! There is never a valid reason to become embittered against Jehovah, for he is not the source of the evils that befall people in this wicked world. (Job 34:10) True, parents can exert a strong influence on their children for good or for bad. (Prov. 22:6; Col. 3:21) But this does not mean that a person’s family background determines his course in life. On the contrary, Jehovah has given all of us a precious gift—the ability to choose what we will do and who we will be.—Deut. 30:19. w16.02 2:8-10
Sunday, February 26
Ruthless men seek my life.—Ps. 54:3.
Abner supported Saul’s efforts to kill David, even though Abner knew that God had chosen David to rule as king of Israel. (1 Sam. 26:1-5) After Saul’s death, Abner could have shown humility and proved his loyalty to God by supporting David, not Saul’s son Ish-bosheth. Later, when Abner had relations with King Saul’s concubine, he may have been seeking the throne for himself. (2 Sam. 2:8-10; 3:6-11) Similarly, lack of humility prevented David’s son Absalom from being loyal to God. Why, “Absalom acquired for himself a chariot and horses and 50 men to run before him”! (2 Sam. 15:1) He also stole the people’s loyalty. Like Abner, Absalom sought to kill David, even though he knew that Jehovah had appointed David as Israel’s king. (2 Sam. 15:13, 14; 17:1-4) The examples of Abner and Absalom make it clear that inordinate ambition can easily cause a person to become disloyal to God. Surely, no faithful servant of Jehovah would pursue such a selfish and wicked course. w16.02 4:9-11
Monday, February 27
Faith by itself, without works, is dead.—Jas. 2:17.
If you have strong conviction, it is reasonable to expect that you will show it by your actions. Young ones must also manifest “holy acts of conduct.” (2 Pet. 3:11) To do so, you must be morally clean. How are you doing in that regard? For example, think about the past six months. How have you demonstrated that your “powers of discernment” have been trained to distinguish right from wrong? (Heb. 5:14) Can you think of specific occasions when you resisted temptation or peer pressure? Does your conduct at school speak well of your faith? Do you stand up for your faith rather than try to blend in with your classmates just to avoid ridicule? (1 Pet. 4:3, 4) Admittedly, no one is perfect. Even longtime servants of Jehovah may at times feel timid about taking a public stand for their faith. However, a person who is dedicated to Jehovah will rightly be proud to bear God’s name, and he shows this by his conduct. w16.03 2:10, 11
Tuesday, February 28
This is the way. Walk in it.—Isa. 30:21.
Down through history, Jehovah has provided specific instructions or directions. For example, in the garden of Eden, Jehovah gave clear instructions that could guide the human family to everlasting life and happiness. (Gen. 2:15-17) Had Adam and Eve obeyed his direction, they would have been spared tragic consequences—a life filled with pain and ending in their death with no hope. But rather than obey, Eve listened to advice that seemed to come from a lowly animal. Adam, in turn, listened to her voice, the voice of a mortal human. Both of them turned their backs on their loving Father’s guidance. Consequently, the human family in general was on a fatal path. Today, Jehovah stands before his people, as it were, pointing them toward everlasting life, away from dangers. More than that, he acts like a loving shepherd to his flock, calling out to the sheep proper direction and warnings so that they can avoid dangerous paths. w16.03 4:2, 3 |
Truth (tr)
1981 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/tr | Chapter 4
Why We Grow Old and Die
1. (a) What is the desire of normal persons respecting health and life? (b) Because sickness and death are everywhere, what questions are raised about God’s purpose for man?
EVERY normal person desires life with good health. We seek relief from the pain and suffering that disease brings and we long for some way to escape from the weakening effect old age has on our bodies. It hurts us, too, when we see those we love afflicted by these things. Because of this, many persons ask, “Was all this part of God’s original purpose? When God created man, was it his purpose that man should grow old, and become deaf or blind? Did he mean for man’s skin to wrinkle with age, his heart to become diseased and his other organs to break down? Really, did God make man to die?”
2. (a) Did God create man with any defect? (b) What prospect, then, did God give Adam and Eve?
2 No, Jehovah God did not create man for such a miserable future. The Bible tells us that Jehovah provided a lovely garden home for the first human pair, and he blessed them. Reviewing his creative work, God rightly declared it “very good.” (Genesis 1:28, 31) This means that Adam and Eve were created perfect, without a defect in mind or body. (Deuteronomy 32:4; Proverbs 10:22) They had the prospect of living forever.
3. What do scientists say about the life potential of humans?
3 Interestingly, modern scientists know that the human body continually renews itself. And they say that, under the right conditions, it is capable of living forever. A Nobel Prize winner, Dr. Linus Pauling, explained that man’s bodily tissues replace themselves and, theoretically, should continue to do so forever. Biochemist William Beck also observed: “I can see no reason why death, in the nature of things, need be inevitable.” Yet, in spite of being so made, men continue to grow old and die. Why? God’s Word the Bible gives us the satisfying answer.
RESULTS OF DISOBEDIENCE
4. What test did God place upon Adam and Eve, emphasizing the seriousness of obedience?
4 When Jehovah created Adam and Eve, they became the earthly part of God’s great family, which already included a great number of spirit creatures in the heavens. God was the Father of the human pair, since he had given them life. The gift of life, however, was conditional; that is, it would continue to be theirs only as long as they met the condition of loving obedience to their heavenly Father. Obedience to law is necessary to continued peace and good order, so they had to recognize God as their Supreme Ruler. Did they know this? Yes, because Jehovah placed upon them a test that emphasized the seriousness of obedience. He said to Adam: “From every tree of the garden you may eat to satisfaction. But as for the tree of the knowledge of good and bad you must not eat from it, for in the day you eat from it you will positively die.”—Genesis 2:16, 17.
5. (a) Would the test of Adam and Eve’s obedience put a hardship on them? (b) Why was the ‘forbidden fruit’ not sex relations?
5 This test of obedience was not a difficult one. They were not deprived of needed food, nor were they tested beyond their ability. However, their obedience would show that they appreciated their relationship with God. (1 John 5:3) Although some persons have the idea that the ‘forbidden fruit’ had to do with sex relations between the man and woman, this was not the case. God himself had already told them to “be fruitful and become many and fill the earth.” (Genesis 1:28) When God commanded them not to eat the fruit of a certain tree it merely meant that God singled out one of the many fruit trees of Eden and commanded the human pair not to eat of its fruit.
6. (a) Why was the tree called “the tree of the knowledge of good and bad”? (b) When Adam and Eve ate the fruit, what bad thing were they doing in regard to their heavenly Father?
6 Why was the tree called “the tree of the knowledge of good and bad”? Because, as a result of God’s command, its fruit symbolized God’s right to decide for his creatures what is “good” and what is “bad” for them. So, for the human pair to take of this fruit would mean that they were turning their backs on their heavenly Father and rejecting his divine guidance and perfect will. While simple, the test involved much. It involved man’s dependence on his Creator and man’s recognition of divine authority. Remember, too, that Jesus Christ applied to imperfect humans the rule that “the person faithful in what is least is faithful also in much, and the person unrighteous in what is least is unrighteous also in much.” (Luke 16:10) How much more did this apply to perfect creatures!
7. (a) What did an invisible creature, speaking through a serpent, tell Eve about the tree’s fruit? (b) What did Eve then do, and when her husband found out, what did he do?
7 Why did Eve break God’s law and eat of the fruit? The idea did not begin with her but was presented to her by a spirit creature using a lowly serpent through which to speak. That spirit creature, identified in the Bible as Satan the Devil, is therefore called “the original serpent.” (Revelation 12:9) The invisible creature speaking through the serpent openly denied the truth of God’s command that Eve quoted. He represented the tree’s fruit as being able to cause her to be like God, deciding for herself what was “good” and what was “bad.” Eve then began to view the fruit as very desirable and she disobeyed God by eating of it. Adam, her husband and head, upon finding out what she had done, did not oppose her course but joined her in it.—Genesis 3:2-6; James 1:14, 15; 1 Corinthians 11:3.
8. (a) By their lawless act, of what were Adam and Eve guilty? (b) Why should we not judge the seriousness of what Adam and Eve did by the way people view disobedience and stealing today?
8 By this lawless act they became guilty of sin, and so they brought upon themselves the penalty of sin. (1 John 3:4) In considering the rightness of God’s decision we should not make the mistake of judging the seriousness of what Adam and Eve did by the way many people view things in our time. Today disobedience to parents is common, often going unpunished. Stealing also is common, and many think that, if what is stolen is small, the theft does not matter much. Rebellion and speaking against authority are likewise frequent today. But that does not make these things right! Much of the rotten fruitage we see today in the form of growing delinquency and crime is due to failure of parents and others in authority to correct matters at the start.—Proverbs 13:24; Ecclesiastes 8:11.
9. (a) Considering what Adam and Eve really did, why did God owe it to himself and his universal family to uphold the law? (b) What penalty did the lawless couple suffer for their sin?
9 God was not going to encourage wrongdoing by a failure to enforce his own law. By their disobedience Adam and Eve showed a great lack of love for the One who had provided so wonderfully for them. They were guilty of stealing, because they took what their Creator said was not theirs. Still worse, they joined with God’s enemy and, by their actions, called God a liar. Jehovah owed it to himself and to all his universal family to uphold the law. This he did. As a result of their deliberate sin the lawless couple were driven out of Eden to die.—Genesis 3:22-24.
10. How can the effect of sin be illustrated with a piece of machinery, and to what did sin lead Adam and Eve?
10 The effect of sin upon them might be illustrated by what happens to a piece of fine machinery when it is not used properly, according to the maker’s instructions. The machine will develop weaknesses and, in time, break down. Similarly, as a result of ignoring the instructions of their Maker, Adam and Eve lost their perfection. Their minds and bodies began to break down, and finally ceased to function, in death. That is what disobedience and removal from God’s favor meant for them. (Genesis 3:16-19) After Adam had used up the tremendous vitality of his once-perfect body, he died at the age of 930 years. This was within the symbolic “day” of one thousand years that God had set.—Genesis 5:5; 2 Peter 3:8.
EFFECT UPON OFFSPRING
11. How does the Bible explain why we today get sick and die?
11 But, since we today did not disobey that law in Eden, why is it that we also get sick and die? It is for this reason: All of Adam’s offspring were born after his disobedience. Thus his offspring inherited sin and death from him. All men inherit imperfection, because all come from Adam and Eve. As the Bible book of Job tells us: “Who can produce someone clean out of someone unclean? There is not one.” (Job 14:4) Also, at Romans 5:12 the Bible explains: “Through one man [Adam] sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men.” Just as a perfect piece of machinery cannot be produced from an imperfect mold, so Adam in his imperfection could not produce perfect children, free from sin.—Psalm 51:5 [50:7, Dy].
12. How can the effect of Adam and Eve’s sin be compared to what happens when persons who live immorally bring forth children?
12 The effect of Adam and Eve’s sin upon their offspring can be compared with what often happens when people who ignore God’s law and live immorally bring forth children. Such people may get diseased in the sex organs that God gave them to bring forth their children. The children of such “unclean” parents may be born physically or mentally damaged because of the sin of their parents. So, too, our first parents became “unclean,” imperfect, subject to sickness, and finally death. They could pass on to their offspring only what they themselves had: imperfection, with a future of sickness and death. That is why we all grow old and die, and why we so easily do what is wrong.
13. Is there a difference between deliberate sin and unintentional sin? How so?
13 However, it is one thing to make unintentional mistakes because of inherited sin, but entirely another matter deliberately to practice what one knows to be wrong. (1 John 5:16) If one is truly repentant over mistakes he makes because of inherited weaknesses, he can expect merciful forgiveness from God. (Proverbs 28:13) But he must be careful that, once he knows what is right, he does not deliberately choose to follow a course contrary to God’s will. To do so would mean loss of God’s favor and of life itself.—Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Hebrews 10:26, 27.
14. What provision has God made to save mankind from sin and death?
14 Happily, Jehovah has made loving provision to save repentant ones from the bad effects of inherited sin and death. This grand relief will come through the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Concerning this provision the Bible says: “God sent forth his only-begotten Son into the world that we might gain life through him.” (1 John 4:9) So, in God’s due time, under the Kingdom rule of his Son, inherited human imperfection will gradually be taken away, and mankind will no longer feel the effects of Adam’s sin. Why, even the death we inherited from Adam will no longer have power over us! (Revelation 21:3, 4) You can be one who will enjoy such blessings. How? By taking advantage of the provisions that Jehovah has made and proving your love for him by keeping his commandments.—Ecclesiastes 12:13.
[Picture on page 30]
Adam deliberately violated God’s plainly stated law |
BIBLE VERSES EXPLAINED
Ephesians 3:20—“[God] Is Able to Do Exceeding Abundantly Above All That We Ask or Think” | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502300138 | BIBLE VERSES EXPLAINED
Ephesians 3:20—“[God] Is Able to Do Exceeding Abundantly Above All That We Ask or Think”
“Now to the one who can, according to his power that is operating in us, do more than superabundantly beyond all the things we ask or conceive, to him be the glory.”—Ephesians 3:20, 21, New World Translation.
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory.”—Ephesians 3:20, 21, King James Version.
Meaning of Ephesians 3:20
The apostle Paul expresses his confidence that God is able to answer the prayers and fulfill the expectations of His worshippers in ways that they might not think possible. His answers may even exceed what they might expect or hope for.
“Now to the one who can, according to his power that is operating in us.” Verse 21 reveals that this “one” is Jehovah God.a There, Paul writes: “To him be the glory by means of the congregation and by means of Christ Jesus.” Moreover, God can give us the power, or strength, that we need in order to do his will.—Philippians 4:13.
In verse 20, the apostle Paul highlights something special about Jehovah’s ability to help His worshippers. Commenting on the expression translated “the one who can,” one reference work states: “The ability mentioned here is distinct from mere potential, and denotes not the possibility but the power to carry something out.” Unlike a well-meaning human friend, Jehovah is always able to do whatever is needed to care for his worshippers and to answer their prayers. He alone has unlimited power and authority.—Isaiah 40:26.
“[God] can . . . do more than superabundantly beyond all the things we ask or conceive.” Jehovah can do more than provide abundantly or even “superabundantly” for his worshippers. He can help them in ways that far exceed what they might view as ample, or generous.
The expression “beyond all the things we ask or conceive” amplifies the preceding words. By saying “beyond all the things we ask or conceive,” the apostle wants all Christians to understand that God can help them in ways that exceed their expectations. The New International Version of the Bible renders the first part of verse 20 as: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” At times, Christians may feel that their problems are too big or too complicated to solve. Perhaps they do not even know what to pray for. But Jehovah is not limited in insight or in his ability to help. In his due time, he can solve any problem—and do this in ways that they may not have imagined or thought possible. (Job 42:2; Jeremiah 32:17) In the meantime, he gives them the strength to endure—even with joy!—James 1:2, 3.
Context of Ephesians 3:20
The Book of Ephesians is a letter that the apostle Paul wrote to Christians who lived in the city of Ephesus in Asia Minor, part of modern-day Turkey. In his letter, Paul recorded thoughts that he expressed in a prayer on their behalf. (Ephesians 3:14-21) He prayed that they—and by extension, all Christians—would become more familiar with the love of the Christ by striving to imitate Jesus’ loving way of thinking and acting. Paul concluded his prayer by praising God and stating the words found at Ephesians 3:20, 21.
Read Ephesians chapter 3 in the study edition of the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. This easy-to-read Bible contains audio recordings, explanatory notes, cross-references, pictures, videos, and maps.
Watch this short video to see an overview of the book of Ephesians.
a Jehovah is the personal name of God. (Psalm 83:18) See the article “Who Is Jehovah?” |
Doing God’s Will (je)
1986 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/brochures-and-booklets/doing-gods-will-je | input Page/Publishers’ Page
Jehovah’s Witnesses—Unitedly Doing God’s Will Worldwide
Scripture quotations in this brochure are from the modern-language New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, 1984 Edition. |
Origin of Life (lf)
2010 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/lf | input Page/Publishers’ Page
The Origin of Life—Five Questions Worth Asking
This publication is not for sale. It is provided as part of a worldwide Bible educational work supported by voluntary donations.
To make a donation, please visit www.jw.org.
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the modern-language New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures—With References.
2010 Printing
English (lf-E)
© 2010
WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA
On the cover: A stylized depiction of a DNA molecule
Note: All three-dimensional models of molecules and of molecular machines are simplified schematics and are not drawn to scale.
Photo credits: Page 4: © Petit Format/Photo Researchers, Inc.; page 5: © SPL/Photo Researchers, Inc.; page 22, tree of life: Image courtesy of Biodiversity Heritage Library; page 27, skull: © Photolibrary/age fotostock; Ida: © Martin Shields/Alamy; page 28, skulls: © Medical-on-Line/Alamy; page 29, Java Man reconstruction: © The Print Collector/Alamy |
HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Songs That Draw Us Closer to God | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502500215 | HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Songs That Draw Us Closer to God
NOVEMBER 1, 2021
Music is a beautiful gift from Jehovah. It can affect our thoughts, change our mood, and inspire us. This is certainly the case with our original songs. In fact, these songs can do even more: they can draw us closer to Jehovah.
Since 2014, over 70 original songs have been produced, and now at least one of those songs is available in more than 500 languages! But you may have wondered, ‘Who works on these songs, and how are they produced?’
A Glimpse Behind the Scenes
Original songs are produced by the music team in Audio/Video Services, which works under the oversight of the Teaching Committee of the Governing Body. The music team is made up of 13 brothers and sisters who help with composing, music engineering, scheduling, and production support. Additionally, the Teaching Committee has approved remote volunteers all over the world to assist with this work, including composers, musicians, and singers. These brothers and sisters humbly use their talents without seeking personal recognition.
How is an original song produced? First, the Teaching Committee decides the Scriptural basis for the song and the emotional feel the song is to have. The music team then makes assignments for the composing of the music and the writing of the lyrics. A sample recording is prepared. The Teaching Committee reviews the sample recording and provides further direction. Then, the music team adjusts the song and records the final version. These songs are recorded in a variety of locations, including branch facilities and home studios.
To compose and record original songs, our brothers use digital audio workstations, a music notation program, and audio libraries, among other things. The work also requires the use of such equipment as musical instruments, mixing consoles, amplifiers, speakers, and microphones. The microphones can each cost from $100 to more than $1,000 (U.S.). In 2020, we spent $116,000 (U.S.) on music-recording equipment.
What efforts are made to conserve funds? In place of having a large music team at Bethel, many remote volunteers are used. Additionally, instead of assembling and recording a large in-person orchestra, our brothers often compose and produce music digitally.
“A Spiritual Lifeline”
Brothers and sisters love listening to original songs. Tara, who lives in Germany, says: “The songs help me to relax when I am anxious. Listening to them in my mother tongue feels like a hug from Jehovah.” A brother in Kazakhstan named Dmitry says: “I like being able to listen to the songs without needing to worry about whether they are in harmony with Bible principles. Moreover, the songs help me to stay focused on spiritual things.”
Delia, in South Africa, describes how she feels about the original songs: “They have become a spiritual lifeline for me. When I am feeling down or facing a challenge, there is always a song that matches my situation perfectly. Often, just the tunes of the songs are enough to change the way I feel!”
Some original songs have become favorites. Lerato, also in South Africa, says: “The songs ‘Just Around the Corner’ and ‘The New World to Come’ fast-forward me to the time when I will welcome back my beloved mother. Every time I listen to those songs, I see her running toward me with open arms.”
One original song was especially helpful to a teenager in Sri Lanka. She says: “My science teacher scolded me harshly in front of the class for being one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I became afraid, and I did not know what to say. When I came home, my mother encouraged me to listen to the song ‘Study Makes You Strong.’ The song helped me see the need to do research and prepare an answer. The next day, I spoke with my teacher. She listened to me and expressed her appreciation for the beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I thank Jehovah’s organization for providing us with such encouraging songs.”
How are the costs of producing these songs covered? By donations to the worldwide work, many of which are made via the methods found on donate.jw.org. Thank you for your generous contributions. |
Family Life (fl)
1978 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/fl | Chapter 8
Your Role as Parents
1-3. (a) What effect can the birth of a baby have on parents? (b) Why is it important for both father and mother to understand their roles as parents?
IN LIFE many events affect us to a very limited degree. Others have a major and lasting effect. The birth of a child is clearly one of the latter. For a husband and wife, life will never be the same thereafter. Though very small, the new personality in the home will make itself felt with a voice and a presence that cannot be ignored.
2 Life for the parents should be richer and happier. But it does present a challenge, and, for the finest results, that challenge needs to be met by both parents. It took both of you to produce the child, and both of you will play a vital role in your baby’s development from birth onward. The need for sincere, united—and humble—cooperation was never greater.
3 Understanding the role of each parent and how these roles can harmonize should help greatly in meeting the needs of your baby, producing happy results. Balance is needed. Even though the mind strives to be reasonable, emotions often push things off balance. We may tend to go to extremes, from too little to too much, and back again to too little. It is desirable for the father to exercise his headship, but, if he overdoes it, he becomes overbearing. It is good for the mother to share in training and disciplining the children, but to take over these duties to the exclusion of the father undermines the family structure. Good is good, but a good thing may become bad if carried to an extreme.—Philippians 4:5.
THE MOTHER’S CRUCIAL ROLE
4. What are some things that a baby needs from its mother?
4 A newborn baby is totally dependent on its mother for its immediate needs. If she lovingly supplies these needs the baby feels secure. (Psalm 22:9, 10) It must be well fed and kept clean and warm; but supplying physical needs is not enough. Emotional needs are just as important. If the baby does not receive love, it becomes insecure. A mother can soon learn to tell how great the need really is when her infant calls for attention. But if its cries are consistently ignored it may become ill. If it is emotionally deprived over a period of time it may be stunted emotionally for the rest of its life.
5-7. According to recent research, how is a baby affected by its mother’s love and attention?
5 Experiments in many different places have confirmed this fact: Babies become sick and even die if deprived of love, as expressed through talking and touching, stroking and cuddling. (Compare Isaiah 66:12; 1 Thessalonians 2:7.) Though others may do this, the mother, in whose womb the baby came to life and was nurtured for the first months of life, is beyond all question the one most logically suited to do this. There is a natural interaction that takes place between mother and child. Her instinctive desire to hold the newborn baby close to her is matched by the infant’s instinctive searching for her breast.
6 Research has shown that the brain of an infant is very active and that mental development is promoted when its senses of feeling, hearing, seeing and smelling are stimulated. When an infant nurses, it perceives the warmth and smell of the mother’s skin. It looks almost continuously at her face as she feeds it. It hears not only her voice as she talks or sings to it but also her heartbeat, a sound that it heard while yet in the womb. In a Norwegian publication, child psychologist Anne-Marit Duve observes:
“Since the activity of the pupils clearly shows the degree of brain activity, we have reason to believe that a high degree of skin stimulation, a high degree of contact—not the least the contact connected with nursing—can stimulate the mental activity, which in turn can lead to greater intellectual capacity in adulthood.”
7 So, when the baby frequently feels the mother’s touch, as she picks it up, cuddles it or bathes and dries it, the stimulation it receives plays an important part in its development and what it will be like in later life. While getting up at night and spending time in soothing a crying infant may not be the most enjoyable pastime, the knowledge of the later benefits can compensate considerably for the loss of sleep.
LEARNING LOVE BY BEING LOVED
8-10. (a) What does a baby learn from its mother’s love? (b) Why is this important?
8 The baby’s being loved is vitally important for its emotional development. It learns to love by being loved, by exposure to examples of love. Speaking of love for God, 1 John 4:19 says, “We love, because he first loved us.” The initial lessons in love fall mainly to the mother. A mother bends over a baby in its bed, puts her hand on its chest and jiggles it gently as she puts her face close to the baby’s and says, ‘I see you! I see you!’ The baby, of course, doesn’t know the words (which really aren’t particularly logical anyway). But it wriggles and coos with delight, for it recognizes that the playful hand and the tone of voice are clearly saying to it, ‘I love you! I love you!’ It is reassured and feels secure.
9 Babies and small children who are shown love appreciate it, and, in imitation of that love, they practice it, putting small arms around the mother’s neck and giving enthusiastic kisses. They are pleased with the heartwarming emotional response they reap from their mother as a result. They begin to learn the vital lesson that there is happiness in giving love as well as in receiving it, that by sowing love they reap it in return. (Acts 20:35; Luke 6:38) Evidence shows that if an early attachment to the mother is not made, later on the child may find it very difficult to make deep attachments and commitments to others.
10 Since children start learning immediately after birth, the first few years are the most vital ones. During those years the mother’s love is crucial. If she succeeds in showing and teaching love—not indulgence—she can do lasting good; if she fails she can do lasting harm. Being a good mother is one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs a woman can have. Despite all its strains and demands, what “career” occupation that the world offers can begin to approach it in significance and lasting satisfaction?
THE VITAL ROLE OF THE FATHER
11. (a) How can the father establish his role in the child’s mind? (b) Why is this vital?
11 It is natural that in early infancy the mother plays a more prominent role in the child’s life. But from the baby’s birth onward the father should also be a part of the baby’s world. Even when the child is still an infant, the father can and should get involved, caring for the baby at times, playing with it, comforting it when it cries. In this way the father gets established in the child’s mind. The father’s role should gradually come to take on greater prominence as time passes. If he waits too long to begin, it can be the start of a problem that surfaces especially when the child becomes a teen-ager and discipline becomes more difficult. The teen-age son especially may need his father’s help. But if a good relationship has not been established before, the gulf produced over a period of years cannot be bridged in a few weeks.
12, 13. (a) What is the father’s role in the family? (b) How can a father’s fulfilling his responsibilities in the right way affect his children’s view of authority?
12 Whether the child is a boy or a girl, the influence of the father’s masculine qualities can make a vital contribution to the development of a rounded-out, balanced personality. God’s Word shows that the father is to be the head of the family. He is responsible to provide materially for them. (1 Corinthians 11:3; 1 Timothy 5:8) Yet, “not by bread alone does man live but by every expression of Jehovah’s mouth does man live.” As regards his children, the father is also commanded to “go on bringing them up in the discipline and mental-regulating of Jehovah.” (Deuteronomy 8:3; Ephesians 6:4) While natural affection for his offspring should motivate him, it is, above all, a sense of responsibility to his Creator that should move him to do his best to fulfill the divine commission that is his.
13 Along with the warmth, tenderness and compassion that a mother expresses, the father can contribute a stabilizing influence, one of strength and of wise direction. The way he handles his God-given assignment can have a marked effect on his children’s later attitude toward authority, both human and divine, as to whether they respect it and how well they can work under another’s direction without chafing or rebelling.
14. What effect can the father’s good example have on his son or daughter?
14 If he has a son, the father’s example and handling of matters can do much to determine whether the boy grows up to be a weak, indecisive person, or one who is manly, steady, showing courage of conviction and a willingness to shoulder responsibility. It can affect the kind of husband or father the son eventually becomes—a rigid, unreasoning, harsh one, or one who is balanced, discerning and kind. If there is a daughter in the family, her father’s influence and relationship can affect her whole outlook on the male sex and either contribute to or hinder her future success in marriage. The effect of this paternal influence begins from infancy.
15, 16. (a) What responsibility of teaching does the Bible place on a father? (b) How can this be discharged?
15 The extensiveness of the father’s responsibility to teach is shown in God’s instructions to his people at Deuteronomy 6:6, 7: “These words that I am commanding you today must prove to be on your heart; and you must inculcate them in your son and speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up.”
16 Not just the words themselves that are found in God’s Word but also the message they convey must be impressed daily on the child’s mind. Opportunities are always there. Flowers in a garden, insects in the air, birds or squirrels in the trees, seashells on the beach, pinecones in the mountains, stars twinkling in the night sky—all these wonders speak of the Creator, and you should interpret to your children the meaning of their utterances. The psalmist says: “The heavens are declaring the glory of God; and of the work of his hands the expanse is telling. One day after another day causes speech to bubble forth, and one night after another night shows forth knowledge.” (Psalm 19:1, 2) By being alert to use these things, and especially to draw upon the daily affairs of life in illustrating and emphasizing right principles and in showing the wisdom and benefit of God’s counsel, the father can build up in the mind and heart of his child the most essential basis for the future: the conviction not only that God is, but that ‘he rewards those who earnestly seek him.’—Hebrews 11:6.
17, 18. (a) How should a father discipline his children? (b) What is more effective than the making of many rules?
17 Discipline is also part of the father’s role. “What son is he that a father does not discipline?” is the question asked at Hebrews 12:7. But it is his obligation to do this in a way that does not go to extremes, overcorrecting to the point of irritation or even harassment. To fathers, God’s Word says, “Do not be exasperating your children, so that they do not become downhearted.” (Colossians 3:21) Restrictions are necessary, but sometimes we can multiply and expand rules until they become burdensome and discouraging.
18 The Pharisees of ancient times were lovers of rules; they accumulated heaps of them and produced crops of hypocrites. It is a human failing to think that problems can be solved simply by making additional rules; but life’s experiences make plain that reaching the heart is the real key. So be sparing on rules; try instead to instill principles, aiming in the direction that God himself does: “I will put my laws in their mind, and in their hearts I shall write them.”—Hebrews 8:10.
FATHER AND MOTHER ARE PARTNERS
19. What might be done to ensure good communication in the home?
19 The father usually makes the living, and when he comes home from work he may be tired, and he still may have other duties to perform. But he should make time for his wife and for his children. He must communicate with his family, set aside time for family discussions and family projects, for family fun or outings. In this way family unity and solidarity are built up. Perhaps before the children came he and his wife spent much time outside the home. But for them to keep on in that way, running here and there and possibly keeping late hours, would not be living up to the responsibility of parenthood. It would be very unfair to their offspring. Sooner or later, the parents would pay the price for their lack of regularity and of responsibility. Like adults, children fare better when their life has a basic stability and regularity; this contributes to mental, physical and emotional health. The daily routine of family life will have its full complement of ups and downs without parents needlessly adding to these.—Compare Matthew 6:34; Colossians 4:5.
20. When it comes to disciplining children, what can parents do so that they will be united in their efforts?
20 The father and the mother should cooperate in dealing with the children, teaching them, setting limits for them, disciplining them, loving them. ‘A house divided against itself cannot stand.’ (Mark 3:25) Parents do well to discuss the discipline to be followed; they can then avoid having their children witness any disunity regarding discipline. To do otherwise could invite the children to try to ‘divide and conquer.’ True, it may happen that on some occasion a parent will react hastily or in anger and administer discipline that is extreme, or, when all the facts are considered, perhaps was really not called for at all. It may be possible for the parents to talk about it privately and then the parent who acted unwisely may choose personally to rectify matters with the child. Or, where this private talk is not possible, the parent who feels that to support the mate would mean supporting an injustice may say something like, ‘I understand why you feel angry, and I would feel the same way. But there may be something you weren’t aware of, and that is . . .’ thereafter clarifying whatever may have been overlooked. This can have a calming influence without showing division or disagreement in the presence of the disciplined child. As the inspired proverb says: “By presumptuousness one only causes a struggle, but with those consulting together there is wisdom.”—Proverbs 13:10; see also Ecclesiastes 7:8.
21. Should discipline be left up to only one parent? Why or why not?
21 The Hebrew Scriptures show disciplining to be a dual role: “Listen, my son, to the discipline of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother.” The Christian Greek Scriptures do likewise: “Children, be obedient to your parents in union with the Lord, for this is righteous.” Sometimes the father views disciplining the children as his wife’s job. Or, a wife may take the opposite view and do no more than threaten a misbehaving child with ‘Just wait till your father gets home!’ But if there is to be family happiness, and each parent is to receive the children’s love and respect, the duty needs to be shared.—Proverbs 1:8; Ephesians 6:1.
22. What should be avoided when handling a child’s requests, and why?
22 Children need to see their parents’ united cooperation in this and the willingness of each to shoulder his or her responsibility. If a begging child always hears his father say, ‘Go ask your mother,’ or the mother invariably passes the decision back to the father, then the parent who finds that the request requires him (or her) to answer “No” is cast in the role of villain. Of course, there may be circumstances where the father may say, ‘Yes, you can go outside for a while—but check first with your mother to see when supper will be ready.’ Or the mother at times may feel that, while some request does not seem objectionable to her, her husband should express himself on the matter. But both will be alert to see that in no way do they encourage or allow the child to pit one parent against the other to gain his objective. The wise wife will also guard against using her share of authority in a competitive way, trying through indulgence to gain the major share of the child’s affection at her husband’s expense.
23. In a family, is decision-making necessarily limited to the father?
23 Actually, in family decisions each member may have areas where his decision merits special consideration. The father has the responsibility of deciding on questions involving the overall welfare of the family, often deciding these after discussion with the others and giving consideration to their wishes and preferences. The mother may make the decisions regarding the kitchen and many other household matters. (Proverbs 31:11, 27) As they grow up, children might be allowed to make certain decisions about their play areas, some choice of clothing, or some other personal things. But there should be enough parental oversight to see that sound principles are followed, the children’s safety is not endangered and the rights of others are not infringed upon. This can give children a gradual start in decision-making.
IS HONORING YOU PARENTS EASY?
24. The fact that children are to honor their father and their mother places what responsibility on parents?
24 Children are told, “Honor your father and your mother.” (Ephesians 6:2; Exodus 20:12) For them to do this is also honoring God’s commandment. Do you make it easy for them? Wife, you are told to honor and respect your husband. Isn’t it very hard for you to do so if he makes little or no effort to live up to what God’s Word requires of him? Husband, you are to cherish and honor your wife as your loved helpmate. Isn’t it difficult, if she is not helpful? Make it easy then for your children to obey God’s command that they honor you, their parents. Earn their respect by providing a peaceful home, a good set of standards, good examples in your own conduct, sound teaching and training, and loving discipline when needed.
25. What problems can arise when parents are not united as to how the children should be trained?
25 “Two are better than one,” observed King Solomon, “because they have a good reward for their hard work.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9) When two people walk together and one falls, the other is there to help him up. So, too, in the family the husband and wife can support and encourage each other in their respective roles. In so many areas of parenthood those roles overlap, and this is good for the unity of the family. Children should bring the parents closer together, uniting them in a common training work. But sometimes divisive questions may arise over how the child is to be trained and disciplined. Sometimes a wife showers so much attention on the child that her husband feels neglected, even resentful. This can affect his attitude toward the child. He may be cool toward it, or he may, instead, shower affection on it but lessen his attention to his wife. A high price is paid when the husband or the wife gets off balance.
26. What might be done to keep an older child from feeling jealous when the mother must devote much of her time to a new baby?
26 Yet another problem may arise when a new baby arrives and there is already an older child. The mother must spend a great deal of time with the new baby. To keep the older child from feeling neglected and jealous, the father might give extra attention to the older child.
27. When one of the marriage mates is an unbeliever, how can children be helped spiritually?
27 Certainly two are better than one, but one is better than none. It may be that the mother is the one who, by circumstance, must bring up the children without a father’s help. Or, the father may face this same challenge. Many times homes are religiously divided, in that one parent, as a servant of Jehovah God, has full faith in the counsel of the Bible, and the other parent does not. Where the dedicated Christian is the husband, he, as the family head, has more control of the course to be followed in the training and disciplining of the children. Nevertheless, he may need to show great patience, self-control and endurance; he should be firm where a serious issue exists, yet reasonable and kind even though under provocation, and be flexible wherever circumstances will allow. If the believer is the wife, and hence subject to the husband, the way she proceeds will depend greatly on his attitude. Is he merely not interested in the Bible, or does he oppose his wife’s practice of her beliefs and her endeavors to teach them to the children? If he opposes her, she must depend on the course the apostle outlined: By the wife’s exemplary care of her duties and her respectful attitude, her husband “may be won without a word.” She will also use what opportunities are available to her to train her children in Bible principles.—1 Peter 3:1-4.
THE HOME ENVIRONMENT
28, 29. What kind of home environment is desirable, and why?
28 The role of both parents is to provide a home atmosphere of love. If this is felt by the children, their uncertainties or mistakes will not pile up inside of them because they are afraid to tell their parents. They know they can communicate and be understood, and that matters will be handled with loving concern. (Compare 1 John 4:17-19; Hebrews 4:15, 16.) Home will be not only a shelter but also a haven. Parental affection will make the children’s spirits grow and flourish.
29 You cannot put a sponge into vinegar and expect it to fill with water. It can absorb only what surrounds it. The sponge will absorb water only if it is submerged in it. Children, too, absorb their surroundings. They sense the attitudes and observe the things practiced around them, and these they absorb like sponges. Children sense your feelings, whether these are nervous tensions or relaxed peacefulness. Even babies absorb the qualities of the home atmosphere, so one of faith, love, spirituality and reliance on Jehovah God is invaluable.
30. What questions might parents ask themselves to determine whether they are providing fine guidance for their children?
30 Ask yourself: What standards do you expect your child to meet? Do both of you parents measure up to them? What does your family stand for? What kind of examples for the child are you? Do you complain, find fault, criticize others, dwell on negative thoughts? Is that the kind of children you want? Or, do you have high standards for your family, live up to them, and expect your children to do likewise? Do they understand that to belong to this family certain requirements are to be met, certain conduct is acceptable, and certain actions and attitudes are not? Children want to feel the security of belonging, so let them feel your approval and acceptance when they meet the family standards. People have a way of living up to what is expected of them. Rate your child bad and he’ll probably prove you right. Expect good from him, and you encourage him to live up to that.
31. What should always back up parental direction?
31 People are judged by their actions more than by their words. Children, too, may not give as much attention to words as to actions and they are often alert to detect any hypocrisy. Too many words may confuse children. Make sure your words are backed up by your practice of them.—1 John 3:18.
32. Whose counsel should always be followed?
32 Whether you are a father or a mother, your role is a challenging one. But the challenge can be met with happy results by following the counsel of the Giver of life. Carry out your assigned role conscientiously, as unto Him. (Colossians 3:17) Avoid extremes, keep your balance and “let your reasonableness become known to all,” including your children.—Philippians 4:5.
[Picture on page 100]
The mother’s look and touch and tone of voice tell her baby, “I love you”
[Picture on page 104]
Do you plan activities with your children? |
“All Scripture” (si)
1990 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/books/all-scripture-si | Bible Book Number 32—Jonah
Writer: Jonah
Writing Completed: c. 844 B.C.E.
1. What questions are answered in the book of Jonah, and what does it show as to Jehovah’s mercy?
JONAH—foreign missionary of the ninth century B.C.E.! How did he view his assignment from Jehovah? What new experiences did this open up for him? Did he find the people in his assignment receptive? How successful was his preaching? The dramatic record of the book of Jonah answers these questions. Written at a time when Jehovah’s chosen nation had broken covenant with him and fallen into pagan idolatry, the prophetic record shows that God’s mercy is not limited to any one nation, not even to Israel. Moreover, it exalts Jehovah’s great mercy and loving-kindness, in contrast with the lack of mercy, patience, and faith so often observed in imperfect man.
2. What is known concerning Jonah, and about what year did he prophesy?
2 The name Jonah (Hebrew, Yoh·nahʹ) means “Dove.” He was the son of the prophet Amittai of Gath-hepher in Galilee in the territory of Zebulun. At 2 Kings 14:23-25 we read that Jeroboam the king of Israel extended the boundary of the nation according to the word that Jehovah spoke through Jonah. This would place the time of Jonah’s prophesying at about 844 B.C.E., the year of the accession of Jeroboam II of Israel and many years before Assyria, with its capital at Nineveh, began to dominate Israel.
3. What proves the account of Jonah to be authentic?
3 There is no question that the entire account of Jonah is authentic. The “Perfecter of our faith, Jesus,” referred to Jonah as an actual person and gave the inspired interpretation of two of the prophetic happenings in Jonah, thus showing the book to contain true prophecy. (Heb. 12:2; Matt. 12:39-41; 16:4; Luke 11:29-32) Jonah has always been placed by the Jews among their canonical books and is regarded by them as historical. Jonah’s own candor in describing his mistakes and weaknesses, without any attempt to gloss over them, also marks the record as genuine.
4. What kind of fish may have swallowed Jonah? Yet, what is sufficient for our information?
4 What about the “great fish” that swallowed Jonah? There has been considerable speculation as to what kind of fish this may have been. The sperm whale is fully capable of swallowing a man whole. So is the great white shark. The Bible, though, simply states: “Jehovah appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah.” (Jonah 1:17) The kind of fish is not specified. It cannot be determined with certainty whether it was a sperm whale, a great white shark, or some other unidentified sea creature.a The Bible record that it was “a great fish” is sufficient for our information.
outputS OF JONAH
5. How does Jonah react to his assignment, and with what result?
5 Jonah assigned to Nineveh but runs away (1:1-16). “And the word of Jehovah began to occur to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying: ‘Get up, go to Nineveh the great city, and proclaim against her that their badness has come up before me.’” (1:1, 2) Does Jonah relish this assignment? Not one bit! He runs away in the opposite direction, taking a ship for Tarshish, possibly identified with Spain. Jonah’s ship meets up with a great storm. In fear the mariners call for aid, “each one to his god,” while Jonah sleeps in the ship’s hold. (1:5) After arousing Jonah, they cast lots in an attempt to discover who is responsible for their plight. The lot falls upon Jonah. It is now that he makes known to them that he is a Hebrew, a worshiper of Jehovah, and that he is running away from his God-given task. He invites them to hurl him into the sea. After making further efforts to bring the ship through, they at last pitch Jonah overboard. The sea stops its raging.
6. What is Jonah’s experience with the “great fish”?
6 Swallowed by “a great fish” (1:17–2:10). “Now Jehovah appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, so that Jonah came to be in the inward parts of the fish three days and three nights.” (1:17) He prays fervently to Jehovah from inside the fish. “Out of the belly of Sheol” he cries for help and declares that he will pay what he has vowed, for “salvation belongs to Jehovah.” (2:2, 9) At Jehovah’s command, the fish vomits Jonah onto the dry land.
7. How effective is Jonah’s preaching in Nineveh?
7 Preaching in Nineveh (3:1–4:11). Jehovah renews his command to Jonah. No longer does Jonah evade his assignment, but he goes to Nineveh. There he marches through the city streets and cries: “Only forty days more, and Nineveh will be overthrown.” (3:4) His preaching is effective. A wave of repentance sweeps through Nineveh, and its people begin to put faith in God. The king proclaims that man and beast must fast and be clothed in sackcloth. Jehovah mercifully spares the city.
8. How does Jonah react to Jehovah’s expressing mercy on the city, and how does Jehovah expose the prophet’s inconsistency?
8 This is more than Jonah can bear. He tells Jehovah he knew all along that He would show mercy and that is why he ran away to Tarshish. He wishes he could die. Thoroughly disgruntled, Jonah encamps to the east of the city and waits to see what will happen. Jehovah appoints a bottle-gourd plant to come up as shade over his moody prophet. Jonah’s rejoicing at this is short-lived. Next morning Jehovah appoints a worm to smite the plant, so that its comforting protection is replaced by exposure to a parching east wind and the broiling sun. Again Jonah wishes he could die. Self-righteously he justifies his anger. Jehovah points out his inconsistency: Jonah felt sorry for one bottle-gourd plant but is angry because Jehovah now feels sorry for the great city of Nineveh.
WHY BENEFICIAL
9. What attitude and course of Jonah should stand as a warning to us?
9 Jonah’s course of action and its outcome should stand as a warning to us. He ran away from God-given work; he should have put his hand to the task and trusted in God to uphold him. (Jonah 1:3; Luke 9:62; Prov. 14:26; Isa. 6:8) When he got going in the wrong direction, he showed a negative attitude in failing to identify himself freely to the mariners as a worshiper of “Jehovah the God of the heavens.” He had lost his boldness. (Jonah 1:7-9; Eph. 6:19, 20) Jonah’s self-centeredness led him to regard Jehovah’s mercy toward Nineveh as a personal affront; he tried to save face by telling Jehovah that he had known all along that this would be the outcome—so why send him as prophet? He was reproved for this disrespectful, complaining attitude, so we should benefit from his experience and refrain from finding fault with Jehovah’s showing mercy or with his way of doing things.—Jonah 4:1-4, 7-9; Phil. 2:13, 14; 1 Cor. 10:10.
10. How are Jehovah’s loving-kindness and mercy illustrated in the book of Jonah?
10 Overshadowing everything else in the book of Jonah is its portrayal of the magnificent qualities of Jehovah’s loving-kindness and mercy. Jehovah showed loving-kindness toward Nineveh in sending his prophet to warn of impending destruction, and he was ready to show mercy when the city repented—a mercy that permitted Nineveh to survive more than 200 years until its destruction by the Medes and Babylonians about 632 B.C.E. He showed mercy toward Jonah in delivering him from the storm-tossed sea and in providing the gourd to “deliver him from his calamitous state.” By providing the protecting gourd and then taking it away, Jehovah made known to Jonah that He will show mercy and loving-kindness according to His own good pleasure.—Jonah 1:2; 3:2-4, 10; 2:10; 4:6, 10, 11.
11. What is “the sign of Jonah”?
11 At Matthew 12:38-41, Jesus told the religious leaders that the only sign that would be given them was “the sign of Jonah.” After three days and three nights in “the belly of Sheol,” Jonah went and preached to Nineveh, thereby becoming a “sign” to the Ninevites. (Jonah 1:17; 2:2; 3:1-4) Similarly, Jesus spent parts of three days in the grave and was resurrected. When his disciples proclaimed the evidence of that event, Jesus became a sign to that generation. According to the Jewish method of measuring time and the facts in fulfillment of Jesus’ case, this period of “three days and three nights” allows for less than three full days.b
12. (a) What else does Jesus say concerning the Ninevites and the Jews of his generation? (b) How did “something more than Jonah” appear, having what connection with Jehovah’s Kingdom and salvation?
12 In this same discussion, Jesus contrasts the repentance of the Ninevites with the hardness of heart and outright rejection he experienced from the Jews during his own ministry, saying: “Men of Nineveh will rise up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it; because they repented at what Jonah preached, but, look! something more than Jonah is here.” (See also Matthew 16:4 and Luke 11:30, 32.) “Something more than Jonah”—what did Jesus mean by these words? He was referring to himself as the greatest prophet of all, the One sent by Jehovah to preach: “Repent, you people, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.” (Matt. 4:17) Nevertheless, most of the Jews of that generation rejected “the sign of Jonah.” What about today? Although most are not heeding Jehovah’s message of warning, many thousands worldwide are having the glorious opportunity of hearing the good news of God’s Kingdom that was first preached by Jesus, “the Son of man.” Like the repentant Ninevites, who were blessed through the preaching of Jonah, these also may share in Jehovah’s abundant and merciful provision for extended life, for truly “salvation belongs to Jehovah.”—Jonah 2:9.
[Footnotes]
a Insight on the Scriptures, Vol. 2, pages 99-100.
b Insight on the Scriptures, Vol. 1, page 593. |
Lasting Peace (pc)
2009 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/brochures-and-booklets/lasting-peace-pc | outputs
3 Peace and Happiness—Everyone’s Desire
5 Can Religion Satisfy Mankind’s Needs?
9 Is There Really a Most High Creator?
13 A Guidebook for the Blessing of All Mankind
18 Cultivating Faith in the Creator
24 Pursue Lasting Peace and Happiness With God’s People
29 Lasting Peace and Happiness Just Ahead! |
Table of outputs | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2018240 | Table of outputs
3 They Offered Themselves Willingly—In Madagascar
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 26, 2018–MARCH 4, 2018
7 “He Gives Power to the Tired One”
When we feel overwhelmed by the pressures of life, what can we do? This article discusses our yeartext for 2018 and shows why we need to give Jehovah the opportunity to strengthen us and how he will do so.
WEEK OF MARCH 5-11, 2018
12 Pleasant Unity and the Memorial
The annual observance of the Memorial of Christ’s death will be held on Saturday, March 31, 2018. How can we prepare now for this occasion, how will we benefit from attending it, and how does that annual event contribute to the unity of God’s people everywhere? Find the answers in this article.
WEEK OF MARCH 12-18, 2018
17 Why Give to the One Who Has Everything?
All that we have comes from Jehovah. He still expects us, however, to use our finances to support the work of his organization today. This article will consider why and how we benefit from honoring Jehovah with our valuable things.
WEEK OF MARCH 19-25, 2018
22 What Kind of Love Brings True Happiness?
WEEK OF MARCH 26, 2018–APRIL 1, 2018
27 See the Difference in People
The first of these articles discusses how true happiness comes from loving God and not from the counterfeit types of love so evident in “the last days.” (2 Tim. 3:1) The second article describes how traits that characterize people of the last days stand in sharp contrast with the qualities found among God’s people.
32 Did You Know? |
Denizens of the Mountains | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101970007 | Denizens of the Mountains
LOFTY mountains that pierce the clouds and reach to dizzying heights may appear to us humans as coldly majestic, lonely, even forbidding. Yet to a great variety of wildlife they constitute home. Some of these creatures would never think of descending to lower altitudes. And to see them in a zoo, even if they could long survive such a humiliating experience, one could gain no realistic idea of their way of life among peaks and chasms.
Some of these creatures are not very familiar to us, while the names of others have almost become household words. For example, have you heard of the nyala, with its spiral horns measuring up to forty-four inches in length? It was discovered in 1908 at 9,000 feet in the mountains of South Abyssinia. On the other hand, who has not heard of the chinchilla? The mountain variety lives at an altitude of 17,000 feet.
Up at those heights, too, there are birds that soar high and make their nests in unapproachable places. There are birds of great variety, such as hawks, eagles, the black duck, slender-billed chestnut-winged starlings and a host of others.
Can we take a closer look at some of these dwellers in lofty penthouses without risking life and limb? Yes, we can, for others have clambered up to the giddy heights and recorded their firsthand observations for our benefit.
The Mountain Gorilla
Let’s start with the mountain gorilla, the giant ape discovered in the higher levels of the West African forests in 1847. This creature’s reported warlikeness, its tremendous strength and the remoteness of its habitation have stirred man’s imagination and posed something of a mystery, arousing popular and scientific interest.
The African Primate Expedition set out in February 1959 to clear up the mystery. Gaining their objective involved roaming through the forests and climbing mist-shrouded mountains. Finally, in January 1961 they were on the home ground of the mountain gorilla, whose total population is said to be between 5,000 and 15,000. During the 466 hours they spent in full view of these mighty creatures a great deal was learned and recorded.
All together, members of the expedition had opportunity to study them in 314 separate encounters. Imagine being approached to within fifteen feet by one of these huge beasts—with nothing to bar his nearer approach! That was the experience of one member of the visiting group.
These big fellows rise early, about 6 a.m., and retire at about 6 p.m. Breakfast lasts for perhaps a couple of hours, their massive bodies moving from snack to snack. From about 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. they lounge around. Again they resume the search for food—food in much greater variety than any zoo would be likely to provide. A total of 100 food plants were collected in various study areas—by no means a monotonous diet!
The observers noted that these creatures have a total of some twenty-two distinct utterances or vocalizations, eight of them occurring quite frequently. There is the soft grumbling sound—sure sign of the outputed ape. A series of abrupt grunts serve to keep the group together. A harsh scream may sound as if murder is being committed. It is most likely merely a quarrel with lots of bluff. A high screech means some infant ape is afraid he is being left behind. Mother will doubtless respond right away.
But what about the gorilla’s notorious chest-beating display? For that you will need patience, for it happens infrequently. But when it does get under way, you are in for a real show! It starts with a series of hoots, following which the animal, hooting at a fast tempo, rises on its hind legs like a mountain of hair, throws some plant into the air, kicks up one leg and at the climax beats its massive chest with cupped hands several times. Then he runs sideways, slapping and tearing at the vegetation, finally thumping the ground with heavy palm. The chest beats have been recorded; his roars of high intensity are probably the most explosive sound in all the animal kingdom!
A closer look at these powerful brutes weighing up to six hundred pounds reveals that in sight, hearing and smell their powers are about the same as those of a human. Almost always they move about on all fours. The farthest any one of them was seen to walk erect was sixty feet. Interestingly, too, during all the hours of observation, not once was a gorilla seen using any kind of tool.
The younger members of the group play a variety of games—King of the Mountain, Follow the Leader, and running, climbing, sliding and swinging games. They lead relatively peaceful lives. Seldom are they heard quarreling. Sunbathing is one of their leading forms of relaxation. They will stretch out on their backs, hairy chests exposed to the warm rays. Whenever rain comes, a tree provides shelter, or they may just sit hunched over in the open, waiting patiently for the storm to pass.
The Mountain Camels
Now, through the records of mountaineer naturalists, let us take a look at the mountain camels, in their own habitat, high up in the South American Andes, in the stony deserts or punas. The vicuna is wild, greatly prized for his fur, while the llama (pronounced lyahʹmah in Spanish) is domesticated, a genuine ship of the desert. They look quite different from the creature we are used to calling “camel,” yet both are true camels.
The llama is primarily a beast of burden, but a unique burden-bearer, for he can carry heavy loads even in the ratified air of mountain heights, often below zero and amid battering winds and howling blizzards. However, he will not accept one ounce more load than he wishes to carry. Llamas grow fat and sleek up on those barren slopes, where not a blade of grass can be seen, and where only bare rock and sand appear.
But how do they survive? Here is where their mountaineering ability comes into play! They seek out delicious morsels (that is, to them) such as reindeer moss, lichen and cacti, getting them on incredibly precipitous pastures.
The llama has some special equipment, too, and he needs it, for some of the great hunters of the animal world stalk him—the mountain lion and the jaguar. Soft, padded, almost clawlike toes permit him to adhere to impossibly steep surfaces as though he had suction cups for feet. The feet themselves, very loosely jointed at the hocks, often appear dislocated as they adjust to every angle and crevice.
A common but amazing sight is a herd of llamas grazing on seemingly bare rock, so steep that even the native Indian cannot find a toehold! Still another thrilling sight is provided when a lone llama is traversing bare ledges or walking across the glass-smooth ice of a glacier a thousand feet above some rushing torrent. One misstep, it would seem, could plunge the creature down into an abysmal canyon.
The vicuna, on the other hand, is not herded. It is noted for its wild, lightning-like movements and prodigious leaps. Three miles above sea level they can dash at such speed that only their dust can be seen, and then stop dead in their tracks. They can leap up fifteen feet, twist about in midair and, at the instant their feet touch ground, dash madly off in an entirely different direction.
An entire herd of fifty or more may be seen at times running around in circles, playing leapfrog, turning backflips or somersaults as if to advertise their freedom. At the least sign of danger, they will vanish in a cloud of dust. Apparently they have no realization of the dangers inherent in their lofty playgrounds however. Often they are injured or killed by falls, in spite of the popular idea that they never make a misstep.
Interestingly, they seem to have a single-track mind. Vicunas will return again and again to the same bedding spot, even when some of their number are killed nightly. So all the hunter has to do, when he locates a bedding place, is wait. He is sure of his quarry. The vicuna will not leap over, push against or cross any barrier, however flimsy. It might only be two fences of light string used by Indians to funnel the animals down to the narrow spoutlike end where they can be killed as they emerge. They do not attempt to break through the light cord barrier!
Their valuable fur made the vicunas a special target for huntsmen. A vicuna coat is so fine and light that a robe six feet square may be folded and pressed into a bundle measuring nine by fourteen inches, and not more than four inches thick—a bundle weighing less than four pounds. Eventually the Peruvian and Bolivian governments had to pass strict laws in order to curb the wanton slaughter of these freedom-loving creatures.
Other Intrepid Mountaineers
The scene shifts now to the mountains of America’s Northwest. Here is the abode of the yellow-eyed mountain goat—in reality an antelope. His white beard waving serenely in the wind, he reminds onlookers of an old professor. However, no professor could follow this most surefooted of creatures. Clad in warm underwear of wool three to four inches thick, he lives a tough, hard life above the timberline. His overcoat is long and shaggy, also of pure wool. But naturalists are not quite sure how, even with such equipment, he manages to survive the Arctic conditions of the northern Rockies. At times this animal will shed wool so abundantly that Indians are able to rake up several bushels in an area of a few square yards.
This goat’s sureness of step is truly phenomenal. Rarely will he proceed until he is sure of what lies ahead. However, if a lofty trail peters out he does not panic. He may back up until it is safe to turn, or he may rear up on hind legs, with thousands of feet of sheer emptiness below, press hard against the cliff, turn inward and around, dropping again on all fours as easily as you would step up on the curb. But that is not the extent of his daring. He may choose instead to defy the yawning chasm below, simply reaching up to grab a tiny rock shelf and pulling himself to a still higher level.
Like the llama, these mountain goats have their own special footgear. The sole of each toe is concave and acts as a suction cup. The clefts between the two toes open toward the front so that when the animal is descending a smooth rocky slope its weight spreads the toes wider for firmer grip. These creatures are very curious about men, who once in a while poke curiously into their mountain habitat.
And then there is the bighorn, also born into a world of soaring peaks. This creature is really a sheep, but a sheep without the traditional wool. He, too, is agile and nimble of foot. One old ram in the Sierra Diablo of West Texas was observed going down a near vertical fifty-foot cliff. Another made a leap that spanned nearly seventeen feet. The bighorns move around mostly in flocks. Mother animals watch gravely while lambs make merry, playing tag, follow the leader, jump the rock, run around pinnacles, and indulge in petty butting matches.
Another neighbor in this northern mountain area is the mountain beaver. This name is really a misnomer, for he is no true beaver. He has no tail, and does not have the reputation of the real beaver for industriousness. Why, his tunnel roof is often so thin that it collapses. If the debris bothers him, he just scoops it up and shoves it out. All winter he may be seen following his daily routine, for he is not a hibernating creature.
Finally, let’s look in on the hyrax in his normal home area, Mount Kenya of Africa’s alpine zone. Tailless, about the size of a rabbit, this oddity is said to be akin to the elephant and the rhinoceros. His dung is unique, for it contains the hyraceum used in elegant perfumes. Less sophisticated and less mobile than some of his mountaineer neighbors, the hyrax lives in burrows slightly above freezing temperature. He is equipped with a two-inch-thick brown fur coat. His cousins live in the lowland savannas where it is warmer, so their coats are only half an inch thick.
So, wherever there are mountain heights all around the earth there are interesting creatures that call those mountains home. Inaccessibility to these creatures means mainly safety from human predators. There are large ones and small ones. They include great variety: the powerful gorilla, the laughably free vicuna, the dignified mountain goat, the stolid pack-bearing llama and the scurrying beaver of the mountains. If you ever see one of these in a zoo, just picture in your mind the clean, airy world of peaks and chasms that they call home. |
Mistaken for the Pastor | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502019286 | Mistaken for the Pastor
Osman and his wife and daughter were witnessing using a literature cart outside a cemetery in Chile. Suddenly, a large funeral procession arrived playing loud music. Some of the people mistook Osman for their evangelical pastor, so they approached him, embraced him, and exclaimed, “Thank you for arriving on time, Pastor, we were expecting you!”
Although Osman tried to clear up the misunderstanding, the noisy crowd could not understand him. A few minutes after the group went into the cemetery, a few people came back and said to him, “Pastor, we are waiting for you in the cemetery.”
Once the noise had subsided, Osman was able to explain who he was and why he was there. After expressing disgust with their pastor for not coming, they asked Osman, “Would you come in and say a few words from the Bible to the group?” Osman agreed.
On the way to the burial site, Osman asked them questions about the deceased and thought of a few scriptures he could share. After arriving at the graveside, he introduced himself to the crowd and explained that being one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, he participates in a work of proclaiming good news to people.
Then, using Revelation 21:3, 4 and John 5:28, 29, he explained that it was never God’s purpose for humans to die. Indeed, he said, God will soon resurrect the dead, and they will have the prospect of living forever on earth. When Osman was finished, many embraced him warmly and thanked him for “Jehovah’s message of good news.” He then returned to the literature cart.
After the funeral, some of the mourners came to the witnessing cart and asked Osman and his family questions about the Bible. A lengthy conversation followed, and they left with nearly all the publications that were on the witnessing cart. |
Paradise Restored (pm)
1972 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/pm | Chapter 9
Growth and Protection of God’s Capital Organization
1. (a) Who is the greatest Organizer? (b) According to Romans 1:19, 20, what should intelligent creatures on earth have perceived about that Organizer?
THE GREATEST organizer in all existence is “The First Great Cause,” the Creator of all the things made. His matchless organizing ability is amply demonstrated by all his works in heaven and on earth. In first-century Rome (Italy) there were those who worshiped, not the national god Jupiter, but the living Almighty God. To these worshipers it was written, about the middle of the first century C.E.: “What may be known about God is manifest among them, for God made it manifest to them. For his invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship, so that they are inexcusable.” (Romans 1:19, 20) From the creation of the world of mankind onward, intelligent humans should have been able to perceive that there was a Creator, God, even though he was invisible and even without his speaking to any of them out of the invisible. By the visible works that he made and arranged so orderly, they should have perceived that he is a perfect Organizer.
2, 3. (a) What basis is there for believing that He would organize his intelligent creatures with minds of their own? (b) What warning did He give through Enoch about his invisible heavenly organization?
2 Since this God could organize unintelligent creations so perfectly in the visible heavens and in the amazing ecology of the earth, he could and would organize all his living intelligent creations. It would be in the interest of universal peace and harmony and in order to prevent anarchy that He would organize such creatures with minds of their own. He visibly showed his organizing ability more than three thousand four hundred years ago when he organized the nation of Israel at Mount Sinai in Arabia and gave them a set of laws with which none of all the pagan nations had anything to compare. For immeasurable time before that he had an invisible organization, made up of heavenly spirit creatures. Enoch, the seventh man in line of descent from the first man, gave us people on earth a warning concerning this invisible organization, saying:
3 “Look! Jehovah came with his holy myriads, to execute judgment against all, and to convict all the ungodly concerning all their ungodly deeds that they did in an ungodly way, and concerning all the shocking things that ungodly sinners spoke against him.”—Jude 14, 15; Genesis 5:18-24; Hebrews 11:5.
4. When was mankind part of God’s universal organization, when did they get out of it, and when will mankind be restored to that organization?
4 Perfect man and woman in the Edenic garden that Jehovah God planted for their home were part of His universal organization. They were the earthly visible part of it. And since the earth is spoken of as the footstool of Jehovah who thrones in the heavens, perfect man and woman were the lowest part of his universal organization. (Isaiah 66:1) When man was driven out of the garden of Eden because of rebelliously sinning against Jehovah God, he was driven out of God’s holy universal organization. Holy cherubs from out of his invisible organization appeared at the entrance of the garden of Eden and prevented disobedient man and woman from going back in. (Genesis 3:1-24) When God’s Messianic kingdom restores an Edenlike Paradise to earth, obedient ones of all mankind will be elevated to human perfection and holiness and thereafter Jehovah God the great Organizer will make humankind once again a part of his universal organization. (Luke 23:43) Then there will be sublime harmony between heaven and earth.
5. What does God purpose to set up over all his intelligent creation, and from where are the component members of this taken?
5 The perfect Organizer has more in mind than just to restore the earthly visible part of his universal organization. In the Book of his recorded purposes, the Holy Bible, he informs us of his grand purpose to establish a capital organization over all his intelligent creatures. Logically, that capital organization will be in the holy heavens, next below the Most High God himself. Most remarkable of all, those whom He takes to make up this capital organization are drawn out from mankind here on God’s footstool the earth. What an exaltation for these! In the last book of the Holy Bible we have an illustration of this.
6. In David’s days, what was made the capital of Jehovah’s visible organization, and how was the capital quality thereof enhanced in David’s days?
6 We remember that in the days of King David, when the nation of Israel was the visible theocratic organization of Jehovah God, the city of Jerusalem was made the royal capital of this theocratic organization. (2 Samuel 5:1-10) The capital quality of the city of Jerusalem was tremendously enhanced when Jehovah’s Ark of the Covenant was transferred and lodged in a tent near King David’s palace in Jerusalem. (2 Samuel 6:11-14; 7:1-3) By his spirit Jehovah throned in that sacred tent as Israel’s invisible heavenly King.
7-10. (a) The name of what city is adapted to God’s capital organization? (b) How does the apostle John show the application of that name, and how does he describe the capital organization?
7 Appropriately, then, the name of earthly Jerusalem is adapted to Jehovah’s capital organization. Only it becomes called a New Jerusalem, of course. The Holy Bible could not be completed without this glorious fact’s being called to our attention. In Revelation, chapter twenty-one, the application of the name is made and the organization to whom it is applied is identified. The aged Christian apostle John writes and tells us:
8 “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea is no more. I saw also the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God and prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: ‘Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his peoples. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.’
9 “And there came one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls which were full of the seven last plagues, and he spoke with me and said: ‘Come here, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.’ So he carried me away in the power of the spirit to a great and lofty mountain, and he showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God and having the glory of God. Its radiance was like a most precious stone, as a jasper stone shining crystal-clear. It had a great and lofty wall and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names were inscribed which are those of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. On the east were three gates, and on the north three gates, and on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. The wall of the city also had twelve foundation stones, and on them the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
10 “And I did not see a temple in it, for Jehovah God the Almighty is its temple, also the Lamb is. And the city has no need of the sun nor of the moon to shine upon it, for the glory of God lighted it up, and its lamp was the Lamb. And the nations will walk by means of its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. And its gates will not be closed at all by day, for night will not exist there. And they will bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. But anything not sacred and anyone that carries on a disgusting thing and a lie will in no way enter into it; only those written in the Lamb’s scroll of life will.”—Revelation 21:1-4, 9-14, 22-27.
11. What body does that New Jerusalem picture, and what nationality do the members thereof have and on what official level?
11 There is no mistaking of it. That “holy city,” New Jerusalem, pictures the clean, undefiled, holy Christian congregation. It is composed entirely of spiritual Israelites, Jews inwardly, circumcised in their hearts. True, the “twelve apostles of the Lamb” were natural, circumcised Jews or Israelites; but from the festival day of Pentecost of the year 33 C.E. onward they all became spiritual Israelites or Jews, for then Jehovah’s holy spirit was poured upon them through the Lamb Jesus Christ. (Acts 1:12 to 2:42) These spiritual Israelites are 144,000 in number (12 x 12 x 1,000), grouped into twelve tribes, as it were, the names of these twelve tribes being inscribed over the twelve gates of the New Jerusalem. (Revelation 7:4-8) Calling attention to their official position is the fact that they are called ‘the kings of the earth.’ (Revelation 20:4, 6) They are higher than “the nations” on earth who walk by means of the light of the New Jerusalem.—Revelation 5:10.
12, 13. (a) What in that Revelation description shows that the New Jerusalem is to be a capital organization? (b) How does one of the symbolic foundation stones identify the bride’s husband?
12 The name New Jerusalem indicates that it would be a capital organization, resembling Jerusalem in the days of King David and of his son King Solomon. But what is there to show that the New Jerusalem of 144,000 spiritual Israelites would be the capital organization over all of Jehovah’s realm of creation? It is this: The New Jerusalem is called “the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” (Revelation 21:2, 9; 22:17) To this figurative Lamb, it is said: “You were slaughtered and with your blood you bought persons for God out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and you made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they are to rule as kings over the earth.” (Revelation 5:9, 10) This once slaughtered Lamb is the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of Jehovah God. In agreement with that fact, one of the “twelve apostles of the Lamb” wrote to his fellow Christians and said:
13 “It was not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, that you were delivered from your fruitless form of conduct received by tradition from your forefathers. But it was with precious blood, like that of an unblemished and spotless lamb, even Christ’s.”—1 Peter 1:18, 19; 1 Corinthians 5:7.
14, 15. (a) Who is the Head of that bride-wife? (b) Because of what heirdom of the members thereof is the station of the bride-wife elevated, and what does Peter state is the station of her Husband?
14 As a husband, the Lamb Jesus Christ is the head of his bride-wife, New Jerusalem: “a husband is head of his wife.” (Ephesians 5:23) Nevertheless, the bride-wife is made up of spirit-begotten sons of God, who are not only ‘heirs of God,’ but also “joint heirs with Christ.” (Romans 8:16-18) Such heirdom elevates the station of the bride-wife, and she shares with her husband in his glory and honor in the heavens. What, then, is the heavenly station of her “husband,” the Lamb Jesus Christ? Peter, one of the “twelve apostles of the Lamb,” says of him:
15 “Christ died once for all time concerning sins, a righteous person for unrighteous ones, that he might lead you to God, he being put to death in the flesh, but being made alive in the spirit. . . . through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He is at God’s right hand, for he went his way to heaven; and angels and authorities and powers were made subject to him.”—1 Peter 3:18, 21, 22.
16. How does Paul, at Philippians 2:5-11, go into greater detail as to the present station of the bride-wife’s Husband?
16 To other “joint heirs with Christ,” the apostle Paul writes in even greater detail, saying: “Keep this mental attitude in you that was also in Christ Jesus, who, although he was existing in God’s form, gave no consideration to a seizure, namely, that he should be equal to God. No, but he emptied himself and took a slave’s form and came to be in the likeness of men. More than that, when he found himself in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient as far as death, yes, death on a torture stake. For this very reason also God exalted him to a superior position and kindly gave him the name that is above every other name, so that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven and those on earth and those under the ground, and every tongue should openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.”—Philippians 2:5-11.
17. (a) In what position did such elevation of God’s Son put him, and how did God create a capital “organization”? (b) As to priesthood, what relative positions do Jesus Christ and those of his bride-wife hold?
17 No creature could get any higher than to the “right hand of God,” and the “superior position” to which God exalted him was to that right-hand position. (Psalm 110:1; Acts 2:34-36; Hebrews 1:3, 13; 8:1, 2; 10:12, 13; 12:2) This put the Lamb Jesus Christ in the capital position over all the rest of God’s creation. Of course, the Lamb Jesus Christ is not an “organization” in himself. But since Jehovah God gives him a bride-wife, namely, the congregation of 144,000 joint heirs, the Most High God creates a capital organization over all his holy universal organization. In this capital organization that the Supreme Being establishes, Jesus Christ is His High Priest and the bride-wife class are 144,000 underpriests, “a royal priesthood.” (1 Peter 2:9) Scripturally, then, beyond all contradiction, the Most High God Jehovah now has a capital organization through which he deals with all the rest of his universal organization.
THE THIRD VISION
18, 19. (a) According to Zechariah’s previous vision, what would need to be done for Jerusalem? (b) In his third vision, what did the man with the measuring rope want to do?
18 This Scriptural understanding of Jehovah’s capital organization to which the name Jerusalem is attached will aid us in understanding the third vision that the prophet Zechariah had on that wonderful twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month (Shebat) of the year 519 B.C.E. Zechariah had just had his vision about the four craftsmen whom Jehovah sent to “cast down the horns of the nations that are lifting up a horn against the land of Judah, in order to disperse her.” This dispersion therefore included Jerusalem, and for that reason she would have to be regathered in Jehovah’s fixed time, when he would “return to Jerusalem with mercies.” (Zechariah 1:14-21) So the theme of Zechariah’s third vision logically follows. Here is how this vision proceeded:
19 “And I proceeded to raise my eyes and see; and, look! there was a man, and in his hand a measuring rope. So I said: ‘Where are you going?’ In turn he said to me: ‘To measure Jerusalem, in order to see what her breadth amounts to and what her length amounts to.’”—Zechariah 2:1, 2.
20. (a) What did his being a young man indicate about him? (b) What did Jerusalem’s walls not yet having been rebuilt allow for this young man to measure off?
20 The bearer of the measuring rope proved to be a young man, and naturally he has still quite a number of things to learn or things on which to be informed. With all the verve of youth he was interested in the full restoration of Jerusalem and was eager to see how large she would become or how extensive she ought to become. Hence his measuring rope. There was at least the Jerusalem of that year 519 B.C.E. that could be measured. However, the walls of the city had not yet been rebuilt, nor would they be rebuilt for a long time to come. As long afterward as the ninth lunar month (Chislev) of the year 456 B.C.E., over sixty-three years later, it was reported in the Persian capital Shushan: “The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its very gates have been burned with fire.” (Nehemiah 1:1-3) Possibly, then, the Jerusalem of 519 B.C.E. had not yet reached the limits of the former preexile city. Or, possibly, the restored city might be extended beyond those former limits. The young man with the measuring rope may have had in mind to measure off what should be the final limits of the second Jerusalem.
21. What did the one angel tell the other angel to advise the young man with the measuring rope?
21 Was it the proper thing for an enthusiastic young man to set the limits for the Jerusalem to which Jehovah was returning with mercies? Let us see, from what Zechariah now reports: “And, look! the angel who was speaking with me was going forth, and there was another angel going forth to meet him. Then he said to him: ‘Run, speak to the young man over there, saying, “‘As open rural country Jerusalem will be inhabited, because of the multitude of men and domestic animals in the midst of her. And I myself shall become to her,’ is the utterance of Jehovah, ‘a wall of fire all around, and a glory is what I shall become in the midst of her.’”’”—Zechariah 2:3-5.
22. From what took place in the days of Governor Nehemiah and also after Jerusalem’s destruction in 70 C.E., are we to understand this information to the young man to be in a literal way?
22 Was Jehovah of armies there talking about the literal earthly Jerusalem of Zechariah’s days? The later facts indicate plainly that He was not doing so. Why not? Because Jerusalem ceased to be inhabited “as open rural country.” Sixty-four years later the walls of Jerusalem were completely rebuilt under the leadership of Governor Nehemiah, in 455 B.C.E. Also, those rebuilt walls had twelve gates, as reported by Governor Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 2:3 to 6:15; 7:1) There were the Valley Gate, the Gate of the Ash-heaps and the Fountain Gate on the south; the Water Gate, the Horse Gate and the Inspection Gate on the east; the Gate of the Guard, the Sheep Gate and the Fish Gate on the north; the Gate of the Old City, the Gate of Ephraim and the Corner Gate on the west. (Nehemiah 2:13, 14; 3:26, 28, 31; 12:39; 3:32, 3, 6; 2 Chronicles 25:23) That city was destroyed by the Roman legions in the year 70 C.E. (Luke 21:20-24) The third Jerusalem, which is standing in this year 1972, is also walled and has gates on all four sides. But a modern Jerusalem has been built alongside it and its population is reported to be 275,000 as a whole.
23. (a) How is it apparent that Zechariah 2:4, 5 is not fulfilled in modern-day Jerusalem? (b) Where, then, should we look for the prophecy’s fulfillment?
23 Even though the Jerusalem of today has expanded far out beyond the old walled city even into “open rural country,” no informed observer will argue, not even the Israelis themselves, that Jehovah of armies has become to her “a wall of fire all around” and a “glory . . . in the midst of her.” For protection the Jerusalem of the Republic of Israel is trusting in the United Nations, of which it has been a member since 1949, also in the military aid supplied to the Republic of Israel by friendly nations such as the mostly Gentile United States of America. All this obliges us to look to the spiritual Jerusalem for the fulfillment of the divine prophecy of Zechariah 2:4, 5. The prophecy has to do with the remnant of the spiritual Israelites, who are yet to become part of the heavenly New Jerusalem under the Greater Governor Zerubbabel, Jesus Christ, the capital organization of Jehovah’s universal organization.
24. After World War I, who were the only ones surviving on earth who were obligated to respond to the rousing call of Isaiah 60:1-3 because of Jehovah’s glory?
24 The postwar year of 1919 C.E. found a remnant of the spiritual Israelites surviving on the earth and eagerly desiring to preach “this good news of the kingdom” world wide as a witness to all the nations. (Matthew 24:14) In that faithful remnant the heavenly New Jerusalem under Christ was represented. Because of what they represented on earth, these spiritual Israelites were the ones who were obligated to respond to the rousing prophetic command: “Arise, O woman, shed forth light, for your light has come and upon you the very glory of Jehovah has shone forth. For, look! darkness itself will cover the earth, and thick gloom the national groups; but upon you Jehovah will shine forth, and upon you his own glory will be seen. And nations will certainly go to your light, and kings to the brightness of your shining forth. And to you the sons of those afflicting you must go, bowing down; and all those treating you disrespectfully must bend down at the very soles of your feet, and they will have to call you the city of Jehovah, Zion of the Holy One of Israel.
25. To what extent would Jehovah speed up the growth of his organization?
25 “And as for your people, all of them will be righteous; to time indefinite they will hold possession of the land, the sprout of my planting, the work of my hands, for me to be beautified. The little one himself will become a thousand, and the small one a mighty nation. I myself, Jehovah, shall speed it up in its own time.”—Isaiah 60:1-3, 14, 21, 22.
26. Why was that rousing call to the representatives of the “city of Jehovah” most fitting back in 1919 C.E., and how had Jehovah glorified these?
26 The call to the spiritual “city of Jehovah, Zion of the Holy One of Israel,” was most fitting at the time. Back there in the year 1919 C.E. the outlook for the peoples of the earth was gloomy, dark. Today it was never darker! Back there it was the time for the representative remnant of the New Jerusalem to arise from the low, beaten-down condition to which the persecutions during World War I had brought them, and to shine, to “shed forth light.” To shine with what? To shed forth what light? The only light that the faithful remnant had was, not any worldly enlightenment of this so-called Brain Age, but the “glory of Jehovah” that had shone forth upon his devoted remnant. Glory is resplendent, magnificent, beaming with light. Jehovah had glorified them by delivering them from bondage and abject subjection to their enemies, religious, political, military. He had glorified the remnant by appointing the members of it to be the witnesses to His sovereignty and the ambassadors of His established Messianic kingdom. They must let this “glory of Jehovah” upon them be seen everywhere by acting as his witnesses and Kingdom ambassadors.
27. To whom, then, does Jehovah need to become a “wall of fire all around,” and why?
27 To whom, then, is it that Jehovah needs to become a “wall of fire all around”? Not the New Jerusalem in the invisible heavens, but the remnant of the New Jerusalem as that glorified remnant goes out into this bedarkened world and acts as the witnesses of Jehovah of armies and as his Kingdom ambassadors.
28. Why is Jehovah’s “wall of fire” around his remnant more effective in this Age of Violence than stone walls as now around Old Jerusalem?
28 A literal stone wall like that which surrounds Old Jerusalem in the Republic of Israel, of what protection could such a wall be in this day of nuclear weapons and missiles with nuclear warheads? The idea is ridiculous! The stone walls that were built around Jerusalem by Governor Nehemiah in 455 B.C.E. (and later) did not successfully resist the Roman legions in the year 70 C.E. In this Age of Violence, nuclear firepower must be met by fire. Jehovah of armies can meet it that way. He can be and he has promised to become a “wall of fire” all around the faithful remnant of the New Jerusalem. Who, then, can effectively assault them?
29. What protection of Elisha at Dothan do the spiritual Israelites recall, and what do they discern would result to the enemies in trying to crash through the “wall” that God is about them?
29 The glorified remnant of spiritual Israelites are therefore not trusting in man-made or natural defenses. They look to Jehovah of armies to be a “wall of fire” all around them, even though it is invisible to them and to their enemies. They remember that the “horses and war chariots of fire” with which the mountains around the town of Dothan were full were invisible to the prophet Elisha’s servant and to the Syrian war forces that surrounded Dothan to capture Elisha. (2 Kings 6:13-17) They get their spiritual eyes opened to discern that God Almighty can, by invisible means, protect them and that it would mean fiery destruction for any enemy to try crashing through the “wall of fire” and attacking them. “For our God is also a consuming fire.”—Hebrews 12:29.
30. How was the surviving remnant inclined in 1919 C.E. to limit the growth of the organization, and what was the real fact about the “harvest” of “sons of the kingdom”?
30 Why do interested persons like the young man with the measuring rope think to measure off a limit on the growth of Jehovah’s capital organization? Do not fear that otherwise the “city” will get so big and extensive that it will not be possible to build an adequate protective “wall” around it! For a time back there in 1919 C.E., after World War I was all over, the surviving remnant of spiritual Israelites thought that the harvest work that Jesus predicted for the “conclusion of the system of things” was finished and that all there was for them to do henceforth on earth was a “gleaning work,” gathering up just a few leftovers or overlooked ones. (Matthew 13:39) They did not for the moment discern that the spiritual harvest was only really beginning and that there were many more of the “sons of the kingdom” to be collected into God’s capital organization, “sons” whom their preconceived ideas had not allowed for. In fact, the full number of the remnant needed to bring to the full the foreordained company of 144,000 “sons of the kingdom” was to be collected during this “conclusion of the system of things.”
31. (a) How do we estimate Jerusalem’s population in Zechariah’s day? (b) How was the young man with the measuring rope made to see that it would be improper for him to put limits on the city’s size, because of any fear about it?
31 Apparently, in Zechariah’s vision of 519 B.C.E., the young man with the measuring rope wanted to measure off what the length and breadth of the restored Jerusalem should grow to be. At that time the population of Jerusalem was apparently not too large. Let us remember that only 42,360 Israelites and some 7,560 servants and singers, or a total of some 49,920, had returned from exile in Babylon in 537 B.C.E. and that later, in Governor Nehemiah’s time, it was arranged to “bring in one out of every ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city.” So Jerusalem had only several thousand inhabitants in Zechariah’s day. (Ezra 2:64, 65; Nehemiah 7:66, 67; 11:1, 2) Hence when Jehovah’s angel told the young man that “as open rural country Jerusalem will be inhabited, because of the multitude of men and domestic animals in the midst of her,” he knew that it was not his business to measure off what should be Jerusalem’s length and breadth in order to put a material wall all around it. Its population was to grow according to what Jehovah had in mind for it, and He would safely protect it.
32. Although the number of partakers of the emblems at the annual Lord’s Supper increased, what was true of Jehovah’s protection?
32 In the case of the modern-day remnant of the spiritual heirs of Jehovah’s capital organization, the number of members grew as the years went on. Correspondingly, the number of dedicated, baptized Christians who attended the annual celebration of the Lord’s Supper and who partook of the emblematic bread and wine increased according to the reports sent in for the record. No matter to what extent the number of Jehovah’s remnant of spiritual Israelites increased all around the earth, Jehovah protected them as with a “wall of fire” all around them. Through all these perilous times he preserved them, even through the world’s spree of war madness during 1939-1945 C.E., yes, down till the present time.
33. What do the facts show as to whether Jehovah has become a ‘glory in the midst of her’ as represented by the anointed remnant?
33 Also, did Jehovah fulfill to this anointed remnant of heirs of the New Jerusalem his promise: “A glory is what I shall become in the midst of her”? (Zechariah 2:5) He has indeed, for he has glorified himself by being the heavenly Protector in the midst of the persecuted, harassed, opposed remnant. Their surviving despite their being without visible protection of an earthly carnal kind reflects gloriously upon the God whom they worship and in whom they put their trust. They glory in Him and not in men; and after years of bearing witness to his name and Kingdom, they embraced the name by which they have been known world wide since July 26, 1931, namely, Jehovah’s witnesses. Through them, and not through any other religious organization on earth today, Jehovah has been made known by name all around the earth. They have conscientiously avoided bringing any reproach upon his holy name. In imitation of his Son Jesus Christ they have endeavored to live up to the rules of conduct set out in his sacred Word, the Holy Bible, obeying Him as ruler rather than men, and this course has brought glory to His name. (Acts 5:29) He is truly a glory amidst them!
THE CALL OF THE LIBERATOR
34. Who is the rallying point for lovers of pure worship to assemble, and what call to assemble has rung out since 1919 C.E.?
34 Is not the glorious God, Jehovah of armies, a rallying point to which all lovers of pure worship that is undefiled by politics, militarism and commercialism should gather in unity and brotherhood? Yes! And where His glory is seen, there is the place to assemble. He issues the call to assemble, and he liberates his people from religious bondage to Babylon the Great and calls to them to assemble. Since 1919 C.E. the words of his call have rung out: “‘Hey there! Hey there! Flee, then, you people, from the land of the north,’ is the utterance of Jehovah.”—Zechariah 2:6.
35. (a) What was called “the land of the north” in Zechariah’s day, and why so? (b) The fleeing from there foreshadowed what today?
35 In the prophet Zechariah’s day the “land of the north” was Babylon, the city conquered by the Medes and Persians in the year 539 B.C.E. Babylon really lay to the east of Jerusalem, but, when sending its armies to bring about the destruction of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E., Babylon had its armies take the circuitous route and come down against Jerusalem from “the north.” (Jeremiah 1:14-16; Ezekiel 21:18-22) Also, the conquered territories under Babylon extended to the north of Jerusalem. When the Jews were carried into exile in the years 617 and 607 B.C.E., they were, so to speak, carried off to the “land of the north.” From that land they could be called to flee. This foreshadowed our modern times. During World War I the dedicated, baptized remnant of spiritual Israelites came into bondage to Babylon the Great, that is, to the world empire of false religion. From there it was that Jehovah of armies called the repentant remnant in the year of liberation, 1919 C.E. From there the remnant must flee, now that he had opened the way for them.
36. (a) How were Jehovah’s words, “In the direction of the four winds of the heavens I have spread you people abroad,” true back there? (b) How did they become true as to the modern-day remnant?
36 It was quite a dispersion of the twelve tribes in Israel, Judah and Jerusalem that the “horns” of the Assyrian Empire and the Babylonian Empire had caused as agents of divine discipline for Jehovah’s chosen people. So with correctness he could go on to say, as recorded in Zechariah 2:6 (b): “‘For in the direction of the four winds of the heavens I have spread you people abroad,’ is the utterance of Jehovah.” Those Israelites who dodged the conquerors and managed to escape ahead of them fled to the various lands in different directions. In the case of the modern-day remnant of spiritual Israelites, they too were dispersed in all directions, to “the four winds of the heavens.” Not necessarily physically or in a bodily sense, for it was their God-given spiritual estate on earth from which they were dispersed.
37. How was this dispersion of the spiritual Israelites in a figurative way accomplished?
37 Hence the dispersing of them was in a figurative sense. It would mean scattering them into any and every situation or set of circumstances that would keep them from acting within their rightful God-given spiritual estate on earth. This resulted in their being limited in their spiritual privileges, in doing their spiritual work. For instance, government bans on certain literature or on all literature of Jehovah’s remnant would be one way of doing it. Or, banning their religious organization. Or, putting some of the Christian spiritual Israelites in military prisons or encampments for their refusing to violate their Christian neutrality toward international conflicts of this world. Or, arresting the officers of their legal corporations and railroading these off to prison or penitentiaries on false charges trumped up because of war hysteria and religious prejudice. Methods of all kinds, in all directions, just to get the remnant of spiritual Israelites away from their God-given spiritual estate and their Christian privileges and activities on that spiritual estate.
38. Why was it fitting for Jehovah’s angel to call out to the Jewish exiles: “Make your escape, you who are dwelling with the daughter of Babylon”?
38 In the calamities suffered at the hands of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, the larger part of the Jewish survivors were taken into exile in Babylon and its territories, which included territories taken from the former Assyrian Empire. It was therefore quite fitting for the angel of Jehovah of armies now to cry out: “Hey there, Zion! Make your escape, you who are dwelling with the daughter of Babylon. For this is what Jehovah of armies has said, ‘Following after the glory he has sent me to the nations that were despoiling you people; for he that is touching you is touching my eyeball. For here I am waving my hand against them, and they will have to become spoil to their slaves.’ And you people will certainly know that Jehovah of armies himself has sent me.”—Zechariah 2:7-9.
39. In crying out, “Hey there, Zion,” to whom was Jehovah calling out to make an escape?
39 Ancient Zion, which is here the same as Jerusalem, represented the whole nation, not merely the exiled former inhabitants of the capital city. Now that Babylon had been overthrown in 539 B.C.E. and Cyrus the Persian conqueror had issued his decree of liberation to the Jewish exiles, the call to Zion was really addressed to all the exiled Jews. They were dwelling as exiles “with the daughter of Babylon,” the city of Babylon being spoken of as a woman no longer an unviolated virgin daughter.
40. What is the meaning of the expression “following after the glory” in Zechariah 2:8?
40 The expression “following after the glory” does not seem to mean being in pursuit of future glory but refers to time. Jehovah had got glory by having his word of prophecy vindicated as being true in what he had said about disciplining the Israelites.
41. In administering the discipline to Jehovah’s people, why should the nations have shown some fear, respect, toward Him?
41 It was now time for Jehovah of armies to turn his attention to the enemy nations that had been used to administer the discipline, but who had abused their assignment of work. They had gone too far and had used the occasion to vent their spleen at people who belonged to Jehovah God. They had gone too far in mistreating Zion and her people. (Zechariah 1:15, 21) They should have been more considerate in handling his people whom he delivered into their hands for disciplinary purposes. They should have shown some fear of the God of this people, some respect. He stated the reason why, in saying to his disciplined people: “For he that is touching you is touching my eyeball.”
42. (a) Jehovah’s waving of his hand was a warning of what reversal to the persecutor nations? (b) What was such a reversal for Babylon?
42 Accordingly, when he now waves his hand against those arrogant, presumptuous nations it is a threatening waving of the hand, like the shaking of the fist. It is no idle, meaningless gesture. It was to warn them that they the dispersers and despoilers would suffer reprisals. They would become a spoil to those who had been their slaves in Babylonian exile. What a reversal, and this from the hand of Jehovah of armies! Something of this kind of reversal happened when the Jewish exiles were freed by the conqueror Cyrus the Great to return to the location of Jerusalem and rebuild Jehovah’s temple. What a great humiliation it was for the conquered Babylon when, according to Ezra 1:7, 8, “King Cyrus himself brought forth the utensils of the house of Jehovah, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought out from Jerusalem and then put in the house of his god. And Cyrus the king of Persia proceeded to bring them forth under the control of Mithredath the treasurer and to number them out to Sheshbazzar the chieftain of Judah.”—Daniel 1:1, 2; 5:3-23.
43. How was there a reversal for Babylon as in Daniel’s case?
43 In the course of time and in many ways the once enslaved Israelite captives had occasion to trample Babylon under their feet, she becoming a “place of trampling, like the mire of streets.” (Micah 7:8-10) At the fall of Babylon to Darius the Mede and Cyrus the Persian, the prophet Daniel ceased to be a slave of Babylon and was made one of “three high officials” whom King Darius the Mede set up over the one hundred and twenty satraps that were over the whole Medo-Persian kingdom.—Daniel 6:1-3, 28.
44. How was there a reversal as regards the Babylonian worship and the worship by Jehovah’s people?
44 Also, because of the difference between religion of the Persian worshipers of Zoroaster and the religion of the old Babylonian cultists, the magic-practicing priests, conjurers, Chaldeans and astrologers became overshadowed religiously and finally felt obliged to move from the religious center of Babylon. It appears that they transferred westward to Pergamum in Asia Minor and then from there over to Italy. (Revelation 2:12, 13) In sharp contrast with this, the worshipers of Jehovah won favor from the conquerors of Babylon, and their priests and Levites were reinstated in the posts of service at the rebuilt temple of Jehovah on its original site in Jerusalem. Thus “Zion” escaped homeward from Babylon.
GOD’S REACTION TO TOUCHING “MY EYEBALL”
45. (a) How sensitive is Jehovah about anyone’s violently touching his people? (b) So why has he been waving his hand against the nations of today?
45 All this vividly illustrates that it is an outrageous thing for the nations of this world to touch Jehovah’s worshipers in a violent way. It pains Jehovah God. It is like touching his eyeball, a very sensitive part of a body. Long ago, as far back as the year 1473 B.C.E., the prophet Moses pointed out how sensitive Jehovah was over his chosen people, saying: “He began to encircle him, to take care of him, to safeguard him as the pupil of his eye.” (Deuteronomy 32:10) He is just as sensitive about his Christian witnesses of today. But the nations of Christendom and of pagandom have chosen to ignore this fact in their handling of Jehovah’s Christian witnesses. Is it any wonder, then, that He has been doing as he foretold, “waving my hand against them, and they will have to become spoil to their slaves”? (Zechariah 2:9) How has He been doing this?
46. How, in 1919 C.E., did Jehovah make the spoilers of his people to become a spoil to them?
46 He has liberated his remnant of spiritual Israelites from religious bondage to Babylon the Great and restored them to their rightful God-given spiritual estate on earth. They do not bow in abject subservience to the political paramours of that international harlot, Babylon the Great, but say to worldly politicians that try to encroach upon the things belonging to Jehovah God: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) In the liberation year of 1919 C.E., they began to proclaim far and wide the adverse judgments of Jehovah God, especially against the international organization for world peace and security, namely, the League of Nations, saying that it would fail. The reason for this? Because the League of Nations was adopted and put in force in 1919 C.E. by the nations of Christendom instead of God’s Messianic kingdom, which had been born in the heavens at the close of the Gentile Times in 1914 C.E.—Revelation 12:5.
47. How did these adverse judicial decisions of Jehovah become more pronounced during the years 1922 through 1928?
47 These adverse judicial decisions of Jehovah of armies became more pronounced and comprehensive during the seven years of 1922 through 1928. During that period a series of annual international assemblies was held by the International Bible Students Association in America, Great Britain and Canada, in connection with which Bible commentaries were released that dealt with the divine prophecies concerning these religious and political matters. At each of these principal annual conventions of the International Bible Students resolutions or declarations were adopted, the first one of these, in 1922, being eninputd “A Challenge” and the seventh and last, in 1928, being called “Declaration against Satan and for Jehovah.” These seven resolutions and the supporting public addresses, together with related Bible pronouncements, corresponded with things foretold in the last book of the Bible, Revelation, chapters 8 through 16.
48. These emissions corresponded to what in Revelation?
48 They corresponded with the seven trumpets that were sounded by the seven angels and that introduced seven prophetic tableaux. Also with the “seven last plagues,” which are poured out from bowls by the seven appointed angels.—Revelation 21:9; 15:1 to 16:21.
49. (a) What effect did the modern fulfillment of such things have on those concerned? (b) How long did the publication of such judgments of Jehovah continue, so that in effect he has been doing what to the nations?
49 The modern fulfillment of those tableaux introduced by trumpets and of the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues caused a great stir, uneasiness, and rebellious resentment both in Babylon the Great (including Christendom) and in the worldly political governments. The publication of those adverse judgments of Jehovah of armies was not confined to just those seven years of 1922 through 1928, but it has continued on down till the present in greater volume and strength and on a wider scale than back there in the 1920’s. By such publication world wide of his adverse judicial decisions against religious Babylon the Great and her political patronizers Jehovah of armies is in effect shaking his fist, waving his hand menacingly at the worldly organizations, religious and political, that have been despoiling his people. He is doing so by means of His witnesses, formerly slaves of such oppressors.
50. (a) When Jehovah finally executes those judgments, what will be known about the angel who was sent? (b) By the divine execution, the vindication of what persons is brought about, even in our day?
50 Shortly we shall see those divine judicial decisions executed upon those enemies who have pained the Most High God as if they were touching his eyeball. That will be the momentous time of which the angel spoke in Zechariah’s hearing, saying: “And you people will certainly know that Jehovah of armies himself has sent me.” (Zechariah 2:9) But do we today have to wait until that time of complete fulfillment? Even now we have enough evidence at hand to prove that this angel has spoken the truth, like history written in advance. This, in turn, proves that only Jehovah of armies himself could be the One that sent this angel. In this way the prophet Zechariah is also being vindicated as being the recorder of true, infallible prophecy. And what about today? Today there is also a vindication taking place. Of whom? Of Jehovah’s Christian witnesses, who have been calling attention to Zechariah’s wonderful prophecies and to the modern fulfillment of them.
WHY NOW THE CALL TO REJOICE?
51. Why did the maliciously minded nations have reason to cry out and rejoice during World War I?
51 Once the maliciously minded nations did have reason to cry out loud and rejoice at the turn of human events. That was when Jehovah of armies let his Christian witnesses fall into their power during World War I and the nations were given the freedom to vent their spleen upon these Christian spiritual Israelites. At the time the nations were fighting over the issue of world domination, not domination by the Creator of heaven and earth, but domination by themselves, by either the democratic bloc of nations or by the autocratic, dictatorial bloc. They wanted to control the resources of the earth, exploiting these for commercial profit.
52. Why did those nations mistreat the spiritual Israelites for standing faithfully for God’s Messianic kingdom?
52 They were very nationalistic, with national patriotism running at fever heat. In their efforts at total mobilization of the people for their nationalistic goals, they became enraged at those who refused to be integrated with them because of standing for God’s Messianic kingdom that had been inaugurated in the heavens at the end of the Gentile Times in 1914. So, under war stress, the nations mistreated these champions of God’s kingdom. How they did rejoice at killing off the influence of these for God’s kingdom!
53. How does Revelation 11:7-10 describe the nations’ jubilation?
53 The glee and self-congratulations that the beastly nations indulged in at this defeat for the advocates of God’s Messianic kingdom is foretold in Revelation, chapter eleven, which borrows figures of speech from Zechariah’s prophecy. In pictorial language Revelation 11:7-10 says: “And when they have finished their witnessing, the wild beast that ascends out of the abyss will make war with them and conquer them and kill them. And their corpses will be on the broad way of the great city which is in a spiritual sense called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was also impaled. And those of the peoples and tribes and tongues and nations will look at their corpses for three and a half days, and they do not let their corpses be laid in a tomb. And those dwelling on the earth rejoice over them and enjoy themselves, and they will send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those dwelling on the earth.” But their jubilation proved to be short-lived.
54, 55. (a) When, however, was it that the remnant of spiritual Israelites were called upon to cry out joyfully? (b) This was the same as calling to whom to cry out, with what reason for crying out?
54 In 1919 C.E., just as portrayed in the Revelation vision, Almighty God resurrected these unburied witnesses spiritually and reactivated them in his Kingdom service. Dismay smote the nations and their religious prostitute Babylon the Great, but now the time had come for the revived remnant of spiritual Israelites to cry out loud and rejoice. Their heavenly Reviver and Liberator called upon them to do so. Inasmuch as they represented the heavenly New Jerusalem and were in line for membership therein it was as if God was calling out to that spiritual organization. Calling that organization Zion (the alternate name for Jerusalem), he said:
55 “‘Cry out loudly and rejoice, O daughter of Zion; for here I am coming, and I will reside in the midst of you,’ is the utterance of Jehovah. ‘And many nations will certainly become joined to Jehovah in that day, and they will actually become my people; and I will reside in the midst of you.’ And you will have to know that Jehovah of armies himself has sent me to you. And Jehovah will certainly take possession of Judah as his portion upon the holy ground, and he must yet choose Jerusalem. Keep silence, all flesh, before Jehovah, for he has aroused himself from his holy dwelling.”—Zechariah 2:10-13.
56. (a) How did Jehovah show whether he let go his claim to the land of Judah at its desolation? (b) How did Jehovah take possession of the land again, and what miracle did he produce then?
56 In seeing what that prophecy meant back there in Zechariah’s day we can discern what the fulfillment of it means in this remarkable twentieth century of our Common Era. Away back there did Jehovah let go his claim on the land of Judah and allow any territory-greedy nations to take possession of it or land squatters to move in upon it? By no means! Although he had his people deported from it to Babylon, he safeguarded that land and enforced a long sabbath of rest upon it. How? By keeping it desolate, without man or domestic animal, just as he had foretold. At the end of those seventy years of sabbath keeping for the land, he again took possession of the territory of Judah by freeing his exiled people and moving them back from Babylon onto their beloved homeland. Jerusalem he again chose as the capital of Judah by having the restored exiles build a second Jerusalem upon the old location. Thus a peopled land was brought forth as with childbearing labor “in one day.” Also, “at one time” a nation was “born” by having its capital reestablished at Jerusalem exercising governmental rule over the “holy ground” of Judah. (Isaiah 66:7, 8) It was miraculous!
57. So, when did Jehovah take up residence in the land of Judah, and when and how did his residence there become more evident?
57 As ancient Israel was a theocratic nation, under divine rule and law, Jehovah God resumed his residence at Jerusalem when it was founded again and rebuilt. This became all the more evident when the temple of his worship was brought to its completion in 515 B.C.E. and his regular worship, on a full scale, began there. That rebuilt temple would be a symbol to all the surrounding nations that Jehovah of armies had taken up residence there, that he was now dwelling in Zion, in Jerusalem. He could be approached there.
58. How would honest-hearted people of nations round about make favorable observations, and so what would they do (Zechariah 2:11)?
58 What effect was this to have upon the pagan nations round about? Many of the people in those nations would be rightly impressed with the evidence that Jehovah of armies was the God of truth; that he had displayed his perfect foreknowledge and his all-power by fulfilling the prophecies given over his own name. As he had resurrected his people of Israel from a national death and raised it out of its grave in Babylon and restored them to the land of the living in their own homeland, these observers with honest hearts saw that He was the one living and true God, the only One deserving to be worshiped. Sincerely they would desire to worship him and, if possible for them, they would come to his place of residence in Zion (Jerusalem) to do so. Zechariah 2:11 was not to be left unrealized: “And many nations will certainly become joined to Jehovah in that day, and they will actually become my people.” That indicated an increase of the worshipers of Jehovah world wide, and not just on the “holy ground” of Judah.
59, 60. (a) How did the like take place in connection with the remnant who were in line for a place in the New Jerusalem and who were like buried in Babylon the Great’s domain? (b) How has Jehovah shown that he has taken up residence with the remnant?
59 Has not the like of this also become true in the case of the modern-day remnant of spiritual Israelites? Do they not have every reason to “cry out loudly and rejoice,” as the “daughter of Zion” was told to do in ancient times, in Zechariah’s day? Yes! This remnant of spiritual Israelites is like a bride, ‘promised in marriage to one husband so as to be presented as a chaste virgin to the Christ,’ and it is therefore in line for a part in the heavenly New Jerusalem. That New Jerusalem with Jesus Christ as its Head is the capital organization of Jehovah God over all his universal organization. (2 Corinthians 11:2; Revelation 21:2, 9, 10) During World War I the remnant’s unity as a “holy nation” was broken up, they were exiled from their God-given spiritual estate and were as if buried in a grave in Babylon the Great’s domain. After that first world conflict was over and its pressures were lifted, the amazing fulfillment of what was depicted prophetically in Revelation 11:11-13 startled the world!
60 Jehovah revived the buried remnant spiritually, brought them up out of their grave in Babylon the Great, restored them to their rightful spiritual estate on earth, and reintegrated them as his united “holy nation.” He had again chosen this faithful remnant that was looking upward to citizenship in the New Jerusalem under Christ. (Philippians 3:20, 21) Jehovah turned his favorable attention to them, and he energized them with that mighty active force, his holy spirit, to undertake a worldwide witness to his Messianic kingdom, the like of which has never been realized before in all Christian history. (Mark 13:10; Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20) They did not join the nations of Christendom in worshiping the idolatrous League of Nations as “the last hope of the world,” but fervently devoted themselves to the worship of the “God of hope” at his spiritual temple. (Revelation 13:14, 15; 14:9) They made known the name of their God, Jehovah, to an extent never before equaled. (Isaiah 12:4, 5) By all outward tokens, he had taken up his residence with them.
61. How has it become true, therefore, that “many nations will certainly become joined to Jehovah in that day”?
61 Can we see today that this had its effects upon the peoples of the world? The nations as political entities had their fears aroused. But among those nations there were sincere, honest-hearted individuals who were hungering and thirsting for a pure, true, sensible religion that really brought a person into touch with the true God, worthy of worship. As the faithful remnant of spiritual Israelites carried the preaching of “this good news of the kingdom” into more and more of the inhabited earth, more and more of these seekers for the true God were reached. They learned that the Lord Jesus Christ was the Messiah of Jehovah God and they took the steps of dedication to God and water baptism in order to become disciples of His Messiah. (Matthew 28:19, 20) It turned out to be just as foretold, “many nations will certainly become joined to Jehovah in that day.” (Zechariah 2:11) No nationalities or races were barred from doing so.
62. To what extent has this become true since 1935 C.E., and how have they become Jehovah’s “people”?
62 This markedly became true from 1935 C.E. onward, four years after the anointed remnant had embraced the designation, Jehovah’s witnesses. World War II did not stop these genuine seekers of the true God from becoming “joined to Jehovah” as disciples of His Messiah. In comparison with how many they were back there in 1935, yes, and in comparison with the anointed remnant, these thus “joined to Jehovah” have become a “great crowd” without a fixed number set for them in the Bible. (Revelation 7:9-17) And as Jehovah said, “they will actually become my people.” They do not profess to be of the anointed remnant of spiritual Israelites. This is because God has not begotten them with his holy spirit to become his spiritual sons, even though he has accepted their joining of themselves, their dedicating of themselves, to Him through His High Priest, Jesus Christ. It is the merit of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice that makes them acceptable to Jehovah God. Thus these dedicated, baptized ones He counts as “my people,” attached to Him. So these, as “other sheep,” become “one flock” with the anointed remnant under the Fine Shepherd, Jesus Christ.—John 10:16.
63. As such “sheep,” how have they become “joined to Jehovah”?
63 These “other sheep” have heard the voice of the Fine Shepherd and have responded to his call and come forth from “many nations.” They join with the anointed remnant of spiritual Israelites in the worship of the true God at his spiritual temple. (Revelation 7:15) In such a way they become “joined to Jehovah.”
64. (a) What hope has been set before them, and why? (b) How has Jehovah, because of them, filled his house with glory (Haggai 2:7)?
64 Since Jehovah has not begotten these “other sheep” with his spirit to become part of the heavenly New Jerusalem, he sets before them the hope of eternal life on His “footstool,” that is, this earth, but then transformed to a beauteous Paradise. (Genesis 2:8; Luke 23:43) Jehovah God has rocked all the nations by the way that he has dealt with human affairs since 1914 C.E., and thereby these “other sheep” have become aware of His Messianic kingdom. In appreciation of His kingdom they have come into his house of worship, and He receives them as desirable worshipers. In fact, they are the “desirable things of all the nations” that were foretold to “come in,” and by means of them at his place of pure worship Jehovah fills his house or temple with glory.—Haggai 2:7.
65. The evidence today shows what as to the sender of the ones by whom we got the third vision of Zechariah, and this strengthens our conviction as to what further?
65 Today, nearly forty years since that memorable year of 1935 C.E., which called our attention to the “great crowd” of Revelation 7:9-17 in a right understanding thereof, we see the things foretold in the third vision to Zechariah being grandly realized. Already, therefore, we have enough evidence to know that it was the God of truth, Jehovah, and not some false prophetic source, that sent the angel to Zechariah and his people. This same Jehovah also sent Zechariah as a prophet to record the vision for us today. This strengthens our conviction that all further visions to Zechariah will come true.
66. What are we rightly commanded to do now, and in order to do what has Jehovah “aroused himself from his holy dwelling”?
66 Should we not, then, keep silent so as to hear what Jehovah has to say? Indeed so! Highly appropriate, therefore, is the inspired command with which the third vision to Zechariah closes: “Keep silence, all flesh, before Jehovah, for he has aroused himself from his holy dwelling.” (Zechariah 2:13) He has aroused himself from his holy dwelling in the heavens to fulfill his Word.
[Map on page 156]
(For fully formatted text, see publication)
JERUSALEM IN THE DAYS OF THE RETURN
Tower of Hananel
FISH GATE
Tower of Meah
SHEEP GATE
GATE OF THE GUARD
Temple Area
Tyropean (Central) Valley
INSPECTION GATE
Public Square
CORNER GATE
Broad Wall
GATE OF EPHRAIM
Tower of the Bake Ovens
GATE OF THE OLD CITY
OPHEL
HORSE GATE
Public Square
Spring of Gihon
WATER GATE
CITY OF DAVID
VALLEY GATE
FOUNTAIN GATE
King’s Garden
GATE OF THE ASH-HEAPS
Valley of Hinnom
Torrent Valley of Kidron
En-rogel |
Outdated or Ahead of Its Time? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2018029 | Outdated or Ahead of Its Time?
SCIENCE
THE BIBLE IS NOT A SCIENCE TEXTBOOK, YET IT CONTAINS STATEMENTS THAT WERE WAY AHEAD OF THEIR TIME. CONSIDER A FEW EXAMPLES.
Did the physical universe have a beginning?
Leading scientists once felt strongly that the answer was no. Now they generally accept that there was a beginning to the universe. The Bible said that clearly all along.—Genesis 1:1.
What is the shape of the earth?
In ancient times, many people thought that the earth was flat. In the fifth century B.C.E., Greek scientists suggested that it was a sphere. But long before that—in the eighth century B.C.E.—the Bible writer Isaiah referred to “the circle of the earth,” using a word that may also be rendered “sphere.”—Isaiah 40:22; footnote.
Are the physical heavens subject to decay?
Greek scientist Aristotle, of the fourth century B.C.E., taught that decay happens only on the earth, while the starry heavens could never change or decay. That view prevailed for many centuries. But in the 19th century, scientists formulated the concept of entropy. It suggests that all matter, whether heavenly or earthly, tends to decay. One of the scientists who helped to advance this concept, Lord Kelvin, noted that the Bible says about heaven and earth: “Just like a garment they will all wear out.” (Psalm 102:25, 26) Kelvin believed, as the Bible teaches, that God could choose to prevent such decay from destroying His creations.—Ecclesiastes 1:4.
What holds up planets such as our earth?
Aristotle taught that all the heavenly bodies were encased in crystalline spheres, each one nested tightly within the next, with the earth innermost. By the 18th century C.E., scientists were accepting the idea that stars and planets might hang in a void. But in the book of Job, of the 15th century B.C.E., we read that the Creator is “suspending the earth upon nothing.”—Job 26:7.
MEDICINE
THE BIBLE, THOUGH NOT A MEDICAL TEXTBOOK, CONTAINS SOME PRINCIPLES THAT REFLECT ADVANCED KNOWLEDGE OF HEALTH.
Isolating sick people.
The Mosaic Law prescribed keeping people with leprosy separate from others. Not until the plagues of the Middle Ages did medical doctors learn to apply this principle, which is still deemed effective.—Leviticus, chapters 13 and 14.
Washing after touching a dead body.
Until late in the 19th century, physicians often worked on corpses and then on living patients—without washing their hands in between. That practice caused many deaths. Yet, the Mosaic Law stated that anyone who touched a dead body was ceremonially unclean. It even directed that water be used for ceremonial cleansing in such cases. Those religious practices surely had health benefits as well.—Numbers 19:11, 19.
Waste disposal.
Each year, over half a million children die of diarrhea, largely because of exposure to human waste that is not disposed of properly. The Mosaic Law said that human waste should be buried, disposed of away from human habitation.—Deuteronomy 23:13.
Timing of circumcision.
God’s Law stipulated that a male child should be circumcised on the eighth day of life. (Leviticus 12:3) In newborn babies, the blood’s ability to clot is understood to reach normal levels after the first week. In Bible times, before advanced medical treatments were available, waiting for over a week before circumcision was a wise protection.
The instruction between emotional health and physical health.
Medical researchers and scientists say that positive emotions such as joy, hope, gratitude, and a willingness to forgive have some beneficial effects on health. The Bible says: “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit saps one’s strength.”—Proverbs 17:22. |
Should We Break Up? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102009008 | Young People Ask
Should We Break Up?
“Three months into the relationship, both of us were saying that it felt so right. We talked about spending the rest of our lives together as if it were just a given.”—Jessica.a
“I had a huge crush on him, and then a couple of years later, he actually started noticing me! I liked having an older boyfriend who would watch out for me.”—Carol.
In time, both Jessica and Carol broke up with their boyfriends. Why? Were they foolish for giving up such great guys?
YOU’VE been dating for nearly a year. At first, you were sure that he was “the one.”b At times, you can even rekindle the romantic feelings that characterized the onset of your relationship. But now you’re having second thoughts. Should you ignore those thoughts? How can you know if you should break up?
First, you need to face a cold truth: Disregarding danger signs in a relationship is like ignoring the warning signals on your car’s dashboard. The problem will not go away; likely it will only get worse. What are some of the danger signs in a relationship that you would do well to heed?
Things are moving too fast. Problems can arise when a romance moves too quickly. “We were e-mailing, chatting online, talking on the phone,” Carol recalls. “Those methods of communication can be more powerful than face-to-face because you can get way more personal, way too fast!” Don’t rob yourselves of the chance to get to know each other. A relationship should not be like a weed that sprouts up fast and then withers. Rather, it should be like a precious plant that takes time to grow.
He’s critical and demeaning. “My boyfriend was always putting me down,” says a girl named Ana, “but I wanted to be with him so badly.” She adds, “I tolerated situations that I never dreamed I would have allowed!” The Bible condemns “abusive speech.” (Ephesians 4:31) Demeaning words—even if they are delivered calmly and quietly—have no place in a loving relationship.—Proverbs 12:18.
He’s got a volatile temper. “A man of discernment is cool of spirit,” says Proverbs 17:27. Erin found that her boyfriend had problems in this regard. “When we had disagreements, he would shove me,” she says, “and at times I ended up with bruises.” The Bible tells Christians: “Let all malicious bitterness and anger and wrath . . . be taken away from you.” (Ephesians 4:31) A person with little self-control is hardly ready for dating.—2 Timothy 3:1, 3, 5.
He’s secretive about our relationship. “My boyfriend didn’t want others to know that we were dating,” recalls Angela. “He was even upset when my dad found out!” Of course, there may be valid reasons for a couple to maintain a measure of privacy. But secrecy—a deliberate attempt to keep the relationship hidden from those who have a right to know about it—spells trouble.
He has no intention of marriage. Among Christians, dating has an honorable purpose—to help a young man and woman determine if they want to get married to each other. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you need to make wedding plans the moment you start dating. In fact, many people do not end up marrying the first person they date. At the same time, a person shouldn’t date if he or she isn’t ready to shoulder the responsibilities of marriage.
Our relationship is on-again, off-again. Proverbs 17:17 states: “A true companion is loving all the time.” Not that the two of you will always agree. But a relationship that constantly seesaws between breaking up and making up could indicate that something deeper needs to be addressed, as Ana came to realize. “The many times I broke up with my boyfriend brought me so much heartache!” she says. “I kept going back to fix a relationship that I would have done better without.”
He pressures me for sex. “If you love me, you’ll do it.” “We need to take our relationship to the next level.” “It’s not really sex if there’s no intercourse.” These are all manipulative lines that boys have used to pressure girls into sex. Says James 3:17: “The wisdom from above is first of all chaste.” You deserve a boyfriend who is morally clean and who respects your chaste sexual boundaries. Don’t settle for anything less!
Others have warned me about him. The Bible says: “Get all the advice you can, and you will succeed; without it you will fail.” (Proverbs 15:22, Today’s English Version) “You can’t ignore what your family and longtime friends think, any more than you can ignore those little alarm bells that ring in your head,” says Jessica. “The more you ignore what others are saying, the harder you’re making it on yourself.”
Above are just a few danger signs that could mean trouble in a relationship.c If you are dating, how does your boyfriend measure up in the areas discussed? Write below any personal concerns you may have.
․․․․․
How to Break Up
Suppose you determine that it’s best to end a relationship. How will you do so? There are a number of ways, but keep the following in mind.
Be courageous. “I had become so reliant on my boyfriend that I was afraid to leave him,” says a girl named Trina. It takes courage to speak up when a relationship needs to end. But standing up for yourself is healthy. (Proverbs 22:3) It enables you to establish firm boundaries as to what you will and what you will not tolerate in a dating relationship—and, later, in a marriage.
Be fair. If you were on the other end of the breakup, how would you want to be treated? (Matthew 7:12) Surely, your boyfriend deserves more than a brief e-mail, text message, or voice mail saying “We’re through!”
Choose the right setting. Should you talk face-to-face or over the phone? Should you write a letter or have a discussion? Much depends upon the circumstances. You should not meet in any setting where your safety would be put in jeopardy, nor would it be wise to be in an isolated area where wrong desires could be stirred.—1 Thessalonians 4:3.
Speak truthfully. Talk honestly about why you feel the relationship cannot continue. If you feel that your boyfriend has not treated you properly, say so. Stick to viewpoint statements. For example, instead of saying, “You’re always putting me down,” say, “I feel put down when you . . .”
Be willing to listen too. Is there something you’ve misunderstood about the situation? Do not allow yourself to be manipulated by clever words, but at the same time, be reasonable and consider all the facts. The Bible wisely admonishes Christians to “be swift about hearing, slow about speaking.”—James 1:19.
More articles from the “Young People Ask” series can be found at the Web site www.watchtower.org/ype
[Footnotes]
a Names in this article have been changed.
b Although this article presents matters from a girl’s perspective, the principles herein apply to both genders.
c For more information see Awake! of May 2007, pages 18-20.
TO THINK ABOUT
◼ List below the traits you view as essential in someone you would date. ․․․․․
◼ Which traits would you consider to be unacceptable? ․․․․․
[Box on page 20]
THE PERSON YOU CHOOSE TO DATE SHOULD . . .
□ share your spiritual convictions.—1 Corinthians 7:39.
□ respect your moral boundaries.—1 Corinthians 6:18.
□ be considerate of you and of others.—Philippians 2:4.
□ have a good reputation.—Philippians 2:20.
[Box on page 20]
BEWARE IF YOUR BOYFRIEND . . .
□ always insists on getting his way.
□ constantly makes you feel guilty, stupid, or worthless.
□ tries to keep you away from your friends and family.
□ constantly checks up on your whereabouts.
□ accuses you of flirting with others when there is no basis for his doing so.
□ makes threats or gives ultimatums.
[Picture on page 19]
Disregarding danger signs in a relationship is like ignoring the warning signals on your car’s dashboard
CHECK OIL |
Family Life (fl)
1978 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/fl | Chapter 9
Training Children from Infancy
1-4. What evidence is there that a young child has tremendous capacity for learning?
THE mind of a newborn child has been compared to a page on which nothing is written. Actually, many impressions were made on the infant’s mind even while it was in its mother’s womb. And certain personality traits are indelibly written into it through genetic inheritance. But an enormous capacity for learning is there from the moment of birth onward. Rather than a single page, it is as if a whole library were waiting to receive the imprints of information on its pages.
2 A baby’s brain at birth is only one fourth the weight it will be in adulthood. But the brain grows so rapidly that in just two years it reaches three fourths of its adult weight! Intellectual growth keeps pace. Researchers say that a child’s intelligence grows as much during the first four years of life as during the next thirteen. In fact, some state that “the concepts the child learns before his fifth birthday are among the most difficult he’ll ever encounter.”
3 Such basic concepts as right and left, up and down, full and empty, as well as comparative degrees of size and weight all seem so natural to us. But a child must learn these and a host of other concepts. The very concept of speech must be implanted and established in the baby’s mind.
4 Language is rated by some as “probably the most difficult intellectual accomplishment a human being is ever called upon to perform.” If you have ever struggled to learn a new language you will likely agree. But you at least have the advantage of knowing how language works. A baby does not, and yet its mind is capable of grasping the concept of language and putting it to work. Not only that, but children of tender years living in bilingual homes or areas may even speak two languages with ease—before they have even begun to go to school! So, the intelligence is there, waiting to be developed.
THE TIME TO START IS RIGHT AWAY!
5. How soon should the training of a child begin?
5 Writing to his companion Timothy, the apostle Paul reminded him that he had known the holy writings “from infancy.” (2 Timothy 3:15) It is a wise parent who recognizes an infant’s natural hunger to learn. Babies are very observant, all eyes and ears. Whether parents are aware of it or not, little ones are busy taking in information, filing it away, adding to it, drawing conclusions. Actually, if parents are not cautious, in a short time the infant may learn remarkably well just how to manipulate them according to its wishes. So, the admonition given in God’s Word applies from birth onward: “Train up a boy according to the way for him; even when he grows old he will not turn aside from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) The first lessons, of course, are as to love, with lots of loving care and affection. But along with this must come necessary correction applied gently but firmly.
6. (a) With what kind of speech is it best to talk to a child? (b) What view should be taken of the many questions that a child may raise?
6 Talk to the infant, not in “baby talk” but in simple grown-up speech, which is what you want it to learn. When the small child learns to talk he will deluge you with questions: ‘Why does it rain? Where did I come from? Where do the stars go in daytime? What are you doing? Why this? Why that?’ On they come, endlessly! Listen to them, for questions are among a child’s best tools for learning. Stifling the questions can stifle mental development.
7. How might a young child’s questions best be answered, and why?
7 But remember, as did the apostle, that “when I was a babe, I used to speak as a babe, to think as a babe, to reason as a babe.” (1 Corinthians 13:11) Answer the questions as best you can, but simply and briefly. When a child asks, ‘Why does it rain?’ it doesn’t want a complicated, detailed answer. Some reply such as, ‘The clouds get heavy with water and the water falls,’ may satisfy. A child’s attention span is short; it quickly moves on to other fields. So just as you give the child milk until it progresses to solid foods, give it simple information until it can understand more detailed knowledge.—Compare Hebrews 5:13, 14.
8, 9. What could be done to teach a child progressively how to read?
8 Learning should be progressive. As mentioned, Timothy was acquainted with the Scriptures from infancy. Evidently his very earliest recollections from childhood included being taught from the Bible. Surely this was progressive, much as a father or mother today would begin teaching a child to read. Read to your child. When he is an infant, take him in your lap, with your arm around him and read in a pleasant voice. He will have a warm feeling of security and joy, and the reading will be a pleasant experience, regardless of how little he comprehends. Later, you may teach him the alphabet, as a game perhaps. Then make words, and eventually form the words into sentences. And make the process of learning a joy, as far as possible.
9 One couple, for example, would read aloud with their three-year-old child, pointing out each word for the child to follow as they went along. At certain words they would pause, and the child would supply the word, such as “God,” “Jesus,” “man,” “tree.” Gradually the words he was able to read increased, and at four years of age he was reading most of the words. Along with reading comes writing, first individual letters, and then complete words. To write his own name thrills a child!
10. Why is it wise to aid each child to develop its own potential?
10 Each child is different, with a unique personality, and should be helped to develop in harmony with its individual inherited potential and gifts. If you train each child to develop its inherited strengths and abilities, it will not need to feel envy at the accomplishments of other children. Each child should be loved and appreciated for itself. While helping it to overcome or control wrong inclinations, you should not try to force the child into a predetermined mold. Rather, guide it to the best use of its own good personality traits.
11. Why is it unwise to compare one child unfavorably with another?
11 A parent can foster a spirit of selfish competition by implying either the superiority or the inferiority of one child as compared with another. Whereas little children early in life show signs of inborn selfishness, they are initially free from ideas of rank, superiority, and feelings of self-importance. That is why Jesus could use a little child as an example to correct the spirit of ambition and concern for personal importance his disciples showed on a certain occasion. (Matthew 18:1-4) So, avoid comparing one child unfavorably with another. The child may take this as a rejection. First it will feel hurt, and if this treatment continues, it will likely turn hostile. On the other hand, the child presented as superior may become haughty and incur the dislike of others. As a parent, your love and acceptance should never be dependent upon how one child compares with another. Variety is delightful. An orchestra has many different kinds of instruments to add variety and richness, yet all are in harmony. Different personalities add flavor and interest to the family circle, yet harmony will not be impaired when all pattern themselves after their Creator’s right principles.
HELP YOUR CHILD TO GROW
12. What facts about adults demonstrate that a child needs proper direction?
12 God’s Word says that ‘it does not belong to man that walks to direct his steps.’ (Jeremiah 10:23) Men say it does. So they refuse divine direction, accept human direction, walk into one difficulty after another, and end up proving God true after all. Jehovah God says there is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. (Proverbs 14:12) Men have long taken the way that seemed right to them, and it has led to war, famine, sickness and death. If the way that seems right to a grown, experienced man ends in death, how can the way that seems right to a child end elsewhere? If it does not belong to man that walks to direct his steps, how can it belong to the child that toddles to direct his way of life? The Creator provides directions for both parent and child through His Word.
13, 14. How might parents instruct children, in harmony with the admonition found at Deuteronomy 6:6, 7?
13 To parents, God says: “These words that I am commanding you today must prove to be on your heart; and you must inculcate them in your son and speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7) At any and all times, whenever suitable opportunities present themselves, instruction should be given. If the family breakfasts together, even though for many the morning may be a rush time with getting ready for work or school, an expression of thanks for food will direct thoughts toward the Creator and can include other points of spiritual value to the family. Time may allow for some comment about the day’s coming activities or about school and sound counsel on coping with problems that may likely arise. Bedtime, “when you lie down,” can be a happy time for little children if parents give them some extra attention then. Bedtime stories can mean a lot to little ones and can be a fine means of teaching. The Bible is filled with material that only needs some parental ingenuity and warmth to make it very enjoyable to the child. Personal experiences from your own life will have special appeal to your children and can bring home some fine lessons. And though it may seem a challenge to find new stories to relate, often you will find that the child likes to hear the same ones over and over again. You may find that, by taking this extra time, the lines of communication with your children will be made far more open. Prayer with little ones at bedtime can also help establish early communication with the One who can do the most to guide and protect them.—Ephesians 3:20; Philippians 4:6, 7.
14 Wherever you are, ‘sitting at home’ or traveling ‘on the road,’ there are opportunities for you to train your child in ways that are interesting and effective. For children, some of this can be in the form of a game. One couple gave this account of how this worked out in helping children recall points from a meeting for Bible study:
‘One evening we took a little boy with us who is six years old and usually not very attentive at the meetings. While going to the hall, I said: “Let’s play a game. On the way home let’s see if we can remember the songs sung and some of the main points covered in the meeting.” Going home we were amazed. The youngest boy, who is usually inattentive, was given first chance to talk and he recalled many of the points. Our children then added their comments and finally we two adults commented. Instead of work, it was fun to them.’
15. How might a child be encouraged to better his accomplishments?
15 As a child grows older he will learn to express ideas, draw things, do some work, play some music on an instrument. He feels a sense of accomplishment. His work is, in a sense, an extension of himself. It is very personal to him. If you look at it and say ‘Well done,’ the child’s spirits soar. Find something in his work that you can sincerely praise, and he will be encouraged. Criticize it bluntly, and he will likely wilt and lose heart. Raise a question about a certain aspect of it if need be, but do not let it come as a rejection of his work. For example, rather than taking his own drawing and redoing it, you might demonstrate some improvement on another piece of paper. This allows him to adjust his own drawing if he wishes to. By encouraging his effort you encourage his growth; by harshly criticizing him, you may dishearten him or smother his desire to keep trying. Yes, the principle at Galatians 6:4 can also apply to children: “Let him prove what his own work is, and then he will have cause for exultation in regard to himself alone, and not in comparison with the other person.” A child, especially for his first efforts, needs encouragement. If the project is good for his age, praise it! If it isn’t, praise the effort, and encourage another try at it. After all, he didn’t walk on his first try.
HOW SHOULD I EXPLAIN SEX?
16. In view of what the Bible says, what kind of answers should be given to a child’s questions about sex?
16 You answer your child’s questions and encourage him to communicate. But then you are suddenly asked about sex. Do you answer frankly or do you give some misleading answer, such as saying that a little baby brother or sister was obtained at the hospital? Will you give correct information or let the children get poor, even wrong, answers, perhaps in an obscene context, from older children? The Bible contains frank references to quite a number of things relating to sex or the genital organs. (Genesis 17:11; 18:11; 30:16, 17; Leviticus 15:2) When instructing his people regarding gatherings where his Word was to be read, God said: “Congregate the people, the men and the women and the little ones . . . in order that they may listen and in order that they may learn.” (Deuteronomy 31:12) So the little children would hear any such references in a serious, respectful atmosphere, not in the form of “street talk.”
17-19. How might explanations about sex be given progressively?
17 Really, the explaining of sex need not be as difficult as many parents imagine. Children become aware of their bodies very early, discovering the various parts. You name them for the child: hands, feet, nose, stomach, buttocks, penis, vulva. The little child is not embarrassed, unless you suddenly change and become “hush-hush” about the genital parts. What appalls parents is that they think they are going to have to explain everything, once the questioning starts. Actually, the questions come piecemeal, as the child reaches different stages of his development. As different stages are reached, you need only supply the proper vocabulary and very simple, general explanations.
18 For example, one day you are asked, ‘Where do babies come from?’ You can just answer simply by saying something like: ‘They grow inside their mothers.’ Usually, that’s all that is needed, for now. Later on your child may ask, ‘How does the baby get out?’ ‘There’s a special opening for it.’ And that usually satisfies, for now.
19 Some time later the question may come, ‘How did the baby start?’ Your answer may be: ‘A father and a mother want to have a baby. A seed from the father meets an egg cell in the mother and a baby starts to grow, like a seed in the ground will grow into a flower or a tree.’ So, it is a continued story, each segment being sufficient to satisfy the child for the time being. Later the child may ask, ‘How does the father’s seed get into the mother?’ You may simply say: ‘You know how a boy is. He has a penis. The girl has an opening in her body that it fits into. The seed is planted. People are made that way so that babies can be started and grow in the mother, and finally come out as a baby.’
20. Why is it good for parents to be the ones who give their children explanations about sex?
20 This honest approach is certainly better than false stories or a “hush-hush” reaction that makes the subject seem like something distasteful. (Compare Titus 1:15.) It is also better for the child to hear the facts from its parents, who can accompany their explanations with reasons why babies should properly come only from married persons who love each other and who have accepted the responsibility to love and care for the baby. This puts the subject on a wholesome, spiritual plane, rather than its being learned in a setting that makes it all seem unclean.
TRANSMITTING LIFE’S MOST IMPORTANT LESSONS
21. In view of what tendency in children is it important for parents to set a good example for their offspring?
21 Jesus once likened people of his time to “young children sitting in the marketplaces who cry out to their playmates, saying, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance; we wailed, but you did not beat yourselves in grief.’” (Matthew 11:16, 17) The children’s games were in imitation of grown-ups and their festivals and funerals. Because of the child’s natural tendency to imitate, parental example plays a powerful role in a child’s training.
22. What effect may the conduct of parents have on their children?
22 From the time of birth, your baby is learning from you—not just by what you say but how you say it, by the tone of voice you use in talking: to the baby itself, to your mate and to other persons. It observes parents’ ways of dealing with each other, with other members of the family and with visitors. Your example in these things can begin to convey lessons far more vital than your child’s learning to walk or to count or the ABC’s. It can lay a foundation for the knowledge and understanding that lead to genuine happiness in living. That example can make the child receptive to the communication of righteous standards when it is old enough to be taught by speech and reading.
23, 24. If parents want their children to measure up to certain standards, what must they themselves be willing to do?
23 “Become imitators of God, as beloved children, and go on walking in love,” is the apostle’s exhortation to Christians. Just before this, he showed what imitating God called for, saying: “Let all malicious bitterness and anger and wrath and screaming and abusive speech be taken away from you along with all badness. But become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another just as God also by Christ freely forgave you. Therefore, become imitators of God, as beloved children. . . . ” (Ephesians 4:31, 32; 5:1, 2) If the voices that an infant hears, or the actions that it sees, convey lessons in irritability, as do loud and shrill talking, whining complaints, arrogance or explosive anger, an imprint is made that is hard to erase. If you are kind and considerate to all, if your moral standards are high and your principles are good, then your child will tend to imitate you in this. Act the way you want your children to act, be the way you want your children to be.
24 Parents should not have two sets of principles, one to preach and the other to practice, one for their children and the other for themselves. What good is it to tell your children not to lie, if you lie yourself? If you break your promises to them, can you expect them to keep their promises to you? If parents are not respectful to one another, how can they expect their child to learn respect? If the child never hears his father or mother express humility, how can humility become his standard? A serious danger of a parent’s conveying the idea of his being always right is that then the child may feel that everything the parent does is right—even when the parent does things that manifest an imperfect, sinful nature and are wrong. To say but not do is to be like the hypocritical Pharisees, of whom Jesus said: “All the things they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds, for they say but do not perform.” So, parents, if you do not want little Pharisees in your family, do not be big Pharisees!—Matthew 23:3.
25. How should children be taught about love?
25 Children first learn about love by seeing it and they learn to give love by receiving it. Love cannot be bought. Parents may shower gifts upon their children. But love is primarily a spiritual matter, of the heart and not of the pocketbook, and gifts alone can never substitute for genuine love. To try to buy love cheapens it. More than material gifts, give of yourself, your time, your energy, your love. You will receive in like measure. (Luke 6:38) As 1 John 4:19 says about our love for God: “We love, because he first loved us.”
26, 27. How might children be taught the joy that comes from giving?
26 Children can learn about giving by receiving. They can be helped to learn the joys of giving, of serving, of sharing. Help them to see that there is happiness in giving—to you, to other children, to grown persons. Often adults do not want to accept gifts from children, mistakenly thinking it shows love to let the children keep for themselves the gifts they would give. One man stated:
“I used to refuse when a child offered me some of his candy. I thought I was being kind, not taking what I knew he liked so much. But when I refused and let him keep it all for himself, I didn’t see the joy I thought the child would show. Then I realized that I was rejecting his generosity, rejecting his gifts, and rejecting him. Thereafter I always accepted such gifts, to let him know the joys of giving.”
27 Parents in one family wanted to help their small son to become like those described in the Bible at 1 Timothy 6:18, “liberal, ready to share.” So, when attending a place for Bible study they would take the money they were going to contribute and give it to their son, letting him drop it into the contribution box. This helped to impress upon him the value of giving support to spiritual matters and of helping to supply whatever material needs these may involve.
28, 29. How might children be taught the importance of apologizing for wrongs?
28 Just as children can learn to love and be generous if right instruction is accompanied by good example, so too they can learn to apologize when it is appropriate. One parent said: “When I make a mistake with my children, I admit it to them. Very briefly I tell them why I made the mistake and that I was in error. It makes it easier for them to admit their mistakes to me, knowing I’m not perfect and will understand.” Illustrating this viewpoint was an occasion when a stranger was visiting a family and the father was introducing the family members to him. The visitor commented:
“All present were introduced, and then a smiling little boy came into the room. The father said, ‘And this is our last son, the one with the jam on his shirt.’ The boy’s smile disappeared and a look of hurt came over his face. Seeing that embarrassment was about to bring tears, the father quickly pulled the child to him and said, ‘I shouldn’t have said that; I’m sorry.’ The boy sobbed a moment, then left the room, but soon was back, with an even bigger smile—and he had a fresh clean shirt on.”
29 Certainly the bonds of affection are strengthened by such humility. Of course, later on a parent can explain to a child how to take a balanced viewpoint of life’s problems, big and small. He can aid his children to learn not to view minor matters too seriously, to be able to laugh at themselves and never to expect perfection of others even as they do not want it expected of themselves.
GIVE A SET OF TRUE VALUES
30-32. Why is it vital for parents to start very early in helping their children to recognize true values in life?
30 Today many parents are confused as to what the true values of life are. As a result, many children are never given a set of values. Some parents even doubt their right to shape their children’s attitudes. If parents don’t, other children, neighbors, movies and television will. Generation gaps, youth revolts, drugs, new moralities and sexual revolutions—all of this frightens parents. But the truth is, the child’s personality is already quite developed before these issues begin to arise in its life.
31 Studies reported on in one scientific journal say that “the major portion of the individual’s personality is established before the onset of school. It is, of course, common knowledge that preschool children are extremely impressionable and malleable. . . . However, we have discovered that what they have encountered in their childhood in terms of attitudes and experiences often establishes lasting and sometimes immutable, behavior patterns.”
32 Wrong patterns can be changed, but another researcher explains what happens if precious years are allowed to slip by: “The child remains malleable during his first seven years, but the longer you wait, the more radically you need to change his environment—and the probability of change becomes a little less with each successive year.”
33. What are the most important concepts that children should be taught?
33 Small children have to learn many basic concepts, but those of greatest importance are the concepts of what is true and what is false, what is right and what is wrong. Writing to the Ephesian Christians, the apostle Paul urged them to gain accurate knowledge, saying, “We should no longer be babes, tossed about as by waves and carried hither and thither by every wind of teaching by means of the trickery of men, by means of cunning in contriving error. But speaking the truth, let us by love grow up in all things into him who is the head, Christ.” (Ephesians 4:13-15) If parents are slow about helping little ones to develop a love of truth and honesty, a love for what is right and good, the children will be left defenseless against error and wrong. The preschool years pass almost before parents realize it. Don’t let them slip by; use those first few, vital, formative years with your children to give them a set of true values. You may save yourself heartache in later years.—Proverbs 29:15, 17.
34. Why are stable standards important, and what is the best source of such standards?
34 “The scene of this world is changing,” wrote the inspired apostle, and that is certainly true of its material, emotional and moral standards. (1 Corinthians 7:31) There is little stability in the world. Parents must recognize that, being human, they too can fail in this regard. If they have their children’s best interests at heart and are really concerned for their future happiness, parents will point their children to a set of standards that are truly stable. They can do this by impressing upon their children from infancy onward that, whatever question may arise, whatever problem needs solution, God’s written Word, the Bible, is the place to turn to for answers that are decisive and most helpful. No matter how confusing or obscure circumstances may at times cause life to seem, that Word will continue to be ‘a lamp to their feet, and a light to their roadway.’—Psalm 119:105.
35. How important is the training of one’s children?
35 Yes, this is your period of golden opportunity to begin building in your children a set of values that can sustain them throughout their lives. No career is greater, no job more important, than training your children. The time to start is as soon as they are born, in their infancy!
[Picture on page 117]
Make learning a pleasant experience |
“All Scripture” (si)
1990 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/books/all-scripture-si | Studies on the Inspired Scriptures and Their Background
Study Number 7—The Bible in Modern Times
The history of Bible societies; the Watch Tower Society’s work in printing and publishing Bibles; the production of the New World Translation.
1. (a) For what purposes were divine communications given, and why were some therefore not recorded? (b) What specific orders did Jehovah give to many of the prophets, and with what benefit for us in “the last days”?
THE Holy Scriptures, the 66 inspired books that we know today as the Bible, contain “the word of Jehovah” put down in writing. (Isa. 66:5) Through many centuries this “word” flowed freely from Jehovah to his prophets and servants on earth. These divine communications accomplished their immediate purpose and also gave powerful foregleams of events certain to take place in the then distant future. It was not always required of God’s prophets that they put down in writing “the word of Jehovah” that was relayed to them. For example, some of the utterances of Elijah and Elisha that were made for the generation of their time have not been preserved in written form. On the other hand, the prophets Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Habakkuk, and others received specific orders to “write down” or to ‘write in a book or scroll’ “the word of Jehovah” that was revealed to them. (Ex. 17:14; Isa. 30:8; Jer. 30:2; Hab. 2:2; Rev. 1:11) “The sayings previously spoken by the holy prophets” were thus preserved, along with other holy writings, to arouse the clear thinking faculties of Jehovah’s servants and especially to provide guidance concerning “the last days.”—2 Pet. 3:1-3.
2. What periods in history have been noted for increased activity in Bible copying and translation?
2 Much copying of the inspired Hebrew Scriptures was done from Ezra’s time forward. Beginning in the first century of the Common Era, the Bible was copied and recopied by the early Christians and was used in witnessing concerning Jehovah’s purposes with regard to His Christ throughout the length and breadth of the then known world. When printing from movable type became common (from the 15th century onward), further impetus was given to multiplying and distributing copies of the Bible. Much translation as well as printing was undertaken by private groups in the 16th and 17th centuries. As early as 1800, the Bible had appeared in whole or in part in 71 languages.
BIBLE SOCIETIES
3. What factor has greatly contributed to the increase in Bible distribution since the beginning of the 19th century?
3 Greater momentum was given this work in the 19th and 20th centuries, when newly formed Bible societies began to take a hand in the gigantic task of distributing the Bible. One of the earliest of these Bible societies was the British and Foreign Bible Society, which was organized in London in 1804. The organizing of this Bible society triggered the establishment of many more such societies.a
4. (a) What statistics prove that the word of life has indeed overspread the earth? (b) What helpful information is supplied on the chart on page 322 about the different Bible versions listed? Illustrate this by reference to some specific Bible version.
4 With so many Bible societies operating, the work of spreading the Bible flourished. By the year 1900, the Bible had appeared in whole or in part in 567 languages, and by 1928, in 856 languages. By 1938 the thousand mark was passed, and now the Bible is available in more than 1,900 languages. Jehovah’s refreshing word of life has overspread the earth! Thus, it has become possible for men of all nations to answer the call: “Praise Jehovah, all you nations, and let all the peoples praise him.” (Rom. 15:11) The chart on page 322, “Some Leading Bible Translations in Seven Principal Languages,” gives further information on modern-day Bible distribution.
5. What is even more important than Bible distribution, yet for what are Jehovah’s Witnesses thankful?
5 Though making the Bible available to the multitudes of the earth is a commendable work, the putting of these Bibles to use in giving the people Bible understanding is an even more important task. It was the conveying of “the sense” of the word that was important in Jewish and early Christian times, when few Bibles were available, and this is still the most important thing. (Matt. 13:23; Neh. 8:8) However, this work of teaching God’s Word to the peoples of all the earth has been speeded up by the wide distribution of the Bible. As Jehovah’s Witnesses today press forward with their globe-encircling work of Bible education, they are grateful that millions of Bibles are now available in many lands and languages.
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES AS BIBLE PUBLISHERS
6. Witnesses of Jehovah have been characterized by what activity today as well as in ancient times?
6 Witnesses of Jehovah are Bible-publishing people. This was so in the days of Ezra. It was so in the days of the early disciples of Jesus Christ, who saturated the ancient world with their handwritten copies of the Bible to such an extent that the rich legacy we have received of their manuscript writings surpasses that of any other ancient literature. Now, in these modern times, the same kind of energetic Bible-publishing activity characterizes Jehovah’s Witnesses.
7. What corporation did Jehovah’s Witnesses form? when? and how did they start to develop their ministry at that time?
7 In 1884 Jehovah’s Witnesses formed a corporation for carrying on their Bible-publishing work, the corporation being now known as the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. At first Bibles were purchased from other Bible societies for redistribution by these Witnesses, who were even then developing their characteristic house-to-house ministry. The King James Version of 1611 in English was used as their basic version for Bible study.
8. (a) How has the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society been true to its name? (b) How has the Society made use of many Bible translations, and to what end?
8 True to its name, the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society has engaged in distributing Bibles, as well as publishing books, tracts, and other Christian literature. This has been for the purpose of instruction in the correct teachings of God’s Word. Its Bible education has helped lovers of righteousness to break away from false religious tradition and worldly philosophy and to return to the freedom of Bible truth as revealed through Jesus and other devoted spokesmen for Jehovah. (John 8:31, 32) From the time that the magazine The Watchtower began to be published in 1879, the publications of the Watch Tower Society have quoted, cited, and referred to scores of different Bible translations. Thus, the Society has recognized the value of all of them and has made use of the good in all of them as being of value in clearing away religious confusion and setting forth the message of God.
9. How did the Society enter the field of Bible publishing?
9 Rotherham and Holman Bibles. In 1896 Jehovah’s Witnesses, by means of the Watch Tower Society, entered directly into the field as publishers and distributors of the Bible. In that year printing rights were obtained from the British Bible translator Joseph B. Rotherham to publish in the United States the revised twelfth edition of his New Testament. On the input page of these printed copies, there appeared the name of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, Allegheny, Pennsylvania, the Society’s headquarters being located there at the time. In 1901 arrangements were made for a special printing of the Holman Linear Bible, containing marginal explanatory notes from the Society’s publications of 1895 to 1901. The Bible text itself presented the King James Version and the Revised Version of the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures. The entire edition of 5,000 copies had been distributed by the year 1903.
10. What version of the Greek Scriptures did the Society become publishers of in 1902?
10 The Emphatic Diaglott. In 1902 the Watch Tower Society came to be the copyright owners, sole publishers, and distributors of The Emphatic Diaglott. This version of the Christian Greek Scriptures was prepared by the English-born Bible translator Benjamin Wilson, of Geneva, Illinois. It was completed in 1864. It used the Greek text of J. J. Griesbach, with a literal interlinear English translation and Wilson’s own version to the right using his special signs of emphasis.
11. When did the Society publish the “Bible Students Edition,” and what did this contain?
11 A Bible Students Edition. In 1907 the Watch Tower Society published a “Bible Students Edition” of the Bible. This volume contained a clear printing of the King James Version of the Bible and included excellent marginal notes, together with a valuable appendix designed by Jehovah’s Witnesses. The appendix, which was later enlarged to over 550 pages, was called the “Berean Bible Teachers Manual” and was also published in separate book form. It contained brief comments on many of the verses of the Bible, with references to The Watchtower and to the Society’s textbooks, and an epitome of doctrinal topics with key scriptures to facilitate their presentation to others. This was similar in form to the Society’s later publication “Make Sure of All Things.” Also included were a topical index, explanations of difficult texts, a list of spurious passages, a Scripture index, a comparative chronology, and 12 maps. This excellent Bible served Jehovah’s Witnesses for decades in their public preaching work.
A BIBLE PRINTING SOCIETY
12. When did the Society enter the field of Bible printing?
12 For 30 years the Watch Tower Society engaged outside firms to do the actual printing of its Bibles. However, in December 1926, The Emphatic Diaglott became the first Bible version to be printed on the Society’s own presses at Brooklyn, New York. The printing of this edition of the Christian Greek Scriptures stimulated the hope that a complete Bible would someday be printed on the Society’s presses.
13. (a) What was the first complete Bible printed by the Society, and when was it released? (b) What helps did it contain?
13 The King James Version. World War II underlined the need for independent publication of the Bible itself. While the global conflict was at its height, the Society succeeded in purchasing plates of the complete King James Version of the Bible. It was on September 18, 1942, at the New World Theocratic Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses, with key assembly point at Cleveland, Ohio, that the Society’s president spoke on the subject “Presenting ‘the Sword of the Spirit.’” As the climax to this address, he released this first complete Bible printed in the Watch Tower Society’s Brooklyn factory. In its appendix it provided a list of proper names with their meanings, a specially prepared “Concordance of Bible Words and Expressions,” and other helps. An appropriate running head was provided at the top of each page. For example, “Jephthah’s earnest vow” replaced the traditional “Jephthah’s rash vow” at Judges 11, and “Prehuman existence and human birth of God’s Word” appeared at John chapter 1.
14. What improved translation of the Bible was printed by the Society in 1944, and what features does this Bible have?
14 The American Standard Version. Another important Bible translation is the American Standard Version of 1901. It has the most commendable feature of rendering God’s name as “Jehovah” nearly 7,000 times in the Hebrew Scriptures. After long negotiations, the Watch Tower Society was able to purchase, in 1944, the use of the plates of the complete American Standard Version of the Bible for printing on its own presses. On August 10, 1944, at Buffalo, New York, the key city of 17 simultaneous assemblies of Jehovah’s Witnesses instructioned together by private telephone lines, the Society’s president delighted his large audience by releasing the Watch Tower edition of the American Standard Version. The appendix includes a most helpful expanded “Concordance of Bible Words, Names, and Expressions.” A pocket edition of the same Bible was published in 1958.
15. What translation was produced by the Society in 1972?
15 The Bible in Living English. In 1972 the Watch Tower Society produced The Bible in Living English, by the late Steven T. Byington. It consistently renders the divine name as “Jehovah.”
16. In what twofold work are Jehovah’s Witnesses thus engaged?
16 Thus, not only are Jehovah’s Witnesses preaching the good news of God’s established Kingdom in more than 200 countries and islands throughout the earth but they have also become printers and publishers, on a large scale, of the priceless Book that contains that Kingdom message, the Holy Scriptures inspired by Jehovah God.
NEW WORLD TRANSLATION OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES
17. (a) How have the many Bible versions been useful, and yet what defects do they contain? (b) Since 1946, what had the president of the Watch Tower Society been seeking?
17 Jehovah’s Witnesses acknowledge their indebtedness to all the many Bible versions that they have used in studying the truth of the Word of God. However, all these translations, even down to the very latest, have their defects. There are inconsistencies or unsatisfactory renderings, which are infected with sectarian traditions or worldly philosophies and hence are not in full harmony with the sacred truths that Jehovah has recorded in his Word. Particularly since 1946, the president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society had been in quest of a faithful translation of the Scriptures from the original languages—a translation just as understandable to modern readers as the original writings were understandable to intelligent, ordinary people of the Bible-writing era itself.
18. How did the Society come to be publishers and printers of the New World Translation?
18 On September 3, 1949, at the Brooklyn headquarters of the Society, the president announced to the Board of Directors the existence of the New World Bible Translation Committee and that it had completed a modern translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures. The committee’s document was read, by which the committee assigned the possession, control, and publication of the translation manuscript to the Society, in recognition of the Society’s unsectarian work of promoting Bible education throughout the earth. Portions of the manuscript were also read, as examples of the nature and quality of the translation. The directors were unanimous in accepting the gift of the translation, and arrangements were made for its immediate printing. Typesetting began on September 29, 1949, and by early summer of 1950, tens of thousands of copies were completed in bound form.
19. (a) How did the New World Translation appear in its parts? (b) What effort had been made in preparing these volumes?
19 Releasing the New World Translation in Its Parts. It was on Wednesday, August 2, 1950, on the fourth day of their international assembly at Yankee Stadium, New York, that a totally surprised audience of 82,075 of Jehovah’s Witnesses heartily accepted the release of the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures. Encouraged by the initial enthusiastic reception, as well as by later expressions of appreciation for the translation’s merits, the Committee next undertook the extensive work of translating the Hebrew Scriptures. This appeared in five additional volumes, released successively from 1953 to 1960. The set of six volumes formed a library of the entire Bible in modern English. Each volume also contained valuable aids to Bible study. A vast storehouse of Scriptural information was thus made available to the modern-day student of the Bible. Diligent effort had been made to draw on every reliable source of textual information so that the New World Translation would express clearly and accurately the powerful message of the original inspired Scriptures.
20. What valuable aids did the first edition of the New World Translation contain in its (a) footnotes, (b) marginal references, and (c) forewords and appendixes?
20 Among the Bible study aids in the six-part first edition of the New World Translation was the invaluable collection of textual footnotes, giving background to the renderings. In these notes powerful arguments in defense of the Scriptures were made available. A valuable chain-reference system was also included. These chains of important doctrinal words were designed to direct the student to a series of key texts on these subjects. There were numerous cross-references in the margins of the pages. These directed the reader to (a) parallel words, (b) parallel thoughts, ideas, and events, (c) biographic information, (d) geographic information, (e) fulfillments of prophecies, and (f) direct quotations in or from other parts of the Bible. In the volumes were also important forewords, illustrations of some ancient manuscripts, helpful appendixes and indexes, and maps of Bible lands and locations. This first edition of the New World Translation provided a gold mine for personal Bible study and for beneficial teaching of honesthearted persons by Jehovah’s Witnesses. A special student’s edition, published in one volume in a printing of 150,000 copies, was later released on June 30, 1963, at the opening of the “Everlasting Good News” Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S.A.
21. (a) What were the circumstances of the release of the revised New World Translation? (b) What were some of its features?
21 One-Volume Revised Edition. In the summer of 1961, at a series of assemblies of Jehovah’s Witnesses held in the United States and Europe, a revised edition of the complete New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures in one handy volume was released for distribution. It was accepted with joy by the hundreds of thousands who attended these assemblies. Bound in green cloth, it contained 1,472 pages and had an excellent concordance, an appendix on Bible topics, and maps.
22, 23. What further editions have been released, and what are some of their features?
22 Further Editions. In 1969 The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures was released, with a second edition issued in 1985. This volume provides a literal English translation of the Greek text edited by Westcott and Hort as well as the modern-English rendering of the 1984 edition of the New World Translation. It thus opens up to the serious Bible student what the original Greek basically or literally says.
23 A second revision of the New World Translation was released in 1970, and a third revision with footnotes followed in 1971. At the “Kingdom Increase” District Conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses, held in 1984, a revised reference edition was issued in English. It includes a complete updating and revision of the marginal (cross) references that were initially presented in English from 1950 to 1960. Designed for the serious Bible student, it contains over 125,000 marginal references, more than 11,000 footnotes, an extensive concordance, maps, and 43 appendix articles. Also in 1984, a regular-size edition of the 1984 revision, with marginal references but without footnotes, was made available.
24. (a) What are some of the advantages of both the regular and reference editions? (b) Illustrate the use of the running heads.
24 Some Advantages. In order to aid the reader in quickly locating any desired material, both the regular and reference editions contain a carefully designed running head at the top of each page. These running heads describe the material below, and they are especially planned to aid the Kingdom publisher in quickly locating texts in answer to questions that may be put to him. For example, he may be trying to locate counsel on the training of children. Coming to page 860 (regular edition) in the Proverbs, he sees the last key phrase, “A good name.” Since this is the last phrase of the heading, it indicates that the subject will appear late on that page, and that is where he finds it, at Proverbs 22:1. The scripture identified by the first part of the running head on page 861, “Train up a boy,” he finds early on the page, at Pr 22 verse 6. The next element of the heading reads, “Not spare the rod.” This material is located near the bottom of the first column, in Pr 22 verse 15. These running heads at the tops of the pages can be a great aid to the Kingdom publisher who knows the general location of texts for which he is searching. They can open up the Bible for quick action.
25. What concordance service is provided, and to what practical uses may this be put?
25 At the back of both the regular and reference editions of this Bible, there is a feature called “Bible Words Indexed.” Here are to be found thousands of important Bible words together with lines of context. A concordance service is thus made available, including the wide range of new, descriptive words used in the text. For those accustomed to the King James Version renderings, help is given in making scores of transitions from older English Bible words to the more modern Bible terms. Take, for example, the word “grace” in the King James Version. This is listed in the index, referring the student to “undeserved kindness,” the up-to-date expression used in the new translation. The word index makes it possible to locate Scripture texts on key doctrinal subjects, such as “soul” or “ransom,” supporting detailed study directly from the Bible texts. A Kingdom publisher who is called upon to preach on any of these outstanding subjects could immediately use the brief portions of context supplied in this concordance. Additionally, principal citations are listed for outstanding proper names, including geographic places as well as prominent Bible characters. Invaluable aid is thus rendered to all Bible students using this translation.
26. Illustrate one of the ways in which the appendix to the New World Translation is of help.
26 A scholarly appendix offers further accurate information beneficial for teaching. The appendix articles are arranged in such a way that they can be used as an aid in explaining basic Bible doctrines and related matters. For example, in dealing with the subject “soul,” the appendix, under eight different headings, lists Scripture texts that show the various ways in which the word “soul” (Hebrew, neʹphesh) is used. Diagrams and maps are also provided in the appendix articles. The Reference Bible contains a more extensive appendix as well as helpful footnotes that supply important textual information in a simple way. Thus, the New World Translation is outstanding for the range of services that it provides for placing accurate knowledge quickly at the disposal of its readers.
27, 28. Explain and illustrate how the New World Translation indicates the pronunciation of proper names.
27 Aid in Pronouncing Bible Names. In the English text itself, all editions of the New World Translation render aid in the pronunciation of proper names. The system is the same as that designed by an expert for the Revised Standard Version of 1952. The proper name is broken down into syllables that are kept apart by a dot or by the accent mark (ʹ). The accent mark follows the syllable on which major emphasis should be put in pronouncing the word. If the accented syllable ends in a vowel, then the vowel is long in its pronunciation. If a syllable ends in a consonant, then the vowel in that syllable is short in its pronunciation.
28 As an example, note Job 4:1. Here it speaks of “Elʹi·phaz the Teʹman·ite.” While the accent in both cases falls on the first syllable, the letter “e” is to be pronounced differently in these two cases. In “Elʹi·phaz” the accent mark falling after the consonant “l” makes the vowel “e” short, as in “end.” Whereas, in “Teʹman·ite” the accent falling directly after the vowel “e” makes it long, as the first “e” in “Eden.” When the two vowels “a” and “i” are combined, as in “Morʹde·cai” at Esther 2:5 and “Siʹnai” at Exodus 19:1, the “ai” is pronounced simply as a long “i.”
29. Is the New World Translation simply a revision of earlier translations, and what features support your answer?
29 A Fresh Translation. The New World Translation is a fresh translation from the original Bible languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. By no means is it a revision of any other English translation, nor does it copy any other version as to style, vocabulary, or rhythm. For the Hebrew-Aramaic section, the well-refined and universally accepted text of Rudolf Kittel’s Biblia Hebraica, the 7th, 8th, and 9th editions (1951-55), was used. A new edition of the Hebrew text known as Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia, dated 1977, was used for updating the information presented in the footnotes of the New World Translation—With References. The Greek section was translated principally from the Greek master text prepared by Westcott and Hort, published in 1881. However, the New World Bible Translation Committee also consulted other Greek texts, including Nestle’s Greek text (1948). Descriptions of these excellent master texts are presented in Studies 5 and 6 of this volume. The translation committee has made a vigorous and accurate translation of the Bible, and this has resulted in a clear and living text, opening up the way to a deeper, more satisfying understanding of the Word of God.
30. What is one critic’s evaluation of this translation?
30 Note one critic’s evaluation of this translation: “Original renderings of the Hebrew Scriptures into the English language are extremely few. It therefore gives us much pleasure to welcome the publication of the first part of the New World Translation [of the Hebrew Scriptures], Genesis to Ruth. . . . This version has evidently made a special effort to be thoroughly readable. No one could say it is deficient in freshness and originality. Its terminology is by no means based upon that of previous versions.”b
31. How did one Hebrew scholar evaluate the New World Translation?
31 The Hebrew scholar Professor Dr. Benjamin Kedar of Israel, in an interview with a representative of the Watch Tower Society, evaluated the New World Translation as follows: “In my linguistic research in connection with the Hebrew Bible and translations, I often refer to the English edition of what is known as the New World Translation. In so doing, I find my feeling repeatedly confirmed that this work reflects an honest endeavor to achieve an understanding of the text that is as accurate as possible. Giving evidence of a broad command of the original language, it renders the original words into a second language understandably without deviating unnecessarily from the specific structure of the Hebrew. . . . Every statement of language allows for a certain latitude in interpreting or translating. So the linguistic solution in any given case may be open to debate. But I have never discovered in the New World Translation any biased intent to read something into the text that it does not contain.”c
32. To what extent is the New World Translation literal, and with what benefit?
32 A Literal Translation. Faithfulness as to translation is also demonstrated in its being literal. This requires an almost word-for-word correspondency between the rendering in English and the Hebrew and Greek texts. In the presentation of the text in the language into which it is translated, the degree of literalness should be as high as the original-language idiom permits. Furthermore, literalness requires that the word order of most of the renderings be the same as in the Hebrew or Greek, thus preserving the emphasis of the original writings. Through literal translation, the flavor, color, and rhythm of the original writings may be accurately communicated.
33. How have occasional departures from the literal text been noted?
33 There have been occasional departures from the literal text, for the purpose of conveying in understandable terms the difficult Hebrew or Greek idioms. However, in the reference edition of the New World Translation, these have been called to the reader’s attention by means of footnotes that give the literal rendering.
34. (a) What results from abandoning literal translation? (b) Illustrate.
34 Many Bible translators have abandoned literalness for what they consider to be elegance of language and form. They argue that literal renderings are wooden, stiff, and confining. However, their abandonment of literal translation has brought about, by the introduction of paraphrase and interpretation, many departures from the accurate original statements of truth. They have, in effect, watered down the very thoughts of God. For example, the dean emeritus of a large American university once charged Jehovah’s Witnesses with destroying the beauty and elegance of the Bible. By the Bible he meant the King James Version, which had long been venerated as a standard of beautiful English. He said: ‘Look what you have done to Psalm 23. You have destroyed its swing and beauty by your “Je/ho/vah is/ my/ shep/herd.” Seven syllables instead of six. It is shocking. It is off balance. There is no rhythm. The King James has it right with its six balanced syllables—“The/ Lord/ is/ my/ shep/herd.”’ It was protested to the professor that it was more important to put it the way that David, the Bible writer, put it. Did David use the general term “Lord,” or did he use the divine name? The professor admitted that David used the divine name, but he still argued that for the sake of beauty and elegance, the word “Lord” would be warranted. What a lame excuse for removing Jehovah’s illustrious name from this psalm to his praise!
35. For what may we thank God, and what is our hope and prayer?
35 Thousands of renderings have been sacrificed in this way on the altar of man’s concept of language beauty, resulting in inaccuracies in the many Bible versions. Thanks be to God that he has provided the New World Translation, with its clear and accurate Bible text! May his great name, Jehovah, be sanctified in the hearts of all who read it!
[Footnotes]
a Among the many Bible societies formed since 1804 are the American Bible Society (1816), formed out of already existing local societies, as well as the Edinburgh Bible Society (1809) and the Glasgow Bible Society (1812), both later incorporated (1861) into the National Bible Society of Scotland. By 1820 Bible societies had also been formed in Switzerland, Ireland, France, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Iceland, Russia, and Germany.
b Alexander Thomson, The Differentiator, June 1954, page 131.
c June 12, 1989, translated from the German.
[Chart on page 322]
SOME LEADING BIBLE TRANSLATIONS IN SEVEN PRINCIPAL LANGUAGES
Name of Originally Basic Text Divine Name BasicVersion Published for Hebrew Rendered Text for Scriptures Greek Scriptures
ENGLISH
Rheims-Douay* 1582-1610 Vulgate Lord Vulgate (ADONAI, twice)
King James Version* 1611 M LORD Received (Jehovah, few) Text
Young 1862-98 M Jehovah Received Text
English 1881-95 M LORD Westcott Revised* (Jehovah, and Hort
few)
Emphasised Bible 1878-1902 M Yahweh Westcott (Ginsburg) and Hort, Tregelles
American 1901 M Jehovah Westcott Standard and Hort
An American 1923-39 M LORD Westcott Translation (Yahweh, few) and Hort (Smith-Goodspeed)*
Revised 1946-52 M LORD Westcott Standard* and Hort, Nestle
New English 1961-70 M (BHK) LORD New Bible* (Jehovah, few) eclectic text
Today’s 1966-76 M (BHK) LORD UBS English Version
New King 1979-82 M (BHS) LORD Majority James Bible/ (YAH, few) Text Revised Authorised Version
New Jerusalem 1985 M Yahweh Greek Bible*
SPANISH
Valera 1602 M Jehová Received Text
Moderna 1893 M Jehová Scrivener
Nácar-Colunga* 1944 M Yavé Greek
Evaristo Martín 1964 M Yavé Greek Nieto*
Serafín de 1965 M (BHK) Yahvéh, Señor Nestle- Ausejo* Aland
Biblia de 1967 M Yahveh Greek Jerusalén*
Cantera- 1975 M (BHK) Yahveh Greek Iglesias*
Nueva Biblia 1975 M Señor Greek Española*
PORTUGUESE
Almeida 1681, 1750 M Jehovah Received Text
Figueiredo* 1778-90 Vulgate Senhor Vulgate
Matos Soares* 1927-30 Vulgate Senhor Vulgate
Pontifício 1967 M Javé Merk Instituto Bíblico*
Jerusalém* 1976, 1981 M Iahweh Greek
GERMAN
Luther* 1522, 1534 M HErr Erasmus
Zürcher 1531 M Herr, Jahwe Greek
Elberfelder 1855, 1871 M Jehova Received Text
Menge 1926 M HErr Greek
Luther 1964, 1984 M HERR Greek (revised)*
Bibel in 1967 M (BHS) Herr Nestle- heutigem Aland, Deutsch (Gute UBS Nachricht)*
Einheitsübersetzung* 1972, 1974 M Herr, Jahwe Greek
Revidierte Elberfelder 1975, 1985 M HERR, Jahwe Greek
FRENCH
Darby 1859, 1885 M Eternel Greek
Crampon* 1894-1904 M Jéhovah Merk
Jérusalem* 1948-54 Vulgate, Yahvé Vulgate, Hebrew Greek
TOB Ecumenical 1971-75 M (BHS) Seigneur Nestle, Bible* UBS
Osty* 1973 M Yahvé Greek
Segond Revised 1978 M (BHS) Eternel Nestle- Aland, Black, Metzger, Wikgren
Français 1982 M (BHS) Seigneur Nestle, courant UBS
DUTCH (NETHERLANDS)
Statenvertaling 1637 M HEERE Received Text
Leidse 1899-1912 M Jahwe Nestle Vertaling
Petrus-Canisiusvertaling* 1929-39 M Jahweh Nestle
NBG-vertaling 1939-51 M HERE Nestle
Willibrordvertaling* 1961-75 M Jahwe Nestle
Groot Nieuws 1972-83 M Heer Nestle Bijbel*
ITALIAN
Diodati 1607, 1641 M Signore Greek
Riveduta 1921-30 M Eterno Greek (Luzzi)
Nardoni* 1960 M Signore, Jahweh Greek
Pontificio 1923-58 M Signore, Jahve Merk Istituto Biblico*
Garofalo* 1960 M Jahve, Signore Greek
Concordata* 1968 M (BHK) Signore, Iavè Nestle, Merk
CEI* 1971 M Signore Greek
Parola del 1976-85 M (BHS) Signore UBS Signore*
* An asterisk denotes that the Apocrypha was included but may not appear in all editions.
“M” refers to the Masoretic text. When it stands alone, no special edition of the Masoretic text is specified.
“BHK” refers to Kittel’s Biblia Hebraica.
“UBS” refers to The Greek New Testament, by United Bible Societies.
“BHS” refers to Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia.
“Greek” indicates translation made from the Greek, but no special text indicated. |
YOUNG PEOPLE ASK
Why Should I Pray? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502017155 | YOUNG PEOPLE ASK
Why Should I Pray?
According to one poll, 80 percent of adolescents in America pray, but only half of those who pray do so daily. No doubt, some of them wonder: ‘Is prayer just a psychological crutch, or is it something more?’
What is prayer?
Is God listening?
What can I pray about?
What your peers say
What is prayer?
Prayer is real communication with the Creator of all things. Just think of what that means! Jehovah is superior to mankind in every way, yet “he is not far off from each one of us.” (Acts 17:27) In fact, the Bible contains this amazing invitation: “Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.”—James 4:8.
How can you draw close to God?
One way is through prayer—that’s how you talk to God.
Another way is through study of the Bible—that’s how God “talks” to you.
Such back-and-forth communication—prayer and study of the Bible—will help you build a strong friendship with God.
“Talking to Jehovah—communicating with the Most High—is one of the greatest privileges humans can have.”—Jeremy.
“Sharing my deep feelings with Jehovah through prayer makes me feel closer to him.”—Miranda.
Is God listening?
Even if you believe in God—and even if you pray to him—it may be difficult to accept the idea that he’s really listening. Nevertheless, the Bible calls Jehovah the “Hearer of prayer.” (Psalm 65:2) It even invites you to “throw all your anxiety on him.” Why? “Because he cares for you.”—1 Peter 5:7.
To think about: Do you take the time to talk to your close friends on a regular basis? You can do the same with God. Call on him regularly in prayer, and do so using his name, Jehovah. (Psalm 86:5-7; 88:9) Indeed, the Bible invites you to “pray constantly.”—1 Thessalonians 5:17.
“Prayer is a conversation between me and my heavenly Father, one in which I pour out my entire heart.”—Moises.
“I talk to Jehovah about things in depth, just as I would with my mom or with a very close friend.”—Karen.
What can I pray about?
The Bible says: “In everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God.”—Philippians 4:6.
Does that mean it’s OK to pray about your problems? Yes! In fact, the Bible says: “Throw your burden on Jehovah, and he will sustain you.”—Psalm 55:22.
Of course, in your prayers to God, you should talk about more than just your problems. “It wouldn’t be a very good friendship if I only asked Jehovah for help,” says a young woman named Chantelle. “I feel that expressing thanks should come first, and the list of things I’m thankful for should be a long one.”
To think about: What things in your life are you thankful for? Can you think of three things to thank Jehovah for today?
“Even something simple, like admiring a beautiful flower, can prompt us to offer a prayer of thanks to Jehovah.”—Anita.
“Meditate on something in creation that impresses you or on a Bible verse that really touches you, and then thank Jehovah for it.”—Brian.
What your peers say
“The depth of our prayers should be like an ocean, not a puddle. Jehovah wants to help us, and although he knows what we need even before we reach out to him, we can show how much we trust in him by the depth of our prayers.”—Moises.
“Prayer is like a rope with Jehovah holding one end and me holding the other. When I pray about what is deep within me, it feels as if I am tightening my hold on the rope and Jehovah is responding, making the bond between us tighter.”—Miranda.
“If we’re not careful, our prayers could become a wish list. But by thanking Jehovah, we come to appreciate the many things he has given us and we focus our prayers on something more than just ourselves.”—Jeremy.
“The more we thank Jehovah, the more grateful we become. Thanking Jehovah in prayer helps us focus on the blessings we receive rather than on all the troubles we face.”—Shelby. |
Peace and Security (tp73)
1973 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/tp73 | Chapter 5
An Issue That Involves You
1. Why have people found it difficult to understand why God has permitted badness among mankind?
DESPITE the common desire for peace and security, man’s history almost from its start has been marred by bloodshed and other badness. Since the Bible shows that God detests such things, why has he not put a stop to these conditions before now? Surely it cannot be for lack of interest. The Bible, as well as the beauty of God’s earthly handiwork, gives abundant evidence of his love and concern for mankind. (1 John 4:8) More importantly, the honor of God’s own name is involved, since these conditions have caused people to reproach him. What reason could there be, then, for his putting up with thousands of years of unrest and violence?
2. (a) Where in the Bible do we find out why God has permitted bad conditions for so long? (b) What makes it evident that the Bible account about Adam and Eve is historical fact?
2 The answer is found in the opening book of the Bible, in what it says about Adam and Eve. This account is no mere allegory. It is historical fact. The Bible supplies a complete, documented record of genealogy reaching from the first century of the Common Era all the way back to the first man. (Luke 3:23-38; Genesis 5:1-32; 11:10–32) As our forefather, Adam had an influence on us. And what the Bible tells us about him helps us to understand the circumstances that affect our lives today.
3. What kind of provisions did God make for mankind at the start?
3 The Bible reveals that all of God’s provisions for the first human couple were very good. They had everything for a happy life—a parklike home in the region called Eden, abundant varieties of food, satisfying work, the prospect of seeing their family grow and fill the earth, and the blessing of their Creator. (Genesis 1:28, 29; 2:8, 9, 15) Who could reasonably have asked for more?
4. (a) At his creation, in what ways was man different from other earthly creatures? (b) In what manner was needed guidance provided for Adam?
4 The inspired record in Genesis reveals that man occupied a unique position on earth. Man alone was made “in God’s image.” (Genesis 1:27) Unlike the animals, he had a heart possessed of moral sense and he was endowed with free will. That is why he was equipped with powers of reason and judgment. To guide man, God implanted in Adam the faculty of conscience so that, as a perfect man in his Creator’s “image,” his normal inclination would be toward good. (Romans 2:15) Besides all this, God spoke to his earthly son, telling him why he was alive, what he was to do and who had provided all the splendid things around him. (Genesis 1:28-30) How, then, do we explain the bad conditions that now exist?
5. (a) What simple requirement did God lay upon the man, and for what reason? (b) Why were man’s life prospects for the future rightly involved?
5 The Scriptural record shows that an issue arose—one that involves each of us today. It came about through circumstances that developed not long after the creation of the first human pair. God gave man the opportunity to demonstrate loving appreciation to his Creator by obedience to a simple requirement. The requirement was nothing that would imply that man had inconsiderate or even depraved tendencies that had to be curbed. Rather, it involved something that in itself was normal and proper—the eating of food. As God told the man: “From every tree of the garden you may eat to satisfaction. But as for the tree of the knowledge of good and bad you must not eat from it, for in the day you eat from it you will positively die.” (Genesis 2:16, 17) This requirement did not deprive man of anything necessary for life; he could eat from all the other trees in the garden. Yet his life prospects for the future were definitely involved, and rightly so. Why? Because the One who stated that commandment was the very Source and Sustainer of man’s life.
6, 7. (a) Our first parents could have lived forever if they had acted in harmony with what basic truth regarding rulership? (b) Why should Adam have felt moved to obey God?
6 God’s purpose was not for man to die. No mention of death was made to Adam except as punishment for disobedience. Our first parents had before them the grand prospect of living forever in their peaceful, parklike home. To attain to this, what was required of them? Simply that they recognize that the earth on which they lived belongs to God, the One who made it, and that, as the Creator, God is the rightful Ruler of his creation. (Psalm 24:1, 10 [23:1, 10, Dy]) Surely this One, who had given man everything he had, even life itself, deserved appreciative obedience to any requirement that he might lay upon the man. That obedience was not to be forced, however. It must be motivated by love.—1 John 5:3.
7 Adam failed to show such love. How did this come about?
THE ORIGIN OF RESISTANCE TO DIVINE RULE
8. (a) Where does the Bible show that resistance to God’s rulership began? (b) Why is it reasonable to believe in the spirit realm?
8 The Bible shows that resistance to God’s rulership first began, not on earth, but in the spirit realm, a realm invisible to human eyes. Should we, like many, doubt the existence of that realm simply because it is invisible to us? No; that would not be reasonable. Gravity cannot be seen, neither can the wind. Yet their effects can be. So, too, the effects of the spirit realm can be observed. “God is a Spirit,” and his works of creation are all around us. If we believe in him, we are obliged to believe in a spirit realm. (John 4:24; Romans 1:20) But who else inhabits that realm?
9. What kind of persons are the angels?
9 Millions of spirit persons, angels, were brought into existence before man. (Psalm 103:20 [102:20, Dy]) All these were created perfect; none with evil tendencies. Yet, like God’s later creation man, they were granted free will. They could therefore choose a course of faithfulness or of unfaithfulness toward God.
10, 11. (a) How is it possible for a perfect spirit creature to feel inclined to do wrong? (b) So, how did one of the angels come to be Satan?
10 But the question asked by many persons is: How, as perfect creatures, could any of them even feel inclined to do wrong? Well, we ourselves know how in our own lives a circumstance can arise that confronts us with various possibilities—some good, some bad. That we have the intelligence to discern the bad possibilities does not automatically make us bad, does it? The real question is: On which course will we fix our mind and heart? If we were to hold on to thoughts of what is bad, that would draw us into cultivating wrong desire in our hearts, and this desire would move us eventually to commit wrong acts. That is how the Bible writer James explains the way sin is born. “Each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire. Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin; in turn, sin, when it has been accomplished, brings forth death.”—James 1:14, 15.
11 The Scriptures reveal that one of God’s spirit sons allowed wrong desire to develop in him. He saw the possibility that God’s human creation could come into submission to him rather than to God, and evidently he began to crave at least a share in the worship that was rendered to God. (Luke 4:5-8) Acting in harmony with his desire, he became a resister of God. For that reason he is referred to in the Bible as Satan, which means Resister.—Job 1:6.
12. What sound basis is there for believing that Satan really does exist?
12 It is true that, in this materialistic twentieth century, belief in such a spirit person as Satan is not popular. But, then, popularity has never been a sure guide to truth. Among those who study disease, it was once unpopular to believe that unseen germs were a factor to consider, but now their influence is well known. Certainly, if what is popular had always been a true guide by which to live, this world would be in far different condition than it is now. Jesus Christ, who himself had come from the spirit realm, could speak with authority on life there. He definitely referred to Satan as a spirit person whose influence could bring severe trials in people’s lives. (John 8:23; Luke 13:16; 22:31) Only by taking into account the existence of this spirit Adversary can we understand how bad conditions got started on this earth.
13. How did Satan communicate with the woman Eve, and why in that manner?
13 The inspired record, in Genesis chapter 3, describes how he proceeded in an endeavor to satisfy his wrong desire. In the Garden of Eden, he approached the woman Eve, but doing so in a deceptive manner so as to conceal his real identity. He was invisible to her eyes, and as yet he had no human agent through whom he could work; so the record shows that he employed an animal commonly seen by the human pair—a serpent. Evidently using what we would call ventriloquism, he made it appear that his words proceeded from this creature, whose naturally cautious manner fit well with the impression that he wanted to make.—Genesis 3:1; Revelation 12:9.
14. What did Satan say to Eve, and with what evident intent?
14 Rather than make a direct bid for the woman to look to him as her ruler, Satan first sought to plant doubt in her mind, asking: “Is it really so that God said you must not eat from every tree of the garden?” In effect, he was saying: ‘It is a pity that God has said you may not eat from all the trees in the garden.’ By this he inferred that possibly God was holding back something good. Eve answered by quoting God’s prohibition, which involved only one tree, as well as stating the death penalty that disobedience would bring. At that, Satan attempted to undermine respect for God’s law, saying: “You positively will not die. For God knows that in the very day of your eating from it your eyes are bound to be opened and you are bound to be like God, knowing good and bad.” (Genesis 3:1-5) Faced with such a situation, what would you have done?
15. (a) Why did Eve fall victim to Satan? (b) What did Adam do?
15 The Bible record shows that Eve allowed herself to be drawn along by selfish desire, and she ate what God had forbidden. Afterward, under her urging, her husband Adam also ate, choosing to cast his lot in with her rather than with his Creator. What was the outcome?—Genesis 3:6; 1 Timothy 2:14.
16. So, then, what accounts for the crime and violence, as well as the disease and death, that have marked human existence since the time of Adam?
16 The entire human family was plunged into sin and imperfection. Adam now could not pass on to his offspring the perfection that he no longer had. As in making copies of something from a mold or pattern that is itself defective—all the copies will have the same defect. So, all Adam’s offspring were born in sin, with an inherited tendency toward selfishness. (Genesis 8:21) It is this inclination, left unchecked, that has led to theft, rape, murder and all the other badness that has taken peace and security from mankind. It is this inheritance of sin that has also resulted in disease and death.—Romans 5:12.
THE ISSUE RAISED
17, 18. (a) To understand why God has put up with this situation for so long, what important issue must we appreciate? (b) What really is the issue that was raised?
17 In the light of these facts, our minds go back to the question raised earlier: Why has God put up with this situation, allowing it to develop to the extent that it has? It is because of the issue that was raised and its effect on the entire universe. How is that so?
18 By his argument that God’s law to Adam was not good for man and by challenging what God said would be the outcome for disobedience, Satan was calling into question God’s rulership. He did not question the fact that God is ruler. Rather, the issue that Satan raised centered on the rightfulness of Jehovah’s rulership and the righteousness of His ways. Deceptively, Satan argued that man would make out better by acting independently, making his own decisions rather than submitting to God’s direction. (Genesis 3:4, 5) In reality, however, by so doing man would be following the leading of God’s adversary.
19. (a) What else was involved in the issue, and where is this shown in the Bible? (b) How does this issue involve us?
19 Another matter was involved. Since these creatures of God turned against him there in Eden, what would the others do? Later, in the days of the man Job, Satan openly charged that those who serve Jehovah do so, not because of any love for God and his rulership, but selfishly, because God provides everything for them. Satan inferred that, when put under pressure, no one would prove to be a loyal supporter of Jehovah’s sovereignty. The loyalty and integrity of every intelligent creature in heaven and on earth were called into question. The issue thus involves you.—Job 1:8-12; 2:4, 5.
20, 21. By deferring destruction of the rebels, what opportunity did Jehovah afford his creatures, both angels and humans?
20 Faced with such a challenge, what would Jehovah do? He could easily, and rightfully, have destroyed Satan and Adam and Eve at the time of the rebellion in Eden. That would have demonstrated Jehovah’s sovereign power. But would it have answered the questions now raised in the minds of all God’s creatures who had observed these developments? The eternal peace and security of the universe required that these questions be settled completely, once and for all time. Besides that, the integrity and loyalty of all God’s intelligent creation had been called into question. If they truly loved him, they would want to answer that false charge themselves. Jehovah determined to afford them opportunity to do just that and to show their real heart attitude toward his sovereign rule. Also, by allowing Adam and Eve to bring forth offspring (though imperfect), God would prevent the extinction of the human family as yet unborn—a family that has come to include all of us living today. This would give these descendants the opportunity to choose for themselves whether they would obey divine rulership. That choice is what now confronts you!
21 So, instead of executing the death penalty at once in Eden, Jehovah allowed those rebelling to remain for a time. Adam and Eve were expelled from Eden, to die before a thousand years passed. (Genesis 5:5; compare Genesis 2:17 with 2 Peter 3:8.) Satan was also to be destroyed in due time, as if he were a serpent whose head had been crushed.—Genesis 3:15; Romans 16:20.
WHAT THE PASSING OF TIME HAS REVEALED
22, 23. (a) As to rulership, what have Satan and mankind been doing during the time allowed by God? (b) What does human history for the past six thousand years show as to government that endeavors to ignore God?
22 What has resulted from God’s accepting the challenge as to the rightfulness of his sovereignty? Has man benefited himself by listening to God’s adversary and endeavoring to run his own affairs? Satan has been permitted to build up “wicked spirit forces,” organizing them into ‘governments and authorities and world rulers.’ (Ephesians 6:11, 12) Mankind has been granted opportunity to try every conceivable type of government. Jehovah did not allow only a few generations to come and go and then put a stop to man’s efforts before the full results could be seen. Even a century ago would have been too soon. Man was then just entering the “era of technology” and was only beginning to make great claims about what he would now accomplish.
23 But now, is another century needed to see what the outcome of man’s course of independence from God will be? Even prominent men in fields of government and science acknowledge that, judged by present trends, the earth and life upon it now face grave danger of ruination. Certainly God does not need to permit complete ruin in order to prove the utter failure of man’s independent rule. With the testimony of six thousand years bearing witness to the results of government that endeavors to ignore God, never can men—or spirit rebels either—say they did not have enough time to prove their challenge. The facts show that no government independent of God can bring real peace and security for all mankind.
24. What is soon to take place, to clear the way for righteous rule of the earth by God’s Son?
24 As we will later see, long in advance and with perfect timing Jehovah God marked this generation as the one during which he would cleanse the universe of all rebellion against his divine rulership. Not only would wicked men be forever destroyed, but Satan and his demons would be restrained as in an abyss, unable to influence the affairs of either men or angels. This is to open the way for the righteous rule of earth by the government of God’s Son. During a period of a thousand years, that government will undo all the harm brought by man’s thousands of years of selfish rule. It will restore this earth to paradisaic loveliness and bring obedient mankind back to the perfection enjoyed in Eden.—Revelation 20:1, 2; 21:1-5; 1 Corinthians 15:25, 26.
25. (a) Why are Satan and his demons to be released at the end of a thousand years? (b) What will the outcome be?
25 At the close of that thousand-year rule, the Bible states that God’s adversary and his demons will be released from their restraint for a brief time. Why? In order that all those then living may have the opportunity and privilege of giving a final, resounding answer to the challenging issue raised, showing themselves to be wholeheartedly in favor of and loyal to Jehovah God’s sovereign rule. Untold numbers will have come forth in the resurrection. For many of them this will be their first opportunity to demonstrate under test their devotion and love for the Life-Giver, Jehovah God. And even those who in the past stood up under tests in an imperfect state, and amid the bad conditions of this present system, will then be able to do so in human perfection and in surroundings similar to those of Eden. The issue will be the same as raised there in Eden—whether they as individuals will uphold Jehovah’s sovereignty by faithful obedience and unbreakable integrity to his expressed will. Jehovah God desires as his subjects only those who have the love that motivates such devotion. Those who wish to side with God’s adversary and his demons in whatever vain attempts these make to disturb anew the peace of God’s universe will be free to make that choice. But by thus spurning government by God they will merit destruction, and this time it will come promptly, as if by fire from heaven. All rebels, spirit and human, will then have perished for all time.—Revelation 20:7-10.
26, 27. How has Jehovah’s handling of matters really worked out for the benefit of each one of us?
26 True, for thousands of years mankind has suffered much hardship. But this was due to the first man’s choice, not God’s. God has endured reproach and has put up with things detestable to him for all this time. But God, for whom ‘a thousand years is as one day,’ is able to take a long-range view of matters and this works out for the good of his creatures. As the inspired apostle writes: “Jehovah is not slow respecting his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) Had it not been for God’s patience and long-suffering, what opportunity for salvation would any of us today have had?
27 However, we should not conclude that during the past six thousand years God’s role has been merely a passive one, that he has simply been tolerating the wickedness that has developed but taking no action himself. As we shall see, the facts show just the opposite. |
Life (lp)
1977 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/lp | Chapter 1
Life Does Have a Purpose
1, 2. Even if a person is living an enjoyable life, what perplexing questions may trouble him? (Ecclesiastes 1:2-4, 10, 11)
HOW good it is to be alive, to feel that you are accomplishing something and that your life has real meaning! Nobody really enjoys an aimless life—a life without a purpose.
2 Around the earth, millions of persons are working hard and trying to find happiness in living. Yet there comes a time when people stop and ask, Where am I really going? It may seem that life is merely a matter of living a few short years, raising children to carry on the family name, and then the children in turn repeat the same cycle. Is there no greater purpose in it all?
3, 4. (a) What things can quickly change the whole plan of our lives? (Psalm 90:10) (b) If we want something that will give more meaning to our lives, what question faces us for an answer?
3 Also, people know that, all too often, an economic upset, a war or some other calamity may wipe out a whole lifetime of effort. More sadly, to lose a dearly loved one because of sickness, accident or crime can make life suddenly seem terribly empty, aimless. Even at best, life seems so short. Compared to the ageless universe around us, a human lifetime is like the mere tick of a clock.
4 Surely there is something better in store for mankind, something that can give true meaning to our lives. If so, what is it? To answer this question we must first get the answer to an even more basic question: Is this universe and all life in it the product of a “Master Architect,” namely, God?
IS THERE A MASTER ARCHITECT WITH A PURPOSE?
5. What effect can uncertainty or doubt as to whether there is a Creator have on our lives and on the lives of those around us?
5 Our viewpoint on the origin of things can have a far stronger influence on the way we look at life, and on our attitude toward those around us, than many people realize. Uncertainty as to whether there is a universal Creator can make us uncertain about any definite purpose to life. It can also make us doubtful about what our true obligations are toward other humans. What happens then? Well, if we are unsure we just have to pattern our lives according to whatever each of us thinks best. That means our having no clear standard of right and wrong, no real sense of responsibility toward other people. It is not hard to see how many problems this could bring and how damaging it could be to the enjoyment of life.
6, 7. (a) Why do some people conclude there is no Creator, yet what may they be overlooking? (b) What conclusions as to a Creator might be logically drawn by comparing the universe to a watch? (Isaiah 40:26)
6 What reason is there for believing in a Master Architect, a God of purpose? Seeing so much injustice and suffering, some conclude that there is no Creator. But they may overlook the fact that there are many things that can be explained in no other way than by creation. If a person is shown a watch and told that the watch had no maker, he will not believe it, will he? He will probably acknowledge that this timekeeping instrument serves a definite purpose, which shows, additionally, that its maker had a purpose. What, then, will we say of the infinitely more complex and awesome universe around us? Perhaps the problem lies in not understanding what the Creator’s purpose is. Let us consider a few evidences that a purposeful Creator must exist.
7 The heavenly bodies have revolved in their vast orbits at tremendous speeds, with astounding precision, for untold millions of years. Planets orbit the sun in orderly fashion; the countless stars and other heavenly bodies are organized into galaxies and even clusters of galaxies. Their huge size and amazing accuracy of movement make the finest watch seem very crude by comparison. Are we not forced to ask ourselves, How could the watch have required a maker but not the far more awesome and precise universe? Further, could anything so intricate and accurate be without purpose?
8. Why is it contrary to the evidence to say that the universe is a product of chance or blind forces? (Hebrews 3:4)
8 To say that all this precision and order came about through chance or blind forces would go against all the evidence. Do we know of anything orderly that ever came about by mere chance? No matter what we think of—a machine, a production line, a house or even a simple broom—each had a designer: man. Inanimate matter never arranges itself by chance into some orderly product or process. Regardless of how much time you allow, blowing winds or moving waters will never assemble matter to produce even the simplest machine. Everything that is made to serve a purpose requires an intelligent organizer and maker.
9. How do radioactive materials provide evidence that matter has not always existed?
9 Suppose we were to take the position that there is no Creator. Then we would be obliged to say that the universe has always existed, that the matter in it is eternal. Yet clear evidence shows that matter has not always existed. For example, we know that some elements of the earth are unstable, that is, they are radioactive. Uranium, for example, keeps giving off radioactive particles until it eventually turns into lead. But if matter had always existed there would be no radioactive elements left today. The radioactivity would have all ‘run out’ long ago, even as water eventually runs completely out of a leaking barrel.
10. How does the existence of different temperatures indicate that the universe had a beginning?
10 Another evidence is the different temperatures found in the universe, from the blazing heat of the sun to the frigid cold of outer space. The scientifically accepted laws as to the way heat operates (called the laws of thermodynamics) state that heat always flows from a hot body to a cooler one until both are at the same temperature. Now, if the universe and the matter in it had existed eternally, there would be (according to “thermodynamics”) the same temperature everywhere, and a very cold one at that! But, thankfully, that is not the case. Our sun keeps on pouring out heat and energy, as do myriads of other stars. This proves that the universe, and the matter composing it, had a beginning.
11, 12. To what conclusion does a study of the atom bring us?
11 When scientists study matter, particularly the atom, they find evidence that all matter is the product of energy—enormous quantities of it. They once thought the atom was the simplest form of matter, the indivisible building block of all matter. But after years of study they find that the atom’s structure is so complex that they are still unable to unlock all its secrets. Obviously, the source of tremendous energy that formed the atom, and all matter, and that set the universe in motion must be a person, with a mind far superior to man’s, Yes, these things are powerful, factual evidences that the universe did actually originate at some definite time in the past. It was created.
12 And what about the planet we humans live on, this earth? What evidence of intelligent, purposeful design does its ability to sustain life reveal?
SUN AND EARTH—A PRECISE RELATIONSHIP
13, 14. How does the sun give evidence of a powerful, benevolent Master Architect? (Psalm 74:16)
13 Men have made atomic powerhouses—thermonuclear reactors—and their output of energy is greater than that by any other means. But they have to be monitored constantly for fear of a devastating explosion. Even so, some accidents have already happened. Now, the man-made reactors are puny, insignificant, compared to our sun. If the mighty, explosive processes in the sun were to go out of control, the earth could be burned up in an instant. Yet for billions of years, with apparently little or no change, the sun has steadily produced light and heat. It has been calculated that the conversion of only one percent of the sun’s mass into energy would maintain its present intensity of light for at least a billion years.
14 How reasonable is it, then, to conclude that man-made reactors required intelligent design, but that the vastly greater and far more dependable solar reactor, the sun, came into existence by mere chance? Should we not instead give the credit to a benevolent Master Architect for designing a solar “reactor” that safely transmits just the right amount of its enormous energy through some 93,000,000 miles (150,000,000 kilometers) of space to our earth?
15. How is purposeful design shown in the earth’s distance from the sun?
15 Let us consider more closely the factors that make it possible for the earth to utilize the sun’s energy in a way that ensures the continuance of life. Earth’s distance from the sun is just right. If the sun were any closer the earth would be too hot for life; if farther away it would be too cold.
16. (a) What does the turning of the earth on its axis have to do with providing food for mankind and animals? (Psalm 104:14, 19-22) (b) What purpose is served, for our benefit, by the tilt of the earth’s axis in its orbit around the sun? (Genesis 1:14; 8:22)
16 Earth’s rate of rotation provides the whole earth with alternate day and night periods of the proper length for plant growth. Plants, utilizing sun power, change water and carbon dioxide into sugars. This process, known as photosynthesis, is vital in producing food for animals and man. (Genesis 1:29, 30) The tilt of the earth’s axis in a fixed direction at an angle of about 23 1⁄2 degrees from an upright position brings about the seasons. The time the earth takes for a trip around the sun makes the seasons just the proper length. While lengths of day and season vary somewhat in different parts of the earth, the abundant varieties of vegetation, nevertheless, get the required energy for growth.
OUR ATMOSPHERE—IDEAL MEDIUM IN WHICH TO LIVE
17. How do the sun and the earth’s atmosphere work together to provide protection from a deadly feature of the sun’s radiation?
17 If any of the aforementioned features were significantly changed, it would mean disaster to life on earth. Yet they are only a fraction of the things essential for life. In fact, without an atmosphere surrounding our earth, the sun’s light and energy would be useless, even dangerous. The earth’s extensive atmosphere shields life from deadly rays. And the sun’s radiation itself helps the atmosphere to produce a layer of ozone, a form of oxygen that filters out death-dealing ultraviolet rays.
18. Does it just “happen” that there is plenty of oxygen in earth’s atmosphere and that it is highly diluted with nitrogen? Explain.
18 The makeup of earth’s atmosphere is also very important if life is to continue. For example, we humans cannot live without oxygen. When deprived of it for just a few minutes, the brain is severely damaged. Usually death ensues. Is it not a very fine thing that oxygen exists in plentiful amounts in the atmosphere? But, then, oxygen is also what makes fire possible. So the vast quantity of this gas all around us could be destructive to life; we could be in danger of burning up. Why does this not happen? Because the oxygen in our atmosphere is greatly diluted with nitrogen, a relatively inactive gas.
19. What conclusions may we reach from a comparison of the atmosphere of the sun with that of the earth?
19 Furthermore, the atmosphere has been prepared just as by a fine “recipe,” with other essential ingredients in the right proportions—carbon dioxide, water vapor, and so forth. On the sun an atmosphere made up mainly of hydrogen is necessary, but in earth’s atmosphere hydrogen, because of its explosive properties, would be a constant menace. Unless there is a Master Architect with a purpose, why would such a balance, a “cooperation,” as it were, come about in the atmospheres of both sun and earth, so that the earth is so admirably fitted for life, while the sun, so far away, is equipped to sustain that life?
WATER—LIFE-SUSTAINING FLUID
20, 21. (a) Earth is unique among the planets in that it has great quantities of what vital substance? (b) What are some valuable purposes served by the mighty oceans?
20 Besides an atmosphere with just the right mixture of gases, water in its normal liquid form—lots of it—is essential for physical life. Of all the planets, earth is unique in this respect. The enormous volume of the oceans is the basis for the rain cycle, which makes plant growth possible. The oceans also prevent extreme temperature fluctuation.
21 Without the oceans another cycle—the oxygen and carbon-dioxide cycle—would fail. Oxygen is used by animal life, carbon dioxide by plant life. The oceans absorb and release billions of tons of carbon dioxide as needed to keep the supply balanced at all times. Of course, the oceans are also a source of abundant mineral and animal wealth.—Deuteronomy 33:19.
22. Why is water so valuable for the nourishment of plant and animal life?
22 Water is a unique, almost “miraculous” fluid. It has the greatest solvent power of any liquid. For this reason it can store the chemical compounds needed to support plant life. Water penetrates the soil and dissolves the life-sustaining chemicals found there. It then carries these nutrients as it circulates to the various parts of the plants. (Isaiah 55:10) Water is the primary constituent of blood that carries life-giving nourishment to human and animal body cells. Our bodies are, in fact, about 70 percent water.
23. Why is water’s stability as a liquid under a wide range of temperatures important to our lives?
23 Remarkable, too, is the fact that water remains liquid under a wide range of normal temperatures. If it evaporated faster, rain could not stay on or in the ground to dissolve the minerals and transport these to the plants. Vegetation would lose its moisture too rapidly, and large areas would become desert land. If the boiling point of water were much lower than it is now, there would be the danger that our blood would boil when we were exposed to the hot sun. If water froze or solidified too readily, rainfall would be negligible and plants would die.
24. What purposes are served by water’s unusual property of expansion when freezing?
24 Additionally, water expands slightly on becoming ice, therefore floating instead of sinking to the bottom. This prevents lakes and other large bodies of water from freezing solid, with consequent damage to life. This property of expansion plays a part in soil making, for water runs into cracks and crevices in rocks, then expands as it freezes, breaking the rocks into fine, tillable soil—all of this without man having to be concerned about it.
25. If we reason on the fact that the earth has such an abundant supply of water, what conclusion are we moved to reach? (Jeremiah 10:12, 13)
25 How does it happen that, of all liquids, there is so much of this valuable water on earth? Surely it did not just happen. Its provision must be the work of a Master Architect—one who really cares for his living creation on earth!
THE EVIDENCE IS UNMISTAKABLE
26. Though God is invisible to human eyes, how can we know that such a Master Designer and Creator exists?
26 Truly, the person who takes a penetrating look at the visible evidence around him can see that there must be a supremely intelligent Personality, a Master Designer and Creator. Though this benevolent Designer cannot be seen with natural eyes, “his invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship.”—Romans 1:20.
27. Why is it not reasonable that we should demand to see God to believe that he exists?
27 Some demand to see God before they will believe that he exists. But does it make sense to expect to see the One who created all these marvelous things? We can hardly bear to look directly at the sun, and certainly would be blinded and burned up if some of the larger suns were as close to earth as ours is. Then, what brilliance the Creator of these suns would display if he should reveal himself to human eyes! To Moses, who asked to see His glory, God replied: “You are not able to see my face, because no man may see me and yet live.”—Exodus 33:20.
28. In harmony with Romans 1:20, how can we see evidences of a Master Architect of love and care as we observe the universe?
28 However, if we use our powers of reason, we can see, in creation, an expression of unlimited power and control. Chance or blind forces cannot exercise purposeful control, or establish any laws. Law and control are evidences of the invisible qualities of a Master Architect. Also, the care with which the universe (including our solar system and planet earth) is put together, providing every good thing for the life of humankind, indicates great love and great concern. These are traits that can belong only to an intelligent and compassionate personality.
29. Having concluded that there is a Creator, what questions deserve our next consideration?
29 But does God care for his creation in our day? Having designed and brought forth the universe, does he have further interest in dealing with it? Is there, in the mind of God, a future for man and a purpose toward every person who lives, or has lived?
[Full-page picture on page 4]
[Picture on page 6]
A watch has a maker . . .
[Picture on page 7]
. . . What, then, of the awesome universe?
[Picture on page 11]
Man can hardly bear to look directly at the sun. Should he expect to gaze on its awesome Creator?
[Picture on page 13]
How does it happen that on earth there is such an abundance of this liquid that is so essential for physical life? |
“All Scripture” (si)
1990 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/books/all-scripture-si | Bible Book Number 24—Jeremiah
Writer: Jeremiah
Places Written: Judah and Egypt
Writing Completed: 580 B.C.E.
Time Covered: 647–580 B.C.E.
1. When and by whom was Jeremiah commissioned?
THE prophet Jeremiah lived during dangerous and turbulent times. He was commissioned by Jehovah in the year 647 B.C.E., the 13th year of the reign of God-fearing King Josiah of Judah. During repairs on the house of Jehovah, the book of the Law of Jehovah was found and was read to the king. He worked hard at enforcing this, but he could at most only temporarily turn back the falling away to idolatry. Josiah’s grandfather Manasseh, who had reigned for 55 years, and his father Amon, who had been assassinated after a reign of just 2 years, had both done wickedly. They had encouraged the people in impure orgies and gruesome rites, so that they had become accustomed to offering incense to the “queen of the heavens” and human sacrifices to demon gods. Manasseh had filled Jerusalem with innocent blood.—Jer. 1:2; 44:19; 2 Ki. 21:6, 16, 19-23; 23:26, 27.
2. What was Jeremiah’s task, and what eventful years did his prophesying cover?
2 Jeremiah’s task was no easy one. He had to serve as Jehovah’s prophet in foretelling the desolation of Judah and Jerusalem, the burning of the magnificent temple of Jehovah, and the captivity of his people—catastrophes almost unbelievable! His prophesying in Jerusalem had to continue 40 years, through the reigns of bad Kings Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin (Coniah), and Zedekiah. (Jer. 1:2, 3) Later, in Egypt, he had to prophesy concerning the idolatries of the Jewish refugees there. His book was completed in 580 B.C.E. The time covered by Jeremiah is thus an eventful period of 67 years.—52:31.
3. (a) How were the canonicity and authenticity of the book of Jeremiah established in Hebrew times? (b) What further testimony on this is to be found in the Christian Greek Scriptures?
3 In Hebrew the name of the prophet and of his book is Yir·meyahʹ or Yir·meyaʹhu, meaning, possibly, “Jehovah Exalts; or, Jehovah Loosens [likely from the womb].” The book occurs in all the catalogs of the Hebrew Scriptures, and its canonicity is generally accepted. The dramatic fulfillment of a number of the prophecies during Jeremiah’s own lifetime attests fully to its authenticity. Moreover, Jeremiah is referred to several times by name in the Christian Greek Scriptures. (Matt. 2:17, 18; 16:14; 27:9) That Jesus had studied the book of Jeremiah is evident from his combining the language of Jeremiah 7:11 with that of Isaiah 56:7 when he cleansed the temple. (Mark 11:17; Luke 19:46) Because of Jesus’ boldness and courage, some people even thought him to be Jeremiah. (Matt. 16:13, 14) Jeremiah’s prophecy of a new covenant (Jer. 31:31-34) is referred to by Paul at Hebrews 8:8-12 and Heb 10:16, 17. Paul quotes Jeremiah 9:24 in saying: “He that boasts, let him boast in Jehovah.” (1 Cor. 1:31) At Revelation 18:21 there is an even more forceful application of Jeremiah’s illustration (Jer. 51:63, 64) of Babylon’s downfall.
4. How does archaeology support the record?
4 Archaeological findings also give support to the record in Jeremiah. For example, a Babylonian chronicle tells of Nebuchadnezzar’s (Nebuchadrezzar) capture of Jerusalem in 617 B.C.E., when he seized the king (Jehoiachin) and appointed one of his own choice (Zedekiah).—24:1; 29:1, 2; 37:1.a
5. (a) What is known concerning Jeremiah himself? (b) What may be said as to his style of writing?
5 We possess a more complete biography of Jeremiah than of any of the other ancient prophets with the exception of Moses. Jeremiah reveals much about himself, his feelings, and his emotions, indicating an intrepid boldness and courage, mingled with humility and tenderness of heart. He was not only a prophet but also a priest, a compiler of Scripture, and an accurate historian. By birth he was the son of priest Hilkiah of Anathoth, a priest’s city in the country to the north of Jerusalem, “in the land of Benjamin.” (1:1) Jeremiah’s style of writing is clear, direct, and easily understood. Illustrations and pictorial imagery abound, and the book consists of both prose and poetry.
outputS OF JEREMIAH
6. How is the subject matter of the prophecy arranged?
6 The material is arranged not chronologically but according to subject matter. Thus, the account makes many changes as to time and surrounding circumstances. Finally, the desolation of Jerusalem and Judah is described in stark detail in chapter 52. This not only shows the fulfillment of much of the prophecy but also provides the setting for the book of Lamentations, which follows.
7. How did Jeremiah become a prophet, and how does Jehovah reassure him?
7 Jehovah commissions Jeremiah (1:1-19). Is it because Jeremiah wanted to be a prophet or because he came from a priestly family that he is commissioned? Jehovah himself explains: “Before I was forming you in the belly I knew you, and before you proceeded to come forth from the womb I sanctified you. Prophet to the nations I made you.” It is an assignment from Jehovah. Is Jeremiah willing to go? In humility he offers the excuse, “I am but a boy.” Jehovah reassures him: “Here I have put my words in your mouth. See, I have commissioned you this day to be over the nations and over the kingdoms, in order to uproot and to pull down and to destroy and to tear down, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah must not be afraid. “They will be certain to fight against you, but they will not prevail against you, for ‘I am with you,’ is the utterance of Jehovah, ‘to deliver you.’”—1:5, 6, 9, 10, 19.
8. (a) In what has Jerusalem been unfaithful? (b) How will Jehovah bring calamity?
8 Jerusalem, an unfaithful wife (2:1–6:30). What message does the word of Jehovah bring to Jeremiah? Jerusalem has forgotten her first love. She has left Jehovah, the Source of living waters, and prostituted herself with strange gods. From a choice red vine, she has been changed into “the degenerate shoots of a foreign vine.” (2:21) Her skirts have been bloodied with the souls of the poor innocent ones. Even prostitute Israel has proved more righteous than Judah. God calls on these renegade sons to return because he is their husbandly owner. But they have been as a treacherous wife. They may return if they will take away their disgusting things and circumcise their hearts. “Raise a signal toward Zion,” for Jehovah will bring a calamity from the north. (4:6) Crash upon crash! As a lion out of his thicket, as a searing wind through the wilderness, with chariots like a storm wind, so will Jehovah’s executioner come.
9. (a) What word does Jeremiah have for stubborn Jerusalem? (b) Of what use are their cries of peace?
9 Go roving through Jerusalem. What do you see? Only transgressions and unfaithfulness! The people have denied Jehovah, and His word in Jeremiah’s mouth must become a fire to devour them like pieces of wood. Just as they have left Jehovah to serve a foreign god, so He will make them serve strangers in a foreign land. Stubborn ones! They have eyes but cannot see, and ears but cannot hear. How horrible! Prophets and priests actually prophesy in falsehood, “and my own people have loved it that way,” says Jehovah. (5:31) Calamity approaches from the north, yet “from the least one of them even to the greatest one of them, every one is making for himself unjust gain.” They are saying, “‘There is peace! There is peace!’ when there is no peace.” (6:13, 14) But suddenly the despoiler will come. Jehovah has made Jeremiah a metal tester among them, but there is nothing but dross and rejected silver. They are entirely bad.
10. Why must Jerusalem meet up with the same fate as Shiloh and Ephraim?
10 Warning that temple is no protection (7:1–10:25). The word of Jehovah comes to Jeremiah, and he is to make proclamation at the temple gate. Hear him as he cries out to those entering in: ‘You are bragging about the temple of Jehovah, but what are you doing? Oppressing the fatherless and widow, shedding innocent blood, walking after other gods, stealing, murdering, committing adultery, swearing falsely, and making sacrifices to Baal! Hypocrites! You have made Jehovah’s house “a mere cave of robbers.” Recall what Jehovah did to Shiloh. He will do the same to your house, O Judah, and he will throw you out, just as he threw out Ephraim (Israel) to the north.’—Jer. 7:4-11; 1 Sam. 2:12-14; 3:11-14; 4:12-22.
11. Why is Judah past praying for?
11 Judah is past praying for. Why, the people are even making cakes to sacrifice to the “queen of the heavens”! Truly, “this is the nation whose people have not obeyed the voice of Jehovah its God, and have not taken discipline. Faithfulness has perished.” (Jer. 7:18, 28) Judah has set disgusting things in Jehovah’s house and has burned her sons and daughters on the high places of Topheth in the valley of Hinnom. Look! It will be called “the valley of the killing,” and their dead bodies will become food for fowl and beast. (7:32) Rejoicing and exultation must cease out of Judah and Jerusalem.
12. Instead of peace, what is to overtake Judah and her adopted gods?
12 They were hoping for peace and healing, but look, terror! Scattering, extermination, and lamentation will result from their stubbornness. ‘Jehovah is the living God and the King to time indefinite.’ As for the gods that did not make the heavens and the earth, there is no spirit in them. They are a vanity and a work of mockery, and they will perish. (10:10-15) Jehovah will sling out the inhabitants of the earth. Listen! A great pounding from the land of the north that is to desolate the cities of Judah. The prophet acknowledges: ‘It is not in earthling man to direct his course,’ and he prays for correction that he may not be reduced to nothing.—10:23.
13. Why is Jeremiah forbidden to pray for Judah, and how does Jehovah strengthen Jeremiah in an hour of danger?
13 The covenant breakers cursed (11:1–12:17). Judah has disobeyed the words of its covenant with Jehovah. It is useless for the people to call for aid. Jeremiah must not pray for Judah, for Jehovah “has set a fire blazing” against this once luxuriant olive tree. (11:16) As Jeremiah’s fellow citizens of Anathoth conspire to destroy him, the prophet turns to Jehovah for strength and help. Jehovah promises vengeance on Anathoth. Jeremiah asks, ‘Why is it that the way of the wicked has succeeded?’ Jehovah assures him: ‘I will uproot and destroy the disobedient nation.’—12:1, 17.
14. (a) By what illustrations does Jehovah make known that Jerusalem is irreformable and that the judgment against her is irreversible? (b) What results to Jeremiah from eating Jehovah’s words?
14 Jerusalem irreformable and doomed (13:1–15:21). Jeremiah recounts how Jehovah commanded him to put a linen belt on his hips and then to hide it in a crag by the Euphrates. When Jeremiah came to dig it up, it had been ruined. “It was not fit for anything.” Thus Jehovah illustrated his determination to bring to ruin “the pride of Judah and the abundant pride of Jerusalem.” (13:7, 9) He will dash them together in their drunkenness, like large jars filled with wine. “Can a Cushite change his skin? or a leopard its spots?” (13:23) Just so, Jerusalem is irreformable. Jeremiah must not pray for these people. Even if Moses and Samuel came before Jehovah to intercede for them, he would not listen, for he has determined to devote Jerusalem to destruction. Jehovah strengthens Jeremiah against his reproachers. Jeremiah finds and eats Jehovah’s words, resulting in ‘exultation and rejoicing of heart.’ (15:16) It is a time, not for idle joking, but for trusting in Jehovah, who has promised to make Jeremiah a fortified copper wall against the people.
15. (a) How serious are the times, and by what command does Jehovah give this emphasis? (b) How will the people come to know Jehovah’s name, and why does their sin not deceive him?
15 Jehovah will send fishers and hunters (16:1–17:27). In view of the impending desolation, Jehovah commands Jeremiah: “You must not take for yourself a wife, and you must not come to have sons and daughters in this place.” (16:2) It is time neither to mourn nor to banquet with the people, for Jehovah is about to hurl them out of the land. Then Jehovah also promises to send ‘fishers to fish them and hunters to hunt them,’ and by his accomplishing all of this, “they will have to know that [his] name is Jehovah.” (16:16, 21) The sin of Judah is engraved on the hearts of the people with an iron stylus, yes, with a diamond point. “The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate,” but Jehovah can search the heart. None can deceive him. Those apostatizing “have left the source of living water, Jehovah.” (17:9, 13) If Judah will not sanctify the Sabbath day, Jehovah will devour her gates and towers with fire.
16. What does Jehovah illustrate by the potter and his clay vessels?
16 The potter and the clay (18:1–19:15). Jehovah commands Jeremiah to go down to the potter’s house. There he observes how the potter turns back a spoiled vessel of clay, making it into another vessel as he pleases. Jehovah then declares himself to be the Potter to the house of Israel, with power to pull down or to build up. Next, he tells Jeremiah to take a potter’s flask to the Valley of Hinnom and there pronounce calamity from Jehovah because the people have filled the place with innocent blood, burning their sons in the fire as whole burnt offerings to the Baal. Jeremiah must then break the flask in symbol of Jehovah’s breaking Jerusalem and the people of Judah.
17. What hard experience does Jeremiah have, but does this silence him?
17 No quitting under persecution (20:1-18). Irritated by Jeremiah’s bold preaching, the temple commissioner Pashhur puts Jeremiah in stocks for a night. On his release, Jeremiah foretells Pashhur’s captivity and death in Babylon. Grieved by the derision and reproach leveled against him, Jeremiah contemplates quitting. However, he cannot keep silent. The word of Jehovah comes to be ‘in his heart like a burning fire shut up in his bones,’ so that he is compelled to speak. Though cursing the day of his birth, he cries out: “Sing to Jehovah, you people! Praise Jehovah! For he has delivered the soul of the poor one out of the hand of evildoers.”—20:9, 13.
18. Of what does Jeremiah notify Zedekiah?
18 Jehovah’s indignation against the rulers (21:1–22:30). In answer to an inquiry from Zedekiah, Jeremiah notifies him of Jehovah’s rage against the city: The king of Babylon will lay siege against it, and it will be destroyed by pestilence, sword, famine, and fire. Shallum (Jehoahaz) will die in exile, Jehoiakim will have the burial of a he-ass, and his son Coniah (Jehoiachin) will be hurled out of Judah to die in Babylon.
19. What does Jeremiah prophesy concerning “a righteous sprout,” and what is illustrated by the two baskets of figs?
19 Hope in “a righteous sprout” (23:1–24:10). Jehovah promises real shepherds to replace the false shepherds and “a righteous sprout” out of the stock of David, a king who “will certainly reign and act with discretion and execute justice and righteousness in the land.” His name? “He will be called, Jehovah Is Our Righteousness.” He will gather the dispersed remnant. (23:5, 6) If the prophets had stood in Jehovah’s intimate group, they would have caused the people to hear and turn back from their bad way. Instead, says Jehovah, they “cause my people to wander about because of their falsehoods.” (23:22, 32) “Look! Two baskets of figs.” Jeremiah uses the good and the bad figs to illustrate a faithful remnant returning to their land in God’s favor and another class coming to a calamitous finish.—24:1, 5, 8-10.
20. How does Jehovah use Babylon as his servant, but what, in turn, will be her fate?
20 Jehovah’s controversy with the nations (25:1-38). This chapter is a summary of judgments that appear in greater detail in chapters 45-49. By three parallel prophecies, Jehovah now pronounces calamity for all the nations on earth. First, Nebuchadrezzar is identified as Jehovah’s servant to devastate Judah and the surrounding nations, “and these nations will have to serve the king of Babylon seventy years.” Then it will be Babylon’s turn, and she will become “desolate wastes to time indefinite.”—25:1-14.
21. Who must drink of the cup of Jehovah’s rage? With what result?
21 The second prophecy is the vision of the cup of wine of Jehovah’s rage. Jeremiah must take this cup to the nations, and “they must drink and shake back and forth and act like crazed men” because of Jehovah’s destruction coming against them. First, to Jerusalem and Judah! Then, on to Egypt, back to Philistia, across to Edom, up to Tyre, to lands near and far, and to “all the other kingdoms of the earth that are on the surface of the ground; and the king of Sheshach himself will drink after them.” They shall ‘drink and puke and fall.’ None will be spared.—25:15-29.
22. In what great calamity will Jehovah’s burning anger be expressed?
22 In the third prophecy, Jeremiah rises to magnificent poetic heights. “From on high Jehovah himself will roar . . . against all the inhabitants of the earth.” A noise, a calamity, a great tempest! “And those slain by Jehovah will certainly come to be in that day from one end of the earth clear to the other end of the earth.” No lamenting, no funerals. They will be as manure on the ground. The false shepherds will be slaughtered, along with the majestic ones of their flock. There is no escape for them. Listen to their howling! Jehovah himself “is despoiling their pasturage . . . because of his burning anger.”—25:30-38.
23. (a) What conspiracy is formed against Jeremiah, what is his defense, and what precedents are referred to in acquitting him? (b) How does Jeremiah enact the coming Babylonian bondage, and what prophecy concerning Hananiah comes true?
23 Jeremiah vindicated (26:1–28:17). The rulers and people conspire to put Jeremiah to death. Jeremiah makes his defense. It is the word of Jehovah that he has spoken. If they kill him, they will kill an innocent man. The verdict: not guilty. The older men introduce the precedents of the prophets Micah and Urijah in discussing Jeremiah’s case. Jehovah next commands Jeremiah to make bands and yokes, put them upon his neck, and then send them to the nations round about as symbols that they must serve the king of Babylon for three generations of rulers. Hananiah, one of the false prophets, opposes Jeremiah. He declares that the yoke of Babylon will be broken within two years and pictures this by breaking the wooden yoke. Jehovah underlines his prophecy by having Jeremiah make iron yokes and foretell that Hananiah must die that year. Hananiah dies.
24. (a) What message does Jeremiah send to the exiles in Babylon? (b) With whom will Jehovah conclude a new covenant, and how will this prove to be grander than the former covenant?
24 Comfort for the exiles in Babylon (29:1–31:40). Jeremiah writes to the exiles taken to Babylon with Jeconiah (Jehoiachin): Settle down there, for before Jehovah brings you back, there is coming a period of 70 years of exile. Jehovah commands Jeremiah to write of their return in a book: Jehovah will break their yoke, and “they will certainly serve Jehovah their God and David their king, whom I [Jehovah] shall raise up for them.” (30:9) Rachel must hold her voice back from weeping, for her sons “will certainly return from the land of the enemy.” (31:16) And now, a reassuring declaration by Jehovah! He will conclude with the houses of Judah and Israel a new covenant. Far grander this than the covenant they have broken! Jehovah will write his law deep down inside, on their hearts. “And I will become their God, and they themselves will become my people.” From the least to the greatest, all will know Jehovah, and he will forgive their error. (31:31-34) Their city will be rebuilt as something holy to Jehovah.
25. How is the certainty of Israel’s restoration emphasized, and what news does the word of Jehovah bring?
25 Jehovah’s covenant with David sure (32:1–34:22). During Nebuchadrezzar’s final siege of Jerusalem, Jeremiah is under restraint. However, as a sign that Jehovah will certainly restore Israel, Jeremiah buys a field in Anathoth and puts the deeds aside in an earthenware vessel. The word of Jehovah now brings good news: Judah and Jerusalem will rejoice again, and Jehovah will fulfill his covenant with David. But you, O Zedekiah, be warned that the king of Babylon will burn this city with fire and you yourself will go in captivity to Babylon. Woe to the slave owners who agreed to free their slaves but who have violated their covenant!
26. What promise does Jehovah make to the Rechabites, and why?
26 Jehovah’s promise to Rechab (35:1-19). In the days of King Jehoiakim, Jehovah sends Jeremiah to the Rechabites. These took refuge in Jerusalem at the first approach of the Babylonians. Jeremiah offers them wine to drink. They refuse it because of the command of their forefather Jonadab, given over 250 years earlier. A striking contrast, indeed, to the unfaithful course of Judah! Jehovah promises them: “There will not be cut off from Jonadab the son of Rechab a man to stand before me always.”—35:19.
27. What makes necessary the rewriting of the prophecies of Jeremiah?
27 Jeremiah rewrites the book (36:1-32). Jehovah orders Jeremiah to write down all the words of his prophecies to date. Jeremiah dictates these to Baruch, who then reads them aloud in the house of Jehovah on a fast day. King Jehoiakim sends for the roll and, on hearing a part, angrily tears it up and pitches it into the fire. He commands the arrest of Jeremiah and Baruch, but Jehovah conceals them and tells Jeremiah to write a duplicate roll.
28. (a) What persistent prophecies does Jeremiah make? (b) How does Ebed-melech’s course contrast with that of the princes?
28 Jerusalem’s last days (37:1–39:18). The record returns to the reign of Zedekiah. The king asks Jeremiah to pray to Jehovah on Judah’s behalf. The prophet refuses, saying Jerusalem’s doom is certain. Jeremiah attempts to go to Anathoth but is seized as a deserter, beaten, and imprisoned many days. Zedekiah then sends for him. Is there word from Jehovah? To be sure there is! “Into the hand of the king of Babylon you will be given!” (37:17) Angered by Jeremiah’s persistent prophecies of doom, the princes throw him into a miry cistern. Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, a eunuch in the king’s house, kindly intercedes for him, so that Jeremiah is rescued from a lingering death, but he remains in detention in the Courtyard of the Guard. Again Zedekiah calls Jeremiah before him, only to be told: ‘Surrender to the king of Babylon or face captivity and the destruction of Jerusalem!’—38:17, 18.
29. What calamity now befalls Jerusalem, but how do Jeremiah and Ebed-melech fare?
29 The siege of Jerusalem lasts 18 months, and then the city is broken through in the 11th year of Zedekiah. The king flees with his army but is overtaken. His sons and the nobles are slain before his eyes, and he is blinded and carried to Babylon in fetters. The city is burned and laid in ruins, and all except a few poor people are taken into exile to Babylon. By Nebuchadrezzar’s order, Jeremiah is released from the courtyard. Before his release he tells Ebed-melech of Jehovah’s promise to deliver him, ‘because he trusted in Jehovah.’—39:18.
30. How do the remaining people fail to heed Jeremiah’s advice, and what judgment of doom does Jeremiah make known in Egypt?
30 Final events at Mizpah and in Egypt (40:1–44:30). Jeremiah remains at Mizpah with Gedaliah, whom the Babylonians make governor over the remaining people. After two months Gedaliah is murdered. The people seek Jeremiah’s advice, and he relays God’s word to them: ‘Jehovah will not uproot you from this land. Do not be afraid because of the king of Babylon. If, however, you go down to Egypt, you will die!’ Down to Egypt they go, taking Jeremiah and Baruch with them. At Tahpanhes in Egypt, Jeremiah makes known Jehovah’s judgment of doom: The king of Babylon will set his throne in Egypt. It is useless for Israel to worship the gods of Egypt and to resume sacrifice to the “queen of the heavens.” Have they forgotten how Jehovah desolated Jerusalem for its idolatry? Jehovah will bring calamity on them in the land of Egypt, and they will not return to Judah. As a sign, Jehovah is giving Pharaoh Hophra himself into the hand of his enemies.
31. What assurance is given Baruch?
31 Baruch’s lot (45:1-5). Baruch is distressed at hearing Jeremiah’s repeated prophecies of doom. He is told to think first of Jehovah’s work of building up and tearing down instead of “seeking great things” for himself. (45:5) He will be saved through all the calamity.
32. Against whom will “the sword of Jehovah” come?
32 Jehovah’s sword against the nations (46:1–49:39). Jeremiah tells of Babylon’s victories over Egypt at Carchemish and elsewhere. Though the nations be exterminated, Jacob will remain but will not go unpunished. “The sword of Jehovah” will come against the Philistines, against proud Moab and bragging Ammon, against Edom and Damascus, Kedar and Hazor. (47:6) The bow of Elam will be broken.
33. (a) What will happen to the golden cup, Babylon? (b) How, therefore, must God’s people act?
33 Jehovah’s sword against Babylon (50:1–51:64). Jehovah speaks concerning Babylon: Tell it among the nations. Hide nothing. Babylon has been captured and her gods shamed. Flee out of her. This forge hammer that has smashed the nations of all the earth has herself been broken. “O Presumptuousness,” the oppressor of captive Israel and Judah, know that Jehovah of armies is their Repurchaser. Babylon will become a haunt of howling animals. “Just as with God’s overthrow of Sodom and of Gomorrah . . . , no man will dwell there.” (50:31, 40) Babylon has been a golden cup in Jehovah’s hand to make the nations drunk, but suddenly she has fallen, so that she herself is broken. Howl over her, you people. Jehovah has aroused the spirit of the kings of the Medes to bring her to ruin. The mighty men of Babylon have ceased to fight. They have become like women. The daughter of Babylon will be trodden down solid like a threshing floor. “They must sleep an indefinitely lasting sleep, from which they will not wake up.” The sea has come up and covered Babylon with a multitude of waves. “Get out of the midst of her, O my people, and provide each one his soul with escape from the burning anger of Jehovah.” (51:39, 45) Listen to the outcry, to the great crash from Babylon! Babylon’s weapons of war must be shattered, for Jehovah is a God of recompense. Without fail he will repay.
34. What sign illustrates Babylon’s fall?
34 Jeremiah commands Seraiah: ‘Go to Babylon and read aloud these words of the prophecy against Babylon. Then tie a stone to the book and pitch it into the midst of the Euphrates. “And you must say, ‘This is how Babylon will sink down and never rise up because of the calamity that I am bringing in upon her.’”’—51:61-64.
35. What record now follows?
35 Record of Jerusalem’s fall (52:1-34). This account is almost identical with that previously covered at 2 Kings 24:18-20; 25:1-21, 27-30.
WHY BENEFICIAL
36. (a) What example of courageous zeal do we find in Jeremiah? (b) In what respects are Baruch, the Rechabites, and Ebed-melech also fine examples for us?
36 This inspired prophecy is altogether upbuilding and beneficial. Look at the courageous example of the prophet himself. He was fearless in proclaiming an unpopular message to a godless people. He spurned fellowship with the wicked. He appreciated the urgency of Jehovah’s message, giving himself wholeheartedly to Jehovah’s work and never quitting. He found God’s word to be like a fire in his bones, and it was the exultation and rejoicing of his heart. (Jer. 15:16-20; 20:8-13) May we ever be as zealous for the word of Jehovah! May we also give loyal support to God’s servants, as Baruch did to Jeremiah. The sincere obedience of the Rechabites is also a splendid example to us, and so is Ebed-melech’s kindly consideration for the persecuted prophet.—36:8-19, 32; 35:1-19; 38:7-13; 39:15-18.
37. How does a consideration of Jeremiah strengthen faith in Jehovah’s power of prophecy?
37 The word of Jehovah that came to Jeremiah was fulfilled with astounding accuracy. This certainly strengthens faith in Jehovah’s power of prophecy. Take, for example, the prophecy fulfillments that Jeremiah himself survived to see, such as the captivity of Zedekiah and the destruction of Jerusalem (21:3-10; 39:6-9), the dethronement and the death in captivity of King Shallum (Jehoahaz) (Jer. 22:11, 12; 2 Ki. 23:30-34; 2 Chron. 36:1-4), the taking captive of King Coniah (Jehoiachin) to Babylon (Jer. 22:24-27; 2 Ki. 24:15, 16), and the death within one year of the false prophet Hananiah (Jer. 28:16, 17). All these prophecies, and more, were fulfilled just as Jehovah had foretold. Later prophets and servants of Jehovah also found Jeremiah’s prophecy authoritative and beneficial. For example, Daniel discerned from the writings of Jeremiah that Jerusalem’s desolation must be 70 years, and Ezra drew attention to the fulfillment of Jeremiah’s words at the end of the 70 years.—Dan. 9:2; 2 Chron. 36:20, 21; Ezra 1:1; Jer. 25:11, 12; 29:10.
38. (a) What covenant, referred to also by Jesus, is highlighted in Jeremiah’s prophecy? (b) What Kingdom hope is proclaimed?
38 On the occasion when he established the celebration of the Lord’s Evening Meal with his disciples, Jesus indicated the fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecy concerning the new covenant. Thus, he referred to “the new covenant by virtue of my blood,” whereby their sins were forgiven and they were gathered as Jehovah’s spiritual nation. (Luke 22:20; Jer. 31:31-34) The spirit-begotten ones brought into the new covenant are the ones whom Christ takes into a covenant for the Kingdom, to rule with him in the heavens. (Luke 22:29; Rev. 5:9, 10; 20:6) Reference is made to this Kingdom a number of times in Jeremiah’s prophecy. Amid all the denunciations of faithless Jerusalem, Jeremiah pointed out this ray of hope: “‘Look! There are days coming,’ is the utterance of Jehovah, ‘and I will raise up to David a righteous sprout. And a king will certainly reign and act with discretion and execute justice and righteousness in the land.’” Yes, a king called “Jehovah Is Our Righteousness.”—Jer. 23:5, 6.
39. The return of a remnant from Babylon, as foretold by Jeremiah, gives assurance of what?
39 Again Jeremiah speaks of a restoration: “And they will certainly serve Jehovah their God and David their king, whom I shall raise up for them.” (30:9) Finally, he tells of the good word that Jehovah has spoken concerning Israel and Judah, to the effect that “in those days and at that time [Jehovah will] make sprout for David a righteous sprout,” so as to multiply his seed and so that there will be “a son ruling as king upon his throne.” (33:15, 21) As surely as a remnant returned from Babylon, so will the Kingdom of this righteous “sprout” execute justice and righteousness in all the earth.—Luke 1:32.
[Footnotes]
a Insight on the Scriptures, Vol. 2, pages 326, 480. |
Reasoning (rs)
1989 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/books/reasoning-rs | Cross
Definition: The device on which Jesus Christ was executed is referred to by most of Christendom as a cross. The expression is drawn from the Latin crux.
Why do Watch Tower publications show Jesus on a stake with hands over his head instead of on the traditional cross?
The Greek word rendered “cross” in many modern Bible versions (“torture stake” in NW) is stau·rosʹ. In classical Greek, this word meant merely an upright stake, or pale. Later it also came to be used for an execution stake having a crosspiece. The Imperial Bible-Dictionary acknowledges this, saying: “The Greek word for cross, [stau·rosʹ], properly signified a stake, an upright pole, or piece of paling, on which anything might be hung, or which might be used in impaling [fencing in] a piece of ground. . . . Even amongst the Romans the crux (from which our cross is derived) appears to have been originally an upright pole.”—Edited by P. Fairbairn (London, 1874), Vol. I, p. 376.
Was that the case in connection with the execution of God’s Son? It is noteworthy that the Bible also uses the word xyʹlon to identify the device used. A Greek-English Lexicon, by Liddell and Scott, defines this as meaning: “Wood cut and ready for use, firewood, timber, etc. . . . piece of wood, log, beam, post . . . cudgel, club . . . stake on which criminals were impaled . . . of live wood, tree.” It also says “in NT, of the cross,” and cites Acts 5:30 and 10:39 as examples. (Oxford, 1968, pp. 1191, 1192) However, in those verses KJ, RS, JB, and Dy translate xyʹlon as “tree.” (Compare this rendering with Galatians 3:13; Deuteronomy 21:22, 23.)
The book The Non-Christian Cross, by J. D. Parsons (London, 1896), says: “There is not a single sentence in any of the numerous writings forming the New Testament, which, in the original Greek, bears even indirect evidence to the effect that the stauros used in the case of Jesus was other than an ordinary stauros; much less to the effect that it consisted, not of one piece of timber, but of two pieces nailed together in the form of a cross. . . . It is not a little misleading upon the part of our teachers to translate the word stauros as ‘cross’ when rendering the Greek documents of the Church into our native tongue, and to support that action by putting ‘cross’ in our lexicons as the meaning of stauros without carefully explaining that that was at any rate not the primary meaning of the word in the days of the Apostles, did not become its primary signification till long afterwards, and became so then, if at all, only because, despite the absence of corroborative evidence, it was for some reason or other assumed that the particular stauros upon which Jesus was executed had that particular shape.”—Pp. 23, 24; see also The Companion Bible (London, 1885), Appendix No. 162.
Thus the weight of the evidence indicates that Jesus died on an upright stake and not on the traditional cross.
What were the historical origins of Christendom’s cross?
“Various objects, dating from periods long anterior to the Christian era, have been found, marked with crosses of different designs, in almost every part of the old world. India, Syria, Persia and Egypt have all yielded numberless examples . . . The use of the cross as a religious symbol in pre-Christian times and among non-Christian peoples may probably be regarded as almost universal, and in very many cases it was connected with some form of nature worship.”—Encyclopædia Britannica (1946), Vol. 6, p. 753.
“The shape of the [two-beamed cross] had its origin in ancient Chaldea, and was used as the symbol of the god Tammuz (being in the shape of the mystic Tau, the initial of his name) in that country and in adjacent lands, including Egypt. By the middle of the 3rd cent. A.D. the churches had either departed from, or had travestied, certain doctrines of the Christian faith. In order to increase the prestige of the apostate ecclesiastical system pagans were received into the churches apart from regeneration by faith, and were permitted largely to retain their pagan signs and symbols. Hence the Tau or T, in its most frequent form, with the cross-piece lowered, was adopted to stand for the cross of Christ.”—An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words (London, 1962), W. E. Vine, p. 256.
“It is strange, yet unquestionably a fact, that in ages long before the birth of Christ, and since then in lands untouched by the teaching of the Church, the Cross has been used as a sacred symbol. . . . The Greek Bacchus, the Tyrian Tammuz, the Chaldean Bel, and the Norse Odin, were all symbolised to their votaries by a cruciform device.”—The Cross in Ritual, Architecture, and Art (London, 1900), G. S. Tyack, p. 1.
“The cross in the form of the ‘Crux Ansata’ . . . was carried in the hands of the Egyptian priests and Pontiff kings as the symbol of their authority as priests of the Sun god and was called ‘the Sign of Life.’”—The Worship of the Dead (London, 1904), Colonel J. Garnier, p. 226.
“Various figures of crosses are found everywhere on Egyptian monuments and tombs, and are considered by many authorities as symbolical either of the phallus [a representation of the male sex organ] or of coition. . . . In Egyptian tombs the crux ansata [cross with a circle or handle on top] is found side by side with the phallus.”—A Short History of Sex-Worship (London, 1940), H. Cutner, pp. 16, 17; see also The Non-Christian Cross, p. 183.
“These crosses were used as symbols of the Babylonian sun-god, [See book], and are first seen on a coin of Julius Cæsar, 100-44 B.C., and then on a coin struck by Cæsar’s heir (Augustus), 20 B.C. On the coins of Constantine the most frequent symbol is [See book]; but the same symbol is used without the surrounding circle, and with the four equal arms vertical and horizontal; and this was the symbol specially venerated as the ‘Solar Wheel’. It should be stated that Constantine was a sun-god worshipper, and would not enter the ‘Church’ till some quarter of a century after the legend of his having seen such a cross in the heavens.”—The Companion Bible, Appendix No. 162; see also The Non-Christian Cross, pp. 133-141.
Is veneration of the cross a Scriptural practice?
1 Cor. 10:14: “My beloved ones, flee from idolatry.” (An idol is an image or symbol that is an object of intense devotion, veneration, or worship.)
Ex. 20:4, 5, JB: “You shall not make yourself a carved image or any likeness of anything in heaven or on earth beneath or in the waters under the earth; you shall not bow down to them or serve them.” (Notice that God commanded that his people not even make an image before which people would bow down.)
Of interest is this comment in the New Catholic Encyclopedia: “The representation of Christ’s redemptive death on Golgotha does not occur in the symbolic art of the first Christian centuries. The early Christians, influenced by the Old Testament prohibition of graven images, were reluctant to depict even the instrument of the Lord’s Passion.”—(1967), Vol. IV, p. 486.
Concerning first-century Christians, History of the Christian Church says: “There was no use of the crucifix and no material representation of the cross.”—(New York, 1897), J. F. Hurst, Vol. I, p. 366.
Does it really make any difference if a person cherishes a cross, as long as he does not worship it?
How would you feel if one of your dearest friends was executed on the basis of false charges? Would you make a replica of the instrument of execution? Would you cherish it, or would you rather shun it?
In ancient Israel, unfaithful Jews wept over the death of the false god Tammuz. Jehovah spoke of what they were doing as being a ‘detestable thing.’ (Ezek. 8:13, 14) According to history, Tammuz was a Babylonian god, and the cross was used as his symbol. From its beginning in the days of Nimrod, Babylon was against Jehovah and an enemy of true worship. (Gen. 10:8-10; Jer. 50:29) So by cherishing the cross, a person is honoring a symbol of worship that is opposed to the true God.
As stated at Ezekiel 8:17, apostate Jews also ‘thrust out the shoot to Jehovah’s nose.’ He viewed this as “detestable” and ‘offensive.’ Why? This “shoot,” some commentators explain, was a representation of the male sex organ, used in phallic worship. How, then, must Jehovah view the use of the cross, which, as we have seen, was anciently used as a symbol in phallic worship? |
BIBLE VERSES EXPLAINED
John 14:6—“I Am the Way and the Truth and the Life” | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502300119 | BIBLE VERSES EXPLAINED
John 14:6—“I Am the Way and the Truth and the Life”
“Jesus said to him: ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”—John 14:6, New World Translation.
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”—John 14:6, New International Version.
Meaning of John 14:6
A person who wants to worship the Father, Jehovaha God, must recognize Jesus’ vital role.
“I am the way.” Jesus provides “the way” to approach God acceptably. For example, those who pray to God must do so in Jesus’ name. (John 16:23, 24) Jesus’ death makes it possible for humans to be reconciled to God, or restored to his favor. (Romans 5:8-11) Jesus also set a pattern of conduct that those who want to please God must follow.—John 13:15.
“I am . . . the truth.” Jesus always spoke and lived the truth. (1 Peter 2:22) By listening to him, a person could learn the truth about God. (John 8:31, 32) Jesus was also “the truth” because he fulfilled Bible prophecy. He thus made God’s promises a reality.—John 1:17; 2 Corinthians 1:19, 20; Colossians 2:16, 17.
“I am . . . the life.” Jesus gave his life so that those who exercise faith in him might have everlasting life. (John 3:16, 36) He is also “the life” for those who have died, because he will resurrect them from the dead.—John 5:28, 29; 11:25.
“No one comes to the Father except through me.” Those who want an approved relationship with God must accept Jesus’ unique role. They do so by praying to God in Jesus’ name, thus showing that they recognize Jesus Christ’s authority. (John 15:16) They also acknowledge that salvation is possible only because of Jesus.—Acts 4:12; Philippians 2:8-11.
Context of John 14:6
John chapters 13 to 17 contain Jesus’ parting counsel to his 11 faithful apostles on the night before his death. In chapter 14, Jesus encouraged his disciples to show faith in him and in his Father and to love and obey them. (John 14:1, 12, 15-17, 21, 23, 24) He revealed the close relationship he had and still has with his Father. (John 14:10, 20, 28, 31) Although he would shortly be returning to heaven, Jesus assured his disciples that he would not abandon them. (John 14:18) He also promised them “the helper” and described it as “the holy spirit, which the Father will send in my name.” (John 14:25-27) In these and other ways, Jesus prepared his followers for the challenges that lay ahead.
a Jehovah is God’s personal name.—Psalm 83:18.
Read John chapter 14 along with the explanatory footnotes and cross-references. |
Scriptures for Christian Living (scl)
2023 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/scl | Repentance
Why do all humans need to turn to Jehovah God and repent?
Ro 3:23; 5:12; 1Jo 1:8
See also Ac 26:20
Relevant Bible account(s):
Lu 18:9-14—Jesus gives an illustration to highlight that we need to confess our sins and pray for God’s help
Ro 7:15-25—Though an apostle and an outstanding man of faith, Paul is troubled by his own tendency to sin
What does the Bible reveal about Jehovah’s feelings for those who repent?
Eze 33:11; Ro 2:4; 2Pe 3:9
Relevant Bible account(s):
Lu 15:1-10—Jesus uses illustrations to show that Jehovah and the angels rejoice when a sinner repents
Lu 19:1-10—Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector and an extortionist, repents and changes his ways, receiving forgiveness and salvation
How do we show that we are truly repentant?
Eze 18:21-23; Ac 3:19; Eph 4:17, 22-24; Col 3:5-10
See also 1Pe 4:1-3
Why must a truly repentant person gain accurate knowledge?
Ro 12:2; Col 3:9, 10; 2Ti 2:25
Relevant Bible account(s):
Ac 17:29-31—The apostle Paul explains to the Athenians why idolatry is based on ignorance and urges them to repent
1Ti 1:12-15—Before gaining accurate knowledge about Jesus Christ, the apostle Paul in his ignorance committed terrible sins
How important is repentance?
Mr 1:14, 15; Lu 24:45-47; Ac 2:38; 17:30; 20:21
Why can we be confident that when we repent, Jehovah will extend forgiveness even if we sin many times?
Isa 1:18; Ga 6:1; 1Jo 2:1
How does Jehovah treat those who confess their sins and change their course?
Ps 32:5; Pr 28:13; 1Jo 1:9
See also “Mercy”
How do we know that repentance involves more than saying that we are sorry or feeling regret?
2Ch 7:14; Pr 28:13; Eze 18:30, 31; 33:14-16; Mt 3:8; Ac 3:19; 26:20
Relevant Bible account(s):
2Ch 33:1-6, 10-16—Despite a long course of wickedness, King Manasseh shows true repentance by humbling himself, by praying continually, and by changing his ways
Ps 32:1-6; 51:1-4, 17—King David shows repentance by deeply regretting his sins against Jehovah, by confessing, and by praying
When those who sinned against us are repentant, why should we forgive them?
Mt 6:14, 15; 18:21, 22; Lu 17:3, 4
See also “Forgiveness” |
Revelation Climax (re)
1988 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/re | Chapter 2
The Grand Theme of the Bible
Interpreting the Scriptures The mysteries locked up in the book of Revelation have for long baffled sincere students of the Bible. In God’s due time, those secrets had to be unlocked, but how, when, and to whom? Only God’s spirit could make known the meaning as the appointed time drew near. (Revelation 1:3) Those sacred secrets would be revealed to God’s zealous slaves on earth so that they would be strengthened to make known his judgments. (Matthew 13:10, 11) It is not claimed that the explanations in this publication are infallible. Like Joseph of old, we say: “Do not interpretations belong to God?” (Genesis 40:8) At the same time, however, we firmly believe that the explanations set forth herein harmonize with the Bible in its entirety, showing how remarkably divine prophecy has been fulfilled in the world events of our catastrophic times.
1. What is Jehovah’s grand purpose?
A BIBLE proverb says: “Better is the end afterward of a matter than its beginning.” (Ecclesiastes 7:8) It is in the book of Revelation that we read of the dramatic culmination of Jehovah’s grand purpose to sanctify his name before all creation. As God declared time and time again by one of his earlier prophets: “They will have to know that I am Jehovah.”—Ezekiel 25:17; 38:23.
2. What satisfying knowledge does Revelation, along with earlier books of the Bible, help us attain?
2 Just as Revelation spells out the triumphant end of matters, so their beginning is described for us in earlier books of the Bible. By examining this record, we are enabled to understand the issues involved and get an overall view of God’s purposes. How satisfying this is! Further, it should rouse us to action, so that we may share in the marvelous future that awaits mankind. (Psalm 145:16, 20) At this point, it seems appropriate to discuss the background and theme of the entire Bible, in order that we may have in mind the paramount issue that now faces all humankind, as well as God’s clearly stated purpose to resolve that issue.
3. What prophecy in the book of Genesis sets the theme for the whole Bible, including Revelation?
3 The Bible’s first book, Genesis, tells of “the beginning” and describes God’s creative works, including his crowning earthly creation, man. Genesis also sets out the first divine prophecy, uttered by God himself in the garden of Eden some 6,000 years ago. A serpent had just been used to deceive the first woman, Eve; she in turn had persuaded her husband, Adam, to join her in violating Jehovah’s law by eating from “the tree of the knowledge of good and bad.” In passing judgment on the sinful couple, God said to the serpent: “I shall put enmity between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed. He will bruise you in the head and you will bruise him in the heel.” (Genesis 1:1; 2:17; 3:1-6, 14, 15) That prophecy sets the theme for the whole Bible, including Revelation.
4. (a) After God uttered the first prophecy, what happened to our first parents? (b) What questions arise concerning the first prophecy, and why do we need to know the answers?
4 Immediately after uttering the prophecy, God expelled our first parents from Eden. No longer could they look forward to everlasting life in Paradise; they would have to live out their lives in the unprepared earth outside. Under sentence of death, they would produce sin-laden children. (Genesis 3:23–4:1; Romans 5:12) What, though, does the Edenic prophecy mean? Who are involved? How does it instruction up with Revelation? What message does it have for us today? In order to gain personal relief from the effects of the tragic event that led to Jehovah’s uttering that prophecy, it is of vital concern that we know the answers to these questions.
The Principals in the Drama
5. When the serpent deceived Eve, what developed regarding God’s sovereignty and his name, and how will the controversy be resolved?
5 The prophecy of Genesis 3:15 was addressed to the serpent that had lied to Eve, suggesting to her that she would not die for her disobedience but that she would become independent, a goddess. The serpent thus made Jehovah out to be a liar and insinuated that humans could improve their lot by rejecting His supreme rulership. (Genesis 3:1-5) Jehovah’s sovereignty was challenged and his good name besmirched. The book of Revelation describes how the righteous Judge, Jehovah, uses the Kingdom rule of his Son, Jesus Christ, to vindicate his sovereignty and clear all reproach from his name.—Revelation 12:10; 14:7.
6. How does Revelation identify the one who spoke to Eve through a snake?
6 As for that term “serpent,” does it apply only to a literal snake? Not at all! Revelation identifies for us the infamous spirit creature that spoke through that snake. It was “the great dragon . . . , the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth,” that “seduced Eve by its cunning.”—Revelation 12:9; 2 Corinthians 11:3.
7. What indicates that the woman of Genesis 3:15 belongs to the spirit realm?
7 Genesis 3:15 speaks next of “the woman.” Was this Eve? Possibly she thought so. (Compare Genesis 4:1.) But a long-lasting enmity between Eve and Satan became impossible when Eve died more than 5,000 years ago. Further, since the Serpent addressed by Jehovah is an invisible spirit, we should expect that the woman also belongs to the spirit realm. Revelation 12:1, 2 confirms this, indicating that this figurative woman is Jehovah’s heavenly organization of spirit creatures.—See also Isaiah 54:1, 5, 13.
Two Seeds in Opposition
8. Why should we be deeply interested in what is now said about two seeds?
8 Two seeds appear next at Genesis 3:15. We should be deeply interested in these, for they are related to the great issue of rightful sovereignty over this earth. This involves each one of us, whether young or old. Which of these seeds do you favor?
9. What does the seed of the Serpent surely include?
9 First, there is the seed, or offspring, of the Serpent. What is this? It surely includes those other spirit creatures who joined Satan in his rebellion and who were finally “hurled down with him” to the realm of the earth. (Revelation 12:9) Since Satan, or Beelzebub, is “the ruler of the demons,” it is apparent that they make up his invisible organization.—Mark 3:22; Ephesians 6:12.
10. How does the Bible identify others as part of Satan’s seed?
10 Further, Jesus told Jewish religious leaders of his day: “You are from your father the Devil, and you wish to do the desires of your father.” (John 8:44) By their opposition to God’s Son Jesus, those religious leaders showed that they too were Satan’s offspring. They were part of Satan’s seed, serving him as their figurative father. Many other humans throughout history have similarly identified themselves by doing Satan’s will, particularly in opposing and persecuting the disciples of Jesus. Collectively, these humans may be described as making up Satan’s visible organization on earth.—See John 15:20; 16:33; 17:15.
The Seed of the Woman Identified
11. Over centuries of time, what did God reveal concerning the seed of the woman?
11 The prophecy at Genesis 3:15 refers finally to the seed of the woman. While Satan was developing his seed, Jehovah was preparing for his “woman,” or wifelike celestial organization, to produce a seed. For some 4,000 years, Jehovah progressively revealed to obedient God-fearing humans details related to the coming of the seed. (Isaiah 46:9, 10) Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and others could thus build faith in the promise that the seed would appear in their genealogical line. (Genesis 22:15-18; 26:4; 28:14) Satan and his henchmen often persecuted such servants of Jehovah because of their unswerving faith.—Hebrews 11:1, 2, 32-38.
12. (a) When and with what event did the principal part of the seed of the woman arrive? (b) Jesus was anointed for what purpose?
12 At last, in the year 29 of our Common Era, the perfect man Jesus presented himself at the Jordan River and was baptized. Jehovah there begot Jesus with holy spirit, saying: “This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved.” (Matthew 3:17) Jesus was there identified as having been sent forth from God’s spiritual organization in heaven. He was also anointed as the King-Designate of the heavenly Kingdom that would restore rulership over the earth in Jehovah’s name, thus settling once and for all the issue involving government, or sovereignty. (Revelation 11:15) Jesus, then, is the principal One of the seed of the woman, the foretold Messiah.—Compare Galatians 3:16; Daniel 9:25.
13, 14. (a) Why should it not surprise us to learn that the seed of the woman would not be just one prominent person? (b) How many has God selected from among mankind to become the secondary part of the seed, and what kind of organization do they make up? (c) Who else serve in unity with the seed?
13 Would the woman’s seed be simply one prominent person? Well, what of Satan’s seed? The Bible identifies Satan’s seed as including a host of wicked angels and God-dishonoring humans. It should not surprise us, then, to learn of God’s purpose to select 144,000 integrity keepers from among mankind to become priestly corulers with the Messianic Seed, Jesus Christ. Revelation refers to these when it says that the Devil, in his enmity toward God’s womanly organization, “went off to wage war with the remaining ones of her seed.”—Revelation 12:17; 14:1-4.
14 In the Bible, anointed Christians are called Jesus’ brothers, and as his brothers, they share the same Father and the same mother. (Hebrews 2:11) Their Father is Jehovah God. Hence, their mother must be “the woman,” God’s wifelike celestial organization. They become a secondary part of the seed, Christ Jesus being the primary part. The congregation of these spirit-begotten Christians on earth make up God’s visible organization that serves under his womanlike organization in the heavens, where they will be united with Christ Jesus at their resurrection. (Romans 8:14-17; Galatians 3:16, 29) Though not part of the seed, millions of other sheep out of all nations are being united to serve with God’s organization on earth. Are you one of these other sheep? Then your happy hope is everlasting life in a paradise earth.—John 10:16; 17:1-3.
How Enmity Developed
15. (a) Describe the development of Satan’s human and angelic seed. (b) What happened to Satan’s seed during the Deluge of Noah’s day?
15 Satan’s human seed began to be manifested very early in mankind’s history. For example, there was Cain, the first human born, “who originated with the wicked one and slaughtered his brother” Abel. (1 John 3:12) Later, Enoch spoke of Jehovah’s coming “with his holy myriads, to execute judgment against all, and to convict all the ungodly concerning all their ungodly deeds that they did in an ungodly way, and concerning all the shocking things that ungodly sinners spoke against him.” (Jude 14, 15) Moreover, rebellious angels joined Satan and became part of his seed. These “forsook their own proper dwelling place” in the heavens in order to materialize fleshly bodies and marry the daughters of men. They produced a superhuman hybrid offspring of bullies. That world became filled with violence and badness, so that God destroyed it in the Deluge, faithful Noah and his family being the only human flesh to survive. The disobedient angels—now demons under Satan’s control—were forced to abandon their doomed human wives and hybrid children. They dematerialized, returning to the spirit realm where they await God’s fast-approaching execution of judgment on Satan and his seed.—Jude 6; Genesis 6:4-12; 7:21-23; 2 Peter 2:4, 5.
16. (a) What tyrant appeared on the scene after the Deluge, and how did he show he was part of Satan’s seed? (b) How did God thwart the would-be builders of Babylon’s tower?
16 Shortly after the great Deluge, a tyrant named Nimrod appeared on earth. The Bible describes him as “a mighty hunter in opposition to Jehovah”—truly part of the Serpent’s seed. Like Satan, he showed a spirit of rebellion and built the city of Babel, or Babylon, in defiance of Jehovah’s purpose to have mankind spread out to fill the earth. Babylon’s centerpiece was to have been a great tower “with its top in the heavens.” God thwarted the would-be builders of that tower. He confused their language and “scattered them from there over all the surface of the earth” but allowed Babylon itself to remain.—Genesis 9:1; 10:8-12; 11:1-9.
Political Powers Appear
17. As mankind multiplied, what corrupt feature of human society came to the fore, and as a result, what huge empires arose?
17 In Babylon there appeared features of human society that developed in defiance of Jehovah’s sovereignty. One of these was political. As mankind multiplied, other ambitious humans followed Nimrod’s example in seizing power. Man began to dominate man to his injury. (Ecclesiastes 8:9) During the days of Abraham, for instance, Sodom, Gomorrah, and nearby cities fell under the control of kings from Shinar and other far-distant lands. (Genesis 14:1-4) Eventually, military and organizational geniuses carved out huge empires for their own enrichment and glory. The Bible refers to some of these, including Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome.
18. (a) What attitude do God’s people take toward the political rulers? (b) How have political authorities sometimes served God’s interests? (c) How have many rulers shown themselves to be part of the Serpent’s seed?
18 Jehovah tolerated the existence of those political powers, and his people rendered relative obedience to them when they lived in lands under their control. (Romans 13:1, 2) Sometimes, political authorities even served for the furtherance of God’s purposes or as a protection for his people. (Ezra 1:1-4; 7:12-26; Acts 25:11, 12; Revelation 12:15, 16) Nevertheless, many political rulers have viciously opposed true worship, showing themselves to be part of the seed of the Serpent.—1 John 5:19.
19. How are world powers portrayed in the book of Revelation?
19 For the most part, man-rule has failed miserably to bring happiness to us humans or to solve our problems. Jehovah has permitted mankind to experiment with every form of government, but he does not approve of corruption or the way governments have misruled the people. (Proverbs 22:22, 23) Revelation portrays oppressive world powers as making up a proud and monstrous wild beast.—Revelation 13:1, 2.
Selfish Commercial Traffickers
20, 21. What second group must be included with the “military commanders” and “strong men” as belonging to Satan’s wicked seed, and why?
20 Closely allied to political leaders, there came into view dishonest traffickers in material goods. Records unearthed in the ruins of ancient Babylon show that business transactions exploiting the unfortunate circumstances of fellow humans were very much in vogue back there. The world’s merchants have continued to work for selfish profit down to this present day, when in many lands a few have become very rich while the majority of the population languishes in poverty. In this industrial age, the merchants and manufacturers have made great gain by supplying the political powers with stockpiles of devilish military weapons of destruction, including the weapons of mass destruction that are now a great cause for concern. Such greedy business magnates and others of their kind must be included with the “military commanders” and “strong men” as belonging to Satan’s wicked seed. They are all part of the earthly organization that God and Christ judge as deserving of execution.—Revelation 19:18.
21 To corrupt politics and greedy commercialism there must be added a third element of human society that merits God’s adverse judgment. What is that? You may be surprised by what Revelation says about this well-known global structure.
Babylon the Great
22. What kind of religion developed in ancient Babylon?
22 The building of the original Babylon was more than a political enterprise. Since that city was established in defiance of Jehovah’s sovereignty, religion was involved. Indeed, ancient Babylon became a fountain of religious idolatry. Its priests taught God-dishonoring doctrines, such as the survival of a human soul after death and that the hereafter is a place of eternal horror and torment presided over by demons. They fostered the worship of creatures and of a multitude of gods and goddesses. They fabricated myths to explain the origin of the earth and man upon it and performed degrading rituals and sacrifices, supposedly to ensure fertility in childbearing and crop raising, and victory in war.
23. (a) In spreading out from Babylon, what did the people take with them, and with what result? (b) By what name does Revelation refer to a world-embracing empire of false religion? (c) Against what has false religion always fought?
23 As the various language groups from Babylon spread out over the earth, they took Babylonish religion with them. Thus, rites and beliefs similar to those of ancient Babylon flourished among the original inhabitants of Europe, Africa, the Americas, the Far East, and the South Seas; and many of these beliefs persist to this day. Appropriately, then, Revelation refers to the world-embracing empire of false religion as a city named Babylon the Great. (Revelation, chapters 17, 18) Wherever it has been sown, false religion has sprouted oppressive priesthoods, superstition, ignorance, and immorality. It has been a powerful tool in Satan’s hand. Babylon the Great has always fought fiercely against the true worship of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.
24. (a) How was the Serpent able to bruise the Seed of the woman “in the heel”? (b) Why is the bruising of the woman’s seed described as only a heel wound?
24 As a most reprehensible part of the seed of the Serpent, the scribes and the Pharisees in first-century Judaism took the lead in persecuting and finally murdering the primary representative of the seed of the woman. Thus, the Serpent was able to “bruise him [the “seed”] in the heel.” (Genesis 3:15; John 8:39-44; Acts 3:12, 15) Why is this described as only a heel wound? It is because this wounding touched him only briefly here on earth. It was not permanent because Jehovah resurrected Jesus on the third day and exalted him to spirit life.—Acts 2:32, 33; 1 Peter 3:18.
25. (a) How has the glorified Jesus already taken action against Satan and his angels? (b) When will there be a removal of Satan’s earthly seed? (c) What will it mean when the Seed of God’s woman bruises Satan, the serpent, “in the head”?
25 The glorified Jesus Christ now serves at God’s right hand, judging Jehovah’s enemies. He has already taken action against Satan and his angels, hurling them down and confining their activity to this earth—which accounts for the multiplying of woes in our day. (Revelation 12:9, 12) But there will be the foretold removal of Satan’s earthly seed when God executes judgment on Babylon the Great and all other segments of Satan’s organization on earth. Finally, the Seed of God’s woman, Jesus Christ, will bruise Satan, that wily old serpent, “in the head,” and that will mean his complete annihilation and his total removal from the affairs of mankind.—Romans 16:20.
26. Why is it most important that we examine the prophecy in Revelation?
26 How will all of this come about? That is what is unveiled for us in the Bible book of Revelation. It is revealed to us in a series of visions, highlighted by striking signs and symbols. Eagerly, let us examine this powerful prophecy. Happy, indeed, are we if we hear and observe the words of Revelation! By so doing, we will share in bringing honor to the name of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah and inherit his eternal blessings. Please read on and wisely apply what you learn. It can mean your salvation at this time of climax in mankind’s history.
[Box/Picture on page 13]
Ancient cuneiform records of business transactions
The book Ancient Near Eastern Texts, edited by James B. Pritchard, lists almost 300 laws compiled by Hammurabi in Babylonian times. These show that it was necessary to proscribe the blatant dishonesty that apparently pervaded the commercial world in those days. To take one example: “If a seignior has purchased or he received for safe-keeping either silver or gold or a male slave or a female slave or an ox or a sheep or an ass or any sort of thing from the hand of a seignior’s son or a seignior’s slave without witnesses and contracts, since that seignior is a thief, he shall be put to death.” |
We Will Never Forget the Greeting | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/501000013 | We Will Never Forget the Greeting
Have you hesitated to attend a meeting of Jehovah’s Witnesses because of concern about how you might be viewed? If so, you may appreciate the real-life experience of Steve Gerdes.
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A Good Buy | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101970003 | A Good Buy
● Florida was purchased from Spain by the United States for $5,000,000 in 1819. Now more than 14,000,000 persons visit the state yearly, and spend about $2,522,000,000. Each year in Florida factories produce about 116,000,000 gallons of frozen, concentrated orange juice. |
How to Deal With Isolation | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/501100004 | How to Deal With Isolation
Are you feeling isolated and lonely? If so, you may feel as did the psalmist who said: “I am like a solitary bird on a roof.” (Psalm 102:7) The Bible’s wisdom can help you to deal with problems that are caused by isolation.
Pursue spiritual growth
Read comforting Bible passages
Understand the meaning of world events
Avoid needless anxiety
Cultivate friendships
Stay physically active
Pursue spiritual growth
Even while you are isolated, you can find happiness by being aware of your spiritual need and filling it. (Matthew 5:3, 6) The following free resources can help you get started.
An online Bible that is accurate and easy to read
Short videos about some of the Bible’s essential teachings
“Bible Questions Answered”—Direct answers to questions often asked
“Imitate Their Faith”—This series brings to life the accounts of faithful men and women of the Bible
“Was It Designed?”—This series highlights the beauty and complexity of the natural world
Read comforting Bible passages
These Scriptures have helped many to find comfort. Rather than reading several passages at once, try using your time in isolation as an opportunity to meditate on each passage and to pray.—Mark 1:35.
Psalm 23:1-6
Psalm 34:1-22
Psalm 46:1-11
Psalm 63:6-8
Psalm 91:1-6
Matthew 6:25-34
2 Corinthians 1:3, 4
Philippians 4:6, 7
1 Peter 5:6, 7
Understand the meaning of world events
You can deal better with any troubling situation if you know why bad things happen and how God will undo them.—Isaiah 65:17.
Why does God allow suffering?
What does the Bible say about sickness and health?
What is the sign of the last days?
Who are the four horsemen of Revelation?
What will God’s Kingdom accomplish?
Avoid needless anxiety
Articles on the following subjects can help you to deal with stress caused by isolation and to “stop being anxious.”—Matthew 6:25.
How to deal with stress
Maintaining a positive attitude
Anxiety about danger
Anxiety about money
Anxiety faced by young people
Cultivate friendships
Friendships benefit your mental and emotional health and are even more important when face-to-face connections are difficult. If you are confined at home, you may be able to use videoconferencing or voice calls to maintain existing friendships and build new ones. The following articles can help you to find and be “a true friend.”—Proverbs 17:17.
What makes a good friend?
Should you expand your circle of friends?
What if you feel that you don’t have any friends?
Build friendships by being generous
Build friendships through gratitude
Stay physically active
The Bible acknowledges that “exercise is beneficial.” (1 Timothy 4:8, footnote) It can contribute to mental health, especially when you are dealing with isolation. Even when you are confined to your home, likely there are things you can do to stay active.
Keep yourself moving
Build physical and mental resilience |
Choosing (bw)
1979 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/bw | Chapter 7
Aliens and Temporary Residents of Exemplary Conduct
1, 2. How are aliens often viewed, and why?
A PERSON who stands out as being very different from the people of the community in which he lives is often viewed with distrust and suspicion. His conduct may come under closer scrutiny than that of persons native to the area. Sadly, some individuals may become prejudiced against a whole race, nationality or tribe because of the misconduct of a single foreigner in their neighborhood. Even governments make laws and regulations that apply only to aliens. If a foreigner’s conduct is regarded as undesirable, he may be deported.
2 Why is all of this of serious concern to the Christian? How should it affect his or her way of life?
3. (a) Why are true Christians “foreigners” in this world? (b) How do unbelievers view them, and why?
3 In this world, true Christians are “aliens and temporary residents,” for they are looking forward to a permanent abiding place as part of the “new heavens and a new earth” of God’s making. (1 Peter 2:11; 2 Peter 3:13) Because genuine disciples of Jesus Christ strive to think and act in harmony with the Holy Scriptures, unbelievers, or those who make only a pretense of practicing Christianity, may look down on them as if they were undesirable “foreigners.” But the world’s view of a Christian should not cause him to feel ashamed. From the divine standpoint, his alien status is one of dignity. Therefore, the Christian will want to do his utmost to conduct himself in a way that does not give anyone valid reason for reproaching him.
4, 5. (a) In the first century C.E., why could the apostle Peter speak of Christians as “temporary residents scattered about”? (b) How did Jehovah God view them?
4 Writing to fellow believers, the apostle Peter called attention to their honorable standing as “aliens and temporary residents.” At the outset of his first letter, we read:
“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the temporary residents scattered about in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, to the ones chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, with sanctification by the spirit, for the purpose of their being obedient and sprinkled with the blood of Jesus Christ.”—1 Peter 1:1, 2.
5 Back in the first century C.E., believers found themselves scattered in various locations and living in the midst of a large non-Christian population. Often they were unjustly despised by their neighbors. So it must have been encouraging for them to read or to hear Jehovah’s estimation of them as set forth in Peter’s letter. They were actually God’s ‘chosen ones,’ the elect. The Most High had made them his possession, his people. Long before the Christian congregation composed of Jews and non-Jews came into existence, the Almighty foreknew that there would eventually be such a group of his servants scattered in various parts of the earth. Through the operation of God’s spirit on them, they were sanctified or set apart for sacred use. The objective of Jehovah’s dealings with them was that they might be his obedient children, doing his will. Their knowledge of this use of them by the Universal Sovereign should surely have stirred them deeply, moving them to want to live up to the noble purpose to which God assigned them.
6. (a) How did Christians gain their clean standing before God? (b) What may be included in their ‘being sprinkled with the blood of Jesus Christ’?
6 Of course, it was not because of their own merit that believers came to be a chosen, sanctified people. As individuals, they were sinners and had to be cleansed, and so the apostle Peter referred to them as ‘being sprinkled with the blood of Jesus Christ.’ This reminds us of the cleansing procedure for an Israelite who became ceremonially defiled by, among other things, touching a human corpse. To be clean again, the individual had to be sprinkled with the water of cleansing. (Numbers 19:1-22) Similarly, the atoning benefits of Christ’s sacrifice had been applied to Christians, enabling them to have a clean conscience before God and to have freedom of speech in approaching him in prayer. (Hebrews 9:13, 14; 10:19-22) Then, too, when the Israelites were taken into a covenant relationship with Jehovah, Moses sprinkled the people with the blood of sacrificial victims. (Exodus 24:3-8) Hence, the words about ‘being sprinkled with the blood of Jesus Christ’ may also call attention to the fact that these believers had been taken into the new covenant mediated through Jesus Christ and made valid by his shed blood and that they now shared in this covenant’s benefits.
7. What does our “alien” status require from us?
7 Like believers of the first century C.E., devoted disciples of Jesus Christ today have an honorable standing before Jehovah God. In this world they must conduct themselves as exemplary “aliens” and “temporary residents.” Otherwise, they bring reproach on Jehovah God and the congregation of his people. All, therefore, need to take to heart the apostle Peter’s admonition: “Beloved, I exhort you as aliens and temporary residents to keep abstaining from fleshly desires, which are the very ones that carry on a conflict against the soul.”—1 Peter 2:11.
8. To what should we not allow ourselves to become unduly attached, and why?
8 Because of being “aliens and temporary residents” in this passing system of things, we cannot afford to allow ourselves to become unduly attached to anything within the now-existing human framework. No earthly ties, sorrows, joys or possessions are permanent. Time and unforeseen occurrence befall all people and can change one’s circumstances suddenly and dramatically. (Ecclesiastes 9:11) Hence, there is real wisdom in heeding the apostle Paul’s counsel: “Let those who have wives be as though they had none, and also those who weep be as those who do not weep, and those who rejoice as those who do not rejoice, and those who buy as those not possessing, and those making use of the world as those not using it to the full; for the scene of this world is changing.” (1 Corinthians 7:29-31) For us to be completely absorbed in sorrows or joys that are the product of these ever-changing circumstances and relationships could work against our drawing closer to the Most High and his Son, with serious loss to ourselves.
9, 10. (a) What accounts for the way in which worldlings regard possessions? (b) Why should our view of possessions be different from that of unbelievers?
9 The situation of the majority of mankind demonstrates clearly why we should not try to ‘make use of the world to the full.’ People generally either are not aware of God’s promise of “new heavens and a new earth” or have no real faith in such a coming righteous new order. So they have nothing but their present life on which to focus attention. They lack a solid hope regarding the future. That is why they are so wrapped up in thinking about their daily needs and are intent on gaining as much from the world as possible. (Matthew 6:31, 32) Their eyes light up at the prospect of getting fine clothing, sparkling jewels, expensive ornamentation, beautiful furniture or luxurious homes. They may hope and seek to impress others by means of material possessions.—1 John 2:15-17.
10 The Christian, by contrast, recognizes that an eternal future lies before him. It would be foolish for him to become so absorbed in the affairs of life that he has virtually no time for the Creator on whom his future depends. This does not mean that true servants of God cannot properly enjoy many of the fine things that money can buy. But even wholesome pleasures and beneficial material possessions must never become the focal point of our life, not if we really see ourselves as “temporary residents” in this present system. While not being wasteful or careless with our assets, we rightly regard them much as do trustworthy persons who merely rent a furnished apartment, tools, equipment or other items that they may need. Such persons care for these well but never become completely attached to them as if they were permanent possessions. Our life should show that we recognize that nothing in the present system gives any guarantee of permanence, that we are but “aliens” and “temporary residents,” moving forward toward the promised new order of God’s making.
‘ABSTAIN FROM FLESHLY DESIRES’
11. What would be included in the fleshly desires from which we must abstain?
11 However, to make a success of our way of life as Christians, far more is required of us than just a realization that, as far as our life now in this world is concerned, our circumstances are subject to unforeseeable change. We also need to give serious attention to the Bible’s exhortation to ‘abstain from fleshly desires.’ These are the wrong cravings or desires in the body members of the individual. The apostle Paul’s letter to the Galatians reveals what sins these wrong cravings incite. After showing that the person who is led by God’s spirit does not carry out “any fleshly desire,” the apostle enumerates the works of the flesh—“fornication, uncleanness, loose conduct, idolatry, practice of spiritism, enmities, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, outputions, divisions, sects, envies, drunken bouts, revelries, and things like these.”—Galatians 5:16, 19-21.
12, 13. (a) How do fleshly desires “carry on a conflict against the soul”? (b) What must we do to maintain a clean standing before God?
12 As a result of inherited sin, we are subject to strong pressures to become involved in the works of the flesh, to ‘carry out fleshly desires.’ The unwholesome cravings are like an invading army that is seeking to gain the mastery over the whole soul, the whole person, causing him to give in to the indulging of sinful passions. The Christian apostle Paul was very much aware of the struggle that can thus come about within the individual. With reference to his own case, he wrote: “I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, there dwells nothing good; for ability to wish is present with me, but ability to work out what is fine is not present. For the good that I wish I do not do, but the bad that I do not wish is what I practice.” (Romans 7:18, 19) This conflict made it necessary for Paul to ‘pummel his body and lead it as a slave, that, after he had preached to others, he might not become disapproved somehow.’—1 Corinthians 9:27.
13 Similarly, our desire to maintain a clean standing before God and to receive his blessing will motivate us to exert ourselves so that any wrong cravings are kept under control. Why should we make a hard struggle harder through involvement with entertainment, reading matter, associations and circumstances that are bound to excite and build up the pressure of our sinful inclinations? More importantly, we need to take positive steps to protect ourselves. It is good to keep in mind that we cannot succeed in our own strength but need the encouragement of our devoted brothers and the help of God’s spirit. The apostle Paul urged Timothy to “pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, along with those who call upon the Lord out of a clean heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22) If this is what we are doing, then, with the aid of the holy spirit, we can succeed in preventing wrong desires from gaining the mastery over us. Thus, our resisting fleshly desires by keeping our minds fixed on what is true, righteous, chaste, lovable, virtuous and praiseworthy will prevent our becoming divinely disapproved. (Philippians 4:8, 9) After having sought to help others to succeed, we will not ourselves become failures.
FINE CONDUCT MAY HELP OTHERS TO ACCEPT TRUE WORSHIP
14. How may others benefit by seeing us ‘abstain from fleshly desires’?
14 Our “abstaining from fleshly desires” is accompanied by still another very desirable benefit. The apostle Peter wrote: “Maintain your conduct fine among the nations, that, in the thing in which they are speaking against you as evildoers, they may as a result of your fine works of which they are eyewitnesses glorify God in the day for his inspection.”—1 Peter 2:12.
15. In what way were Christians misrepresented in the first century C.E.?
15 In the first century, Christians were often the object of misrepresentation, depicted as “evildoers.” Typical were accusations such as the following: “These men are disturbing our city very much, . . . and they are publishing customs that it is not lawful for us to take up or practice, seeing we are Romans.” (Acts 16:20, 21) ‘These men have overturned the inhabited earth.’ ‘They act in opposition to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king, Jesus.’ (Acts 17:6, 7) The apostle Paul was accused of being “a pestilent fellow and stirring up seditions among all the Jews throughout the inhabited earth.” (Acts 24:5) Leading men among the Jews in Rome told Paul: “Truly as regards this sect it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against.”—Acts 28:22.
16. (a) What is the true Christians’ best defense against misrepresentation? (b) How can this help opposers?
16 The best defense against such misrepresentation is fine conduct. When Christians prove themselves to be law-abiding, faithfully pay their taxes, manifest willingness to perform any “good work,” and in their personal occupations are diligent workers, honest in their dealings, and demonstrate real concern for the welfare of their fellow humans—the accusations made against them are shown up as false. (Titus 2:2–3:2) Even persons who repeat slanderous information about Christians could thus be helped to see the wrongness of their course and be moved to adopt true worship. Then, at the time of God’s judgment inspection, such former misrepresenters of Christians may be numbered among those who glorify or praise the Most High.
17. In view of the wholesome effect of good conduct on observers, to what should we give serious consideration?
17 The fact that a Christian’s living an upright life can be a tremendous force for good should cause us to think seriously about the way in which we treat others and the extent to which we are showing interest in our neighbors. Certainly we do not want to close our eyes to the needs of people next door. Of course, our being kind, obliging and polite neighbors is not just “good policy.” It is basic to our being Christians. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus Christ admonished: “All things . . . that you want men to do to you, you also must likewise do to them.” (Matthew 7:12) The Scriptures urge us: “As long as we have time favorable for it, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.” (Galatians 6:10) “If possible, as far as it depends upon you, be peaceable with all men.” (Romans 12:18) “Always pursue what is good toward one another and to all others.”—1 Thessalonians 5:15.
18, 19. In harmony with 1 Peter 3:8, what should be true of our attitudes and actions as Christians?
18 Clearly, being a Christian includes more than carrying out such vital requirements as attending meetings with fellow believers and sharing Bible truth with others. (Matthew 28:19, 20; Hebrews 10:24, 25) We are also under command to imitate the Son of God in our attitudes and actions, in what we are as persons, individuals. The apostle Peter wrote: “Finally, all of you be like-minded, showing fellow feeling, having brotherly affection, tenderly compassionate, humble in mind.” (1 Peter 3:8) To be “like-minded,” we need to “be fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought.” (1 Corinthians 1:10) Our thinking should especially harmonize with that of Jesus Christ who expressed his love by surrendering his life for us. (John 13:34, 35; 15:12, 13) While true disciples of Jesus Christ are “like-minded,” as is evident from their love and unity world wide, the questions that we individually must answer are: ‘Am I genuinely contributing to this spirit of oneness and affection? How, and to what extent?’
19 If we truly love our spiritual brothers, we will be kind and forgiving. After a problem is discussed and a solution agreed upon, we will not continue to harbor grudges and deliberately shun certain members of the Christian congregation who may have contributed toward creating the difficulty. In harmony with Peter’s counsel, we need to guard against falling victim to the callousness, the harshness and the pride that are common in the world. Others should be able to see that we have “fellow feeling” or are sympathetic toward those who are suffering, that we have warm love or affection for our spiritual brothers, that we are “tenderly compassionate” or inclined to show pity, and that we do not have an exalted opinion of ourselves but are “humble in mind,” willing to serve others.—Compare Matthew 18:21-35; 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12; 5:14.
20. What does heeding the counsel of 1 Peter 3:9 require of us?
20 Moreover, we are not to limit our expressions of sympathy, compassion and kindness just to fellow believers. (Luke 6:27-36) The apostle Peter went on to urge Christians not to ‘pay back injury for injury or reviling for reviling, but, to the contrary, to bestow a blessing.’ (1 Peter 3:9) This does not mean that we will praise persons who injure and revile us or shower them with affection. But we will accomplish the most good and have the greatest peace of mind and happiness if we continue to be kind and considerate in our dealings with them, hoping that they might change their ways and become recipients of divine blessings.
REASONS FOR NOT RETALIATING
21. How can Jehovah’s example aid us in not retaliating?
21 The fact that Jehovah God has mercifully forgiven us our sins on the basis of Jesus’ sacrifice should move us to treat even our enemies in a kind, compassionate manner. Jesus Christ said: “If you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:15) Hence, our inheriting permanent blessings from God is affected by our willingness to bless others. Jehovah God permits us to experience unkind treatment. Among the reasons for this is that we might have the opportunity to demonstrate that we are forgiving and compassionate toward our fellow humans. The apostle Peter expressed this thought by going on to say: “You were called to this course [of blessing those who seek to injure you], so that you might inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:9) This is not to say that our heavenly Father wants others to injure us. He has simply not stepped in to prevent our being subjected to the problems of sinful humans living in a sinful world. And this lets us demonstrate whether we really want to be like him—kind, compassionate and forgiving.
22. What encouragement does Psalm 34:12-16 provide about avoiding a vengeful spirit?
22 Continuing his encouragement not to retaliate in word or in deed, Peter quotes from Psalm 34:12-16 and writes:
“For, ‘he that would love life and see good days, let him restrain his tongue from what is bad and his lips from speaking deception, but let him turn away from what is bad and do what is good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of Jehovah are upon the righteous ones, and his ears are toward their supplication; but the face of Jehovah is against those doing bad things.’”—1 Peter 3:10-12.
23, 24. (a) What does it mean for us to “love life” and to want to “see good days”? (b) How do we benefit by showing a love for life?
23 These words of Peter emphasize that treating all persons in a kind manner is really the only proper way to live, the best way to live. The person who ‘loves life,’ appreciating it as a gift from God, and who wants to see “good days”—days that give him a sense of purpose and meaning in living—shows this by promoting the happiness of his fellow humans. He keeps his tongue in check, not using it to downgrade, revile, deceive or to defraud others. His desire is to shun all badness and to do what is good from God’s standpoint. As a person who seeks and pursues peace, he will not be aggressive or belligerent but will exert himself to promote good relations with and among others.—Romans 14:19.
24 The person who demonstrates his love for life by helping others to enjoy happiness and peace makes himself a desirable associate. Others show by their words and actions that they view him as needed, wanted and appreciated. As a result, his life will never be empty or meaningless.—Proverbs 11:17, 25.
25. Why can we be certain of God’s loving care and help?
25 Although his kindness may not always be received with gratitude, such a person is assured of Jehovah God’s loving care. Since the eyes of the Most High watch over the righteous and his ears are always ready to hear them, he knows just what their needs are and may quickly respond to fill these. He will indeed cause them to “see good days,” for the godly devotion they show “holds promise of the life now and that which is to come.” (1 Timothy 4:8) On the other hand, those who practice what is bad—who do not work for the peace and happiness of others—can expect no expression of divine approval. God’s “face” is against them with adverse judgment, for nothing escapes his notice.
A COURSE OF GAIN
26. According to Peter’s words, who may wish to see us return to the corrupt practices of the world?
26 Keeping ever before us the benefits that result from fine conduct will help us to resist pressures to become involved in the world’s degraded practices. The apostle Peter gives us powerful encouragement to this end, saying:
“The time that has passed by is sufficient for you to have worked out the will of the nations when you proceeded in deeds of loose conduct, lusts, excesses with wine, revelries, drinking matches, and illegal idolatries. Because you do not continue running with them in this course to the same low sink of debauchery, they are puzzled and go on speaking abusively of you. But these people will render an account to the one ready to judge those living and those dead. In fact, for this purpose the good news was declared also to the dead, that they might be judged as to the flesh from the standpoint of men but might live as to the spirit from the standpoint of God.”—1 Peter 4:3-6.
27. Why should we never want to return to the world’s corruption?
27 The time that a Christian may have spent in satisfying his sinful passions and desires while he was ignorant of God’s will and purpose certainly should have been enough for him never to want to return to a life characterized by excesses and lack of moral restraint. We never want to forget how empty and meaningless a life of self-indulgence is, and the shame that goes along with it. (Romans 6:21) The vulgar, obscene entertainment, lewd dancing, and wild, passion-arousing music, which have become so prominent in the world, should repel, not attract, us. While it may not be easy to be spoken of abusively by former associates because we shun such things, we surely have nothing to gain by joining them in their wild parties and their unbridled way of life. But we do have much to lose by adopting worldliness. All practicers of what is bad must render an account for their actions before Jesus Christ, the one whom Jehovah God has appointed to judge the living and the dead. (2 Timothy 4:1) Because this judgment is certain, the “good news” was declared to the “dead,” that is, to the spiritually dead who needed to repent, turn around and come to life from God’s standpoint by having the atoning benefits of Christ’s sacrifice applied to them.
28. (a) Why might Christians “be judged as to the flesh from the standpoint of men”? (b) Why should such Judgment not disturb us?
28 Those who do repent are indeed precious in Jehovah God’s eyes, and he wants them to enjoy an eternity of happy living. Men of this world, however, do not recognize the fine standing that true Christians have with the Creator. Such worldlings look upon Christ’s disciples as they do other men and judge them “as to the flesh,” by the outward appearance. However, the fact that their judgment of us is an unfavorable one should not disturb us. What really counts is whether Jehovah God regards us as ‘living as to the spirit,’ that is, living spiritual lives. This will be the case if our life continues to be in harmony with the commands of the Most High.
29. What good reasons do we have for maintaining fine conduct?
29 We do indeed have good reason to maintain fine conduct as “aliens and temporary residents” in this present system. The Most High commands it. His own example of kind, merciful dealing with us requires that we be considerate, compassionate and forgiving in our dealings with others. Our laudable conduct reflects favorably on our God and may aid others to become his servants. Only by maintaining fine conduct will we continue to experience Jehovah’s blessing and finally receive eternal life in a permanent abiding place. No other way of life is so beneficial now and holds such grand promise for the future. |
Table of outputs | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2014041 | Table of outputs
January 15, 2014
© 2014 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania.
STUDY EDITION
MARCH 3-9, 2014
Worship Jehovah, the King of Eternity
PAGE 7 • SONGS: 106, 46
MARCH 10-16, 2014
100 Years of Kingdom Rule—How Does It Affect You?
PAGE 12 • SONGS: 97, 101
MARCH 17-23, 2014
Making Wise Choices During Youth
PAGE 17 • SONGS: 41, 89
MARCH 24-30, 2014
Serving Jehovah Before the Days of Distress Come
PAGE 22 • SONGS: 54, 17
MARCH 31, 2014–APRIL 6, 2014
“Let Your Kingdom Come”—But When?
PAGE 27 • SONGS: 108, 30
STUDY ARTICLES
▪ Worship Jehovah, the King of Eternity
This article will confirm that Jehovah has always been King and will reveal how he has expressed his kingship to his heavenly and earthly creatures. It will also encourage us to follow past examples of those who chose to worship Jehovah, the King of eternity.
▪ 100 Years of Kingdom Rule—How Does It Affect You?
This article will deepen our appreciation for what the Messianic Kingdom has accomplished during its first 100 years. It will also encourage each of us to be a loyal subject of the Kingdom, and it will stimulate meditation on the full meaning of our yeartext for 2014.
▪ Making Wise Choices During Youth
▪ Serving Jehovah Before the Days of Distress Come
What will I do with my life? This is a vital question for anyone who has dedicated himself to Jehovah. In these articles, we will discuss principles that can guide young Christians to serve God fully, as well as opportunities that older Christians have to expand their ministry.
▪ “Let Your Kingdom Come”—But When?
Today, many people are distracted by world conditions or by a pursuit of their own interests. This article reviews three lines of evidence that help Christians to be confident that God’s Kingdom will soon bring this wicked system to its end.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
3 They Offered Themselves Willingly—In West Africa
32 What I Chose as a Child
COVER: Witnessing to university students from foreign lands in the city of Lviv
UKRAINE
POPULATION
45,561,000
PUBLISHERS
150,887
1,737 congregations and 373 groups in 15 languages, including Hungarian, Romanian, Russian, Russian Sign Language, and Ukrainian |
Victory Over Death (vi)
1986 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/brochures-and-booklets/victory-over-death-vi | input Page/Publishers’ Page
Victory Over Death—Is It Possible for You?
Unless otherwise stated, all quotations from the Holy Bible are taken from the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, 1984 edition. |
“Kingdom Come” (kc)
1981 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/kc | Chapter 8
‘The Kingdom Has Drawn Near’
1. Why were John’s words at Matthew 3:1-10 timely?
LET us examine in more detail the activity of “Messiah the Leader” at his first coming. The startling announcement was heard first from the lips of John the Baptizer: “Repent, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.” (Matthew 3:2) The future King was about to appear! As the ‘seventieth week,’ a “week” of special favor, approached, it was indeed high time for the Jews to repent of their sins against the righteous body of law given to them by their God, Jehovah. For now Israel was about to enter a day of judgment. Hence, John went on to say to the nation’s hypocritical religious leaders: “You offspring of vipers, who has intimated to you to flee from the coming wrath? So then produce fruit that befits repentance. Already the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree, then, that does not produce fine fruit is to be cut down and thrown into the fire.”—Matthew 3:7, 8, 10.
2. (a) How was Jesus’ baptism different? (b) As he “commenced his work,” with what did he have to contend?
2 Then it was that Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan and asked John to baptize him. John knew that Jesus was without sin, and at first he refused. However, Jesus’ baptism was to be different. It would symbolize his presentation of himself to Jehovah for the special work his Father had for him to do on earth. Appropriately, then, Jesus was baptized in water.
“And, as he was praying, the heaven was opened up and the holy spirit in bodily shape like a dove came down upon him, and a voice came out of heaven: ‘You are my Son, the beloved; I have approved you.’ Furthermore, Jesus himself, when he commenced his work, was about thirty years old.”
Immediately, as Messiah and King-designate, he became the object of attacks by that old Serpent, the Devil, and those Jewish religious leaders who hypocritically professed to serve God.—Luke 3:21-23.
3. How did Jesus’ course when under temptation differ from that of Adam and Eve?
3 “Now Jesus, full of holy spirit, turned away from the Jordan, and he was led about by the spirit in the wilderness for forty days, while being tempted by the Devil.” (Luke 4:1, 2) Satan recognized Jesus as the “Seed” of God’s promise who would in due time crush the Devil and his wicked “seed.” Could Satan thwart Jehovah’s purpose by causing Jesus to disobey Him? Jesus had been fasting for 40 days. So the Devil invited the hungry Jesus to turn some stones of that barren wilderness into loaves of bread. Jesus now had the power to work miracles, but, rightly, he quoted Jehovah’s righteous law, saying:
“It is written, ‘Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah’s mouth.’” (Matthew 4:1-4; Deuteronomy 8:3)
How unlike Eve and her husband, Adam, who had disobeyed in eating the forbidden fruit though surrounded by an abundance of other sustaining foods!
4. What lesson may we learn from the way that Jesus met the second temptation?
4 Jesus’ humility and complete dependence on his Father were demonstrated in the way that he met the next temptation. Satan tried to have Jesus think that he, as the Son of God, was someone important—a celebrity. Yes, let him needlessly throw himself down from the battlement of the temple, and God’s angels would surely catch him so that he would come to no harm. But Jesus rejected such a foolish suggestion, quoting again from Jehovah’s law, and saying:
“Again it is written, ‘You must not put Jehovah your God to the test.’” (Matthew 4:5-7; Deuteronomy 6:16)
Herein lies a lesson for all who claim to be God’s servants down to this day: Let no one ever presume upon his standing with Jehovah. Our being blessed by God depends not on past service or position but on our continuing to obey him in all humility, having deep respect for his arrangements and requirements.—Philippians 2:5-7.
5. (a) On what paramount issue did the third temptation focus? (b) How did Jesus again use God’s law in response? (c) How is this a splendid example for us today?
5 Now, the final and climactic temptation on this occasion! Oh, if Satan could only trip Jesus on the paramount issue, that of the Kingdom! So “the Devil took him along to an unusually high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, and he said to him: ‘All these things I will give you if you fall down and do an act of worship to me.’” By this simple compromise, Satan argued, Jesus could get control of the entire world of mankind then and there, without having to wait through the centuries until Jehovah’s due time. But again Jesus referred to Jehovah’s law, as he replied:
“Go away, Satan! For it is written, ‘It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.’” (Matthew 4:8-10; Deuteronomy 6:13)
Again, a splendid example for those who serve Jehovah today! No matter how long the road may seem to extend, let those who are rendering sacred service to Jehovah never, never cease to place God’s kingdom first in their lives. May they never turn aside to build their own little “kingdoms” in the materialistic society of Satan’s world.
“NO PART OF THIS WORLD”
6. (a) In what way did the Kingdom now draw near? (b) In applying 1 Peter 2:21, what example of Jesus must Christians follow?
6 What followed Jesus’ turning back the temptations of the Devil? The Bible record tells us:
“Jesus commenced preaching and saying: ‘Repent, you people, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.’”
In what way had the Kingdom drawn near? In that the one anointed to be King, Jesus Christ himself, was now present, “teaching . . . and preaching the good news of the kingdom.” Great crowds of people followed him from place to place. (Matthew 4:17, 23-25) Jesus made it very plain that those who accepted his teaching were to be ‘no part of the world, just as he was no part of the world.’ They must separate themselves from the world and its violent, immoral ways. All who want to follow Jesus today must do likewise.—John 17:14, 16; 1 Peter 2:21; see also Matthew 5:27, 28; 26:52.
7. In view of Jesus’ words at John 8:44, why is it vital that we today examine the teachings of religious leaders in relation to the Bible?
7 With regard to false worship, Jesus told the religious leaders of his day: “You are from your father the Devil, and you wish to do the desires of your father. That one was a manslayer when he began, and he did not stand fast in the truth, because truth is not in him. When he speaks the lie, he speaks according to his own disposition, because he is a liar and the father of the lie.” (John 8:44) It was most important back there for the common people to free themselves from false traditions (later incorporated into the Talmud) that had developed in the Jews’ religion. And today, for those who, like the Jews, have lived all their life in the religion of their forefathers, it is vital that they examine whether or not their religious leaders have ‘shoved aside’ the word of God in order to teach mere human tradition.—Mark 7:9-13.
8, 9. (a) Why did Jesus state that his kingdom “is no part of this world”? (b) Why, then, do true Christians meet up with persecution? (c) Why should they be of good courage?
8 When on trial for his life, Jesus declared concerning the political governments of his time:
“My kingdom is no part of this world. If my kingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be delivered up to the Jews. But, as it is, my kingdom is not from this source.”
The source of Jesus’ kingdom was heavenly. It derived its authority from the Supreme Sovereign, Jehovah God, and not from Satan. Accordingly, Satan used his earthly “seed” to persecute Jesus and his followers.—John 18:36.
9 Jesus therefore told his true disciples: “These things I command you, that you love one another. If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, on this account the world hates you.” (John 15:17-19) Worshipers of Jehovah experience bitter hatred and persecution down to this present day because they separate themselves from the corrupt politics and violence that are so prevalent today. But a rich reward awaits all who finally overcome the world. As Jesus assured his disciples: “In the world you are having tribulation, but take courage! I have conquered the world.”—John 16:33.
KINGLY QUALIFICATIONS
10, 11. (a) What shows that world rulers do not rule by divine right? (b) In contrast, how has Jesus shown himself to be qualified for kingship?
10 What qualities would you look for in a world ruler? Most rulers of history have been “strong men,” arrogant, puffed up with pride. They have usually placed personal advancement ahead of the needs of the common people. Some have boasted of building great empires, but in time all their mighty empires have collapsed, in proof of the truthfulness of King Solomon’s words: “Unless Jehovah himself builds the house, it is to no avail that its builders have worked hard on it.” (Psalm 127:1) These “kings” have demonstrated in fact that they do not rule by divine right. Their sovereignty has not been from Jehovah God.
11 However, God’s anointed King, Jesus Christ, is prophetically described as riding forth against his enemies “in the cause of truth and humility and righteousness.” It is said of him: “You have loved righteousness and you hate wickedness. That is why God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of exultation more than your partners”—the kings of David’s line who preceded him. (Psalm 45:4, 7) In his hatred of everything that dishonors Jehovah’s holy name and violates God’s righteous principles, the heavenly King will in due course cleanse this earth of all wickedness, preparatory to bringing in a reign of righteousness. Has Jesus shown himself qualified to be such a ruler? Most certainly he has!
12. What pattern of sacred service did Jesus set for us?
12 When he was a perfect man, Jesus was exemplary in displaying love for God and neighbor. As a member of God’s nation of Israel, dedicated to Jehovah, Jesus set the example in obeying the two greatest commandments. He said: “The first [commandment] is, ‘Hear, O Israel, Jehovah our God is one Jehovah, and you must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind and with your whole strength.’ The second is this: ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Mark 12:29-31; Deuteronomy 6:4, 5) Jesus gave of himself unsparingly in his service to Jehovah and in teaching his neighbor Jews. When these tried to detain him so as to hear more, he told them:
“Also to other cities I must declare the good news of the kingdom of God, because for this I was sent forth.” (Luke 4:43)
In rendering sacred service Jesus was a worker, setting the pattern for all true Christians to follow.—Compare John 5:17.
13, 14. (a) How did Jesus regard people? (b) Why did he go out preaching, and why did he send forth others? (c) What kind of oversight may humans expect under the Kingdom?
13 Jesus showed himself to be loving and compassionate. In his heart, he yearned to see his people relieved of the heavy burdens imposed on them by their religious oppressors. So he told them about the Kingdom, and sent out his disciples, saying:
“As you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.’”—Matthew 9:35–10:7.
14 This King-designate invited the people, saying: “Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and become my disciples, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for your souls. For my yoke is kindly and my load is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30) Jesus, as God’s heavenly King over all mankind, will show that same kind of compassion, and he will see to it, as he did while on earth, that his Kingdom associates are organized to provide the relief and kindly oversight that humans really need. All who live on earth under Jesus’ Kingdom rule will indeed find refreshment for their souls.
FLAWLESS IN INTEGRITY
15. How did Jesus give the complete answer to Satan’s challenge?
15 Above all, mankind’s future King demonstrated flawless integrity and obedience to his heavenly Father, down to a cruel death on a torture stake. As that hour of execution drew near, Jesus prayed to Jehovah, saying, “Father, glorify your name.” Jehovah’s voice responded out of heaven: “I both glorified it and will glorify it again.” In sanctifying his Father’s name, Jesus gave the complete answer to Satan’s challenge. He demonstrated that a perfect man could prove faithful to God under every kind of trial that the adversary might bring against him. So Jesus could say: “Now there is a judging of this world; now the ruler of this world [Satan] will be cast out”—completely discredited, proved to be a liar. The Jewish religious leaders, as the ‘seed of the serpent,’ would cause a painful “heel” wound to be inflicted on the “seed” of God’s womanlike organization, but God would resurrect his worthy Son to spirit life.—Genesis 3:15; John 12:27-31.
16, 17. (a) Why may we have strong confidence in earth’s future King? (b) How do the Scriptures indicate the hope of a paradise earth to be a real one? (c) Should your previous way of life hinder you in reaching out for that hope?
16 Jesus’ love of righteousness, his hatred of lawlessness, his deep fondness for mankind and, above all, his unswerving obedience in doing his Father’s will to the glory of Jehovah’s name—all these things prove this loyal Son to be admirably qualified as earth’s future King. Would you not like to enter into eternal life as the happy subject of such a king?
17 No matter how good or how bad your way of life has been until now, you may realize that hope of everlasting life on an earth made glorious. Why, even the repentant thief that was executed with Jesus was given such a resurrection hope! For when he said to Jesus, “Remember me when you get into your kingdom,” Jesus replied: “Truly I tell you today, You will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:42, 43) Soon, Paradise is to become a reality. Are you, too, prayerfully reaching out for the ‘coming’ of the Kingdom and its blessings?
[Picture on page 77]
THE GREATEST MAN EVER ON EARTH
As King-designate, he proved integrity to the death, and by his shed blood ransomed mankind from sin and death |
Greatest Man (gt)
1991 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/gt | Chapter 3
The Preparer of the Way Is Born
ELIZABETH is almost ready to have her baby. For these past three months, Mary has been staying with her. But now it is time for Mary to say good-bye and to make the long trip back home to Nazareth. In about six months she too will have a baby.
Soon after Mary leaves, Elizabeth gives birth. What joy there is when the birth is successful and Elizabeth and the baby are in good health! When Elizabeth shows the little one to her neighbors and relatives, they all rejoice with her.
The eighth day after his birth, according to God’s Law, a baby boy in Israel must be circumcised. For this occasion friends and relatives come to visit. They say that the boy should be named after his father, Zechariah. But Elizabeth speaks up. “No, indeed!” she says, “but he shall be called John.” Remember, that is the name the angel Gabriel said should be given to the child.
Their friends, however, protest: “There is no one among your relatives that is called by this name.” Then, using sign language, they ask what his father wants to name the boy. Asking for a writing tablet, Zechariah, to the astonishment of all, writes: “John is its name.”
With that, Zechariah’s speech is miraculously restored. You will recall that he lost his ability to speak when he did not believe the angel’s announcement that Elizabeth would have a child. Well, when Zechariah speaks, all those living in the neighborhood are amazed and say to themselves: “What really will this young child be?”
Zechariah is now filled with holy spirit, and he exults: “Blessed be Jehovah the God of Israel, because he has turned his attention and performed deliverance toward his people. And he has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of David his servant.” This “horn of salvation,” of course, is the Lord Jesus, who is yet to be born. By means of him, Zechariah says, God will “grant us, after we have been rescued from the hands of enemies, the privilege of fearlessly rendering sacred service to him with loyalty and righteousness before him all our days.”
Then Zechariah foretells regarding his son, John: “But as for you, young child, you will be called a prophet of the Most High, for you will go in advance before Jehovah to make his ways ready, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender compassion of our God. With this compassion a daybreak will visit us from on high, to give light to those sitting in darkness and death’s shadow, to direct our feet prosperously in the way of peace.”
By this time Mary, who evidently is still an unmarried woman, has arrived home in Nazareth. What will happen to her when it becomes obvious that she is pregnant? Luke 1:56-80; Leviticus 12:2, 3.
▪ How much older is John than Jesus?
▪ What things happen when John is eight days old?
▪ How has God turned his attention to his people?
▪ What work is John foretold to do? |
Who Is the Antichrist? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502015110 | Who Is the Antichrist?
The Bible’s answer
The antichrist is not merely one individual person or entity, for the Bible says that there are “many antichrists.” (1 John 2:18) Rather, the term “antichrist,” which comes from a Greek word meaning “against (or instead of) Christ,” refers to anyone who does the following:
Denies that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah) or denies that he is the Son of God.—1 John 2:22.
Opposes the Christ, God’s Anointed One.—Psalm 2:1, 2; Luke 11:23.
Pretends to be the Christ.—Matthew 24:24.
Persecutes the followers of Christ, since Jesus views what is done to them as being done to him.—Acts 9:5.
Falsely claims to be a Christian while practicing lawlessness or deception.—Matthew 7:22, 23; 2 Corinthians 11:13.
Besides speaking of individuals who take such actions as being antichrists, the Bible also refers to them collectively as “the antichrist.” (2 John 7) The antichrist first appeared in the time of the apostles and has been active ever since. Bible prophecy foretold just such a development.—1 John 4:3.
How to identify antichrists
They promote false ideas related to Jesus. (Matthew 24:9, 11) For example, those who teach the Trinity or that Jesus is Almighty God actually oppose the teachings of Jesus, who said: “The Father is greater than I am.”—John 14:28.
Antichrists reject what Jesus said about how God’s Kingdom operates. For instance, some religious leaders say that Christ works through human governments. Yet, this teaching contradicts Jesus, who said: “My Kingdom is no part of this world.”—John 18:36.
They say that Jesus is their Lord, but they do not obey his commands, including the one to preach the good news of the Kingdom.—Matthew 28:19, 20; Luke 6:46; Acts 10:42. |
From Our Readers | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102005010 | From Our Readers
Suffering Thank you so much for the article “Young People Ask . . . Why Does God Let Us Suffer?” (March 22, 2004) I am 14 years old, and two people that I was close to—my grandpa and my aunt—passed away recently. I knew that God was not to blame for their deaths. Satan is the one to blame, and he has only a short time left. This article really comforted me. Please continue writing such articles. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.
B. B., United States
Recently, the girl I was going to marry died in a car accident. It was a terrible tragedy—for me, for the congregation, and especially for her parents. I thank Jehovah for helping me to come out of my state of deep grief. And I thank you for the article “Why Does God Let Us Suffer?” It came at just the right time.
I. D., Germany
At first, I did not want to read this article. I thought the outputs would be gloomy. Two years ago my older brother died of an illness, and I still have emotional scars. But the article reminded me that Jehovah is the Giver of good things. I felt that my scars were rapidly being healed, and I gained courage to go on living in this unstable world.
S. H., Japan
Sugar I have been told by a number of people that the article “The Sugars of Life” (March 22, 2004) was by implication promoting a popular health product that is supposed to cure ailments, including cancer. I take no exception to your article but do take exception to people using it for financial gain or to promote their ideas.
P. K., Australia
“Awake!” responds: The article “The Sugars of Life” merely reported the findings of biologists regarding the important role of sugar in health. In no way was it intended to be an endorsement of a particular product. When reporting on health matters, “Awake!” does not recommend to its readers any particular approach to treatment. It is up to individual Christians to make sure that any regimen they follow reflects soundness of mind and does not conflict with Bible principles.
Lactose Intolerance For some years I have been suffering from the symptoms mentioned in the article “Understanding Lactose Intolerance.” (March 22, 2004) This led to my taking a hydrogen breath test, which indicated that I am lactose intolerant. When I showed the article to the internist, he thought it was very well researched, and he encouraged me to thank you for writing such a good article. He wasn’t aware of ever having read Awake! before.
E. S., Germany
Overdrinking Thank you for the article “The Bible’s Viewpoint: Is Overdrinking Really That Bad?” (March 8, 2004) I now realize that my use of alcohol has been the source of disputes between my wife and me, and I realize that I have wasted much money on alcohol. Today I drink less and less frequently.
G. K., Tanzania
Crossword Puzzles I enjoy doing the crossword puzzles published in Awake! They are instructive. At first, I had to consult the Bible often to find the right word. Now I seldom have to. I owe this to my program of Bible study. And it was the crossword puzzles that encouraged me to have one!
W. K., Poland
“Awake!” responds: The crossword puzzle that appears in “Awake!” is replaced in some language editions with a Bible quiz eninputd “Do You Know?” |
Scientists Take Public for a Ride | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101994009 | Scientists Take Public for a Ride
By Awake! correspondent in Spain
TOMÁS SERRANO, an elderly, weather-beaten Spanish farmer, had believed for many years that his Andalusian smallholding concealed something unique. His plow often unearthed exotic bones and teeth that certainly did not belong to any local cattle. But when he spoke of his finds in the village, nobody took much notice—at least not until 1980.
In that year a team of paleontologists arrived to investigate the region. Before long they uncovered a veritable treasure trove of fossils: bones of bears, elephants, hippopotamuses, and other animals—all deposited in a small area that was apparently a dried-up swamp. It was in 1983, however, when the prolific site jumped into the international headlines.
A small yet singular fragment of skull had recently been discovered. It was heralded as “the oldest human remains discovered in Europe and Asia.” Calculating it to be between 900,000 and 1,600,000 years old, some scientists expected it to usher in “a revolution in the study of the human species.”
The fossil that generated all this enthusiasm was christened the “Man of Orce”—after the village in the province of Granada, Spain, where it was discovered.
The “Man of Orce” Meets the Press
June 11, 1983, saw the fossil’s public presentation in Spain. Prominent Spanish, French, and British scientists had already vouched for its authenticity, and political support was quickly forthcoming. A Spanish monthly enthused: “Spain, and especially Granada, is now at the forefront of [human] antiquity in the macrocontinent of Eurasia.”
What was the “Man of Orce” really like? Scientists described him as a recent emigrant from Africa. This particular fossil, it was said, belonged to a young man who was about 17 years old and five feet [1.5 m] tall. Probably he was a hunter and collector who may not have yet learned to use fire. Likely he had already developed a rudimentary language and religion. He ate fruit, cereals, berries, and insects, along with the occasional remains of animals that hyenas had killed.
Misgivings About the Identification
On May 12, 1984, only two weeks before an international scientific seminar on the subject, serious doubts arose as to the fragment’s origin. After the meticulous removal of calcareous deposits from the interior part of the skull, the paleontologists found a disconcerting “crest.” Human skulls do not have such a crest. The seminar was postponed.
The Madrid daily El País carried the headline, “Serious Indications That the Cranium of the ‘Man of Orce’ Belongs to an Ass.” Finally, in 1987, a scientific paper written by Jordi Agustí and Salvador Moyà, two of the paleontologists involved in the original discovery, declared that X-ray analysis had indeed confirmed that the fossil belonged to a kind of horse.
Why Taken for a Ride?
This debacle arose for several reasons, none of which have much to do with the scientific method. The dramatic discovery of human ancestors rarely remains for long in the exclusive domain of the scientists. Politicians were quick to jump on the bandwagon, and scientific rigor was eclipsed by nationalistic fervor.
A regional minister of culture declared that it was a proud moment for Andalusia “to be the setting of such a great discovery.” When doubts about the find were expressed in some circles, the regional government of Andalusia stoutly maintained that “the remains were authentic.”
Such an insignificant fossil (about 3 inches [8 cm] in diameter) acquires enormous importance in part because of the lack of evidence to support the supposed evolution of man. Despite the fossil’s meager proportions, the “Man of Orce” was hailed as “the greatest paleontological find of recent years, as well as the missing instruction between the typical African man (Homo habilis) and the oldest man of the Eurasian continent (Homo erectus).” Fertile imagination and not-so-scientific guesswork sufficed to fill in the details about the appearance and way of life of the “Man of Orce.”
A year or so before the discovery of the “Man of Orce,” the leader of the scientific team, Dr. Josep Gibert, had speculated about the surprises that the area undoubtedly held in store. “It is one of the most important concentrations of the inferior Quaternary in Europe,” he asserted. And even after the true identity of the fossil was revealed, Dr. Gibert insisted: “The international scientific community firmly believes that in the Guadix-Baza area [where the fragment was found], sooner or later, a human fossil more than a million years old will be found, and that will certainly be a great discovery.” Indeed, wishful thinking!
“Science Is Concerned With Discovering the Truth”
A codiscoverer of the “Man of Orce,” Dr. Salvador Moyà, honestly admitted to Awake!: “Dr. Jordi Agustí and I found it very difficult to accept that the fossil was not humanoid. However, science is concerned with discovering the truth, even though it may not be to our liking.”
The controversy that has surrounded the “Man of Orce” illustrates how vexing a task it is for paleontology to unearth the truth concerning the so-called evolution of man. Despite decades of digging, genuine remains of man’s supposed simian ancestors have not come to light. Although it may not be to the liking of some scientists, could it be that the dearth of solid evidence points to the fact that man is not a product of evolution after all?
An impartial observer might well ask himself if other renowned “ape-men” are any more substantial than the “Man of Orce” has proved to be.a As history has amply demonstrated, science can lead men to the truth, but scientists are by no means immune to error. This is especially so when political, philosophical, and personal bias clouds the issue—and when so little is used to try to explain so much.
[Footnotes]
a For a detailed analysis of other so-called ape-men, see chapter 7 of the book Life—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation? published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.
[Pictures on page 24, 25]
Above: A replica of the three-inch diameter [7.5 cm] fragment of the supposed “Man of Orce”
Right: A painting of hypothetical “primitive man” as imagined by evolutionists |
A Government Free of Corruption | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2015000 | A Government Free of Corruption |
Proclaimers (jv)
1993 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/jv | Chapter 32
“By This All Will Know That You Are My Disciples”
IT WAS Nisan 14, 33 C.E., the final night of Jesus’ earthly life. He knew that his death was near, but he was not thinking of himself. Instead, he took advantage of this opportunity to encourage his disciples.
Jesus knew that it would not be easy for them after his departure. They would be “objects of hatred by all the nations” on account of his name. (Matt. 24:9) Satan would try to divide and corrupt them. (Luke 22:31) As a result of apostasy, imitation Christians would spring up. (Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43) And ‘because of the increasing of lawlessness the love of the greater number would cool off.’ (Matt. 24:12) In the face of all of this, what would hold his genuine disciples together? Above all, their love for Jehovah would serve as a uniting bond for them. (Matt. 22:37, 38) But they would also have to love one another and do so in a way that would distinguish them from the rest of the world. (Col. 3:14; 1 John 4:20) What sort of love did Jesus say would clearly identify his true followers?
That final evening, Jesus laid this command upon them: “I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.” (John 13:34, 35) Jesus spoke of love more than 20 times that night. And three times he stated the command that they “love one another.” (John 15:12, 17) Clearly, Jesus had in mind not just his 11 faithful apostles who were with him that evening but all others who would eventually embrace true Christianity. (Compare John 17:20, 21.) The command to love one another would be binding upon genuine Christians “all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.”—Matt. 28:20.
But did Jesus mean that just any individual anywhere in the world who showed kindness and love to his fellowman would thereby be identified as one of Jesus’ genuine disciples?
“Have Love Among Yourselves”
On that same evening, Jesus also had much to say about unity. “Remain in union with me,” he told his disciples. (John 15:4) He prayed that his followers would “all be one,” and added, “just as you, Father, are in union with me and I am in union with you, that they also may be in union with us.” (John 17:21) In this context he commanded them: “Have love among yourselves.” (John 13:35) So their love would be expressed not simply toward a few close friends or within a single congregation. Echoing Jesus’ command, the apostle Peter later wrote: “Have love for the whole association of brothers [or, ‘the brotherhood’].” (1 Pet. 2:17, Kingdom Interlinear; compare 1 Peter 5:9.) So they would be a close-knit, worldwide brotherhood. Special love would be due all within the global family of believers because they would be viewed as brothers and sisters.
How would such love be manifest? What would be so distinctive, so different, about their love for one another that others would see in it clear evidence of true Christianity?
“As I Have Loved You”
“You must love your fellow as yourself,” stated God’s Law to Israel more than 1,500 years before Jesus lived on earth. (Lev. 19:18) Such love of neighbor, though, was not the kind of love that would distinguish Jesus’ followers. Jesus had in mind a love that would go far beyond loving others as yourself.
The command to love one another was, as Jesus said, “a new commandment.” New, not because it was more recent than the Mosaic Law, but new in the extent to which the love was to be carried out. Love one another “as I have loved you,” explained Jesus. (John 13:34) His love for his disciples was strong, constant. It was a self-sacrificing love. He demonstrated it by doing more than just a few good deeds for them. He fed them spiritually and, when necessary, cared for their physical needs. (Matt. 15:32-38; Mark 6:30-34) And in ultimate proof of his love, he gave his life for them.—John 15:13.
Such is the outstanding kind of love that the “new commandment” calls for, the love that Jesus’ true followers would have for one another. (1 John 3:16) Who today give clear proof of obeying the “new commandment”? The evidence presented earlier in this publication unequivocally points to one worldwide association of Christians.
They are known, not by a peculiar form of dress or some unusual customs, but by the strong and warm attachment that they have to one another. They have a reputation for demonstrating a love that surmounts racial differences and national boundaries. They are known for refusing to fight against one another even when the nations in which they live go to war. Others have been impressed at how they reach out to one another in times of adversity, such as when natural disasters strike or when some members of their brotherhood are persecuted for maintaining integrity to God. They are ready to endure hardship or encounter danger to help their brothers and sisters for whom Christ laid down his life. And, yes, they are willing to die for one another. The love that they demonstrate is unique in a world of increasing selfishness. They are Jehovah’s Witnesses.a
An example of such love in action was seen following Hurricane Andrew, which hit the coast of Florida, U.S.A., in the early morning hours of Monday, August 24, 1992. In its wake some 250,000 people were left homeless. Among the victims were thousands of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Almost immediately the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses acted by appointing a relief committee and arranging to make relief funds available. Christian overseers in the stricken area quickly contacted individual Witnesses to assess their needs and render assistance. Already on Monday morning, the day of the storm, Witnesses in South Carolina, hundreds of miles away, dispatched to the disaster area a truck loaded with generators, chain saws, and drinking water. On Tuesday, along with more supplies that had been donated, hundreds of out-of-town volunteers arrived to assist the local brothers in repairing Kingdom Halls and private homes. Regarding the relief efforts, a non-Witness woman who lived near a Kingdom Hall remarked: “This truly has to be the Christian love the Bible speaks of.”
Would such love subside after one or two acts of kindness? Would it be directed only toward people of the same race or nationality? Certainly not! As a result of unstable political and economic conditions in Zaire, during 1992 over 1,200 Witnesses there lost their homes and all their belongings. Other Witnesses in Zaire quickly came to their aid. Even though hard-pressed themselves, they also shared with refugees that came into Zaire from Sudan. Soon, relief supplies arrived from South Africa and France; these included cornmeal, salted fish, and medical supplies—items that they could really use. Again and again, help was provided, as conditions required. And while this was going on, similar help was being provided in many other lands.
Yet, their having such love does not make Jehovah’s Witnesses complacent. They realize that, as followers of Jesus Christ, they must continue to keep on the watch.
[Footnote]
a See Chapter 19, “Growing Together in Love.”
[Blurb on page 710]
What sort of love did Jesus say would clearly identify his true followers?
[Blurb on page 711]
They would be a close-knit, worldwide brotherhood
[Box on page 712]
“Witnesses Care for Their Own—And Others”
Under that heading, “The Miami Herald” reported on the relief efforts of Jehovah’s Witnesses in South Florida following the devastation caused by Hurricane Andrew in August 1992. The article stated: “No one in Homestead is slamming doors on the Jehovah’s Witnesses this week—even if they still have doors to slam. About 3,000 Witness volunteers from across the country have converged on the disaster area, first to help their own, then to help others. . . . About 150 tons of food and supplies have funneled through a command post at the Assembly Hall in western Broward County to two Kingdom Halls in the Homestead area. From the halls, crews fan out each morning to repair the battered homes of Witness brethren. . . . A field kitchen churns out meals for up to 1,500 persons, three times a day. And it’s not just hot dogs and doughnuts. Volunteers are treated to home-baked bread, lasagna from scratch, tossed salads, stew, flapjacks and French toast—all from donated ingredients.”—August 31, 1992, page 15A. |
‘Know Jehovah’ (kj)
1971 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/kj | Chapter 13
Christendom’s Associates Turn upon Her!
1. To what extent is it that history repeats itself?
IT IS often said that history has the habit of repeating itself. Or, the future is only the past entered into a new case. As far as the general features are concerned, it is true that world events that form the subject matter of a history do repeat themselves. Similar causes would produce such repeating of events.
2, 3. From history how can we learn to avoid calamitous events such as occurred to others previously, and, in 1 Corinthians 10:6-12, how does Paul point to the benefits of studying Bible history?
2 If we study the calamitous events of human history, we can take them as warning examples and can learn their inducing causes. Thus we can know what to avoid in order not to have those calamitous events repeat themselves upon us. This is one of the benefits that we can get from studying Bible history, just as the Christian apostle Paul suggests. When writing about the calamitous happenings of the nation of Israel in their journey of forty years from Egypt to the Promised Land, he expressed it this way:
3 “Now these things became our examples, for us not to be persons desiring injurious things, even as they [the Israelites] desired them. . . . Now these things went on befalling them as examples, and they were written for a warning to us upon whom the ends of the systems of things have arrived. Consequently let him that thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall.”—1 Corinthians 10:6-12.
4. What did Jehovah say would happen to Jerusalem for not heeding the warning example of history in her own family relationship, and so what will Christendom experience for likewise being heedless?
4 The ancient city of Jerusalem was one that did not beware and so did not profit by the warning example of history, even in her own family relationship. What wonder, then, that her God, when telling of the calamity that would come upon her for her unfaithfulness to Him, went on to say: “And you will certainly be profaned within yourself before the eyes of the nations, and you will have to know that I am Jehovah.” (Ezekiel 22:16) Centuries-old Christendom has been just as heedless of the warning examples of Bible history. There is only one outcome to be expected. Just as surely as ancient Jerusalem was made to know, in a disastrous way, the God with whom she was dealing, so Christendom will have Jerusalem’s terrible experience repeat itself upon her, and that very soon.
5. Where did the symbolic Oholah and Oholibah begin to commit prostitution, but to whom did they come to belong, and what did they produce for that owner?
5 Keeping Christendom in mind as the modern-day antitype, let us now consider the deserved punishment that God foretold, years in advance, and that was to come upon ancient Jerusalem. Making a written record of this divine prophecy, the prophet Ezekiel in exile in Babylon says: “And the word of Jehovah proceeded to come to me, saying: ‘Son of man, two women, the daughters of one mother, there happened to be. And they began to prostitute themselves in Egypt. In their youth they committed prostitution. There their breasts were squeezed, and there they pressed the bosoms of their virginity. And their names were Oholah the older one and Oholibah her sister, and they came to be mine and began to give birth to sons and daughters. And as for their names, Oholah is Samaria, and Oholibah is Jerusalem.’”—Ezekiel 23:1-4.
6. As cities, what were Samaria and Jerusalem respectively, who was their “mother,” and how was it that in Egypt they practiced prostitution spiritually?
6 Up to the time of its destruction by the Assyrians in the year 740 B.C.E., Samaria was the capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, composed out of ten of the twelve secular tribes of Israel. On the other hand, Jerusalem was the capital of the Southern Kingdom of Judah, composed of the remaining tribes of the Jewish people. So their two capital cities are used to represent or picture their respective kingdoms. They both came from one parent organization or “mother,” namely, the national organization that descended from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the twelve sons of Jacob. Symbolically they were spoken of as the “daughters” of that mother organization. Jacob and his sons and their families moved down from Palestine into Egypt in the year 1728 B.C.E., in the days when his son Joseph was the prime minister and food administrator of Egypt under Pharaoh. There the tribes that descended from Jacob’s twelve sons and that make up the two daughter organizations were influenced to practice spiritual prostitution. In what way?
7. How did the symbolic Oholah and Oholibah practice spiritual prostitution down in Egypt, and how could the symbolic Oholah be rightly spoken of as the older of the two sisters?
7 By defiling themselves with the idol worship that was then prevalent in Egypt. By doing this they were having unclean, immoral connection with the false gods and idols of pagan Egypt. In the prophecy of Ezekiel 20:4-8 Jehovah reminded certain exiled elders of Israel about such spiritual prostitution on the part of their forefathers in Egypt. Of course, away back there the Northern Kingdom of Israel with its capital at Samaria did not exist. (1 Kings 16:23-28) But the ten tribes that eventually rebelled to form that kingdom did exist, and thus the symbolic woman Oholah was in formation. She was composed of the most of the tribes of Israel, and these included the tribes that descended from the two oldest sons of Jacob, namely, Reuben and Simeon, and also the tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim that descended from Joseph, Jacob’s firstborn son by his beloved wife Rachel. Rightly, then, the symbolic Oholah could be spoken of as the “older one” of the two symbolic daughters of the one mother.—Genesis 29:32-35; 30:22-24.
8. What does Oholah’s name mean, and how did it fit her?
8 The name given to her, Oholah, means “Her Tent,” that is, a tent for carrying on religious worship. When the Northern Kingdom of Israel was established in 997 B.C.E., it went over to the worship of the golden calf and later added to this idolatrous worship the worship of the false god Baal. In this way the symbolic Oholah forgot Jehovah and cast him behind her back and set up her own tent for idolatrous worship. Jehovah’s tent was not in her.
9. Why did the name Oholibah fit the younger “sister” even in Ezekiel’s day of prophesying about her?
9 The name of her symbolic sister was Oholibah. This name is understood to mean “My Tent Is in Her.” It being a God-given name, it signified that Jehovah’s tent of worship was in the symbolic Oholibah, the Southern Kingdom of Judah. This kingdom ruled over the two tribes of Judah and Benjamin and also had the support of the religious tribe of Levi. Levi was the third son of the patriarch Jacob, Judah was the fourth son, and Benjamin the twelfth and last son, so that the symbolic Oholibah was well pictured as the younger of the two daughters of the “one mother.” The tent containing Jehovah’s ark of the covenant was served by the qualified men of the tribe of Levi and came to be located at Jerusalem after King David captured that city in 1070 B.C.E. and made it his capital. In that city, also, David’s son Solomon built the gorgeous temple for Jehovah’s worship, and it was still standing in the day of Ezekiel’s prophecy about the symbolic Oholah and Oholibah. So the name Oholibah fitted the Southern Kingdom of Judah, for Jehovah’s tent or temple of worship was in her.—2 Samuel 5:1-9; 6:11 to 7:13.
10. When did the two symbolic women become Jehovah’s, how did they give to him sons and daughters, and why would unfaithfulness to him be adulterous?
10 “And they came to be mine,” said Jehovah concerning those two symbolic women. (Ezekiel 23:4) When was that? It was in the year 1513 B.C.E., when Jehovah delivered the “mother” organization, the twelve tribes of Israel, from bondage to Egypt on the night of the first celebration of the Passover, and more specifically so when Jehovah brought the twelve tribes formally into a covenant with him through the mediator Moses at Mount Sinai in Arabia. (Exodus 12:50 to 13:21; 19:3 to 24:8) Thereafter sons and daughters were brought forth in covenant relationship with Jehovah as their God. How? This was by reason of the action of their fathers in making this national covenant with Jehovah, the Deliverer of His people. They were all subject to Him because of being the children of the nation that was married to Him like a wife to a husband or husbandly owner. (Jeremiah 3:14; 31:32) Unfaithfulness to Him was adulterous.
11. In what year did those two symbolic “women” definitely take form, and in what way?
11 The symbolic “two women, the daughters of one mother,” definitely took form in the year 997 B.C.E., or 516 years after the rescue of the nation of Israel from the slave-driving Egypt. In that year ten of the tribes of Israel refused further allegiance to the royal house of David and set up their own kingdom, the final capital of which proved to be Samaria, some thirty-five miles to the north of Jerusalem. This Northern Kingdom, with capital at Samaria, was symbolized by Oholah. The Southern Kingdom, with capital at Jerusalem, was symbolized by Oholibah—Ezekiel 23:4
“OHOLAH” SETS A BAD HISTORICAL EXAMPLE
12. Did the cracking up of Israel dissolve Jehovah’s covenant toward the two resulting nations, and how did the symbolic Oholah refuse wifely subjection to her husbandly Owner?
12 This crackup of the twelve-tribe nation of Israel did not dissolve its covenant with Jehovah as entered into through the mediator Moses at Mount Sinai. Both of the new kingdoms were still in this covenant of the Mosaic Law and were therefore still subject to Jehovah as to a spiritual Husband. (1 Kings 11:29-39) But the Northern Kingdom, the symbolic Oholah, refused wifelike subjection to Jehovah and became idolatrous. She lost her trust in Him as her Protector and began to play politics with the pagan nations round about, especially imperial Assyria to the northeast. (2 Kings 15:17-22; Hosea 5:13; 12:1) Did this getting on friendly terms with the militarized political world power of Assyria work out well for the ten-tribe Kingdom of Israel? Did Assyria prove to be a staunch, true friend to this symbolic Oholah? Note what Jehovah goes on to say, in Ezekiel 23:5-10:
13. What do Jehovah’s words in Ezekiel 23:5-10 show as to whether Assyria proved to be a staunch, true friend to symbolic Oholah?
13 “And Oholah began to prostitute herself, while subject to me, and kept lusting after those passionately loving her, after the Assyrians, who were near, governors clothed with blue material, and their deputy rulers—desirable young men all of them, cavalrymen riding horses. And she continued giving forth her prostitutions upon them, the choicest sons of Assyria all of them; and with all those after whom she lusted—with their dungy idols—she defiled herself. And her prostitutions carried from Egypt she did not leave, for with her they had lain down in her youth, and they were the ones that pressed the bosoms of her virginity and they kept pouring out their immoral intercourse upon her. Therefore I gave her into the hand of those passionately loving her, into the hand of the sons of Assyria, toward whom she had lusted. They were the ones that uncovered her nakedness. Her sons and her daughters they took, and her they killed even with sword. And she came to be infamy to women, and acts of judgment were what they executed upon her.”
14. So the trusting of “Oholah” in Assyria caused Jehovah to do what to her?
14 Losing her faith in the invisible Jehovah and putting her trust in the impressive-looking military might of idolatrous Assyria did not save and preserve the spiritually adulterous Oholah, the ten-tribe Kingdom of Israel. Abandoning the One who had delivered her out of Egypt, she was abandoned by Him to the brutal Assyrians who had passionately loved to force a worldly alliance upon her.
15. As executioners of what did the Assyrians act toward symbolic Oholah, and how did they expose her nakedness?
15 Jehovah let “Oholah” fall into the violent hands of those with whom she had preferred to be in a covenant, the Assyrians. These acted as executioners of divine judgment upon her, giving her the treatment that an adulterous wife deserved. With the sword of war they punitively killed her as a political nation, destroying her national capital, Samaria. But first they took captive her sons and daughters, herding them away into slavery in another land. They made no allowance for her to be revived and restored as a people and kingdom. They “uncovered her nakedness” by stripping the land of her Israelite children, deporting them afar off; and then, to take their place on the land, Assyria imported pagan peoples from various parts of the Assyrian Empire.—2 Kings 18:8-12; 17:1-24.
16. How did “Oholah” come to be “infamy to women”?
16 Good reason this was for the criminally executed “Oholah” to become “infamy to women,” that is, to pagan kingdoms of that time. They looked down upon her as a nation that had gained shameful infamy for herself and they shuddered at her fate. Her kingdom ceased to exist permanently in 740 B.C.E. at the destruction of Samaria and the deportation of her surviving sons and daughters.
HISTORIC FORECAST FOR OUR DAY
17. In view of “Oholah” as a warning example, what questions arise as to the symbolic Oholibah?
17 Did symbolic Oholah come to be “infamy” to her sister Oholibah, the Southern Kingdom of Judah? Did Oholibah appreciate this warning example of history and profit by it? Did she therefore avoid the spiritually adulterous course of her sister in order that history might not repeat itself upon her and she might not have to drink the cup of judgment that her sister had been obliged to drink? What did Oholibah indicate that her modern-day counterpart Christendom would do in our times? Jehovah pointed to the course that Oholah’s sister kingdom was pursuing, saying, in Ezekiel 23:11-17:
18. In what words, in Ezekiel 23:11-17, did Jehovah point to the course that the symbolic Oholibah was then pursuing?
18 “When her sister Oholibah got to see it, then she exercised her sensual desire more ruinously than she, and her prostitution more than the fornication of her sister. For the sons of Assyria she lusted, governors and deputy rulers who were near, clothed with perfect taste, cavalrymen riding horses—desirable young men all of them. And I got to see that, because she had defiled herself, both of them had one way. And she kept adding to her acts of prostitution when she got to see the men in carvings upon the wall, images of Chaldeans carved in vermilion, girded with belts on their hips, with pendant turbans on their heads, having the appearance of warriors, all of them, the likeness of the sons of Babylon, Chaldeans as respects the land of their birth. And she began to lust after them at the sight of her eyes and proceeded to send messengers to them in Chaldea. And the sons of Babylon kept coming in to her, to the bed of expressions of love, and defiling her with their immoral intercourse; and she continued getting defiled by them, and her soul began to turn away disgusted from them.”
19. How did the symbolic Oholibah defy the warning example of her sister Oholah, and what outcome for Assyria posed a problem for Oholibah?
19 Oholibah defied the warning example in the history of her sister kingdom, Oholah. Jehovah got to see that both Oholibah and Oholah “had one way,” only that Oholibah pursued the way in a more extreme fashion. Forgetting Jehovah and her marriage-like covenant with Him, she went playing politics with that mighty military world power, Assyria. This was notoriously so in the days of King Ahaz of Jerusalem. Despite the counsel of Jehovah by the prophet Isaiah, King Ahaz called the Assyrian conqueror Tiglath-pileser to his aid against the allied kingdoms of Syria and Israel. (Isaiah 7:1-20; 2 Kings 16:5-10, 17, 18) King Hezekiah, successor to Ahaz, saw how disastrously Oholah’s courting the political favor of Assyria ended in the year 740 B.C.E., with the destruction of Samaria and its kingdom. Although King Hezekiah was delivered from the Assyrian king Sennacherib, he entertained the friendly advances made by the Babylonians. For this he was rebuked by Jehovah. (Isaiah 37:36 to 39:7; 2 Kings 19:35 to 20:18) After the Babylonians overthrew the Assyrian World Power by destroying its capital Nineveh about 632 B.C.E., this posed a serious problem for Jerusalem.
20. How did the king of Babylon undo the political action of the king of Egypt toward Jerusalem, how did the symbolic Oholibah court Babylon’s political favor, and how did she show her tiring of this?
20 Four years later, in 628 B.C.E., the conquering king of Egypt put King Jehoiakim upon the throne of Jerusalem in place of his brother Jehoahaz. But in the year 620 B.C.E. the king of Babylon subjected Jehoiakim as a king tributary to Babylon. In the year 617 B.C.E. the king of Babylon installed Jehoiakim’s brother Zedekiah as king on the throne of Jerusalem. (2 Kings 23:31 to 24:18) During the reigns of these two kings the symbolic Oholibah “exercised her sensual desire more ruinously” than did her sister Oholah by courting the political favor of the Babylonian World Power. This international intercourse kept up in both cases until at last Jerusalem tired of the domination of Babylon. So “her soul began to turn away disgusted” from the Babylonians by rebellion against the king of Babylon.—2 Kings 24:1, 18-20.
21. In Ezekiel 23:18-21, how did Jehovah say how he felt about the adulterous course of the symbolic Oholibah?
21 How, though, did Jehovah feel about this spiritually adulterous course on the part of the symbolic Oholibah? This is something that her modern-day counterpart Christendom should have considered long ago. In Ezekiel 23:18-21 Jehovah tells how he felt by saying: “And she went on uncovering her acts of prostitution and uncovering her nakedness, so that my soul turned away disgusted from company with her, just as my soul had turned away disgusted from company with her sister [Oholah]. And she kept multiplying her acts of prostitution to the point of calling to mind the days of her youth, when she prostituted herself in the land of Egypt. And she kept lusting in the style of concubines belonging to those whose fleshly member is as the fleshly member of male asses and whose genital organ is as the genital organ of male horses. And you continued calling attention to the loose conduct of your youth by the pressing of your bosoms from Egypt onward, for the sake of the breasts of your youth.”
22. How did Jehovah harmonize his course toward Oholibah with that toward Oholah?
22 Since Jehovah’s very being had turned away in disgust from company with her adulterous sister Oholah, why should not his soul turn away in disgust from company with Oholibah because of like loose conduct with the idolatrous Babylonians? Jehovah is consistent with himself and so harmonized his actions toward both sisters, Oholah and Oholibah.
23. How did Oholibah call to mind the days of her youth when she prostituted herself in Egypt, and her passion became like that of concubines belonging to whom?
23 How did Oholibah go “calling to mind the days of her youth, when she prostituted herself in the land of Egypt”? She did so by looking southward to Egypt for military aid when “her soul began to turn away disgusted” from the Babylonians by rebelling against the king of Babylon. (Ezekiel 17:7-10, 15-17) In the language Jehovah here uses, what contempt he expresses for her animalistically passionate course that was unbecoming to a wife but quite usual with a readily available concubine. He says: “And she kept lusting in the style of concubines belonging to those whose fleshly member is as the fleshly member of male asses and whose genital organ is as the genital organ of male horses.” Or, as the New English Bible of 1970 words it: “She was infatuated with their male prostitutes, whose members were like those of asses and whose seed came in floods like that of horses.”—Ezekiel 23:20, NW; NEB.
THE SLIGHTED POLITICAL LOVERS REACT
24, 25. Consistent with what happened to the symbolic Oholah for her spiritual adultery, what did Jehovah say, in Ezekiel 23:22-25a, he would do to her sister Oholibah?
24 In the light of what happened to the symbolic Oholah for her spiritually immoral course, what was her sister Oholibah consistently to receive at the hand of Jehovah in his disgust? It was yet some time, possibly two years, to the beginning of the final Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, when Jehovah answered the question by saying to that unfaithful city in which His “tent” was still standing:
25 “Therefore, O Oholibah, this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah has said, ‘Here I am rousing up your passionate lovers against you, those from whom your soul has turned away in disgust, and I will bring them in against you on all sides, the sons of Babylon and all the Chaldeans, Pekod and Shoa and Koa, all the sons of Assyria with them, desirable young men, governors and deputy rulers all of them, warriors and summoned ones, riding on horses, all of them. And they must come in against you with rattling of war chariots and wheels, and a congregation of peoples, with large shield and buckler and helmet. They will set themselves against you all around, and I will give judgment over to them, and they must judge you with their judgments. And I will express my ardor against you, and they must take action against you in rage.
26. According to Jehovah’s words in Ezekiel 23:25b-27, what would the Babylonians and their allies do to symbolic Oholibah?
26 “‘Your nose and your ears they will remove, and the remainder of you will fall even by the sword. Your sons and your daughters they themselves will take, and the remainder of you will be devoured by the fire. And they will certainly strip off you your garments and take away your beautiful articles. And I shall actually cause your loose conduct to cease from you, and your prostitution carried from the land of Egypt; and you will not raise your eyes to them, and Egypt you will remember no more.’”—Ezekiel 23:22-27.
27. Who is it that raises up against “Oholibah” those least expected, and how is escape barred for her, and are mere judicial decisions as handed down by men executed upon her?
27 What a horrible shock to have one’s passionate lovers turn suddenly upon one! How could such a change of sentiment occur so quickly? It is Jehovah who brings this about against the wifelike organization that has proved false to him. It is he who raises up and brings down upon her those whom we would hardly think he would use as his instrument in executing judgment upon her, her associates or allies who once passionately loved her as a vassal kingdom. They are not just the common rabble, but are governors, deputy rulers, professional warriors, summoned ones called in for counsel, men of equestrian rank. There will be no escaping for her, inasmuch as they will come in against her on all sides. The war chariots, the rattling of the wheels of which she hears, can dart like the lightning and overtake her. The congregation of well-protected military peoples can hem her in. Are they to execute the judgments judicially handed down by men? No, for they are mere instruments of execution!
28. Whose judicial decisions are executed, how are they applied, and with what emotions are they executed?
28 The judicial decisions are those of Jehovah, and he turns over the execution of these to his chosen human agencies. But they are allowed to apply these judicial decisions according to their own cruel way of execution judgment. Jehovah has jealous ardor against the symbolic Oholibah, and his executional forces on earth have rage; and when divine ardor and Assyro-Babylonian rage combine in one united action, it really means woe for Oholibah.
29. The cutting off of nose and ears was the penalty for what moral crime, and how was this punishment inflicted upon the symbolic Oholibah?
29 Is it ghastly cruel to cut off a woman’s nose and her ears, horribly disfiguring her? Yes, but that was the way those ancient world imperialists punished adulteresses. Oholibah had turned adulterously away from her husbandly owner, Jehovah. Like an outraged jealous husband, he set his mark upon the face of his unfaithful mate. Her beautiful national appearance was ruined. Her anointed king and other prominent officials, who were like the “very breath of our nostrils,” were taken away. (Lamentations 4:20) Her priests and judges and literary men, who were like ears to listen and give balance to the headship of the nation, were also violently removed. With so mutilated a national appearance, how could she “save face” before other nations? She could not!
30. What was to be done with what remained of her, human and inanimate, irremovable, leaving her in what appearance?
30 After she had thus been mutilated, what was remaining of adulterous Oholibah was to fall by the executional sword of the victorious Babylonians, her former passionate lovers. Alas, then, for her sons and daughters! Those of them surviving were to be taken captive and enslaved. The remainder of her, in the way of nonportable material properties, was to be “devoured by the fire.” She was to be exposed naked, stripped of her garments and beautiful articles with which she had practiced her allurements as a nation. Such spiritual adultery as hers must cease from the earth forever!
31. What indicates whether Oholibah’s tiring of the Babylonians meant her repenting for reconciliation with Jehovah or not?
31 Oholibah’s tiring of certain ones like the Babylonians with whom she had committed spiritual prostitution did not mean that she had turned in heartfelt repentance to Jehovah to become reconciled with him. She was still given over to committing spiritual immorality with idolatrous gods. She was still inclined to violate her covenant with Jehovah and adulterously enter alliances with a pagan nation if she felt that this would save her as a nation. Fully aware of this, Jehovah went on to say to symbolic Oholibah:
32. Into whose hand did Jehovah tell Oholibah, in Ezekiel 23:28-31, that he would give her, and what would then happen to her, and why?
32 “For this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah has said, ‘Here I am giving you into the hand of those whom you have hated, into the hand of those from whom your soul has turned away disgusted. And they must take action against you in hatred and take away all your product of toil and leave you naked and nude; and the nudeness of your acts of fornication and your loose conduct and your acts of prostitution must be uncovered. There will be a doing of these things to you because of your going like a prostitute after the nations, on account of the fact that you defiled yourself with their dungy idols. In the way of your sister [Oholah] you have walked; and I shall have to give her cup into your hand.’”—Ezekiel 23:28-31.
33. Could Oholibah escape consequences by taking one-sided action, and for what engagements till now was Jehovah disposed to let her make a settlement?
33 Oholibah, representing unfaithful Jerusalem, was not to think that by her coming to hate the Babylonians and turning away from them in soulful disgust she could escape the consequences of her past spiritually immoral connections with them. It was not as easy as all that. The hated Babylonians were not willing to forget her engagements with them. And what about her superior engagements to Jehovah, her husbandly owner? Repentance over her loose conduct with the Babylonians was not repentance toward Jehovah. So He was disposed to let Oholibah settle for the violation of both her obligations to the Babylonians and her obligations to Him by surrendering her into the hands of her estranged lovers, the Babylonians.
34. Oholibah’s being made naked caused the nations to reason how as to the cause therefor?
34 Her nakedness ought to be exposed to all nations by the laying bare of her record as a shameless “streetwalker,” a prostitute out hunting for suckers on a national scale. Her God, whose religious “tent” was in her, must be punishing her for something! If her infidelity and her crimes against him had not been so enormous, her punishment would not have been so great! That was the case with her sister Oholah. So now why not also with her herself?
35. What false reasoning was Oholibah not to indulge in as to there being an exception to the rule concerning consequences?
35 Oholibah was not to think that she was an exception to the rule. Irreversibly her sister Oholah had suffered for certain causes. What historical basis was there, then, for her to think that history would not repeat itself upon her for just the same causes, yes, aggravated causes? Like crimes, like punishment! Jehovah showed in advance that he would make no exception of Oholibah, even though she represented Jerusalem, by saying to her:
36. Because he would make no exception, what cup did Jehovah say Oholibah would drink, and to what extent?
36 “This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah has said, ‘The cup of your sister you will drink, the deep and wide one. You will become an object of laughter and derision, the cup containing much. With drunkenness and grief you will be filled, with the cup of astonishment and of desolation, the cup of your sister Samaria. And you will have to drink it and drain it out, and its earthenware fragments you will gnaw, and your breasts you will tear out. “For I myself have spoken,” is the utterance of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.’”—Ezekiel 23:32-34.
37. Jehovah’s description of the “cup” indicated what about the amount of the potion that Oholibah was to drink, and at what she had to drink why would she be astonished, made drunk, grieved?
37 Apparently for ninety-three years, from the time of Samaria’s destruction in 740 B.C.E. to the beginning of Jerusalem’s “time of the error of the end” in 647 B.C.E., the adulterous Oholibah had time to profit from the historical warning example of her sister Oholah. Unhappily, she did not do so. (Ezekiel 4:6, 7; 21:25) At the hand of her forsaken husbandly owner, Jehovah, she must drink the same kind of potion that her sister Oholah (Samaria) did in 740 B.C.E. Only the cupful thereof will be larger in quantity, “the cup containing much” because it is “the deep and wide one.” She will drink the potion of becoming an “object of laughter and derision” to all the maliciously minded nations round about. She will be astonished at the shame and desolation that will come upon her. Just to think that Jehovah would let this come upon her! The cupful of national destruction, deportation from her God-given homeland and the international disgrace will be enough to make her feel drunk. She will be filled with grief at her own undone condition, not at the reproach that she brought upon the name of her husbandly owner, Jehovah. However great the potion, it will not be more than her due.
38. How did Jehovah figuratively describe how the symbolic Oholibah would pay the full penalty for unfaithfulness to Him?
38 Not a drop of the potion must she fail to drink. Even the moisture that has soaked into the porous absorbent material of the cup she must imbibe by gnawing and crunching the “earthenware fragments” of the cup. To the full she must pay the divine penalty for her unfaithful, adulterous course toward the God of her covenant. What Jehovah spoke concerning her she must undergo. The warning example in the case of her sister was nothing to be flouted!
HOW THE RULE WORKS UPON CHRISTENDOM
39. In view of the experience of symbolic Oholibah and Oholah, what questions arise as to the future of Christendom, and what gives us certainty as to the answers to these questions?
39 Since this rule worked so unerringly with the symbolic Oholah and Oholibah, what now is to be expected with regard to Christendom, the present-day counterpart of these two symbolic sisters, Samaria and Jerusalem? Will Bible history fail to repeat itself upon Christendom? Whereas Oholibah (Jerusalem) drank the same cup as her sister Oholah (Samaria) did for imitating Oholah’s conduct toward Jehovah, will Christendom escape drinking the same cup even though she has imitated the conduct of both Oholah and Oholibah? If the religious clergy and church people of Christendom think so, they are terribly mistaken, forasmuch as the true God, Jehovah, is consistent in all his ways. What makes it more certain that Christendom will experience the repeating of history and drink the same cup as her ancient prototypes is that Jehovah has spoken it in his written Word, in the recorded prophecies of the last book of the Bible.
40. What was it that the symbolic Oholibah would experience by 607 B.C.E. at the hands of her alienated lovers, and to learn about any repeating of history to what must we turn?
40 What was it that Oholibah, like her sister Oholah, was to experience by 607 B.C.E.? For one thing, the turning of her passionate lovers upon her. Their action would result in her being stripped naked; she will be rendered childless, her children being led away captive or falling by the sword of punitive warfare; she will be burned with fire; her queenly dignity will be disgraced, as her royal position among the nations disintegrates. Is anything like that to be repeated in modern history? Listen now to what Jehovah has spoken through Jesus Christ as it booms forth more loudly than ever from the sound track of his written Word:
41, 42. What does Revelation 17:15-18 and 18:4-8 say about similar calamities befalling an immoral person?
41 “The waters that you saw, where the harlot is sitting, mean peoples and crowds and nations and tongues. And the ten horns that you saw, and the wild beast [that bears the ten horns upon its seven heads], these will hate the harlot and will make her devastated and naked, and will eat up her fleshy parts and will completely burn her with fire. For God put it into their hearts to carry out his thought, even to carry out their one thought by giving their kingdom to the wild beast, until the words of God will have been accomplished. And the woman whom you saw means the great city that has a kingdom over the kings of the earth.”
42 “Get out of her, my people, if you do not want to share with her in her sins, and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues. For her sins have massed together clear up to heaven, and God has called her acts of injustice to mind. Render to her even as she herself rendered, and do to her twice as much, yes, twice the number of the things she did; in the cup in which she put a mixture put twice as much of the mixture for her. To the extent that she glorified herself and lived in shameless luxury, to that extent give her torment and mourning. For in her heart she keeps saying, ‘I sit a queen, and I am no widow, and I shall never see mourning.’ That is why in one day her plagues will come, death and mourning and famine, and she will be completely burned with fire, because Jehovah God, who judged her, is strong.”
43. With what portrayal of her, whom does Jehovah by his angel identify the harlot as being, in Revelation 17:1-6?
43 To whom do those words of Revelation 17:15-18 and 18:4-8 apply? Who is the “harlot” in this case? From that last book of the Bible Jehovah by his angel speaks in answer: “Come, I will show you the judgment upon the great harlot who sits on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, whereas those who inhabit the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.” “And he carried me away in the power of the spirit into a wilderness. And I caught sight of a woman sitting upon a scarlet-colored wild beast that was full of blasphemous names and that had seven heads and ten horns. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and was adorned with gold and precious stone and pearls and had in her hand a golden cup that was full of disgusting things and the unclean things of her fornication. And upon her forehead was written a name, a mystery: ‘Babylon the Great, the mother of the harlots and of the disgusting things of the earth.’ And I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the holy ones and with the blood of the witnesses of Jesus.”—Revelation 17:1-6.
44. According to that, had the style of punishing women for adultery and fornication changed with the passing of years, and so punishment like that of whom is Babylon the Great to suffer?
44 Here indeed is foretold a repeating of history that reproduces the historical features of what befell the ancient prostitute, Oholibah. The Biblically described treatment of adulteresses and harlots is seen not to change from what it was in 607 B.C.E., when Oholibah (Jerusalem) was destroyed by the Babylonians, to what is prescribed for adulteresses and harlots in the year 96 C.E., about which time the Christian apostle John wrote the last book of the Bible, Revelation. More than seven hundred years of the passing of time and yet no change! And there is no change foreseen and foretold after the passing of more than eighteen centuries of time since then till now in our twentieth century; for Revelation, chapters seventeen and eighteen, forecasts the events of our present century. Regardless of whatever the symbolic harlot, Babylon the Great, may say in her heart, she must suffer the punishment of women of loose conduct, like ancient Oholah, like Oholibah, at the hands of Jehovah God, who judges her. His style of punishment has not changed!
45. Why is it wishful thinking for Christendom to say within herself that she will not suffer the fate of Babylon the Great of today?
45 Wishful thinking is it for Christendom to say in her heart that she will not suffer the fate of Babylon the Great of today. For years now she has been notified that Babylon the Great stands for the world empire of false Babylonish religion, and of this worldwide religious organization Christendom is the most populous and powerful part. As such she is one of those religious “harlots” of which Babylon the Great is the mother organization.—Revelation 17:5.
46. Consequently, how must Christendom fare at the hands of Jehovah, and since she has shared in the sins of Babylon the Great she must also receive part of what?
46 Consequently, as fares Babylon the Great at the hands of Jehovah God, so must Christendom fare. And inasmuch as Christendom was specifically typed or foreshadowed by the adulterous Oholibah (Jerusalem), this makes it certain that she will share in the disastrous finale of Babylon the Great, which finale closely parallels that of the prostitute Oholibah. Has Christendom shared in the sins of Babylon the Great which have massed together clear up to heaven? Since she has done so, then she must receive part of the plagues of Babylon the Great that are divinely decreed to come “in one day,” namely, death, mourning, famine, “and she will be completely burned with fire,” and this at the hand of her former associates.—Revelation 18:4-8; 17:16.
47, 48. In the words of Ezekiel 23:35, what did Jehovah tell the symbolic Oholibah to do, and so what will Christendom have to do?
47 We might well think of Christendom as Jehovah goes on to relate to his prophet Ezekiel the ungodly conduct of Oholibah (Jerusalem) toward Him, saying: “Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah has said, ‘For the reason that you have forgotten me and you proceeded to cast me behind your back, then you yourself also bear your loose conduct and your acts of prostitution.’”
48 Ancient Oholibah did what she was told to do in these words of Ezekiel 23:35, that is to say, she had to bear the bitter consequences of her spiritually loose conduct and acts of prostitution. Christendom will have to do the same, without fail.
49. According to the historic record, how has Christendom since 1919 shown that she has forgotten Jehovah and cast him behind her back as regards world peace and security, and so what will she not get when her associates turn upon her?
49 We do not have to peer too deeply into the historic record that Christendom has made for herself in order to discern that she has forgotten Jehovah and has cast him behind her back. It is not with Him that she has allied herself and aligned herself in hope of protection and preservation. She has carried on spiritual immorality with the politicians of all the nations. Along with them she has promoted and endorsed that idolatrous “image” of the symbolic wild beast, namely, the United Nations, as the necessary organization for world peace and security. This political “image” is the scarlet-colored wild beast with seven heads and ten horns that Babylon the Great has been riding since it came into existence, originally as the League of Nations in 1919. Since she looks away from Jehovah, she will get no protection and deliverance from Him when her political and secular associates turn upon her in rage to destroy her.—Revelation 13:14, 15; 14:9-11; 17:3-7.
50-52. When will this drastic punishment come upon Christendom, and before then, what must the anointed Ezekiel class do, as indicated in Ezekiel 23:36-42?
50 This drastic punishment will strike Christendom, shortly now, in the approaching “great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning.” (Matthew 24:15, 21, 22) But before then, the anointed Ezekiel class whom Jehovah is using today must declare abroad His judicial decisions against Christendom as if pronouncing divine judgment upon her. Indicative of this is what the ancient prophet Ezekiel next tells us, in his account in Ezekiel 23:36-42:
51 “And Jehovah went on to say to me: ‘Son of man, will you judge Oholah and Oholibah and tell them their detestable things? For they have committed adultery and there is blood on their hands, and with their dungy idols they have committed adultery. And, besides that, their sons whom they had borne to me they made pass through the fire to them as food. What is more, this is what they have done to me: They have defiled my sanctuary in that day, and my sabbaths they have profaned. And when they had slaughtered their sons to their dungy idols they even proceeded to come into my sanctuary on that day to profane it, and, look! that is what they have done in the midst of my house. And in addition to that, when they began to send to the men coming from far away, to whom there was sent a messenger, then, look! they came, for whom you had washed yourself, painted your eyes and decked yourself with ornaments. And you sat down upon a glorious couch, with a table set in order before it, and my incense and my oil you put upon it.
52 “‘And the sound of a crowd at ease was in her, and to the men out of the mass of mankind there were drunkards being brought in from the wilderness, and they proceeded to put bracelets on the hands of the women and beautiful crowns upon their heads.’”
FORMAL ACCUSATION AS PRESENTED AGAINST CHRISTENDOM
53, 54. Those words of judgment against Oholah and Oholibah are an indictment also against whom today, and how has the latter been guilty of what is denounced in James 4:4?
53 What an indictment this is of Christendom, as reflected from the ancient prototype of her! This indictment has been presented by the Ezekiel class of today, the anointed Christian witnesses of Ezekiel’s God, Jehovah. Like ancient Oholah and Oholibah, Christendom has committed spiritual adultery against the God whom she professes to worship, the God of the Bible. Deserving of her consideration, therefore, is the Bible question raised in James 4:4, which reads: “Adulteresses, do you not know that the friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever, therefore, wants to be a friend of the world is constituting himself an enemy of God.”
54 Christendom’s perpetual friendliness with the politicians, and military forces and the big business profiteers of this world is a public scandal. As the dominant member of the “great harlot,” Babylon the Great, Christendom has been a religious organization “with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, whereas those who inhabit the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.” Christendom dominates in the symbolic “city that has a kingdom over the kings of the earth.”—Revelation 17:1, 2, 18.
55. What outstanding modern instance is there of the committing of spiritual adultery with idols by the sects of Christendom?
55 The religious sects of Christendom have committed spiritual adultery also “with their dungy idols.” One of the latest and biggest things to be idolized by her is the “image” of the symbolic wild beast of world politics, namely, the United Nations, to which most of the professedly Christian nations belong.—Ezekiel 23:37; Revelation 13:14, 15; 14:9-11; 16:2.
56. How is it true of the sects of Christendom in a sacrificial way that “there is blood on their hands”?
56 And of the religious sects of Christendom can it be said that “there is blood on their hands”? As the ancient Oholah and Oholibah made their sons pass through the sacrificial fire to the dungy idol image of the false god Molech, so the sects of Christendom have caused their sons to shed their blood in sacrifice to the bloodthirsty god Mars, the Roman god of war. All this in the name of what they call Christianity! Christendom’s bloodstained hands testify to the sacrifice of her religious sons by the fanatical savage crusades against the Mohammedans of the Middle East, yes, by wars within her own ranks between Catholics and Protestants, by religious inquisitions with fiendish tortures of those viewed as heretics, by wars between the nations of Christendom that pitted Catholic against Catholic and Protestant against Protestant, by two world wars both of which began right inside Christendom!
57. How have they misrepresented what God’s sanctuary stands for by how they have proceeded to do despite being defiled with blood?
57 Worse still, with utter disrespect for the Bible God, they have, on the day of committing such atrocities, come with blood-drenched hands into what they call God’s sanctuary, even on what they called their sabbath day. In this way they have, in effect, defiled and profaned God’s sanctuary, thus grossly misrepresenting what the true house of God stands for. In disapproval of all this, what a blood account there is for Him to settle with Christendom!
58. How does Oholibah portray Christendom as trying to entice immoral customers, and who are not excluded from the mass of mankind that flocks to her?
58 As portrayed by Oholibah (Jerusalem), we can picture Christendom acting like a professional harlot. She has sought customers, sending out for them to come into alliance with her for unchristian intercourse. See her washing herself to remove any offensive smells! See her making her eyes appear larger and more lustrous by painting them! See her decking herself with ornaments to make herself look irresistibly enticing! See her putting herself in a reclining position upon a glorious couch with a table put in front of it! The incense burning upon it and the perfumed oil put upon it for rubbing purposes she took away from what really belongs to God. In response to the messenger she sent out, her enticed customers were to come from all the secular parts of this world that is at enmity with Jehovah God. Her brothel becomes the location from which, despite closed doors and windows, issues the sound of a crowd at ease and yielding themselves to sensual pleasures. A mass of mankind have flocked to her as for sexual satisfaction. Have drunkards been added to that indiscriminate mass as welcome? Yes, even though they come from such a low class as is to be found in the wilderness.
59. Because Christendom has made religion an easy thing, what elements of human society have been herded to her, and in what sense have they put bracelets on her wrists and crowns on her head?
59 Because Christendom’s sects made religion easy for such worldlings, and because they could join her as church members and at the same time continue to be a part of this selfish, idolatrous, bloodstained world, all these elements of human society let themselves be herded into harlot-like Christendom. As payment for whatever religious favors that brought them sensual pleasure, they glorified her. As it were, to beautify her blood-reddened hands they put bracelets on her wrists, and they set beautiful crowns upon the heads of her sects, thereby giving the clergy some religious headship over their lives. This has become an old custom.
60. What are the indications as to whether Christendom will stop her spiritual immorality, and to what end must “righteous men” be used, these executing the judgments applied to what sort of women?
60 Yet, is this to go on forever, or will it go beyond this generation of ours? Not according to what Jehovah now tells Ezekiel in these words: “Then I said respecting her who was worn out with adultery, ‘Now she will keep on committing her prostitution, even she herself.’ And they kept on coming in to her, just as one comes in to a woman that is a prostitute; in that manner they came in to Oholah and to Oholibah as women of loose conduct. But as regards righteous men, they are the ones that will judge her with the judgment for adulteresses and with the judgment for female shedders of blood; for adulteresses are what they are, and there is blood on their hands.” (Ezekiel 23:43-45) Accordingly, since Christendom will not stop “committing her prostitution, even she herself,” then a stop must be put to her committing spiritual prostitution by having others execute upon her the judgment for adulteresses and the judgment for women guilty of shedding blood willfully.
THE “RIGHTEOUS MEN” FOR JUDGING CHRISTENDOM
61. Who, then, are the “righteous men” that execute judgment upon the symbolic Oholibah?
61 Who, though, are those “righteous men” that will execute judgment upon her? Not Ezekiel and his fellow exiles Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, nor the prophet Jeremiah at Jerusalem and his secretary Baruch and his friends Ebed-melech the Ethiopian and the household of the Rechabites. (Ezekiel 14:14, 20; Daniel 1:1-7; Jeremiah 35:1-19; 36:4-32; 45:1-5) These approved men had no part whatsoever in executing the judgment of Jehovah upon Oholibah (Jerusalem) in the years 609-607 B.C.E. Rather, it was the Assyrians who destroyed Oholah (Samaria) in 740 B.C.E., and Babylonians who destroyed Oholibah (Jerusalem) in 607 B.C.E.
62. Since Jehovah’s executioners back there were pagans, in what way could they be called “righteous men,” and, similarly who are the “righteous men” used as executioners in our day?
62 Consequently, the “righteous men” here meant are the former passionate lovers of Oholibah (Jerusalem) from whom her soul finally turns away in disgust and who therefore turn upon her and bring her to ruin. But how could such ones, the Babylonian executioners of judgment, be called “righteous men” inasmuch as they were pagans? It was in a comparative sense. So great was the wickedness of Oholibah (Jerusalem) in Jehovah’s sight, that the Babylonians whom He used as his executioners were comparatively “righteous” in His sight. Because of so flagrantly violating her sacred covenant with Jehovah as her God, Oholibah (Jerusalem) was far more reprehensible than the pagan Babylonians. Furthermore, they were executing the “righteous” judgment of Jehovah upon Oholibah (Jerusalem), the judgment that is deserving for adulteresses and female shedders of blood. (Ezekiel 23:22-27) Similarly, in our day the “righteous men” are not Jehovah’s Christian witnesses, but are Christendom’s onetime worldly associates who get to hating her and who turn upon her to execute God’s sentence upon her.
63. How is the identity of those “righteous men” confirmed in Jehovah’s final words concerning Oholibah?
63 That this is the correct understanding of who those “righteous men” are is confirmed by Jehovah’s final words concerning Oholibah: “For this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah has said, ‘There will be the bringing up of a congregation against them and a making of them a frightful object and something to plunder. And the congregation must pelt them with stones, and there will be a cutting of them down with their swords. Their sons and their daughters they will kill, and with fire their houses they will burn. And I shall certainly cause loose conduct to cease out of the land, and all the women will have to let themselves be corrected, so that they will not do according to your loose conduct. And they must bring your loose conduct upon you, and the sins of your dungy idols you will bear; and you people will have to know that I am the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.’”—Ezekiel 23:46-49.
64. How did Jehovah bring up against Oholibah a “congregation” of plunderers, wielders of swords, stoners, desolaters and burners, and cleansers of immoral conduct, and to whom did she become a frightful, corrective warning example?
64 The congregation of Babylonian soldiers that Jehovah brought up against Oholibah (Jerusalem) did make her a frightful object in 607 B.C.E., breaching her sturdy walls, invading her, looting her, carrying away the plunder, and burning her with fire. (2 Kings 25:1-17; 2 Chronicles 36:17-19; Jeremiah 52:6-23) Doubtless the stones that the Babylonians hurled into the city during the long siege were of considerable size, doing much damage and causing many deaths. Besides that, many of Jerusalem’s sons and daughters were dispatched by Babylonian swords upon the breakthrough into the city and thereafter. The firing of all the combustible houses that remained completed the desolation. Thus spiritually loose conduct and idolatry were made to cease out of the land of Judah by the destruction of Oholibah (Jerusalem). Terrible were the consequences that came upon her for committing such detestable things in Jehovah’s sight. What befell her should have been a warning to other “women,” that is, nations, not to follow her example.
65. In view of the warning example of Oholibah, what question arises as to Christendom, and whom will Jehovah bring up against her because of her course?
65 Has Christendom let herself be corrected by the warning example of Oholibah (Jerusalem) so as not to imitate her spiritually loose conduct and worship of dungy idols? In answer it must be said that Oholibah did not take heed to the warning example of her sister Oholah (Samaria), and neither will Christendom take heed to the warning example of the heedless Oholibah (Jerusalem). She is doomed to be plundered and made a frightful object mass of ruins. Not for long will her present friendship and sharing of her bed of immoral love with the worldly elements of this system of things continue. Her political, military, and other secular lovers will see reason to hate this worn-out old harlot and will turn upon her in rage. Jehovah will bring them up against her as an army of executioners of his righteous judgment, and false hypocritical Christianity will be burned out of the earth. Frightful will be the ruin of this symbolic woman, Christendom, that did not let herself be corrected by the warning examples recorded in Jehovah’s Word. No one can ignore those warning examples and get by with it!
66. What is the purpose behind having all this take place, what will Christendom experience according to Jehovah’s warning examples, and who today should take note respecting this?
66 There is a purpose behind having all this take place. What is it? It is the divine purpose: “And you people will have to know that I am the Sovereign Lord Jehovah.” (Ezekiel 23:49) Those words should be taken to heart by us. It was the name of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah that was involved with the terrible events of divine judgment in the year 607 B.C.E. In his own name Jehovah had foretold those events by his prophets. In vindication of his own name He as Sovereign Lord irresistibly caused them to occur as the execution of His judicial decisions. Let all ignorers of Jehovah today take note. Relish it or not, the approaching destruction of Christendom will be according to His warning examples, his prophecies and his irreversible decrees. Thereby people will have to know that He, the Fulfiller of his unchangeable Word, is Jehovah.
67. What will then be the effect of this upon those of us who already have a knowledge of the Sovereign Lord God?
67 All those of us who have already come peacefully to a knowledge of this Sovereign Lord will thereby have that divine purpose mightily confirmed to us. More convinced than ever before, we shall know in an awe-inspiring way that He is Jehovah indeed and thus we will reverence him more fully than ever before. |
YOUNG PEOPLE ASK
Creation or Evolution?—Part 4: How Can I Explain My Belief in Creation? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502014327 | YOUNG PEOPLE ASK
Creation or Evolution?—Part 4: How Can I Explain My Belief in Creation?
You believe in creation, but you’re reluctant to say so openly at school. Maybe your textbooks endorse evolution and you worry that teachers and classmates might make fun of you. How can you speak up confidently and explain your belief in creation?
You can do it!
Be ready
Tools to help you explain your belief
What your peers say
You can do it!
You might think: ‘I’m not smart enough to discuss science and debate evolution.’ That’s how Danielle felt at one time. “I hated feeling that I had to contradict my teacher and my classmates,” she says. Diana agrees, “I got confused when they argued using scientific terms.”
However, your goal is not to win arguments. And the good news is that you don’t need to be a genius at science to explain why you find creation to be a rational explanation for the natural world.
Tip: Use the simple logic found in the Bible at Hebrews 3:4: “Every house is constructed by someone, but the one who constructed all things is God.”
A young woman named Carol reasons on the principle of Hebrews 3:4 this way: “Imagine that you’re walking through a dense forest. Every evidence of a human being is miles away. You then look down and see a toothpick on the ground. What is your conclusion? Most people would say, ‘Someone else has been here.’ If something as small and insignificant as a toothpick is evidence of intelligent life, how much more so is the universe and all that’s in it!”
If someone says: “If creation is true, then who created the Creator?”
You could respond: “Just because we don’t understand everything about the Creator doesn’t mean he doesn’t exist. For example, you may not know the history of the person who designed your cell phone, but you still believe it was designed by somebody, right? [Allow for response.] There’s so much we can know about the Creator. If you’re curious, I’d be happy to share what I’ve learned about him.”
Be ready
The Bible says that you should be “ready to make a defense before everyone who demands of you a reason for the hope you have, but doing so with a mild temper and deep respect.” (1 Peter 3:15) Therefore, give attention to two factors—what you say and how you say it.
What you say. Your love of God is important and can motivate you to speak up. But just telling others how much you love God may not be enough to convince them that God created all things. It might be best to use examples from nature to show why it is rational to believe in creation.
How you say it. Be confident, but don’t be rude or condescending. People are likely to consider your viewpoint if you speak respectfully about their beliefs and acknowledge their right to come to their own conclusions.
“I think it’s important never to come across as insulting or as a know-it-all. It would be counterproductive to speak in a condescending tone.”—Elaine.
Tools to help you explain your belief
Being prepared to defend your beliefs is like being prepared for a change in the weather
“If we aren’t prepared,” says a teenager named Alicia, “we’ll just want to stay quiet to avoid embarrassment.” As Alicia points out, preparation is vital to success. Jenna states, “I feel much more comfortable discussing creation when I have a simple yet well-thought-out example to back up my belief.”
Where can you find such examples? Many young people have had success using the following material:
Was Life Created?
The Origin of Life—Five Questions Worth Asking
The Wonders of Creation Reveal God’s Glory (video)
The series “Was It Designed?” in the Awake! magazine. (Type the phrase [including quotation marks] “was it designed” in the search box of Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY.)
Use Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY for additional research.
You might also find it helpful to review the previous articles in this series, “Creation or Evolution?”
Part 1: Why Believe in God?
Part 2: Why Question Evolution?
Part 3: Why Believe in Creation?
Tip: Choose examples that convince you. They will be easier for you to remember, and you will be able to speak about them with conviction. Try practicing how you will explain your belief.
WHAT YOUR PEERS SAY
“If we evolved, then why do we have qualities such as compassion and love? Those qualities make you think of others rather than yourself. It doesn’t make sense to me to say that those qualities evolved.”—Brittany.
“When I took a biology course, I learned about anatomy and the functions of our cells. Even though the course supported evolution, what I learned made it clear to me that we are the product of intelligent design.”—Breanna. |
Word-Search Game | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101985006 | Word-Search Game
Expressions Concerning Jehovah
In the letter maze shown at right are to be found 31 words or expressions pertaining to Jehovah. Identify these with the help of the scripture texts and then locate them in the word maze. (Sometimes the expression will be a different grammatical form than that used in the text.) They are found spelled forward, backward, up and down, as well as diagonally. When all the words have been located, put the unused letters in the spaces at bottom of page to form a scripture text. (Solutions on page 27.)
JEHOVAH IS . . .
1. Genesis 17:1, God ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐.
2. Exodus 15:1, ‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐.
3. Deuteronomy 4:24, ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐.
4. Deuteronomy 10:17, ‐‐‐ ‐‐ ‐‐‐‐ and ‐‐‐‐ ‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐.
5. Deuteronomy 32:4, ‐‐‐‐, ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐, ‐‐‐‐, ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐, ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐, ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐.
6. 2 Samuel 22:33, strong ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐.
7. Psalm 3:3, ‐‐‐‐‐‐.
8. Psalm 47:7, ‐‐‐‐.
9. Psalm 75:7, ‐‐‐‐‐.
10. Psalm 83:18, ‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐.
11. Psalm 135:3, ‐‐‐‐.
12. Psalm 136:4, ‐‐‐‐ of wonderful things.
13. Proverbs 18:10, strong ‐‐‐‐‐.
14. Isaiah 30:18, ‐‐‐ ‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐.
15. Isaiah 40:28, ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐.
16. Isaiah 43:12, ‐‐‐.
17. Isaiah 49:26, ‐‐‐‐‐‐.
18. Isaiah 51:12, ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐.
19. Isaiah 60:19, ‐‐‐‐‐.
20. Jeremiah 10:10, ‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐.
21. John 4:24, ‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐.
22. 1 Corinthians 14:33, ‐‐‐ ‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐.
23. Hebrews 13:6, ‐‐‐‐‐‐.
24. 1 John 4:8, ‐‐‐‐.
25. Revelation 4:8, ‐‐‐‐‐.
“‐‐‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐ ‐‐ ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐, . . . ‐‐‐ ‐‐ ‐‐ ‐‐‐‐.”
Word-Search-Game Solutions
1. Almighty
2. highly exalted
3. consuming fire
4. God of gods and Lord of lords
5. Rock, perfect, just, faithful, righteous, upright
6. fortress
7. shield
8. King
9. judge
10. Most High
11. good
12. Doer
13. tower
14. God of judgment
15. Creator
16. God
17. Savior
18. Comforter
19. light
20. living God
21. a Spirit
22. God of peace
23. helper
24. love
25. holy
Unused letters: “Give thanks to Jehovah, . . . for he is good.”—Psalm 136:1. |
THE BIBLE’S VIEWPOINT
Suffering | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102015009 | THE BIBLE’S VIEWPOINT
Suffering
Some people feel that God causes human suffering or that, at the very least, he is indifferent to it. But is that what the Bible teaches? You might be surprised at the answer.
Does God cause us to suffer?
“For a certainty, God does not act wickedly.”—Job 34:12.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Some say that everything that happens is God’s will. Thus, they believe that God causes us to suffer. When natural disasters strike, for instance, they think that these events are God’s way of punishing those who have sinned.
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS
The Bible clearly teaches that God does not cause us to suffer. For example, the Bible says that when we go through trials, it would be a mistake to say: “I am being tried by God.” Why? Because “with evil things God cannot be tried, nor does he himself try anyone.” (James 1:13) In other words, God never causes the trials we face or the suffering that follows. To do so would be wicked, but “God does not act wickedly.”—Job 34:12.
If God does not cause us to suffer, then who or what does? Sadly, humans are often victimized by other imperfect humans. (Ecclesiastes 8:9) Additionally, we may face calamities because of “unexpected events”—that is, because of simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time. (Ecclesiastes 9:11) The Bible teaches that ultimately “the ruler of this world,” Satan the Devil, is responsible for human suffering, for “the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” (John 12:31; 1 John 5:19) It is Satan—not God—who causes people to suffer.
Does God care about our suffering?
“During all their distress it was distressing to him.”—Isaiah 63:9.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Some think that God is indifferent to our trials. For example, one writer cites what he calls God’s “apparent lack of mercy or pity in reaction to our suffering.” This writer argues that if God exists, he must view humans with “pitiless indifference.”
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS
Far from depicting God as pitiless or indifferent, the Bible teaches that God is deeply moved by our suffering—and that he will soon bring an end to it. Consider three comforting truths found in the Bible.
God is aware of our suffering. From the very start of human suffering, not a single teardrop has gone unnoticed by Jehovah,a whose “watchful eyes” see everything. (Psalm 11:4; 56:8) For example, when his worshippers in ancient times were being oppressed, God said: “I have certainly seen the affliction of my people.” But was he only vaguely aware of their pain? No, for he added: “I well know the pains they suffer.” (Exodus 3:7) Many people have found comfort in that truth alone—the thought that God is aware of everything we suffer, even the trials that others may not be aware of or fully understand.—Psalm 31:7; Proverbs 14:10.
God feels for us when we suffer. Jehovah God is not only aware of human suffering but also deeply moved by it. For example, God was sincerely troubled when his ancient worshippers faced trials. “During all their distress it was distressing to him,” says the Bible. (Isaiah 63:9) Although God is vastly superior to humans, he feels empathy for those who suffer—as if their pain were in his heart! Indeed, “Jehovah is very compassionate and merciful.” (James 5:11; footnote) Additionally, Jehovah helps us to bear our suffering.—Philippians 4:12, 13.
God will end all human suffering. According to the Bible, God will bring an end to the suffering of every human on the planet. By means of his heavenly Kingdom, Jehovah will drastically change the human condition—for the better. Regarding that time, the Bible promises that God “will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4) What about those who have already died? God will bring them back to life here on earth so that they too can enjoy life free from suffering. (John 5:28, 29) Will anyone be plagued by painful memories of past suffering? No, for Jehovah promises: “The former things will not be called to mind, nor will they come up into the heart.”—Isaiah 65:17.b
a Jehovah is the name of God as revealed in the Bible.
b As to why God has allowed suffering for a time and how he will bring it to an end, please see chapter 8 and chapter 11 of the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? published by Jehovah’s Witnesses. |
KEEP ON THE WATCH!
Why Is There So Much Hatred?—What Does the Bible Say? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/501100090 | id-work/DigitalVision Vectors via Getty Images
KEEP ON THE WATCH!
Why Is There So Much Hatred?—What Does the Bible Say?
Hate speech, hate crimes, ethnic violence, and war dominate the news.
“Fueled by the conflict between Israel and Gaza and stoked by extremists, hate speech has spiked on social media platforms.”—The New York Times, November 15, 2023.
“Since the 7th of October, the world has seen a sharp and worrying increase in hate, hate speech and hate crimes.”—Dennis Francis, president of the United Nations General Assembly, November 3, 2023.
Hateful speech, violence, and war are not new. In fact, the Bible describes those in the past who “[aimed] their cruel words like arrows” and who pursued war and violence. (Psalm 64:3; 120:7; 140:1) Yet the Bible explains that the hatred we see today is significant.
Hatred—A mark of our times
The Bible reveals two reasons why hate is common today.
1. It foretold a time period when “the love of the greater number will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:12) Instead of love, people in general would display attitudes that foster hatred.—2 Timothy 3:1-5.
2. The level of hatred today reflects the malicious and wicked influence of Satan the Devil. The Bible says that “the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.”—1 John 5:19; Revelation 12:9, 12.
However, the Bible also reveals that God will soon eliminate the root causes of hatred. What is more, he will undo all the suffering that hate has caused. The Bible promises:
God “will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”—Revelation 21:4.
We invite you to read an issue of the Watchtower magazine eninputd “Breaking the Cycle of Hatred.” You will find the Bible’s answers to these questions:
What is behind the cycle of hatred?
How can we overcome hatred in our life now?
What will God do to eliminate hatred completely? |
Examining the Scriptures—2023
2022 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/brochures-and-booklets/examining-the-scriptures/examining-the-scriptures-2023 | December
Friday, December 1
They will listen to my voice.—John 10:16.
Jesus compared his relationship with his followers to the close bond between a shepherd and his sheep. (John 10:14) That comparison is appropriate. The sheep know their shepherd and respond to his voice. A traveler experienced this firsthand. He reported: “We wanted to film some sheep and tried to make them come near. But they did not follow us because they did not know our voices. Then a small shepherd boy came along; hardly had he called them when they followed along.” The experience of that traveler reminds us of Jesus’ words regarding his sheep—his disciples. He said: “They will listen to my voice.” But Jesus is in heaven. How can we say that we are listening to him? A key way we show that we are listening to our Master’s voice is by applying his teachings in our life.—Matt. 7:24, 25. w21.12 16 ¶1-2
Saturday, December 2
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.—Rom. 3:23.
The apostle Paul had been a headstrong, harsh persecutor of Christians. But later, he acknowledged his shortcomings and was willing to change his attitude and personality. (1 Tim. 1:12-16) With Jehovah’s help, Paul became a loving, compassionate, humble shepherd. He chose to trust in Jehovah’s forgiveness rather than dwell on his failings. (Rom. 7:21-25) He did not expect to be perfect. Instead, he worked hard to improve his Christian personality and humbly relied on Jehovah’s help to accomplish his work. (1 Cor. 9:27; Phil. 4:13) Elders are not appointed because they are perfect. Jehovah, though, does expect them to admit their mistakes and to cultivate a Christian personality. (Eph. 4:23, 24) An elder should examine himself in the light of God’s Word and make any needed adjustments. Then Jehovah will help him to be happy and successful.—Jas. 1:25. w22.03 29-30 ¶13-15
Sunday, December 3
Stop judging.—Matt. 7:1.
What should we do if we detect that we have judged a fellow believer? We must remember that we are to love our brothers. (Jas. 2:8) We should also earnestly pray to Jehovah, begging him to help us to stop judging. We can work in harmony with our prayers by taking the initiative to speak with the person we have been critical of. We might ask him to work with us in the field ministry or to join us for a meal. As we get to know our brother better, we can try to follow the example of Jehovah and Jesus by looking for the good in him. In this way, we show that we are listening to the fine shepherd’s command to stop judging. Just as literal sheep listen to the voice of their shepherd, Jesus’ followers listen to his voice. Whether we are part of the “little flock” or the “other sheep,” may we continue to listen to and obey the voice of the fine shepherd.—Luke 12:32; John 10:11, 14, 16. w21.12 19 ¶11; 21 ¶17-18
Monday, December 4
He rejected the advice that the older men gave him.—1 Ki. 12:8.
When Rehoboam became king of Israel, his subjects came to him with a request. They asked him to lighten the load that his father, Solomon, had laid upon them. Commendably, Rehoboam consulted with the older men of Israel to see how he should reply to the people. The older men advised the king that if he did what the people asked, they would always support him. (1 Ki. 12:3-7) Apparently, Rehoboam was not satisfied with that advice, so he consulted the men who had grown up with him. They counseled him to add to the burdens of the people. (1 Ki. 12:9-11) Rehoboam could have asked Jehovah which advice he should follow. Instead, he listened to the younger men. The consequences were disastrous for Rehoboam and for the people of Israel. In our case, the advice we receive may not always be what we want to hear. Still, if it is based on God’s Word, we should accept it. w22.02 9 ¶6
Tuesday, December 5
The glory of young men is their strength.—Prov. 20:29.
A person who is humble and modest will focus, not on the inexperience of young ones, but on their strengths. He will view them, not as competitors, but as fellow workers. Older ones view younger ones as gifts from Jehovah for which they are grateful. As their energy decreases, older ones are thankful that those who have the strength of youth are willing and able to fill the need and serve the congregation. The Bible character Naomi is an excellent example of an older one who gratefully accepted help from a younger one. At first, Naomi urged her widowed daughter-in-law Ruth to return to her own people. However, when Ruth insisted on accompanying Naomi back to Bethlehem, she accepted Ruth’s loyal support. (Ruth 1:7, 8, 18) And what a blessing that was for both women! (Ruth 4:13-16) Humility will move older ones to follow Naomi’s example. w21.09 10-11 ¶9-11
Wednesday, December 6
God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed.—Heb. 6:10.
Our heavenly Father understands our individual circumstances. Maybe you can do more than many whom you know and love. Or you may not be able to do as much as others do, perhaps because of your age, health, or family responsibilities. Do not be discouraged. (Gal. 6:4) Jehovah will not forget your work. As long as you are giving your best and with the right motive, he will be pleased. Jehovah sees even the intentions of your heart. He wants you to be happy and satisfied with the worship you are able to give him. We already have peace of mind because we know that Jehovah helps his worshippers when they experience problems. (Isa. 41:9, 10) We certainly have good reasons to be happy as we worship our loving Father, who is worthy “to receive the glory and the honor” from all his creation!—Rev. 4:11. w22.03 24 ¶16; 25 ¶18
Thursday, December 7
I hurry and do not delay to keep your commandments.—Ps. 119:60.
We want to imitate Jesus, but we should not be discouraged if we fail to imitate Jesus perfectly. (Jas. 3:2) A student artist cannot perfectly imitate the work of a master artist. But as the student learns from his mistakes and strives to follow the example of the master artist as closely as possible, he will keep improving. Similarly, if we act on what we have learned through personal Bible study, doing our best to correct any flaws we may have, we can successfully follow the model that Jesus left for us. (Ps. 119:59) We live in a world that is dominated by selfishness. But Jehovah’s people stand out as different. We have been touched by the self-sacrificing spirit of Jesus, and we are determined to follow his example. (1 Pet. 2:21) As we do our best to imitate Jesus’ self-sacrificing attitude, we too will experience the joy of gaining Jehovah’s approval. w22.02 24 ¶16; 25 ¶18
Friday, December 8
Some things in them are hard to understand.—2 Pet. 3:16.
One way that Jehovah provides direction to his people today is by means of his Word, the Bible. If we take the time to ponder over what Jehovah is teaching us, we will be able to follow his direction and accomplish our preaching work. (1 Tim. 4:15, 16) Another way that Jehovah provides direction is by means of “the faithful and discreet slave.” (Matt. 24:45) At times, this slave may give direction that we do not fully understand. For example, we may receive specific instructions designed to prepare us to survive a natural disaster that we think is unlikely to occur in our area. What should we do if we feel that the instructions given are not practical? Think about Bible accounts that we have read. Sometimes God’s people received direction that did not appear to be practical from a human standpoint but turned out to be lifesaving.—Judg. 7:7; 8:10. w22.03 18-19 ¶15-16
Saturday, December 9
Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit.—Luke 23:46.
With complete confidence, Jesus said the words of today’s text. Jesus knew that his future depended on Jehovah, and he was certain that his Father would remember him. What can we learn from Jesus’ words? Be willing to put your life in Jehovah’s hands. To do that, you must “trust in Jehovah with all your heart.” (Prov. 3:5) Consider the example of Joshua, a 15-year-old Witness with a terminal illness. He refused to accept medical procedures that violate God’s law. Shortly before he died, he told his mother: “Mom, I’m in Jehovah’s hands. . . . I can tell you this, Mom, with all certainty: I know Jehovah is definitely going to bring me back in the resurrection. He has read my heart, and I truly love him.” Each of us would do well to ask, ‘If I were to face a life-threatening situation that tests my faith, would I put my life in Jehovah’s hands and trust in him to remember me?’ w21.04 12-13 ¶15-16
Sunday, December 10
Whoever refreshes others will himself be refreshed.—Prov. 11:25.
Jehovah’s people are strengthened by means of the ministry. When we share Bible truths with others, we feel refreshed and invigorated, whether they respond positively or not. Because of their circumstances, some may feel that they are not able to do much in the ministry. If that is how you feel, remember that Jehovah is pleased if you do your best. Jehovah sees and appreciates our desire to share in the ministry even if we are housebound. He can open opportunities for us to give a witness to caregivers or medical personnel. If we compare our present activity with what we were able to do in the past, we may become discouraged. But if we recognize how Jehovah is helping us now, we will have the strength we need to endure any trial with joy. We do not know which of the seeds of truth that we plant may take root and start to grow.—Eccl. 11:6. w21.05 24-25 ¶14-17
Monday, December 11
Why did you despise the word of Jehovah by doing what is bad in his eyes?—2 Sam. 12:9.
Greed led King David to forget what Jehovah had given him, including wealth, prominence, and victory over many of his enemies. David gratefully acknowledged that God’s gifts were “too numerous to recount!” (Ps. 40:5) But at one point, David forgot what Jehovah had given him. Although David had several wives, he let an improper desire for another man’s wife develop in his heart. The woman was Bath-sheba, and her husband was Uriah the Hittite. David selfishly had sexual relations with Bath-sheba, and she became pregnant. As if the adultery were not bad enough, David arranged for Uriah to be killed! (2 Sam. 11:2-15) What was David thinking? Did he imagine that Jehovah could not see? That once faithful servant of Jehovah gave in to selfish greed and paid dearly for it. Happily, though, in time David admitted his error and repented. How thankful he was to have Jehovah’s favor again!—2 Sam. 12:7-13. w21.06 17 ¶10
Tuesday, December 12
Not that we of ourselves are adequately qualified . . . , but our being adequately qualified comes from God.—2 Cor. 3:5.
We may lack confidence in our ability to conduct a Bible study. Perhaps we feel that we should have more knowledge or skill as a teacher before we can study with someone. If this is how you feel, consider three factors that can bolster your confidence. First, Jehovah considers you qualified to teach others. Second, Jesus, who has ‘all authority in heaven and on the earth,’ has authorized you to teach. (Matt. 28:18) And third, you can rely on others to help you. Jesus relied on what his Father taught him to say and speak, and so can you. (John 8:28; 12:49) In addition, you can ask your field service group overseer, a qualified pioneer, or an experienced publisher to help you to start and conduct a Bible study. One way you could gain confidence is by sitting in on a Bible study conducted by one of these publishers. w21.07 6 ¶12
Wednesday, December 13
The person faithful in what is least is faithful also in much, and the person unrighteous in what is least is unrighteous also in much.—Luke 16:10.
As the end of this system of things draws near, we need to trust in Jehovah’s way of doing things as never before. Why? During the great tribulation, we may receive instructions that seem strange, impractical, or illogical. Of course, Jehovah will not speak to us personally. He will likely provide direction through his appointed representatives. That will hardly be the time to second-guess the direction or to view it with skepticism, wondering, ‘Is this really coming from Jehovah, or are the responsible brothers acting on their own?’ How will you fare during that crucial time in human history? The answer might be indicated by how you view theocratic direction now. If you trust the direction we receive today and readily obey, you will likely do the same during the great tribulation. w22.02 6 ¶15
Thursday, December 14
What have I done compared with you?—Judg. 8:2.
With Jehovah’s backing, Gideon and his 300 men had a remarkable victory for which they could have taken great pride. The men of Ephraim met Gideon, not to commend him, but to quarrel with him because they had not been asked to join the fight. (Judg. 8:1) Gideon gave them a specific example of how Jehovah had blessed them. As a result, the men “calmed down.” (Judg. 8:3) Gideon willingly set pride aside in order to maintain peace among God’s people. From the example of the Ephraimites, we learn that we should not become more focused on protecting our own honor than on honoring Jehovah. As family heads and elders, we can learn a lesson from Gideon. If someone is upset by something we did, we should try to see things from his perspective. We can also commend the person for what he has done well. That will require humility on our part. But peace is worth much more than our personal pride. w21.07 16-17 ¶10-12
Friday, December 15
Let us make man in our image.—Gen. 1:26.
Jehovah honored us by making us in his image. Because we are made in God’s image, we can develop and manifest many of his wonderful qualities, such as love, compassion, loyalty, and righteousness. (Ps. 86:15; 145:17) As we cultivate such qualities, we honor Jehovah and prove that we are grateful to him. (1 Pet. 1:14-16) When we behave in a way that pleases our heavenly Father, we are happy and satisfied. And by making us in his image, Jehovah gave us the ability to become the kind of people he wants in his family. Jehovah prepared a special home for us. Long before he created the first man, Jehovah prepared the earth for humans. (Job 38:4-6; Jer. 10:12) Because he is thoughtful and generous, Jehovah provided an abundance of good things for us to enjoy. (Ps. 104:14, 15, 24) At times, he reflected on his creative work, and he “saw that it was good.”—Gen. 1:10, 12, 31. w21.08 3 ¶5-6
Saturday, December 16
The fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control.—Gal. 5:22, 23.
All of us have the assignment to preach and make disciples. (Matt. 28:19, 20; Rom. 10:14) Would you like to sharpen your skills in this all-important work? Set specific goals as you study and apply what you learn in the Teaching brochure. When considering goals for yourself, do not neglect one of the most important—cultivating Christian qualities. (Col. 3:12; 2 Pet. 1:5-8) No doubt all of us wish we could do more for Jehovah than we can do at present. In God’s new world, we will be able to serve him to the full. Meanwhile, by taking advantage of whatever opportunities are available to us, we can add to our joy and reduce any feelings of disappointment. Even more important, we will bring honor and praise to Jehovah, our “happy God.” (1 Tim. 1:11) So let us find joy in the privileges we have! w21.08 25 ¶18-20
Sunday, December 17
Whoever approaches God must believe that he is.—Heb. 11:6.
If you were raised as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, you likely learned about Jehovah from an early age. You were taught that he is the Creator, that he has an appealing personality, and that he has a loving purpose for mankind. (Gen. 1:1; Acts 17:24-27) Many people, however, do not believe that God exists, let alone that he is the Creator. Instead, they believe that life started by chance and then slowly evolved to complex forms of life. Some of these individuals are highly educated. They may claim that science has proved the Bible wrong and that faith in a Creator is for people who are ignorant, weak, or naive. No matter how long we have been one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, we all need to keep building our faith. In doing so, we will not be misled by “the philosophy and empty deception” taught by men who contradict God’s Word.—Col. 2:8. w21.08 14 ¶1-3
Monday, December 18
You are worthy, Jehovah our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power.—Rev. 4:11.
Abel, Noah, Abraham, and Job demonstrated their respect and love for Jehovah by means of their obedience, faith, and sacrifices. They clearly did their best to honor Jehovah, and their worship was acceptable to him. Jehovah then gave the Mosaic Law to Abraham’s descendants. This series of laws included instructions about how to worship Jehovah in a way that he approved. After Jesus’ death and resurrection, Jehovah no longer required obedience to the Mosaic Law. (Rom. 10:4) Christians were to follow a new law, “the law of the Christ.” (Gal. 6:2) They could obey this “law,” not by adhering to a long list of dos and don’ts, but by imitating Jesus’ example and following his teachings. Today, too, Christians do their best to follow the Christ in order to please Jehovah and “find refreshment” for themselves.—Matt. 11:29. w22.03 20-21 ¶4-5
Tuesday, December 19
He often went into the desolate areas to pray.—Luke 5:16.
Jehovah listens to his children. He heard many prayers offered by his Son when he was on earth. He heard Jesus pray about weighty decisions, such as when he selected his 12 apostles. (Luke 6:12, 13) Jehovah also heard Jesus pray when he was in distress. Just before his betrayal, Jesus fervently prayed to his Father concerning the difficult test he was about to face. Jehovah not only heard Jesus’ prayer but also sent an angel to strengthen His dear Son. (Luke 22:41-44) Today, Jehovah continues to listen to the prayers of his servants, and he answers them at the right time and in the best possible way. (Ps. 116:1, 2) Consider how a sister in India personally experienced this. She had been dealing with severe emotional problems, and she earnestly prayed to Jehovah about the matter. She writes: “The May 2019 JW Broadcasting® program about how to deal with worry and anxiety was just the right thing for me. It was an answer to my prayers.” w21.09 21-22 ¶6-7
Wednesday, December 20
[Flee] to the mountains.—Luke 21:21.
Can you imagine how difficult it was for those first-century Christians to leave almost everything they had and start over? It took faith on their part to rely on Jehovah for their basic needs. But they were not without help. Five years before the Romans surrounded Jerusalem, the apostle Paul gave the Hebrews some valuable advice: “Let your way of life be free of the love of money, while you are output with the present things. For he has said: ‘I will never leave you, and I will never abandon you.’ So that we may be of good courage and say: ‘Jehovah is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’” (Heb. 13:5, 6) No doubt those who took to heart Paul’s advice before the Roman invasion found it easier to adapt to what might have been a modest lifestyle in their new home. They were certain that Jehovah would care for their basic needs. w22.01 4 ¶7, 9
Thursday, December 21
[Jehovah’s] mercy is evident in all his works.—Ps. 145:9.
When we think of a merciful person, we may picture someone who is kind, warmhearted, compassionate, and generous. The story Jesus told about the neighborly Samaritan may come to mind. That man of another nation “acted mercifully toward” a Jew who had fallen among thieves. The Samaritan “was moved with pity” for the injured Jew and lovingly arranged for his care. (Luke 10:29-37) This illustration highlights a beautiful quality of our God—mercy. That quality is a facet of God’s love, and he displays it each day in the way that he deals with us. There is another aspect of mercy that may come to mind. It involves holding back punishment when there is a basis for doing so. In that sense, Jehovah has certainly been merciful toward us. “He has not dealt with us according to our sins,” the psalmist said. (Ps. 103:10) At other times, though, Jehovah may provide firm discipline to an erring one. w21.10 8 ¶1-2
Friday, December 22
My loyal love will not be removed from you.—Isa. 54:10.
Jehovah shows his loyal love only to those who have an approved relationship with him—his servants. This is evident from statements made by King David and by the prophet Daniel. For example, David said: “Continue showing your loyal love to those who know you.” “The loyal love of Jehovah is for all eternity toward those who fear him.” And Daniel declared: “O Jehovah the true God, [who] shows loyal love to those who love him and keep his commandments.” (Ps. 36:10; 103:17; Dan. 9:4) According to these inspired expressions, Jehovah shows loyal love to his servants because they know him, fear him, love him, and keep his commandments. Jehovah reserves his loyal love for his people, his true worshippers. Before we began serving Jehovah, we received the love that God shows to mankind in general. (Ps. 104:14) However, as his worshippers, we also benefit from his loyal love. w21.11 4 ¶8-9
Saturday, December 23
It is Jehovah your God you must worship.—Matt. 4:10.
Come what may, we are determined to obey Jesus’ words above. Today many follow charismatic church leaders. Enthusiasm for such men sometimes borders on idolatry. People pack their churches, buy their books, and donate heavily to the causes these leaders promote. Some individuals hang on to their every word. It is hard to imagine that these churchgoers could be more excited if Jesus himself were to appear to them! In contrast, true worshippers of Jehovah have no clergy. Although we respect those who are taking the lead, we accept Jesus’ clear teaching: “All of you are brothers.” (Matt. 23:8-10) We do not idolize men, whether they are religious leaders or political rulers. And we do not support their causes. Rather, we remain neutral and separate from the world. In these areas, we stand out as different from the many groups of professed Christians.—John 18:36. w21.10 20 ¶6-7
Sunday, December 24
I am Jehovah your God . . . You must not have any other gods besides me.—Ex. 20:2, 3.
Every Christian who wants to become holy must ensure that nothing or no one comes between him and his relationship with his God. And because we bear the name Jehovah’s Witnesses, we are determined to avoid any actions that would disgrace or profane his holy name. (Lev. 19:12; Isa. 57:15) For the Israelites, recognizing Jehovah as their God involved keeping many laws. Leviticus 18:4 says: “You should carry out my judicial decisions, and you should keep my statutes and walk in them. I am Jehovah your God.” Chapter 19 includes some of those “statutes” for Israel. For example, verses 5-8, 21, 22 deal with animal sacrifices. Those were to be made in a way that would not ‘profane a holy thing of Jehovah.’ Reading those verses should move us to want to please Jehovah and to offer him acceptable sacrifices of praise, as Hebrews 13:15 urges us to do. w21.12 5-6 ¶14-15
Monday, December 25
May you rejoice with the wife of your youth.—Prov. 5:18.
Young couples today can benefit from the experience of others who have learned to rely on Jehovah. Some couples may have spent decades serving in the full-time ministry. Why not seek their advice if you feel the need to assess your goals? This is a way to show that you are trusting in Jehovah. (Prov. 22:17, 19) Remember, marriage is a gift from Jehovah. (Matt. 19:5, 6) He wants married couples to enjoy that gift. Young couples, why not examine how you are spending your life? Are you doing all you can to show Jehovah how much you appreciate the gifts he has given you? Talk to Jehovah in prayer. Search his Word for principles that apply to your situation. Then heed the advice that Jehovah gives you. You can be certain that you will have a happy and rewarding life if you build your marriage around serving Jehovah! w21.11 19 ¶16, 18
Tuesday, December 26
We all make mistakes many times.—Jas. 3:2, ftn.
James kept the right view of himself. James did not feel that his family background or his privileged assignments made him special or placed him above his brothers and sisters. He referred to his fellow worshippers as “my beloved brothers.” (Jas. 1:16, 19; 2:5) He did not give the impression that he was perfect. The lesson: Remember that we are all sinners. We must not think that we are somehow superior to those whom we teach. Why not? If we give our student the impression that we are flawless, he may conclude that he could never measure up to God’s requirements. But when we honestly admit that it has not always been easy for us to follow Scriptural principles and we explain how Jehovah has helped us to overcome our challenges, we will help our student to see that he too can serve Jehovah. w22.01 11-12 ¶13-14
Wednesday, December 27
Keep this mental attitude in you that was also in Christ Jesus.—Phil. 2:5.
The more we think like Jesus, the more we will act like him and the more successful we will be in reflecting his personality. (Heb. 1:3) We may think: ‘Jesus is perfect. I will never be completely like him!’ If you feel that way, remember these facts. First, you were designed to be like Jehovah and Jesus. So you can choose to imitate them, and you can succeed at least to some degree. (Gen. 1:26) Second, God’s holy spirit is the most powerful force in the universe. With its help, you can accomplish things that you could never do on your own. Third, Jehovah does not expect you to display the fruitage of the spirit perfectly now. In fact, our loving Father has set aside 1,000 years for those with an earthly hope to become perfect. (Rev. 20:1-3) What Jehovah requires of us now is to try our best and to rely on him for help. w22.03 9 ¶5-6
Thursday, December 28
There is not a word on my tongue, but look! O Jehovah, you already know it well.—Ps. 139:4.
Prayer is not the only avenue we can use to strengthen our bond with Jehovah. A study of God’s Word and attendance at congregation meetings can also help us to draw closer to God. Is there anything you can do to make the best use of study periods and the time you spend at congregation meetings? Ask yourself, ‘What tends to interfere with my concentration during the meetings or when I am trying to study?’ Could it be receiving calls, emails, or text messages on your smartphone or on some other electronic device? When you notice that your mind is wandering during a study period or a congregation meeting, ask Jehovah to help you focus. It may not be easy to set your concerns aside and focus on spiritual things, but it is essential that you do so. Pray for the peace that will guard not only your heart but also your “mental powers.”—Phil. 4:6, 7. w22.01 29-30 ¶12-14
Friday, December 29
Incline your ear and listen to the words of the wise.—Prov. 22:17.
King Uzziah rejected counsel. He entered a section of Jehovah’s temple where only the priests were allowed to be, and he attempted to offer incense. The priests of Jehovah said to him: “It is not proper for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to Jehovah! It is only the priests who should burn incense.” How did Uzziah react? If he had humbly accepted the counsel and left the temple immediately, Jehovah might have forgiven him. Instead, “Uzziah . . . became enraged.” Why did he reject the counsel? He evidently felt that as king, he had the right to do whatever he wanted. But Jehovah did not see it that way. As a result of his presumptuous act, Uzziah was struck with leprosy and “remained a leper until the day of his death.” (2 Chron. 26:16-21) Uzziah’s example teaches us that, no matter who we are, if we reject Bible-based counsel, we will lose Jehovah’s approval. w22.02 9 ¶7
Saturday, December 30
Repent, therefore, and turn around so as to get your sins blotted out, so that seasons of refreshing may come from Jehovah himself.—Acts 3:19.
A person who is controlled by “the old personality” generally thinks and acts in a fleshly way. (Col. 3:9) He may be selfish, prone to anger, unthankful, and proud. He may enjoy viewing pornographic material and watching immoral or violent movies. No doubt he has some good qualities, and he may feel guilty about the bad things he says or does. But he lacks the motivation to change his thinking and conduct. (Gal. 5:19-21; 2 Tim. 3:2-5) We are imperfect, so none of us can completely remove all bad thoughts and desires from our heart and mind. At times, we will do or say something that we will regret. (Jer. 17:9; Jas. 3:2) But when we strip off the old personality, fleshly attitudes and practices no longer control us. They no longer identify who we are as a person.—Isa. 55:7. w22.03 3 ¶4-5
Sunday, December 31
With humility consider others superior to you.—Phil. 2:3.
Elders, look for the good qualities that your brothers and sisters possess. Each one is imperfect; yet, each one has qualities we can admire. True, elders may from time to time need to adjust the thinking of a brother or a sister. But like the apostle Paul, elders should strive to look beyond a person’s irritating words and actions. Instead, they do well to focus on that individual’s love for Jehovah, his endurance in serving God, and his potential for doing good. Elders who have a positive view create a warm and nurturing environment in the congregation. Remember that Jehovah is not asking you to be perfect; he is asking you to be faithful. (1 Cor. 4:2) You can be sure that God also values what you do in his service. Jehovah will never “forget your work and the love you showed for his name by ministering and continuing to minister to the holy ones.”—Heb. 6:10. w22.03 31 ¶19, 21 |
What If I’m Addicted to Pornography? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502012510 | What if I’m Addicted to Pornography?
What you can do
Understand pornography for what it is. Pornography is nothing less than an attempt to degrade something that God created to be honorable. Understanding pornography in this light will help you to “hate what is bad.”—Psalm 97:10.
Consider the consequences. Pornography devalues those depicted in it. It also debases the person who views it. For good reason, the Bible says: “Shrewd is the one that has seen the calamity and proceeds to conceal himself.”—Proverbs 22:3.
Make a commitment. “I have made a solemn promise never to look with lust at a girl,” said the faithful man Job. (Job 31:1, Today’s English Version) The following are some ‘solemn promises’ you could make:
I will not use the Internet when I am alone.
I will immediately exit from any pop-up or site that is explicit.
I will talk to a mature friend if I have a relapse.
Pornography has a cumulative effect—the more times you view it, the harder it is to break free
Pray about it. The psalmist implored Jehovah God: “Make my eyes pass on from seeing what is worthless.” (Psalm 119:37) God wants you to succeed, and if you pray to him he can give you the strength to do what is right!—Philippians 4:13.
Talk to someone. Choosing a confidant is often an important step in breaking the habit.—Proverbs 17:17.
Remember this: Each time you avoid pornography, you have won a significant victory. Tell Jehovah God about that victory, and thank him for the strength he has given you. By avoiding pornography, you make his heart rejoice!—Proverbs 27:11. |
Sing Praises (ssb)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/Ssb | Song 224
“Take My Yoke”
(Matthew 11:28-30)
1. You who toil so wearily,
Loaded down oppressively,
Jesus calls you tenderly:
‘For relief do come to me.’
2. ‘I am mild, of lowly heart,
And of this world am no part.
Learn of me the loving art,
Thus escape from hatred’s dart.’
3. ‘For my load is light, you’ll find,
And my yoke is truly kind.
I give rest for heart and mind
To all righteously inclined.’
4. Be to Christ, your Master, true.
He will guide and strengthen you.
In the yoke he’ll work with you
That you thus God’s will may do. |
Greatest Man (gt)
1991 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/gt | Chapter 77
The Question of Inheritance
THE people evidently know that Jesus has been dining at the Pharisee’s house. So they gather outside by the thousands and are waiting when Jesus comes out. Unlike the Pharisees who oppose Jesus and try to catch him in saying something wrong, the people eagerly listen to him with appreciation.
Turning first to his disciples, Jesus says: “Watch out for the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” As demonstrated during the meal, the whole religious system of the Pharisees is filled with hypocrisy. But even though the wickedness of the Pharisees may be concealed by a show of piety, eventually it will be exposed. “There is nothing carefully concealed,” Jesus says, “that will not be revealed, and secret that will not become known.”
Jesus goes on to repeat the encouragement that he had given to the 12 when he sent them forth on a preaching tour of Galilee. He says: “Do not fear those who kill the body and after this are not able to do anything more.” Since God does not forget even a single sparrow, Jesus assures his followers that God will not forget them. He states: “When they bring you in before public assemblies and government officials and authorities, . . . the holy spirit will teach you in that very hour the things you ought to say.”
A man from the crowd speaks up. “Teacher,” he petitions, “tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” The Law of Moses stipulates that the firstborn son is to receive two parts of the inheritance, so there should be no reason for a dispute. But the man apparently wants more than his legal share of the inheritance.
Jesus properly refuses to get involved. “Man, who appointed me judge or apportioner over you persons?” he asks. He then gives this vital admonition to the crowd: “Keep your eyes open and guard against every sort of covetousness, because even when a person has an abundance his life does not result from the things he possesses.” Yes, no matter how much a man may come to have, normally he will die and leave it all behind. To emphasize this fact, as well as to show the folly of failing to build up a good reputation with God, Jesus uses an illustration. He explains:
“The land of a certain rich man produced well. Consequently he began reasoning within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, now that I have nowhere to gather my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my storehouses and build bigger ones, and there I will gather all my grain and all my good things; and I will say to my soul: “Soul, you have many good things laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, enjoy yourself.”’ But God said to him, ‘Unreasonable one, this night they are demanding your soul from you. Who, then, is to have the things you stored up?’”
In conclusion, Jesus observes: “So it goes with the man that lays up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.” While the disciples may not be ensnared by the folly of piling up wealth, because of the daily cares of life they could easily be distracted from whole-souled service to Jehovah. So Jesus uses the occasion to repeat the fine counsel he had given about a year and a half earlier in the Sermon on the Mount. Turning to his disciples, he says:
“On this account I say to you, Quit being anxious about your souls as to what you will eat or about your bodies as to what you will wear. . . . Mark well that the ravens neither sow seed nor reap, and they have neither barn nor storehouse, and yet God feeds them. . . . Mark well how the lilies grow; they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, Not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these. . . .
“So quit seeking what you might eat and what you might drink, and quit being in anxious suspense; for all these are the things the nations of the world are eagerly pursuing, but your Father knows you need these things. Nevertheless, seek continually his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.”
Especially during times of economic hardship do Jesus’ words bear close consideration. The person who becomes overanxious about his material needs and begins to slack off in spiritual pursuits is, in fact, demonstrating a lack of faith in God’s ability to provide for His servants. Luke 12:1-31; Deuteronomy 21:17.
▪ Why, perhaps, does the man ask about inheritance, and what admonition does Jesus give?
▪ What illustration does Jesus use, and what is its point?
▪ What counsel does Jesus repeat, and why is it appropriate? |
Young People Ask, Volume 2 (yp2)
2008 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/yp2 | CHAPTER 29
How Can I Keep My Mind off Sex?
“I FIND myself thinking about girls all the time—even when they’re not around,” says a young man named Michael. “It’s ridiculous. Sometimes I can’t even concentrate!”
Do you, like Michael, spend much of your waking hours daydreaming about the opposite sex? If so, you may feel that you’re at war with your own brain. Thoughts about sex may march into your mind like enemy soldiers. “These thoughts can consume you,” says Michael. “They can make you take the long route to your car just to pass a cute girl or get you to walk down a store aisle when you don’t really need to just to take a closer look at someone.”
Remember, though, that sexual feelings aren’t evil in themselves. After all, God created man and woman to have a strong attraction for each other, and satisfying sexual desire is proper within the marriage arrangement. While you’re still single, you may experience intense sexual urges. If that happens, don’t think that you’re inherently bad or that you’re just not cut out for moral cleanness. You can be chaste if you choose to be! But being successful at your endeavor will require that you keep thoughts about the opposite sex under control. How can you do that?
Examine your associates. If your classmates start to talk about immoral sex, you might be tempted to join in—just so you don’t stand out as different. Really, though, this will only make it more difficult for you to control your thoughts. What should you do—just get up and leave? Certainly, and you need not feel awkward about doing so! Often you can find a way to leave without appearing self-righteous and inviting ridicule.
Shun immoral entertainment. Of course, not every movie or CD is bad. Still, much of today’s entertainment is designed to arouse improper sexual feelings. The Bible’s counsel? “Let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in God’s fear.” (2 Corinthians 7:1) Steer clear of any entertainment that might stimulate immoral sexual desires.a
The Problem of Masturbation
Some youths attempt to alleviate sexual arousal by means of masturbation. But serious problems can result from this. The Bible urges Christians: “Deaden, therefore, your body members that are upon the earth as respects fornication, uncleanness, sexual appetite, hurtful desire, and covetousness.” (Colossians 3:5) Masturbation is the very opposite of ‘deadening sexual appetite.’ Indeed, it stimulates and nurtures that appetite!
Masturbation can make you a slave to your desires. (Titus 3:3) One way you can start to conquer the habit is to confide in someone. A Christian who struggled with masturbation for several years comments: “How I wish I could have summoned the courage to talk to someone about it when I was a youth! Feelings of guilt plagued me for many years, and it seriously affected my relationships with others and, above all, with Jehovah.”
Whom should you talk to? A parent is often the most logical choice. Or perhaps a mature member of the Christian congregation can help. You could start by saying, “I’d like to talk to you about a problem that’s bothering me a lot.”
André talked to a Christian elder, and he’s glad he did. “As the elder listened to me, his eyes filled with tears,” André says. “When I finished, he assured me of Jehovah’s love for me. He told me that my problem is a common one. He promised to check on my progress and to bring me more information from Bible-study aids. Talking with him, I resolved to keep up the fight—even if further relapses occurred.”
Mário decided to talk to his father, who proved to be very sympathetic and understanding. He even admitted to Mário that in his youth he himself had found it difficult to overcome the habit. “My father’s honesty and sincerity encouraged me greatly,” Mário says. “I reasoned that if he had been victorious, I could be too. I was so moved by my father’s attitude that I broke down and cried.”
Like André and Mário, you can find help in your efforts to conquer the habit of masturbation. Even if you encounter setbacks, don’t give up! Be assured that you can win the battle.b
Controlling Your Thoughts
The apostle Paul said: “I pummel my body and lead it as a slave.” (1 Corinthians 9:27) Similarly, you may have to be strict with yourself when improper thoughts about the opposite sex seem to invade your mind. If the thoughts persist, try some physical exercise. The Bible says: “Bodily training is beneficial for a little.” (1 Timothy 4:8) A brisk walk or a few minutes of physical exercise may be all that you need to help you fight off the distracting thoughts.
Above all, don’t overlook the help that is available from your heavenly Father. “When I feel sexual urges coming on,” says one Christian, “I really make myself pray.” No, God won’t take away your interest in the opposite sex. But with his help, you can discover that there are many other things to think about.
[Footnotes]
a Recreation and entertainment are discussed in greater detail in Section 8 of this book.
b For more information on masturbation, see Volume 1, chapter 25.
KEY SCRIPTURE
“Whatever virtue there is and whatever praiseworthy thing there is, continue considering these things.”—Philippians 4:8.
TIP
If you’ve relapsed into the habit of masturbation, don’t give up the fight! Analyze what led to the relapse, and try not to repeat the same pattern.
DID YOU KNOW . . . ?
What you allow your mind to dwell on can shape your personality and affect your actions.—James 1:14, 15.
ACTION PLAN!
When I need to get my mind off the opposite sex, I will ․․․․․
If conversation with classmates becomes suggestive or lewd, I will ․․․․․
What I would like to ask my parent(s) about this subject is ․․․․․
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
● Why should sexual feelings not always be viewed as “the enemy”?
● Why do you need to keep your sexual feelings under control?
● What types of entertainment might cause you to dwell on thoughts about the opposite sex?
● Why is it important to walk away from a conversation that has become suggestive or lewd?
[Blurb on page 240]
“What helps me is to change the subject—get my mind off the thoughts that cause me to feel excited. I remind myself that the feelings or urges will go away in time.”—Scott
[Picture on page 239]
Would you allow viruses to invade your computer? Then why invite immoral thoughts into your mind? |
HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Missionaries “to the Most Distant Part of the Earth” | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502500210 | HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Missionaries “to the Most Distant Part of the Earth”
JUNE 1, 2021
Jesus told his disciples: “You will be witnesses of me . . . to the most distant part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Today, Jehovah’s Witnesses are zealously fulfilling that commission. However, parts of the earth, including some large, densely-populated areas, have not yet received a thorough witness. And some countries have relatively few Witnesses. (Matthew 9:37, 38) What are we doing to reach as many people as possible?
To help carry out Jesus’ command, the Service Committee of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses assigns field missionaries to areas of need around the world. Currently, there are 3,090 field missionaries worldwide.a Most have received training at a Bible school, such as the School for Kingdom Evangelizers. Missionaries are willing to leave their homes and move to a foreign land. Thanks to their maturity, training, and experience, these faithful missionaries help spread the good news and have set a fine example for new disciples.
Missionaries help preach the good news where there is a great need for Witnesses
Helping Missionaries Help Others
At each branch office, the Field Ministers Desk of the Service Department works with the Branch Committee to care for the missionaries’ needs, such as modest housing, health care, and a small allowance for living expenses. During the 2020 service year, Jehovah’s Witnesses spent nearly $27 million (U.S.) in caring for missionaries. Thanks to these provisions, missionaries can focus their full attention and energy on the ministry, as well as on strengthening their local congregation.
Missionaries help strengthen congregations
How have field missionaries benefited the preaching work? Frank Madsen, who serves on the Malawi Branch Committee, says: “With their boldness and skills, missionaries have helped congregations to start covering challenging territories, such as gated communities and foreign-language areas. Also, their hard work in learning the local language and culture sets an inspiring example for others, and they are a positive influence on young ones with regard to full-time service. We thank Jehovah for field missionaries.”
A Branch Committee member from another country says: “Missionaries are living examples that Jehovah’s people are united worldwide. Even non-Witnesses can clearly see that we are not divided by cultures, but that Bible teachings have helped us become a united brotherhood.”
How do field missionaries help local publishers? Paulo, from Timor-Leste, appreciates the missionaries assigned to his congregation. He says: “Our area is very, very hot. But even though the missionaries come from a cold place, they never let the weather stop them from preaching. They are always at the morning meetings for field service. I often see them making return visits through the middle of the day, when it is very hot, and also in the evenings. They have helped a lot of people to learn the truth, including me. With zeal and enthusiasm, they use their whole life to serve Jehovah, and this motivates the entire congregation to serve him more fully.”
Ketti, a regular pioneer in Malawi, relates how a missionary couple helped her family: “When a missionary couple was assigned to our congregation, I was the only Witness in my family. But I received good support from the couple, and they became very close to our family. Their fine example helped my children to see how serving Jehovah results in a happy and satisfying life. Thanks to the missionaries’ motivating influence, my three daughters are serving as regular pioneers and my husband has started attending meetings.”
How are the costs of caring for field missionaries covered? By donations to the worldwide work, many of which are made via the methods found on donate.jw.org. These generous contributions are deeply appreciated.
a These missionaries are assigned to congregations where there is a need in the preaching work. Another 1,001 field missionaries serve in the circuit work. |
Husbands—Make Your Home Secure | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2015005 | Husbands—Make Your Home Secure
WHAT kind of security should a man provide for his wife? Many people are raised to believe that a husband’s primary goal is to help his family to be financially secure. However, some wives who have plenty of material things still feel emotionally insecure—even terrified. A Spanish woman named Rosa, for example, says about the man she married, “With outsiders he was a likable man, but at home he was a rough husband.” Joy, who is from Nigeria, admits, “When I didn’t agree with my husband, he would say, ‘You have to do everything I say because I am your husband.’”
How can a man fulfill his role as a husband in a loving way? What does it take for a husband to make his home secure, “a resting-place” for his wife?—Ruth 1:9, footnote.
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS ABOUT A HUSBAND’S AUTHORITY
Although husband and wife have an equal standing in God’s eyes, the Bible says that each spouse has a distinct role in the family. Romans 7:2 states that a married woman comes under “the law of her husband.” Just as many institutions appoint a head to oversee their affairs, God has appointed the husband to be head of his wife. (1 Corinthians 11:3) Husbands should take the lead in their household.
As husbands, how should you exercise your God-given authority? “Continue loving your wives,” the Bible says, “just as the Christ also loved the congregation.” (Ephesians 5:25) Yes, although he never married, Jesus Christ’s example can help you to become a good husband. Let us see how.
JESUS’ LIFE—A PERFECT MODEL FOR HUSBANDS
Jesus sought to refresh others and lighten their load. Jesus promised all who were oppressed and weighed down by personal problems: “Come to me, . . . and I will refresh you.” (Matthew 11:28, 29) He often alleviated their physical suffering and provided refreshing spiritual help. No wonder many felt drawn to Jesus, convinced that he would lighten their load!
How husbands can imitate Jesus. Look for ways to lighten your wife’s load. Some wives feel as did Rosa, who lamented: “I was nothing more than my husband’s maidservant.” In contrast, a man named Kweku, who has a good marriage, says: “I often ask my wife how I can share the load. Because I love her, I often take the initiative to help her with household chores.”
Jesus was considerate and empathetic. For 12 years, a poor woman had suffered from a grievous health problem. On hearing about Jesus’ miraculous power, “she kept saying: ‘If I touch just his outer garments, I will get well.’” She was right. She approached Jesus, touched the fringes of his garment, and was cured at once. Though some observers likely concluded that this woman acted presumptuously, Jesus perceived that she was desperate.a He kindly told her: “Daughter, . . . be healed from your grievous sickness.” Not only did he avoid embarrassing or rebuking her but he acknowledged her illness. He thus showed what kind of man he was—a man of empathy.—Mark 5:25-34.
How husbands can imitate Jesus. When your wife does not feel well, show her extra consideration and be patient. Try to relate to her and understand her reactions. Ricardo, for example, explains, “When I notice that my wife is extra sensitive, I make a special effort to avoid saying things that could make her feel worse.”
Jesus communicated with his disciples. Jesus talked extensively to his friends. “I have made known to you all the things I have heard from my Father,” he said. (John 15:15) It is true that Jesus sometimes wanted to be alone with his thoughts and to pray. But he often shared his innermost feelings with his disciples. The night before he was put to death as a condemned criminal, he frankly told them that he was “deeply grieved.” (Matthew 26:38) Even when their actions disappointed him, Jesus never stopped talking to his friends.—Matthew 26:40, 41.
Reflecting on Jesus’ example can help a man become a better husband and father
How husbands can imitate Jesus. Communicate—from your mind and heart—with your wife. A woman may complain that her husband seems to have no trouble speaking in public but keeps silent at home. On the other hand, note how Ana feels when her husband opens up to her. “I sense that he really loves me,” she says, “and I feel close to him.”
Refuse to use silence as a weapon to punish your wife. “When my husband was upset with me,” says one woman, “he refused to talk to me for days. He made me feel guilty and despised.” Edwin, however, tries to imitate Jesus’ example. “When I get annoyed, I don’t respond right away, but I look for the right moment for us to talk things out.”
Joy, quoted at the outset, has seen changes in her husband since he began studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Joy relates, “He has improved and is trying hard to be a more loving husband in imitation of Jesus.” Millions of married couples are benefiting from the same Bible instruction. Would you like to join them? You can ask one of Jehovah’s Witnesses for a free Bible study.
a According to the Mosaic Law, this woman’s condition made her religiously impure, and thus anyone she touched would have been reckoned unclean.—Leviticus 15:19, 25. |
Reasoning (rs)
1989 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/books/reasoning-rs | Index
This Index does not list every aspect of each principal subject. To locate other details, turn to appropriate main heading(s) on the preceding pages and read the subheadings.
Abortion, 25, 26
Abraham, wives, 250
Abyss, Satan confined, 366
Adam and Eve, 27-29
heaven their destiny?, 162
historical persons, 27, 28, 128
marriage, 249, 250
ransom for offspring, 307, 308
sin—God’s “plan”?, 29, 142
sin, how possible, 371, 372
why we suffer for what Adam did, 395-397
Adversity, punishment from God?, 398, 399
Alcoholic beverages
effects of overindulgence, 188, 189
marijuana contrasted, 109
Alpha and Omega, 412, 413
Ancestors, dead, cannot help or harm anyone, 29, 30
loving them while they are alive, 30, 31
messages from dead?, 31, 100-102
Animals, bleeding for food, 71
harmony with humans, 231
souls, 376, 377
Anthems, Christian view, 274, 275
Antichrist, 32, 33
Apostasy, 34-37
attitude toward apostates, 36
identifying marks, 34-36
Apostles, forgiving sins, 81, 82
Peter the “rock”?, 37-39
Apostolic Succession, 37-44
“keys of the kingdom,” 39-41
line of succession, 41
Peter in Rome?, 41
Peter the “rock”?, 37-39
“Appointed times of the nations”
how figured, 95-97
Archangel, Jesus Christ, 218
Armageddon, 9, 44-49
identified, 44, 45
survivors, 47, 48
where fought, 45, 46
Associations, bad, 189
Astrology, 51, 52, 144, 145, 177
Babies, baptism, 55
birth defects, 397, 398
death, 99
Babylon, ancient city, 49, 50
astrology, 51, 52, 144, 145
confession, 82
cross, 90, 91
dreams, 105
Peter in Babylon, 41
religious influence today, 50-52
triads of gods, 51
Babylon the Great, identified, 49-53
urgent to flee, 53
Baptism, “for the dead,” 56, 57
water immersion, 54-56
with fire, 57, 58
with holy spirit, 56, 58
Bible, 10, 58-68
evidences of inspiration, 60-63
personal reading not sufficient, 328, 332, 333
reliability of translations, 63, 64, 277, 278
Birthday, 68-70
Blacks, curse on Canaan, 303
Blood, 70-76
Blood transfusions, alternatives, 73, 74
children, 74, 75
use of human blood, 72, 73
Born Again, 76-80
have holy spirit if not?, 78, 79
saved if not?, 77, 78
why necessary, 76, 77
Buddhist, witnessing to, 21
Cain, wife, 301, 302
Celibacy, 42, 43
Charismatics, 156-158, 400-402
Children, 11
at Armageddon, 47, 48
birth defects, 397, 398
blood transfusions, 74, 75
God’s children, 303, 304
God’s view of unborn, 25
infant baptism, 55
Christians
how to identify true, 158, 328-330, 403
witnesses for Jehovah and Jesus, 208
Christmas, 176-178
Chronology
‘appointed times of nations,’ 95-97
Clergy-laity distinctions, 51
Clouds, ‘caught up in clouds,’ 312, 313
Jesus “coming in a cloud,” 313, 314, 342, 343
Community
attitude of Witnesses toward improvement, 207, 208
Confession, 80-84
Conversion, Jews, 222, 223
Kingdom not wait for world conversion, 233
Corruption, lasting relief, 153, 154
Cosmetics, women’s use, 435
Creation, 84-88
belief in, in scientific world, 84-86
origin of raw material, 88
similarities in structure, 87
time involved, 88
Crime, 10
increase is real, 237
Cross, Jesus’ death, 89, 90
origin of Christendom’s, 90, 91
veneration, 92
Cult, why Witnesses are not, 202
Cures: see “Healing.”
Curse, black race?, 303
Dates, calculating 1914, 95-97
pre-Flood ages of humans, 94, 95
scientists’ dating methods, 93, 94
Day, length of creative, 88, 125, 126
Dead, baptism for, 56, 57
cannot help or harm living, 29, 30
condition, 100, 169, 300
holidays in memory of, 180, 181
resurrection, 118, 230, 231, 335-340
talking with, 31, 101, 102, 384-386
where they are, 99, 100
Death, 14, 98-104
Adamic, eliminated, 231
Babylonian view, 51
Jesus’ death different, 306
mourning customs, 102, 103
punishment after?, 171-175, 300
reports of “another life,” 100-102
resurrection hope, 118, 230, 231, 335-340
smoking-related, 110, 111
soul, 169, 377, 378
time predetermined?, 104, 138
what God purposed?, 98, 103, 245
Decisions, ignoring God’s will, 189, 190, 390-393
relying on astrology, 144, 145
Demons, influence on nations, 48, 49, 153, 365
responsibility for wickedness, 427
spiritism, 362, 384-389
take on human form?, 388
Devil, 361-366
Disasters, why God permits “natural,”398
Discouragement, 117-121
Divination, games, 387, 388
Divorce, 252
Dreams, 104-106
Drugs, Bible principles, 106, 107, 109-111
breaking free, 112
effects, 108-111
marijuana, 108, 109, 111
tobacco, 109-111
Earth, 112-117, 200
eternal life on, 165, 166
evidence of creation, 85
future Paradise, 232, 285-288
globe to remain forever, 44, 45, 112-115
if none die, where will everyone live?, 116, 340
inhabitants—to return from heaven?, 115, 116, 316
shape of planet, 63
survivors on, after wicked world ends, 240, 315
Earthquakes, last days, 236, 241
why God permits, 398
Easter, 179, 180
Employment, Kingdom to provide, 11, 155, 229
Encouragement, 117-121
Esau, predestinated?, 142, 143
‘Eternal torment,’ 171-174
Evildoer, promise of Paradise, 286-288
Evolution, 121-129
dating methods, 93, 94
disagreement among scientists, 122, 123
fossil record, 123, 124
mutations, 124
pictures of “ape-men,” 125
scientific?, 121, 122
used by God?, 86, 87, 127, 128
Faith, 129-132
faith alone not enough, 132, 359
how acquired, 130, 131
why not everyone has it, 129, 130
False Prophets, 132-137
Jehovah’s Witnesses?, 137
Family, 11, 253, 254
Famines, last days, 235, 236, 241
Fate, 104, 138-145
everything foreknown and foreordained by God?, 140-144
everything “the will of God”?, 139, 140
preset “time to die”?, 138
Fear, last days, 237, 238
of Jehovah, 198, 199
of the dead, 30
Fire, baptism with, 57, 58
earth destroyed by fire?, 113-115
Flags, Christian view, 274, 275
Food, abundance under Kingdom, 229
animal flesh, 71
Food shortages, last days, 235, 236
Foreknowledge: see “Fate.”
Foreordination: see “Fate.”
Forgiveness
apostles authorized to forgive, 81, 82
Fossils, evolution, 123, 124
Future, what Bible foretells, 11, 12, 140, 141, 227-232, 296, 297
why not to turn to spiritism, 387
Games, involving divination, 387
Gehenna, 173, 174
Genetics, key to evolution?, 124
Gifts of spirit, why given, 159
God, 10, 145-151
Jesus as a god, 150, 212, 213, 411, 413, 414, 416, 417
name of—where found in Bible translations, 191-195
“only true God,” 150, 411
proof of existence, 145-147, 151
real person, 147, 148
without beginning, 148, 149
(See also “Jehovah.”)
Government, 152-156
Christians’ attitude toward secular, 270
God’s Kingdom, 154-156, 226, 227
why human rule fails to satisfy, 152-154
Great crowd, earthly hope, 167, 168
survive great tribulation, 315
Great tribulation, survivors, 240, 315
Grief, over death of loved one, 102
Hades, 169, 171, 286
Halo, 354, 355
Happiness, 13, 152, 153, 163
Head covering, why needed, 433, 434
Headship, 432
Healing, 156-161
danger in spiritistic, 160, 386
miraculous—by God’s spirit today?, 156-158, 160, 161
Heaven, 161-168
bodies of persons in heaven, 217, 314, 334-336
Lord ‘descends from heaven,’ 313
Mary’s body, 258
number that go to heaven, 166, 167
paradise, 284, 286, 287
rapture, 312-317
when Christians are taken to heaven, 312-316
who go there, 162-164, 166, 167
why some go to heaven, 168, 335
will those taken to heaven return to earth?, 115, 116, 316
Hell, 168-175
‘eternal torment,’ in Revelation, 172, 173
Gehenna, 173, 174
rich man and Lazarus, 174, 175
who go there, 170
Hellfire, origin of belief, 175
Hindu, witnessing to, 22
Holidays, Christmas, 176-178
Easter, 179, 180
in memory of “spirits of the dead,” 180, 181
Mother’s Day, 182
national holidays, 182
New Year, 180
Valentine’s Day, 181, 182
Holy spirit: see “Spirit.”
Homosexuality, 368-371
Housing, 11, 154, 229
Human body, designed to live forever, 247
evidence of creation, 86
Images, 183-187
aids in worship?, 183, 184
Babylonian, 51
image or idol?, 183, 185
Mary, 259
of “saints,” 184, 354
“Immaculate Conception,” of Mary, 257, 258
Immersion, 54
Immortality
human souls not immortal, 29, 30, 100, 377, 378
origin of Christendom’s belief, 379, 380
Independence, attitudes to avoid, 190, 191
real freedom without Bible standards?, 187-190
Injustice, 12, 119, 120
Inspiration, evidence in Bible, 60-63
Interfaith, 325, 326
Israel, fulfillment of Bible prophecy, 223-225
spiritual, 224, 225
Jacob, predestinated?, 142, 143
wives, 250, 251
Jehovah, 191-199
importance of name, 196, 197
name in Christian Greek Scriptures, 194, 195, 278
name—where found in various Bibles, 191-193
“Old Testament” name for Jesus?, 197, 198
only true God, 150, 411, 413, 414, 416, 417
sanctifying of his name, 227
without beginning, 148, 149
Yahweh or Jehovah?, 195, 196
(See also “God.”)
Jehovah’s Witnesses, 199-208
American religion?, 201
beginnings, 202, 203
beliefs that set them apart, 199-201
corrections of viewpoint, 136, 137, 205
how work is financed, 201, 202
not false prophets, 137
only right religion?, 203, 204
why persecuted, 207
Jesus Christ, 209-220
a god, not the God, 212, 213, 416, 417
born of a virgin, 255
“coming in a cloud,” 313, 314, 342, 343
death, 306
death on stake or cross?, 89, 90
divinity, 426
events associated with presence, 234-239, 341, 344, 345
‘firstborn of creation,’ 408, 409
Hebrew Scripture texts that refer to Jehovah and that are applied to Jesus, 414
historical person, 209, 210
Jehovah not a name for, 197, 198
kingship, 95-97, 232, 233
“last Adam,” 28, 307, 308
memorial of his death, 264, 266-269
merely a good man?, 210
ransom sacrifice, 71, 72, 305-311
resurrection body, 217, 218, 334, 335
“rock,” 37, 38
Savior, 216, 219, 220, 298, 413
teachings superior, 290, 291
inputs of Jehovah applied to, 412-414
why many Jews did not accept, 211
Jewelry, women’s use, 435
Jews, 220-225
chosen people?, 220-222
identity of 144,000, 166, 167
rejection of Jesus as Messiah, 211
witnessing to, 22, 23
Judas Iscariot, predestinated?, 143
Judgment, resurrection of, 338
Justice, 155, 230
Keys of Kingdom, 39-41
Kindness, 13, 14
Kingdom, 12, 13, 225-234
government, 226, 227
“keys of the kingdom,” 39-41
rulers with Christ, 76, 77, 166-168
time of establishment, 95-97, 232-234
what it will accomplish, 227-232
witnessing, 238, 330
King James Version, 67, 68
Last Days, 13, 234-243
beginning, in 1914, 239, 240
now in progress, 234-239, 241, 242
why extended so long, 241
Lawlessness, last days, 237
Life, 243-248
abortion, 25, 26
disrespect for, 106, 109-111
effect ransom should have on ours, 311
eternal life, 13, 165, 166, 246, 247, 268, 306-308
other planets?, 247, 248
purpose, 13, 59, 243, 244
Love, cooling off, 237
for fellowman, 327
God’s, violated by Armageddon?, 48
lack in world, 13
mark of true religion, 329
Marijuana, 108, 109, 111
Marriage, brother and sister, 252, 253
divorce, 252
how to improve, 253, 254
legal registration, 248-250
polygamy, 250, 251
separation, 251
sexual relations before, 368
Mary (Jesus’ Mother), 254-261
adoration, 259, 260
body of flesh to heaven?, 258
immaculately conceived?, 257, 258
“Mother of God”?, 256, 257
praying to Mary, 258, 259
virgin, 255, 256, 260, 261
Mass, frequency, 265
relief to souls in purgatory?, 265
sacrifice, 261, 264
transubstantiation, 262, 263
Materialism, 188, 392
Memorial, date, 269
emblems, 267
frequency, 265, 269
partakers, 267, 268
significance, 266, 267
Messiah, why Jews rejected Jesus, 211
Michael, identified, 218
Ministers, women, 432, 433
Miracles, Jesus’, 215, 216, 229, 230
modern-day, 133, 134, 156-158
Mosaic Law, “ceremonial” and “moral” parts, 347, 348
passing away, 348, 349
“Mother of God,” Mary, 256, 257
Mother’s Day, 182
Mourning, for the dead, 102, 103
Mutations, evolution, 124, 125
Natural disasters (so called), why permitted, 398
Neutrality, 269-276
carnal warfare, 271-273
flags and anthems, 274, 275
political involvement, 273, 274
New World Translation, 276-280
name Jehovah in Christian Greek Scriptures, 278
translators, 277
type of translation, 276-278
verses apparently missing, 278, 279
New Year, celebrations, 180
1914, Kingdom established, 95-97
secular historians’ view, 239, 240
Omens, 387
144,000, literal number, 167
only natural Jews?, 166, 167
only ones to be saved?, 361
Oppression, lasting relief, 153, 154
Organization, 280-284
evidence that God has, 280-283
how to identify God’s visible, 283, 284
necessary?, 326-328
Paradise, 284-288
earthly, 232, 285, 286
evildoer in Paradise, 286-288
Peace, 14, 228
Persecution, encouragement to endure, 118, 119
why Witnesses are persecuted, 207, 238
Pestilence, last days, 236, 237
Peter, ‘keys of kingdom,’ 39-41
popes not successors, 41
“rock”?, 37-39
Rome or Babylon?, 41
Philosophy, 288-292
Planets, life on others?, 247, 248
Pleasure, pursuit of, 106, 107, 391, 392
Politics, Christians’ attitude, 273, 274
religious involvement, 52
Polygamy, 250, 251
Possessions, life dominated by desire for, 392
showing off, 392
Prayer, 292-295
proper matters, 294, 295
to Mary, 258, 259
to “saints,” 353, 354
whose prayers God hears, 292, 293
whose prayers unacceptable, 293, 294
Predestination, Adam, 142
Christians, 143, 144
“it is the will of God,” 139, 140
Jacob and Esau, 142, 143
Judas Iscariot, 143
(See also “Fate.”)
Preexistence, 161, 162
Presence, Christ’s, 234-239, 340-345
Pride, 391
Prophecy, 140, 141, 295-298
fulfillments, 60-62, 95-97, 155, 234-239
why be keenly interested, 297, 298
yet to be fulfilled, 296, 297
Prophets, identifying true and false, 132-136
Punishment, adversity a punishment by God?, 398, 399
after death?, 300
eternal punishment, 171-174
Purgatory, 298-300
basis for teaching, 299
Mass for those in, 265
Races of Mankind, 300-305
common origin, 27, 301
origin of blacks, 303
reasons for characteristics, 302, 303
Ransom, 305-311
benefits to whom, and why, 308-310
children, 397, 398
how Jesus’ death was different, 306
what effect on how we use our lives?, 311
why necessary, 306-308
Rapture, 312-317
Rebellion, 391
Reincarnation, 317-321
different from Bible hope, 320, 321
evidence of, in Bible?, 318-320
strange feeling of familiarity with persons and places, 317, 318
Relics, venerating, 354
Religion, 322-333
Babylon the Great, 49-53
good in all?, 323, 324, 331, 332
how to identify true, 328-330
interfaith, 325, 326
leaving parents’ religion, 324, 325
one true religion, 203, 204, 332
organized, 326-328
what sets Jehovah’s Witnesses apart, 199-201
why so many religions, 322
Resurrection, 333-340
contrast with reincarnation, 320, 321
earthly, 336-340
heavenly, 335, 336
Jesus’ resurrection body, 217, 334, 335
Return of Christ, 340-345
invisible, 341-344
presence, 340, 341, 344, 345
Revolution, 153, 154
Rich man and Lazarus, parable, 174, 175
Rock, Christ, not Peter, 37-39
Sabbath, 345-352
significance to Christians, 349-351
weekly, for Christians?, 345, 346
Saints, 352-356
free from all sin?, 355
halos, 354, 355
images and relics, 184, 354
praying to, 353, 354
Salvation, 356-361
for only 144,000?, 361
for those not “born again”?, 77, 78
Jews, 222, 223
once saved, always saved?, 358, 359
requirements, 216, 307, 308, 359
universal?, 356-358
Satan the Devil, abyssing, 365, 366
a spirit person, 361-363
god of this system, 364, 365
hurled out of heaven, 97, 366
maneuvers nations to Armageddon, 48, 49
origin, 363
responsibility for wickedness, 427
ruler of world, 364, 365
why allowed to remain, 363, 364
Saul, spoke to “Samuel” through spirit medium, 385
Savior, Jehovah, 413
Jesus Christ, 219, 220, 298, 413
Science, belief in creation, 84-86
belief in God, 145, 146
Bible ahead of discoveries by scientists, 62, 63
conflicting views regarding evolution, 121-123
Sects, 34, 202
Security, 11, 12, 230
Separation, marital, 251
Serpent, spoke to Eve, 28
Sex, 188, 367-371
Bible’s view, 367, 368
homosexuality, 368-371
premarital, 368
Sheol, 169, 171
Sickness, faith healing, 156-158, 160, 161
lasting healing, 117, 118, 160, 229
Sin, Adam’s, God’s “plan”?, 29, 142
confession, 83, 84
effect on relationship with God, 374, 375
forgiveness, 55, 56, 81, 82
how possible for perfect creature, 371, 372
is there sin nowadays?, 373, 374
Mary, free from sin?, 257, 258
purification from, 55, 56, 300
saints free from?, 355
willful, 81, 84, 371
Smoking, 109-112
Solomon, wives, 250, 251
Sons of God, 77, 303, 304
Sorcery, 51, 52
Soul, death, 169, 299, 300, 377, 378
different from spirit, 378, 379
immortality—origin of belief, 101, 379, 380
reincarnation, 317-321
resurrection, 333, 334
what it is, 375-377
Sovereignty, issue, 363, 364, 428, 429
Kingdom upholds Jehovah’s, 227
Speech, abusive, 392
ecstatic, 400, 401
Spirit, active force of God, 380, 381, 406, 407, 412
active life-force—what happens to it at death, 378, 379, 382-384
baptism, 56, 58
identifying those having holy spirit, 78, 79, 381, 382, 384, 400-403
Spiritism, 384-389
drugs, 107
gaining freedom from influence, 388, 389
possible to talk with the dead?, 384-386
what harm in consulting spiritist?, 386, 387
Spirit mediums, messages from the dead, 31, 385, 386
Spirit of the World, characteristics, 389-393
Stake, Jesus’ death, 89, 90
Stars, astrology, 51, 52, 144, 145
star led astrologers to Herod, 177
Suffering, 12, 393-400
children with birth defects, 397, 398
proof there is no God?, 146, 147
responsibility for, 139, 140, 393, 394
what God purposed?, 245, 246
why God permits, 393-400
Ten Commandments, passed away, 348, 349
Tobacco, 109-112
Tongues, speaking in, 400-405
gift to continue how long?, 403, 404
proof that a person has holy spirit?, 400-402
Torments, eternal, in Revelation, 172, 173
rich man and Lazarus, 174, 175
Transfusions, abstaining from blood, 70-73, 75, 76
alternative treatments, 73, 74
Translations, reliability of Bible, 63, 64, 277, 278
when Bible renderings differ, 416
Trinity, 405-426
are basic concepts embodied in the dogma Biblical?, 406-412
do scriptures used by Trinitarians provide solid basis?, 412-424
origin of teaching, 42, 51, 405, 406
position of those who cling to it, 424, 425
Truth, absolute truth, 66, 67, 289
Unity, all creation, in worship, 228
all races, 304, 305
Universe, origin, 62
Valentine’s Day, 181, 182
Verses, Bible—why some seem to be missing, 278, 279
Violence, 392
Virgin, Mary, 255, 256
War, ancient Israel, 271, 272
Armageddon, 44-49
Catholic Church, 43, 44
Christian view, 271-273
freedom from war, 14, 228
last days, 234, 235
nuclear war, 44, 45, 113
Wickedness, 130, 427-431
adversity, God’s punishment?, 398, 399
proof there is no God?, 146, 147
responsibility for, 142, 427
why after Kingdom established, 97
why God permits, 428-430
why so much, 427
Wife, more than one?, 250, 251
position in Christian household, 432
Wisdom, human, 289-292
true, 288, 289
Witnessing, 34, 35, 238, 330
for Jehovah and Jesus, 208
house to house, 206
Women, Bible does not treat them as inferior persons, 431, 432
cosmetics and jewelry, 435
head covering, 433, 434
ministers, 432, 433
Works, consistent with faith, 132, 359
World, 435-438
attitude of Christians toward, 200, 276, 329, 437, 438
conversion, 233
end of, 97, 98, 436
guarding against its spirit, 389-393
meaning of conditions, 59, 234-239
religious involvement, 43, 52
ruler, 364, 365, 436, 437
survivors of end, 240
Worship, all creation united, 228
cross, 92
not all approved by God, 322, 323
to humans, 393
to Jesus, 214, 215
use of images, 51, 183-187, 259, 354
Yahweh, Jehovah or Yahweh?, 195, 196 |
A Rabbi’s Commendation | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101971012 | A Rabbi’s Commendation
A Jewish woman in Detroit, Michigan, wanted to learn the Bible. One day she asked her husband for permission to go to a church or synagogue to do this. When he refused, she replied, “You just wait and see. Someone will come and want to teach me the Bible.” That very afternoon her door was the first one at which Jehovah’s witnesses called in that area. She eagerly accepted their offer to help her learn the Bible, something for which she had been praying.
After studying the Bible for some time this woman told her husband that she wanted to be baptized as one of Jehovah’s witnesses. He became very upset and called a rabbi. The rabbi’s comments were most interesting. He said: “This is a free country. We can worship the way we want to. Jehovah’s witnesses are fine people. Their worship is clean and pure. I have nothing against them, except that they use the New Testament and we don’t. Besides, it is written, ‘choose for yourself whom you will worship!’” |
Divine Victory (dy)
1973 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/brochures-and-booklets/divine-victory-dy | input Page/Publishers’ Page
Divine Victory—Its Meaning for Distressed Humanity
IT IS OUR PLEASURE to present in the pages of this booklet the public address that is being featured world wide in the 1973-1974 series of “Divine Victory” International Assemblies of Jehovah’s Christian Witnesses. Just what such a thing as divine victory will mean for distressed humanity will be left for the reader to learn by taking an hour of his time to read this booklet. Questions have been provided at the bottom of each page; these are to aid the reader to make a detailed study of this subject of world importance, either personally or with a group of others.
—THE PUBLISHERS |
Who or What Are Angels? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502016247 | Who or What Are Angels?
The Bible’s answer
Angels are beings who have greater power and ability than humans. (2 Peter 2:11) They exist in heaven, or the spirit realm, which is a level of existence higher than the physical universe. (1 Kings 8:27; John 6:38) Thus, they are also referred to as spirits.—1 Kings 22:21; Psalm 18:10.
Where do angels come from?
God created the angels through Jesus, whom the Bible calls “the firstborn of all creation.” Describing how God used Jesus in creation, the Bible says: “By means of [Jesus] all other things were created in the heavens and on the earth, the things visible and the things invisible,” including the angels. (Colossians 1:13-17) Angels do not marry and reproduce. (Mark 12:25) Instead, each of these “sons of the true God” was individually created.—Job 1:6.
Angels were created in the distant past, before the earth existed. When God created the earth, the angels “began shouting in applause.”—Job 38:4-7.
How many angels are there?
The Bible does not give an exact figure, but it does show that their number is vast. For example, a vision given to the apostle John included a glimpse of hundreds of millions of angels.—Revelation 5:11, footnote.
Do angels have individual names and personalities?
Yes. The Bible gives the names of two angels: Michael and Gabriel. (Daniel 12:1; Luke 1:26)a Other angels acknowledged that they had names, but they did not reveal them.—Genesis 32:29; Judges 13:17, 18.
Angels have distinct personalities. They can communicate with one another. (1 Corinthians 13:1) They have thinking ability and are able to compose expressions of praise to God. (Luke 2:13, 14) And they have the freedom to choose between right and wrong, as seen when some of them sinned by joining Satan the Devil in his rebellion against God.—Matthew 25:41; 2 Peter 2:4.
Are there different ranks among angels?
Yes. The angel greatest in both power and authority is Michael, the archangel. (Jude 9; Revelation 12:7) Seraphs are high-ranking angels who are stationed near Jehovah’s throne. (Isaiah 6:2, 6) Cherubs form another high-ranking order of angels having special duties. For example, cherubs guarded the entrance to the garden of Eden after Adam and Eve were expelled.—Genesis 3:23, 24.
Do angels help people?
Yes, God uses his faithful angels to help people today.
Angels are used by God as he directs his servants in the preaching of the good news of the Kingdom of God. (Revelation 14:6, 7) This direction benefits both those preaching and those hearing the good news.—Acts 8:26, 27.
Angels help to keep the Christian congregation free of contamination by wicked people.—Matthew 13:49.
Angels guide and protect those who are faithful to God.—Psalm 34:7; 91:10, 11; Hebrews 1:7, 14.
Soon, the angels will bring relief to mankind by fighting alongside Jesus Christ to eliminate wickedness.—2 Thessalonians 1:6-8.
Do we each have a guardian angel?
Although angels look out for the spiritual welfare of God’s servants, this does not necessarily mean that God assigns an angel to each Christian as a personal guardian.b (Matthew 18:10) Angels do not protect God’s servants from every trial or temptation. The Bible shows that God will often “make the way out” of a trial by giving a person the wisdom and strength to endure.—1 Corinthians 10:12, 13; James 1:2-5.
Misconceptions about angels
Misconception: All angels are good.
Fact: The Bible refers to “the wicked spirit forces” and “the angels who sinned.” (Ephesians 6:12; 2 Peter 2:4) These wicked angels are demons, who joined Satan in rebelling against God.
Misconception: Angels are immortal.
Fact: Wicked angels, including Satan the Devil, will be destroyed.—Jude 6.
Misconception: People become angels when they die.
Fact: Angels are a separate creation of God, not resurrected humans. (Colossians 1:16) People who are raised to life in heaven receive the gift of immortal life from God. (1 Corinthians 15:53, 54) They will have a status higher than the angels.—1 Corinthians 6:3.
Misconception: Angels exist to serve humans.
Fact: Angels obey God’s commands, not ours. (Psalm 103:20, 21) Even Jesus acknowledged that he would call on God for help, not directly on the angels.—Matthew 26:53.
Misconception: We can pray to angels for help.
Fact: Prayer to God is part of our worship, which belongs to Jehovah God. (Revelation 19:10) We should pray only to God, through Jesus.—John 14:6.
a Some Bible translations use the term “Lucifer” at Isaiah 14:12, which has been understood by some to be the name of the angel who became Satan the Devil. However, the original Hebrew word used here means “shining one.” The context shows that this term refers, not to Satan, but to the dynasty of Babylon, which God would humiliate for its arrogance. (Isaiah 14:4, 13-20) The expression “shining one” was used to mock the Babylonian dynasty after it was overthrown.
b Some have understood the account of Peter’s release from prison to indicate that Peter had a personal guardian angel. (Acts 12:6-16) However, when the disciples referred to “[Peter’s] angel,” it could be that they mistakenly thought that an angelic messenger representing Peter had come to them, rather than Peter himself. |
“All Scripture” (si)
1990 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/books/all-scripture-si | Bible Book Number 38—Zechariah
Writer: Zechariah
Place Written: Jerusalem
Writing Completed: 518 B.C.E.
Time Covered: 520–518 B.C.E.
1. What was the situation as to the temple in Jerusalem when Zechariah began to prophesy?
AT A standstill! That was the state of the construction work on Jehovah’s temple in Jerusalem when Zechariah began to prophesy. Whereas Solomon had built the original temple in 7 1/2 years (1 Ki. 6:37, 38), the repatriated Jews had been back in Jerusalem for 17 years and the building was yet far from completion. The work had finally stopped altogether following the ban by Artaxerxes (either Bardiya or Gaumata). But now, despite this official ban, the work was once more getting under way. Jehovah was using Haggai and Zechariah to stir up the people to renew the construction and to stay with it until completed.—Ezra 4:23, 24; 5:1, 2.
2. Why did the task look mountainous, but to what did Zechariah draw their attention?
2 The task before them looked mountainous. (Zech. 4:6, 7) They were few, the opposers many, and although they had a prince of the Davidic line, Zerubbabel, they had no king and were under foreign domination. How easy to sink into a weak, self-centered attitude, when the time really demanded strong faith and energetic action! Zechariah was used to draw their attention to God’s present purposes and even grander future purposes, thus strengthening them for the work to be done. (8:9, 13) It was no time to be like their unappreciative forefathers.—1:5, 6.
3. (a) How is Zechariah identified, and why is his name appropriate? (b) When was Zechariah’s prophecy spoken and recorded?
3 Who was Zechariah? There are about 30 different persons mentioned in the Bible with the name Zechariah. However, the writer of the book that bears this name is identified as “Zechariah the son of Berechiah the son of Iddo the prophet.” (Zech. 1:1; Ezra 5:1; Neh. 12:12, 16) His name (Hebrew, Zekhar·yahʹ) means “Jehovah Has Remembered.” The book of Zechariah makes it very plain that “Jehovah of armies” remembers His people, to deal well with them for His own name’s sake. (Zech. 1:3) The dates mentioned in the book give it a coverage of at least two years. It was in the “eighth month in the second year of Darius” (October/November 520 B.C.E.) that the temple building was resumed and Zechariah commenced prophesying. (1:1) The book also makes a reference to “the fourth day of the ninth month, that is, Chislev,” in “the fourth year of Darius” (about December 1, 518 B.C.E.). (7:1) Hence, Zechariah’s prophecy would no doubt be spoken and also recorded during the years 520-518 B.C.E.—Ezra 4:24.
4, 5. (a) Why did Zechariah predict Tyre’s fall long after the siege of that city by Nebuchadnezzar? (b) The fulfillment of what particular prophecies convincingly proves the book’s inspiration?
4 Students of the book of Zechariah will find ample proof of its authenticity. Take the case of Tyre. It was after a 13-year-long siege that the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar ruined Tyre. This, though, did not mean the complete end for Tyre. Zechariah, many years later, foretold the total destruction of Tyre. It was the island city of Tyre that Alexander the Great overthrew at the time of his famous causeway-building feat; he ruthlessly burned her, thus fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy of some two centuries earlier.a—Zech. 9:2-4.
5 The most convincing proof of the book’s divine inspiration, however, is to be found in the fulfillment of its prophecies concerning the Messiah, Christ Jesus, as can be seen by comparing Zechariah 9:9 with Matthew 21:4, 5 and John 12:14-16; Zechariah 12:10 with John 19:34-37; and Zechariah 13:7 with Matthew 26:31 and Mark 14:27. Also, there are the similarities to be noted between Zechariah 8:16 and Ephesians 4:25; Zechariah 3:2 and Jude 9; and Zechariah 14:5 and Jude 14. The harmony found in God’s Word is truly marvelous!
6. (a) What accounts for the change of style from chapter 9 of Zechariah onward? (b) What may be the reason for Matthew’s referring to Zechariah as “Jeremiah”?
6 There are some Bible critics who say that the change in style of writing from chapter 9 onward indicates that that section could not have been written by Zechariah. The change in style, however, is certainly no greater than the change in subject matter would justify. Whereas the first eight chapters 1-8 deal with matters of more present importance to the people of Zechariah’s day, in chapters 9 to 14 the prophet looks forward into a more distant future. Some have queried why it is that Matthew quotes Zechariah but attributes his words to Jeremiah. (Matt. 27:9; Zech. 11:12) It appears that Jeremiah was at times reckoned as first of the Later Prophets (instead of Isaiah, as in our present Bibles); hence Matthew, in referring to Zechariah as “Jeremiah,” could have been following the Jewish practice of including a whole section of Scripture under the name of the first book of the section. Jesus himself used the designation “Psalms” to include all the books known as the Writings.—Luke 24:44.b
7. How is the book of Zechariah arranged?
7 Up to chapter 6, verse 8, the book consists of a series of eight visions, similar in type to those of Daniel and Ezekiel, relating generally to the temple’s reconstruction. These are followed by pronouncements and prophecies regarding sincere worship, restoration, and Jehovah’s day of war.
outputS OF ZECHARIAH
8. What does the vision of the four horsemen show concerning Jerusalem and the nations?
8 First vision: The four horsemen (1:1-17). “Return to me, . . . and I shall return to you,” says Jehovah, and then he asks, “My words and my regulations that I commanded my servants, the prophets, did they not catch up with your fathers?” (1:3, 6) The people admit they have received their just due. Zechariah’s first vision now appears. At night four horsemen stand among trees near Jerusalem, having returned from inspecting the whole earth, which they found undisturbed and at ease. But Jehovah’s angel, who interviews them, is disturbed over Jerusalem’s condition. Jehovah himself declares his great indignation against the nations that helped toward Zion’s calamity, and he says that he will “certainly return to Jerusalem with mercies.” His own house will be built in her, and his cities “will yet overflow with goodness.”—1:16, 17.
9. How does Jehovah explain the vision of the horns and craftsmen?
9 Second vision: The horns and craftsmen (1:18-21). Zechariah sees the four horns that dispersed Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem. Then Jehovah shows him four craftsmen, explaining that these will come to cast down the horns of the nations that oppose Judah.
10. How is Jehovah associated with Jerusalem’s prosperity?
10 Third vision: Jerusalem’s prosperity (2:1-13). A man is seen measuring Jerusalem. The city will be blessed with expansion, and Jehovah will be a wall of fire all around her and a glory in the midst of her. He calls out, “Hey there, Zion! Make your escape,” and adds the warning, “He that is touching you is touching my eyeball.” (2:7, 8) With Jehovah residing in her, Zion will rejoice, and many nations will join themselves to Jehovah. All flesh is commanded to keep silence before Jehovah, “for he has aroused himself from his holy dwelling.”—2:13.
11. How is High Priest Joshua vindicated, and what course is urged upon him?
11 Fourth vision: Joshua’s deliverance (3:1-10). High Priest Joshua is shown on trial, with Satan opposing him and Jehovah’s angel rebuking Satan. Is not Joshua “a log snatched out of the fire”? (3:2) Joshua is declared cleansed, and his befouled garments are exchanged for clean “robes of state.” He is urged to walk in the ways of Jehovah, who is ‘bringing in his servant Sprout’ and who puts before Joshua a stone upon which there are seven eyes.—3:4, 8.
12. What encouragement and assurance are given concerning the temple building?
12 Fifth vision: The lampstand and olive trees (4:1-14). The angel awakens Zechariah to see a gold lampstand of seven lamps, flanked by two olive trees. He hears this word of Jehovah to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by military force, nor by power, but by God’s spirit.’ A “great mountain” will be leveled before Zerubbabel, and the temple headstone will be brought forth to the cry: “How charming! How charming!” Zerubbabel has laid the temple foundations, and Zerubbabel will finish the work. The seven lamps are Jehovah’s eyes that “are roving about in all the earth.” (4:6, 7, 10) The two olive trees are Jehovah’s two anointed ones.
13-15. What is seen in the visions of the flying scroll, the ephah measure, and the four chariots?
13 Sixth vision: The flying scroll (5:1-4). Zechariah sees a flying scroll, about 30 feet [9 m] long and 15 feet [4.5 m] wide. The angel explains that this is the curse that is going forth because of all those stealing and swearing falsely in Jehovah’s name.
14 Seventh vision: The ephah measure (5:5-11). The lid is lifted from an ephah measure (about 20 dry qt, U.S. [22 L]), revealing a woman named “Wickedness.” She is thrust back into the ephah, which is then lifted toward heaven by two winged women, to be carried to Shinar (Babylon) and “deposited there upon her proper place.”—5:8, 11.
15 Eighth vision: The four chariots (6:1-8). Look! From between two copper mountains, four chariots appear, with horses of different colors. They are the four spirits of the heavens. At the angel’s command, they go walking about in the earth.
16. What is prophesied concerning the “Sprout”?
16 The Sprout; insincere fasting (6:9–7:14). Jehovah now instructs Zechariah to place a grand crown on High Priest Joshua’s head. He speaks prophetically of the “Sprout,” who will build Jehovah’s temple and rule as a priest on his throne.—6:12.
17. As to worship, what does Jehovah desire, and what is to result to those resisting his words?
17 Two years after Zechariah started prophesying, a delegation arrives from Bethel to ask the temple priests whether certain periods of weeping and fasting should continue to be observed. Through Zechariah, Jehovah asks the people and the priests whether they are really sincere in their fasting. What Jehovah desires is ‘obedience, true justice, loving-kindness, and mercies.’ (7:7, 9) Because they resist his prophetic words with stubborn shoulders and emery-stone hearts, he will hurl them tempestuously throughout all the nations.
18. What glorious promises of restoration does Jehovah make?
18 Restoration; “ten men” (8:1-23). Jehovah declares he will return to Zion and reside in Jerusalem, which will be called “the city of trueness.” Old people will sit in her public squares, and children will play there. This is not too difficult for Jehovah, the true and righteous God! Jehovah promises the seed of peace to the remnant of his people, saying: “Do not be afraid. May your hands be strong.” (8:3, 13) These things they should do: Speak truthfully with one another and judge with truth, keeping hearts free from calamitous schemes and false oaths. Why, the time will come when the people of many cities will certainly invite one another to go up earnestly to seek Jehovah, and “ten men” out of all the languages will “take hold of the skirt of a man who is a Jew” and go along with God’s people.—8:23.
19. What severe pronouncements follow, but what is said concerning Jerusalem’s king?
19 Pronouncements against nations, false shepherds (9:1–11:17). In the book’s second section, chapters 9 to 14, Zechariah turns from the allegorical visions to the more customary prophetic style. He begins with a severe pronouncement against various cities, including the rocky island-city of Tyre. Jerusalem is told to shout in joyful triumph, for, “Look! Your king himself comes to you. He is righteous, yes, saved; humble, and riding upon an ass.” (9:9) Cutting off war chariots and bow, this one will speak peace to the nations and will rule to the ends of the earth. Jehovah will fight for his people against Greece, and he will save them. “For O how great his goodness is, and how great his handsomeness is!” (9:17) Jehovah, the Rain-Giver, condemns the diviners and false shepherds. He will make the house of Judah superior and those of Ephraim like a mighty man. As for the redeemed ones, “their heart will be joyful in Jehovah . . . and in his name they will walk about.”—10:7, 12.
20. What symbols are enacted with the staffs “Pleasantness” and “Union”?
20 Zechariah is now assigned to shepherd the flock, which has been sold into slaughter by compassionless shepherds who say: “May Jehovah be blessed, while I shall gain riches.” (11:5) The prophet takes two staffs and names them “Pleasantness” and “Union.” (11:7) Breaking “Pleasantness,” he symbolizes a covenant broken. Then he calls for his wages, and they weigh him out 30 pieces of silver. Jehovah orders Zechariah to throw it into the treasury and, with superlative sarcasm, says, “the majestic value with which I have been valued.” (11:13) Now staff “Union” is cut up, breaking the brotherhood of Judah and Israel. A sword will come upon the false shepherds who have neglected Jehovah’s sheep.
21. (a) What is Jehovah’s judgment on those who fight against Jerusalem? (b) What scattering and refining are foretold?
21 Jehovah wars, becomes king (12:1–14:21). Another pronouncement begins. Jehovah will make Jerusalem a bowl that causes peoples to reel and a burdensome stone that scratches those lifting it. He will annihilate all nations that come against Jerusalem. Upon the house of David, Jehovah will pour out the spirit of favor and entreaties, and the people will look upon the one they pierced through, wailing over him “as in the wailing over an only son.” (12:10) Jehovah of armies declares a cutting off of all idols and false prophets; the very parents of such a one must wound him so that in shame he removes his prophet’s garb. Jehovah’s associate shepherd is to be struck and the flock scattered, but Jehovah will refine a “third part” to call upon his name. Jehovah will say: “It is my people,” and it will answer: “Jehovah is my God.”—13:9.
22. What is to happen to the nations and to Jerusalem in ‘the day belonging to Jehovah’?
22 “Look! There is a day coming, belonging to Jehovah.” All nations will attack Jerusalem, and half the city will go into exile, leaving behind a remnant. Then Jehovah will go forth and war against those nations, “as in the day of his warring, in the day of fight.” (14:1, 3) The mountain of olive trees, on the east of Jerusalem, will split from east to west, making a valley for refuge. In that day living waters will flow east and west from Jerusalem, in summer and in winter, and “Jehovah must become king over all the earth.” (14:9) While Jerusalem enjoys security, Jehovah will scourge those warring against her. As they stand, their flesh, eyes, and tongues will rot away. Confusion will hit them. The hand of each one will turn against his neighbor’s. Those left alive of all the nations will have to “go up from year to year to bow down to the King, Jehovah of armies.”—14:16.
WHY BENEFICIAL
23. How is the record of Zechariah strengthening to faith?
23 All who study and meditate on the prophecy of Zechariah will be benefited in gaining faith-strengthening knowledge. More than 50 times Zechariah draws attention to “Jehovah of armies” as the One who fights for and protects His people, filling them with power according to their need. When mountainlike opposition threatened the completion of the temple building, Zechariah declared: “This is the word of Jehovah to Zerubbabel, saying, ‘“Not by a military force, nor by power, but by my spirit,” Jehovah of armies has said. Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a level land.’” The temple was completed with the help of Jehovah’s spirit. Likewise today, obstacles will melt if tackled with faith in Jehovah. It is just as Jesus told his disciples: “If you have faith the size of a mustard grain, you will say to this mountain, ‘Transfer from here to there,’ and it will transfer, and nothing will be impossible for you.”—Zech. 4:6, 7; Matt. 17:20.
24. What illustration of loyalty is given in chapter 13 of Zechariah?
24 In chapter 13, verses 2 to 6, Zechariah illustrates the loyalty that to this day marks Jehovah’s organization. This must transcend every human relationship, such as that of close flesh-and-blood relatives. If a close relative should prophesy falsehood in the name of Jehovah, that is, speak contrary to the Kingdom message and try wrongly to influence others in the congregation of God’s people, the family members of that one must loyally support any judicial action taken by the congregation. The same position must be held with regard to any intimate associate who prophesies falsely, so that he may become ashamed and wounded at heart because of his wrong action.
25. How does the prophecy of Zechariah instruction with other scriptures in identifying Messiah, the “Sprout,” and his office as High Priest and King under Jehovah?
25 As our introductory paragraphs showed, Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as king, “humble, and riding upon an ass,” his betrayal for “thirty pieces of silver,” the scattering of his disciples at that time, and his being pierced on the stake by the soldier’s spear were all foretold by Zechariah in exact detail. (Zech. 9:9; 11:12; 13:7; 12:10) The prophecy also names the “Sprout” as the builder of the temple of Jehovah. A comparison of Isaiah 11:1-10; Jeremiah 23:5; and Luke 1:32, 33 shows this one to be Jesus Christ, who “will rule as king over the house of Jacob forever.” Zechariah describes the “Sprout” as “a priest upon his throne,” which ties in with the apostle Paul’s words: “Jesus . . . has become a high priest according to the manner of Melchizedek forever,” also, “He has sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens.” (Zech. 6:12, 13; Heb. 6:20; 8:1) Thus the prophecy points to the “Sprout” as High Priest and King at God’s right hand in the heavens, while at the same time it proclaims Jehovah as Sovereign Ruler over all: “And Jehovah must become king over all the earth. In that day Jehovah will prove to be one, and his name one.”—Zech. 14:9.
26. To what glorious “day” does Zechariah repeatedly refer?
26 Referring to that time, the prophet repeats the phrase “in that day” some 20 times, and it even concludes his prophecy. An examination of its many occurrences shows it to be the day when Jehovah cuts off the names of the idols and removes the false prophets. (13:2, 4) It is the day when Jehovah wars on the aggressor nations and spreads confusion in their ranks as he annihilates them and provides ‘the valley of his mountains’ as a refuge for his own people. (14:1-5, 13; 12:8, 9) Yes, “Jehovah their God will certainly save them in that day like the flock of his people,” and they will call one to the other from under the vine and fig tree. (Zech. 9:16; 3:10; Mic. 4:4) It is the glorious day when Jehovah of armies “will reside in the midst” of his people and when “living waters will go forth from Jerusalem.” These words of Zechariah identify events “in that day” as harbingers of “a new heaven and a new earth” of Kingdom promise.—Zech. 2:11; 14:8; Rev. 21:1-3; 22:1.
27. How does the prophecy of Zechariah focus attention on the sanctification of Jehovah’s name?
27 “Who has despised the day of small things?” asks Jehovah. Look! This prosperity is to embrace the entire earth: ‘Many peoples and mighty nations will actually come to seek Jehovah of armies in Jerusalem, and ten men out of all the languages of the nations will take hold of the skirt of a man who is a Jew, saying: “We will go with you people, for we have heard that God is with you people.”’ “In that day” even the bells of the horse will bear the words “Holiness belongs to Jehovah!” These heartwarming prophecies are most beneficial to consider, for they show that Jehovah’s name will indeed be sanctified through his Kingdom Seed!—Zech. 4:10; 8:22, 23; 14:20.
[Footnotes]
a Insight on the Scriptures, Vol. 2, pages 531, 1136.
b Encyclopaedia Judaica, 1973, Vol. 4, col. 828; Insight on the Scriptures, Vol. 1, pages 1080-1. |
Satisfying Life (la)
2001 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/la | Foreword
Consider this paradox: In one industrialized country, more than 90 percent of the people feel that they are either very happy or fairly happy. But 3 of the 10 drugs most widely used in that land are prescribed for depression. In that same country, 91 percent of the people consider their family life to be satisfying. Yet, nearly half of the marriages there end up in divorce!
In fact, a survey of people in 18 countries, representing approximately half the world’s population, suggests that a “blanket of pessimism about the future seems to cover much of the world.” It is evident, therefore, that many are not leading a fully satisfying life. What about you? This brochure has been prepared to help you make your life truly satisfying. |
“Eternal Purpose” (po)
1974 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/po | input Page/Publishers’ Page
God’s “Eternal Purpose” Now Triumphing For Man’s Good
An Enlightening Survey of the Special Purpose of Man’s Creator, from Its Formation Six Thousand Years Ago to Its God-honoring Accomplishment with Boundless Blessings for All Humanity
To the God who has come to man’s rescue by forming his “eternal purpose” in connection with his Messiah, this book is dedicated |
BIBLE VERSES EXPLAINED
Philippians 4:8—“Whatever Things Are True, . . . Continue Considering These Things” | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502300133 | BIBLE VERSES EXPLAINED
Philippians 4:8—“Whatever Things Are True, . . . Continue Considering These Things”
“Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are of serious concern, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are chaste, whatever things are lovable, whatever things are well-spoken-of, whatever things are virtuous, and whatever things are praiseworthy, continue considering these things.”—Philippians 4:8, New World Translation.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”—Philippians 4:8, New International Version.
Meaning of Philippians 4:8
God is interested in what humans think about, especially since our thoughts lead to actions. (Psalm 19:14; Mark 7:20-23) Therefore, people who wish to please God reject thoughts that are bad in his eyes and instead think about things that he approves of.
This verse mentions eight types of good things that Christians should “continue considering,” that is, make a habit of thinking about.
“True.” This word describes things that are upright and trustworthy, such as the information found in God’s Word, the Bible.—1 Timothy 6:20.
“Of serious concern.” This phrase refers to matters of real importance. They are not frivolous, trivial, or petty. Rather, they help to reinforce a Christian’s determination to do what is right.—Titus 2:6-8.
“Righteous.” This word refers to plans and actions that meet God’s standard of what is right rather than being based on limited human wisdom.—Proverbs 3:5, 6; 14:12.
“Chaste.” This word conveys the idea of thoughts and motives that are clean and holy, not just in sexual matters, but in all things.—2 Corinthians 11:3.
“Lovable.” This word refers to things that are pleasant, that stir up feelings of love rather than hatred, bitterness, or conflict.—1 Peter 4:8.
“Well-spoken-of.” This phrase refers to things that would add to a person’s good reputation and that people who respect God would approve of.—Proverbs 22:1.
“Virtuous.” This word refers to things that are morally excellent according to God’s standards. They are good through and through.—2 Peter 1:5, 9.
“Praiseworthy.” This word refers to what is commendable, especially in God’s eyes. It also includes God’s own praiseworthy deeds, which humans do well to consider.—Psalm 78:4.
Context of Philippians 4:8
The apostle Paul was under house arrest in Rome when he wrote his letter to the Philippian Christians. Nevertheless, Bible commentators describe his letter as “a letter of joy” because of its happy tone and its many expressions of warmth and affection.—Philippians 1:3, 4, 7, 8, 18; 3:1; 4:1, 4, 10.
Paul loved his spiritual brothers and sisters in Philippi, and he wanted them to have the same joy and peace that he had. (Philippians 2:17, 18) So in the final part of his letter, he encouraged them to cultivate a joyful attitude, to be reasonable, to rely constantly on God in prayer, and to focus their minds on things that promote inner peace as well as peace with God.—Philippians 4:4-9.
Read Philippians chapter 4 in the study edition of the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. This easy-to-read Bible contains audio recordings, explanatory notes, cross-references, pictures, videos, and maps.
Watch this short video to see an overview of the book of Philippians. |
“Kingdom Come” (kc)
1981 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/kc | Chapter 9
Kingdom Heirs Keep Integrity
1. (a) Why did Jesus inherit a more excellent name? (b) Who may profit by his example, and how?
PROVING faithful to the death, Jesus inherited a name more excellent than that of the angels. Of all God’s intelligent creatures, he was the One to demonstrate that a son of God could keep perfect integrity to God, thus showing Satan to be a liar. Accordingly, the apostle Paul writes: “After he had made a purification for our sins [by providing the ransom] he sat down on the right hand of the Majesty in lofty places.” What a grand example he set for all who await the ‘coming’ of the Kingdom—both those of the “little flock” who inherit the heavenly kingdom and those who will be the earthly subjects of that kingdom! As the same apostle states later: “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, as we look intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus. For the joy that was set before him he endured a torture stake, despising shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”—Hebrews 1:3, 4; 12:1, 2.
2-4. (a) How did Jesus progressively train and organize his disciples for preaching activity? (b) How do we know that they took the “good news” to the people’s homes? (c) What fine precedent did this activity provide for God’s servants today?
2 Not only did Jesus provide a splendid example for his followers, but he also taught and trained them, in order that they could continue God’s work after he had gone away.
“He went journeying from city to city and from village to village, preaching and declaring the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him.”—Luke 8:1.
3 Later, Jesus sent the 12 out on their own “to preach the kingdom of God and to heal.” “They went through the territory from village to village, declaring the good news and performing cures everywhere.” (Luke 9:2, 6) In the cities and villages they were to search out deserving ones, and this they did by going to the people’s homes. It required courageous maintaining of integrity on their part, even as it does of Jehovah’s Witnesses in many territories today, because of opposition to the message. Jesus said: “If the house is deserving, let the peace you wish it come upon it; but if it is not deserving, let the peace from you return upon you. Wherever anyone does not take you in or listen to your words, on going out of that house or that city shake the dust off your feet.”—Matthew 10:7, 11-14.
4 Later, when Jesus designated 70 other disciples, he told them: “Look! I am sending you forth as lambs in among wolves.” These, too, were to visit the homes of the people, for Jesus went on to say: “Wherever you enter into a house say first, ‘May this house have peace.’ And if a friend of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him. But if there is not, it will turn back to you.” Even if the people did not listen to the “good news,” they were to be warned that the kingdom of God had come near! (Luke 10:3-11) This provides a fine precedent for the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses today, as these go from house to house with God’s message of comfort and of warning.—Isaiah 61:1, 2.
PREACHING DESPITE PERSECUTIONS
5. In what ways did the resurrected Jesus emphasize the kind of work ahead for his followers?
5 At Jesus’ death, those disciples were scattered. But on numerous occasions following his resurrection in the spirit he appeared to them in materialized bodies, to reassure and strengthen them. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8) On one of these occasions Jesus asked Peter three times whether he really loved and had affection for him. Peter became grieved at this, but three times Jesus emphasized that, in evidence of love and affection, Peter must feed and shepherd his “lambs,” his “little sheep.” (John 21:15-17) At another appearance, Jesus told his 11 faithful disciples:
“All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth. Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And, look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
There was much work ahead for them.
6. Why would Jesus’ disciples do ‘greater works’?
6 Jesus had told his disciples: “Most truly I say to you, He that exercises faith in me, that one also will do the works that I do; and he will do works greater than these, because I am going my way to the Father.” (John 14:12) They would cover a larger territory than he had and would carry on the work of preaching God’s kingdom over a much longer period of time.
7. What marvelous thing led to a thorough witness on the day of Pentecost, and with what astounding result?
7 After arriving at the right hand of his Father in heaven, Jesus did a marvelous thing. On the day of Pentecost, 33 C.E., he poured out holy spirit upon his waiting disciples, anointing them to be heirs with him of God’s heavenly kingdom. Eventually, 144,000 would be chosen from mankind to be kings and priests in heaven with Christ. As a result of the thorough witness given on just that one day, 3,000 Jews and proselytes heartily embraced the word and were baptized.—John 14:2, 3; Revelation 14:1-5; 20:4, 6; Acts 2:1-4, 14, 40, 41.
8-11. (a) What conflict now raged between the Jews’ leaders and the apostles? (b) How did the apostles show themselves to be integrity-keepers? (c) According to Acts 5:40-42, what fine example did those apostles leave for God’s servants today?
8 The preaching of the “good news” spread through the territory of Jerusalem like wildfire. And so did opposition to God’s kingdom. Soon the apostles were hauled before the Jewish court of the Sanhedrin and forbidden to speak in the name of Jesus. Would they hold fast their integrity? Peter and John replied: “Whether it is righteous in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves. But as for us, we cannot stop speaking about the things we have seen and heard.” On this occasion the apostles were released, and they and their companions immediately gave thanks to God, petitioning him: “Now, Jehovah, . . . grant your slaves to keep speaking your word with all boldness.” So they continued to preach with the help of Jehovah’s spirit.—Acts 4:19, 20, 29, 31.
9 Again the religious leaders arrested the apostles and put them in jail. But it was not God’s will that they stay there. During the night Jehovah’s angel released them, so that daybreak found them teaching again in Jerusalem’s temple.—Acts 5:17-21.
10 What could the Sanhedrin do to stop the spread of the “good news”? Once more, the apostles were brought into court, and the high priest charged them: “We positively ordered you not to keep teaching upon the basis of [Jesus’] name, and yet, look! you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you are determined to bring the blood of this man upon us.” The uncompromising response of those apostles rings out, down through 19 centuries:
“We must obey God as ruler rather than men”!
What could the Jews do with these integrity-keepers? The law teacher Gamaliel gave wise advice: “Do not meddle with these men, but let them alone; (because, if this scheme and this work is from men, it will be overthrown; but if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them;) otherwise, you may perhaps be found fighters actually against God.”—Acts 5:27-39.
11 So the apostles were flogged, ordered to stop speaking and then were released. What was their reaction? They rejoiced in that they were counted worthy to suffer on the basis of Jesus’ name.
“And every day in the temple and from house to house they continued without letup teaching and declaring the good news about the Christ, Jesus.” (Acts 5:40-42)
These Kingdom heirs were determined to endure what was necessary in order to continue doing God’s work. They thus set a fine example for all witnesses of the true God who have continued proclaiming the Kingdom “publicly and from house to house” down to this day.—Acts 20:20, 21.
THE KINGDOM “GOOD NEWS” SPREADS
12. As shown at Acts 8:1-4, how does persecution often result in the further spreading of the “good news”?
12 Again the persecution intensified, so that all except the apostles were scattered into nearby Judea and Samaria. But this served only to expand the witness, for “those who had been scattered went through the land declaring the good news of the word.” (Acts 8:1-4) Interestingly, the same thing has happened in modern times. When dictatorial governments have tried to stop Jehovah’s Witnesses by scattering them to isolated areas, they have kept on preaching there, and the “good news” has spread.
13, 14. (a) When did God’s special week of favor toward the Jews end, and who then were admitted as Kingdom heirs? (b) How do Paul’s words at Acts 13 and Romans 11 bear this out?
13 However, back there in the first century, was the Kingdom message going to be carried only to the Jews and the neighboring Samaritans? Would the complete membership of the kingdom of the heavens be made up from among them only? Even with the marvelous witness that was being given, that was not to be. Apparently in 36 C.E., as God’s special “week” of favor toward the Jews ended, Jehovah directed Peter to visit an Italian army officer, Cornelius, at his home in Caesarea. As Peter was preaching to this non-Jew and his household, holy spirit fell upon them, anointing them to be Kingdom heirs. They were baptized as the first uncircumcised Gentile converts to Christianity.—Acts 10:1-48.
14 Later, when the apostle Paul and his companions met with violent opposition from the Jews in Antioch of Pisidia, Paul told those Jews: “It was necessary for the word of God to be spoken first to you. Since you are thrusting it away from you and do not judge yourselves worthy of everlasting life, look! we turn to the nations. In fact, Jehovah has laid commandment upon us in these words, ‘I have appointed you as a light of nations, for you to be a salvation to the extremity of the earth.’” (Acts 13:46, 47) As Paul stated later in an illustration, those unbelieving Jews were like natural branches lopped off an olive tree. The Jews could have provided the full number of Kingdom heirs. However, in their place, “people of the nations,” like branches of a wild olive tree, were being grafted in, and thus “all [spiritual] Israel,” up to its full Kingdom membership, would be “saved.”—Romans 11:13-26; Galatians 6:16.
INTEGRITY UNDER “TRIBULATIONS”
15, 16. (a) What did Paul do and say with regard to “tribulations,” and what fine pattern does this provide us? (b) What should be our attitude toward opposition by governments or family members, and what outcome are we promised?
15 Despite further persecutions, that faithful traveling overseer, the apostle Paul, returned to Antioch, in order to strengthen and encourage the disciples and to build up the congregational organization. It was then that Paul said:
“We must enter into the kingdom of God through many tribulations.”—Acts 14:21-23.
16 Paul continued to have his share of hardships and trials. But he was exemplary in holding fast his integrity. He provided a fine pattern for many in modern times who have to put up a hard fight for the faith. Some of these have had to contend with beatings, imprisonments and danger to life itself. Opposition has come from dictatorial governments, or even from dearly loved relatives. Some have been disowned by family members on account of their accepting and acting on “this good news of the kingdom.” (Matthew 24:14) However, such ones have been greatly comforted by Jesus’ words: “No one has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the good news who will not get a hundredfold now in this period of time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields, with persecutions, and in the coming system of things everlasting life.” (Mark 10:29, 30) They do indeed reap “a hundredfold” in their intimate relationship with Jehovah and his Son and in their joyful association with Jehovah’s earth-wide family.
17. (a) With what temptations did early Christians also have to contend? (b) What splendid example and advice did Paul provide for us?
17 The apostle Paul and his companions had to fight also against the world’s temptations to immorality and materialism. They were just human, as we are. When faced with such enticements we should do as did Paul, who said: “I pummel my body and lead it as a slave, that, after I have preached to others, I myself should not become disapproved somehow.” And like Paul, we, too, may find protection in telling our neighbors about God’s kingdom. As Paul said concerning such sacred service: “Really, woe is me if I did not declare the good news!”—1 Corinthians 9:16, 27.
“COMPLETELY VICTORIOUS”
18. What encouragement did Paul leave for all true Christians, and how do you respond thereto?
18 The apostle Paul also told fellow anointed Christians: “If, then, we are children [of God], we are also heirs: heirs indeed of God, but joint heirs with Christ, provided we suffer together that we may also be glorified together.” But what he went on to say applies equally well to the “great crowd” of “other sheep,” who today are reaching out for the glorious reward of life eternal in the paradise earth. (Revelation 7:9; John 10:16) Paul encourages all true Christians, saying:
“Who will separate us from the love of the Christ? Will tribulation or distress or persecution or hunger or nakedness or danger or sword? . . . To the contrary, in all these things we are coming off completely victorious through him that loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:17, 35-39; see also 2 Corinthians 11:22-28.)
Are you cultivating that kind of confidence in God’s love and in the ‘coming’ of the kingdom of the Lord Jesus? You should be!
19. What warning did Paul give about another mortal danger?
19 Another danger against which you need to be fortified in “the last days” is false teaching. Paul warned against this also. (Acts 20:29, 30; 2 Timothy 3:1, 13) From where do false teachers come, and how may we guard against them? |
Young People Ask, Volume 1 (yp1)
2011 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/yp1 | SECTION 2
My Journal—Your Identity
Write down three traits that you value in a true friend. Then write about what you can do to acquire or improve those same traits in yourself.
․․․․․ |
Mercury—Spain’s “Liquid Silver” Bonanza | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101979006 | Mercury—Spain’s “Liquid Silver” Bonanza
By “Awake!” correspondent in Spain
HAVE you checked the temperature lately? If so, very possibly you consulted a mercury thermometer. Perhaps you wondered where the mercury came from. The source could well have been the Almadén mine in Spain, where the world’s richest mercury deposit is found. More than a quarter of the world’s mercury production comes from this seam.
“Quicksilver” in English, Quecksilber in German, vif argent in French, azogue in Spanish and hydrargyros in Greek—all are names for mercury—that elusive, slippery, silver-colored, “live” or “quick” liquid metal. In the modern world, mercury has more than 3,000 uses. How is it obtained?
Geologists say that eight elements form more than 98.5 percent of the earth’s crust, and that the remaining 95 or more, including mercury, constitute a mere 1.5 percent of the total. Consequently, mercury is not easy to find.
Mercury in Its Natural State
During the formation of the earth, mercury was one of the thermal liquids that pushed up to fill the cracks and fissures of certain parts of the earth’s crust. In some cases, it remained as pockets of liquid mercury, but in the majority of cases it combined with sulfur to form mercuric sulfide or cinnabar. The rock that contains this mineral has a reddish hue. On closer examination, it has a speckled appearance. Those red speckles contain the precious mercury, which is separated from the ore by the slow process of mining the rock, crushing it, roasting it and distilling and condensing the resultant vapor, then, by filtration or agitation, separating from the condensate the hydrargyrum (from the Greek word meaning “liquid silver”). Today we call it “mercury,” a name that was applied by the alchemists in the sixth century C.E.
When did man first discover mercury? One source says that mercury has been found in Egyptian tombs dated as early as 1500 B.C.E. We can find definite reference to the metal in the writings of Theophrastus (a disciple of Aristotle), who, about 300 B.C.E., described how “liquid silver” was prepared by a simple process of pounding cinnabar stone together with vinegar in a copper vessel. Actually, the pounding served to separate small quantities of free mercury, but did not liberate the mercury that was in compound form.
Pliny the Elder reported, about 50 C.E., that each year some 5,000 kilograms (11,000 pounds; 5 metric tons) of cinnabar were taken from Sisapo in Spain (possibly the area known today as Almadén) and were transported to Rome, where cinnabar was used as vermilion pigment. The mercury was used to recover the “noble” metal, gold, as well as being used with gold in a gilding process.
At the beginning of the eighth century C.E., the Arab invasion of the Iberian peninsula began. This Arab and Moslem occupation lasted for eight centuries. During this period, the Arabs encouraged the exploitation of the Almadén mercury mines. As a result, much of the present-day Spanish vocabulary that has to do with mercury mining springs from the Arabic. For example, even the full name of the town, Almadén del Azogue, is derived from the Arabic words al-maʹdin (the mine) and az-zaʼūq (the mercury), or The Mine of the Mercury. The Spanish word for the condensation chamber that is used to obtain the mercury is aludel, from the Arabic al-ʼutal, which refers to the receptacle that was used for condensing the mercury vapor into liquid. The old furnaces that were used in Almadén were called jabecas, derived from the Arabic sabīka, or ingot. Similarly, the men employed to construct the ovens were albañiles, from al-bannā, the bricklayer or builder, or were alarifes, from al-ʹarīf, the teacher or skillful one.
The Spanish king Alfonso VII recaptured Almadén in the year 1151 C.E., and during the following centuries the Spanish crown ceded the mine for private exploitation. In the 20th century the direction of the mine was put in the hands of an administrative council that has progressively modernized the mine, a process that continues to this day.
Distillation Methods Through the Centuries
The primitive methods for obtaining mercury were far from efficient, as is shown by the fact that in the 17th century workmen were able to feed the new Bustamante furnaces with burned stone that had been thrown out after use in the Arab jabecas, or ovens, and were still able to get appreciable quantities of mercury. The first Bustamante furnace was installed in 1646. In two years, nine more of these were built, and eventually 16 were in operation. This boosted mercury production from 2,527 quintales, or hundredweight, in 1646 to an annual production of 7,000 hundredweight in 1776.
Uses of Mercury
As the centuries rolled by, the uses for mercury multiplied. In the 16th century, Paracelsus, a Swiss-born alchemist and physician, employed mercury in the treatment of syphilis. In 1558, Bartolomé de Medina improved the method for extracting silver by a process that involved the use of mercury. The weather barometer was invented in 1643 by the Italian physicist Torricelli, who used a column of mercury to determine the atmospheric pressure. The thermometer with which the doctor or nurse checks your temperature was invented in 1720 by the German scientist Gabriel Fahrenheit, who calibrated the tube containing the expanding column of mercury, making 180 divisions between the freezing and boiling points of water.
Another and less peaceful use for mercury was invented after E. C. Howard discovered mercuric fulminate, which was used until the 1960’s to detonate explosives. The list of uses has snowballed in our 20th century to include agricultural and industrial fungicides, electric switches and mercury batteries, to name only a few. Mercury in vapor form serves in ultraviolet lamps, and in mercury lamps that light the highways. In some cases, mercury vapor is used instead of steam for power generation. This versatile metal has also been used in dental fillings as an amalgam with a silver and tin alloy. It does not appear to be poisonous when so used.
Mercury—Friend or Foe?
This is a legitimate question, for in the last 20 years man has learned the hard way that mercury is a servant that has to be strictly controlled. In many countries, including Japan, Sweden, the United States and Canada, evidence has accumulated establishing the fact that mercury in certain forms is a poison that affects both human life and animal life.
Investigations have revealed abnormal amounts of mercuric compounds in certain fish and game birds. These excesses have been traced to industrial plants that have released mercury along with other waste products, and also to fungicides using methyl mercury. This compound, entering into the food chain, produces catastrophic effects.
Methyl mercury is especially dangerous to pregnant women, since it tends to accumulate in the fetus, causing brain damage to the unborn baby. In New Mexico, U.S.A., in 1969, a family was poisoned by eating pork from a hog that had been fed on grain treated with methyl mercury. Three children were severely crippled, and the fourth, poisoned while in the womb, was born blind and retarded. In the area of the Japanese city of Minamata, mercury poisoning reached epidemic proportions before the doctors finally tracked down the culprit—methyl mercury that had belched out of the effluent pipe of a nearby factory, contaminating the fish, which was a main local source of food.
A Visit to the Almadén Mine
Almadén is a town of some 11,000 inhabitants—a place of clean white rows of single- and two-story houses. As we make our way to the mine, we are impressed by the number of men on the streets, just standing around chatting with one another, or taking the occasional copita, or small glass of brandy or anisette. Why should these men be on the streets? Because the mercury miners can work underground only eight days a month, due to the toxic effects of the mercury vapors, coupled with the constant threat of contracting silicosis. The mercury vapors cause the disease called hydrargyrism or mercurialism, which affects the brain cells and causes a constant trembling of the extremities. Silicosis causes a hardening of the lungs and is marked by a shortness of breath. To avoid or minimize these effects the miners work one day and are free for the next two days (or three, if Sunday is included). A further safeguard is that after three months in the mine they work one month at the surface in the open air.
The town and the mine are built right on top of the almost vertical seam of cinnabar. The mine has three shafts, named “San Miguel,” “San Joaquín” and “San Teodoro.” We chose to be observers of operations at the San Joaquín shaft, which has a depth of 488 meters (1,600 feet).
The hardest and most dangerous work is the drilling out of the ore-bearing rock, but more interesting to us was the process that takes place above ground. The first stage is the arrival of the tubs or mine cars, loaded with cinnabar rock. These come up two at a time, each bearing about 15 hundredweight (760 kilograms) of rock.
From the pithead the rock is passed into two huge crushing machines that reduce it to gravel size. From there the crushed stone passes to a deposit and is drawn off by conveyor belt to feed the four ovens. These modern ovens are as high as a four-story building and are multideck or multihearth furnaces. Those in Almadén have eight decks. The crushed mineral starts its journey at the top deck and is kept in motion by rotating arms that work the mineral toward the openings, allowing it to pass into the deck below. A temperature of 800 degrees Celsius (1,500 degrees Fahrenheit) is needed to free the mercury vapor. The vapor passes through a system of water-cooled tubes where it condenses into liquid mercury.
However, much of the precious quicksilver is also trapped in the gray sludge that is the product of the baking and the condensing processes. This sludge is mixed with lime at hoeing tables out in the open air. There masked workers constantly hoe the mixture, causing a trickle of mercury to run out of the hoed mass every few seconds. The lime and the hoeing help the small droplets of mercury to coalesce and thus to form the snakelike flow that runs down into the small pozo, or well. From this section of the plant the mercury is taken to the almacén or warehouse, where it is stored in vats until it is measured into iron flasks. These flasks hold 34.5 kilograms, or 76 pounds, which is the standard weight for which prices are quoted on the London and New York markets.
While in the warehouse, we observe some of mercury’s interesting features. To illustrate a point, one of the employees climbs into the vat of mercury. Instead of sinking into the liquid, he remains completely on top of it! This looks very strange. But when we realize that mercury is 13.5 times as dense as water (about 1.2 times the weight of lead), we do not marvel that it supports the weight of a man almost as a solid object does. Furthermore, mercury is the only metal that is liquid at ordinary temperatures. It passes from the solid to the liquid state at −39 degrees Celsius (−38 degrees Fahrenheit) and boils at 357 degrees Celsius (674 degrees Fahrenheit). Another curious fact about mercury is that it is a liquid that a person can touch without getting wet. This is due to its great cohesiveness or high surface tension.
The next place that we visited was the analysis laboratory, where the laboratory chief explained to us the detailed control that is maintained daily to check the quality of the mercury, as well as the richness of the ore coming out of the mine. The laboratory makes a control analysis of all the materials that are used in the distillation process, and a similar analysis of all the resultant products, whether solid, liquid or gas. We were told that the mercury produced in Almadén has a purity rating of 99.997 percent, a purity surpassed only by the natural or native mercury that is occasionally found in pockets in the mine.
The Almadén mine produces from 7 percent to 11 percent mercury from its cinnabar ore, which proves it to be the richest cinnabar ore deposit in the world. Other very productive mines are located in Yugoslavia and Italy. But even after so many centuries, Almadén still holds first place. The shafts keep going deeper and deeper, and the cinnabar rock continues to appear. In fact, there is so much cinnabar in the region that the State has reserved the right to exploit all the ore within 25 kilometers (15 miles) of Almadén.
The next time that you look at the thermometer, or use a modern flash camera, or look into a mirror, you can think of the effort and ingenuity of the men who have, over the centuries, developed the mining and refining methods and the many uses of the versatile metal mercury.
[Picture on page 21]
View of the crushing and oven plant at the left, and the distillation tubes at the right |
BIBLE VERSES EXPLAINED
Genesis 1:1—“In the Beginning God Created the Heavens and the Earth” | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502300101 | BIBLE VERSES EXPLAINED
Genesis 1:1—“In the Beginning God Created the Heavens and the Earth”
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”—Genesis 1:1, New World Translation.
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”—Genesis 1:1, King James Version.
Meaning of Genesis 1:1
This opening passage of the Bible states two important truths. First, the “heavens and the earth,” or the material universe, had a beginning. Second, they were created by God.—Revelation 4:11.
The Bible does not reveal how long ago God created the universe, nor does it explain how he created it. But it does explain that he created the universe by means of his “vast dynamic energy and his awe-inspiring power.”—Isaiah 40:26.
The word “created” is translated from a Hebrew verb that is used exclusively to describe an activity God performs.a In the Bible, only Jehovahb God is referred to as the Creator.—Isaiah 42:5; 45:18.
Context of Genesis 1:1
This first verse of the book of Genesis introduces the creation account found in Genesis chapters 1 and 2. From Genesis 1:1 to 2:4, the Bible briefly relates the steps that God took in creating the earth and all living things on it, including the first man and woman. After this general outline, the Bible gives a more detailed account of the creation of man and woman.—Genesis 2:7-25.
Genesis describes God’s creative work as progressing over a period of six “days.” These were not literal days of 24 hours, but time periods of unspecified length. Indeed, the word “day” can apply to time periods other than 24 hours. This is shown at Genesis 2:4, which uses “day” synonymously with “time” and sums up all of God’s creative activity over the previous six days as occurring on one “day.”
Misconceptions About Genesis 1:1
Misconception: God created the material universe a few thousand years ago.
Fact: The Bible does not indicate when the universe was created. The statement at Genesis 1:1 does not conflict with modern estimates that the universe is billions of years old.c
Misconception: Genesis 1:1 indicates that God is a Trinity because the Hebrew word for “God” used in this verse is plural.
Fact: The input “God” translates the Hebrew word ’Elo·himʹ, which is plural, to denote majesty or excellence, not a number of people. The New Catholic Encyclopedia acknowledges that the plural ’Elo·himʹ as used at Genesis 1:1 “always takes a singular verb, indicating that, like the royal we, the plural of excellence, not number, is meant.”—Second Edition, Volume 6, page 272.
Read Genesis chapter 1 along with the explanatory footnotes and cross-references.
a Regarding this word, the HCSB Study Bible states: “In its active form the Hebrew verb bara’, meaning ‘to create,’ never has a human subject. Thus bara’ signifies a work that is uniquely God’s.”— Page 7.
b Jehovah is the personal name of God.—Psalm 83:18.
c Referring to the period marked by the Hebrew term translated “in the beginning,” The Expositor’s Bible Commentary states: “The length or duration of the period is not specified by the term.”—Revised Edition, Volume I, page 51. |
Greatest Man (gt)
1991 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/gt | Chapter 97
Workers in the Vineyard
“MANY that are first,” Jesus just said, “will be last and the last first.” Now he illustrates this by telling a story. “The kingdom of the heavens,” he begins, “is like a man, a householder, who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard.”
Jesus continues: “When [the householder] had agreed with the workers for a denarius a day, he sent them forth into his vineyard. Going out also about the third hour, he saw others standing unemployed in the marketplace; and to those he said, ‘You also, go into the vineyard, and whatever is just I will give you.’ So off they went. Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour and did likewise. Finally, about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing, and he said to them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day unemployed?’ They said to him, ‘Because nobody has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You too go into the vineyard.’”
The householder, or owner of the vineyard, is Jehovah God, and the vineyard is the nation of Israel. The workers in the vineyard are persons brought into the Law covenant; they are specifically those Jews living in the days of the apostles. It is only with the full-day workers that a wage agreement is made. The wage is a denarius for the day’s work. Since “the third hour” is 9:00 a.m., those called at the 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 11th hours work, respectively, only 9, 6, 3, and 1 hours.
The 12-hour, or full-day, workers represent the Jewish leaders who have been occupied continually in religious service. They are unlike Jesus’ disciples, who have, for most of their lives, been employed in fishing or other secular occupations. Not until the fall of 29 C.E. did the “householder” send Jesus Christ to gather these to be his disciples. They thus became “the last,” or the 11th-hour vineyard workers.
Finally, the symbolic workday ends with the death of Jesus, and the time comes to pay the workers. The unusual rule of paying the last first is followed, as is explained: “When it became evening, the master of the vineyard said to his man in charge, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, proceeding from the last to the first.’ When the eleventh-hour men came, they each received a denarius. So, when the first came, they concluded they would receive more; but they also received pay at the rate of a denarius. On receiving it they began to murmur against the householder and said, ‘These last put in one hour’s work; still you made them equal to us who bore the burden of the day and the burning heat!’ But in reply to one of them he said, ‘Fellow, I do you no wrong. You agreed with me for a denarius, did you not? Take what is yours and go. I want to give to this last one the same as to you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I want with my own things? Or is your eye wicked because I am good?’” In conclusion, Jesus repeated a point made earlier, saying: “In this way the last ones will be first, and the first ones last.”
The receiving of the denarius occurs, not at Jesus’ death, but at Pentecost 33 C.E., when Christ, the “man in charge,” pours out holy spirit on his disciples. These disciples of Jesus are like “the last,” or the 11th-hour, workers. The denarius does not represent the gift of the holy spirit itself. The denarius is something for the disciples to use here on earth. It is something that means their livelihood, their everlasting life. It is the privilege of being a spiritual Israelite, anointed to preach about God’s Kingdom.
Soon those hired first observe that Jesus’ disciples have been paid, and they see them using the symbolic denarius. But they want more than the holy spirit and its associated Kingdom privileges. Their murmuring and objections take the form of persecuting Christ’s disciples, “the last” workers in the vineyard.
Is that first-century fulfillment the only fulfillment of Jesus’ illustration? No, the clergy of Christendom in this 20th century have, by reason of their positions and responsibilities, been “first” to be hired for work in God’s symbolic vineyard. They considered dedicated preachers associated with the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society to be “the last” ones to have any valid assignment in God’s service. But it is, in fact, these very ones, whom the clergy despised, who received the denarius—the honor of serving as anointed ambassadors of God’s heavenly Kingdom. Matthew 19:30–20:16.
▪ What is represented by the vineyard? Who are represented by the vineyard’s owner and by the 12-hour and 1-hour workers?
▪ When did the symbolic workday end, and when was payment made?
▪ What is represented by the payment of the denarius? |
“My Follower” (cf)
2022 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/cf | “Come Be My Follower”
Do you ever feel lost and in need of direction? Jesus Christ is the God-given Leader whom every human needs. He said: “I am the fine shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” (John 10:14) Do you truly know the Fine Shepherd—his qualities, his message and work, his zeal, his love? This book will help you to know Jesus more intimately and to follow him more closely. |
He Endured Despite Disappointments | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2011010 | Imitate Their Faith
He Endured Despite Disappointments
SAMUEL could feel the grief in Shiloh. It almost seemed that the town was awash in tears. From how many houses did the cries of women and children emanate, the sounds of mourning over the news about fathers, husbands, sons, and brothers who would not be coming home? We know only that Israel had lost some 30,000 soldiers in a terrible defeat at the hands of the Philistines not long after the loss of 4,000 in another battle.—1 Samuel 4:1, 2, 10.
That was just part of a string of tragedies. High Priest Eli had two wicked sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who had marched out of Shiloh with the sacred ark of the covenant. Usually housed in the holy compartment of the tabernacle—a tentlike temple—this precious chest was a symbol of God’s presence. The people then took the Ark into battle, foolishly thinking that it would act like a charm and give them victory. But the Philistines captured the Ark, killing Hophni and Phinehas.—1 Samuel 4:3-11.
The tabernacle in Shiloh had been honored with the presence of the Ark for centuries. Now it was gone. Upon hearing this news, 98-year-old Eli fell backward from his chair and died. His daughter-in-law, widowed that very day, died in childbirth. Before expiring, she said: “Glory has gone away from Israel into exile.” Indeed, Shiloh would never be the same.—1 Samuel 4:12-22.
How would Samuel cope with these profound disappointments? Would his faith stand up to the challenge of helping a people who had lost Jehovah’s protection and favor? All of us today may, at times, face hardships and disappointments that challenge our faith, so let us see what we can learn from Samuel.
He “Effected Righteousness”
The Bible record turns away from Samuel at this point and follows the sacred Ark, showing us how the Philistines suffered for taking it and were forced to return it. When we come upon Samuel again, some 20 years have passed. (1 Samuel 7:2) How was he occupied during those years? We need not guess.
We learn that before this period began, “the word of Samuel continued to come to all Israel.” (1 Samuel 4:1) The record reveals that after the period was over, Samuel made a custom of visiting three cities in Israel, making a circuit each year, handling disputes and resolving questions. Then he would return to his hometown of Ramah. (1 Samuel 7:15-17) Clearly, Samuel always kept busy, and during that 20-year interval, he had much to do.
The immorality and corruption of Eli’s sons had eroded people’s faith. Many, it seems, turned to idolatry as a result. After two decades of hard work, though, Samuel delivered this message to the people: “If it is with all your heart you are returning to Jehovah, put away the foreign gods from your midst and also the Ashtoreth images, and direct your heart unswervingly to Jehovah and serve him alone, and he will deliver you from the hand of the Philistines.”—1 Samuel 7:3.
“The hand of the Philistines” had grown heavy on the people. With Israel’s army effectively smashed, the Philistines felt free to oppress God’s people with impunity. But Samuel assured the people that things would change if only they returned to Jehovah. Were they willing? To Samuel’s delight, they put away their idols and “began serving Jehovah alone.” Samuel convened an assembly at Mizpah, a town in the mountainous country north of Jerusalem. The people gathered, fasted, and repented for their many sins of idolatry.—1 Samuel 7:4-6.
However, the Philistines learned of this great gathering and saw an opportunity. They sent their army to Mizpah to crush those worshippers of Jehovah. The Israelites heard news of the approaching danger. Terrified, they asked Samuel to pray for them. He did so, offering a sacrifice as well. During that sacred ceremony, the Philistine army came up against Mizpah. Jehovah then answered Samuel’s prayer. In effect, Jehovah let out a roar of indignation. He “caused it to thunder with a loud noise on that day against the Philistines.”—1 Samuel 7:7-10.
Now, should we imagine that those Philistines were like little children who scurry in fear to hide behind their mommies when they hear a thunderclap? No, these were tough, battle-hardened soldiers. This thunder, then, must have been unlike anything they knew. Was it the sheer volume of this “loud noise”? Did it come out of a clear blue sky, or did it echo bafflingly from the hillsides? At any rate, it shook those Philistines to the core. In utter confusion, they changed quickly from bullies to targets. The men of Israel poured forth from Mizpah, defeated them, and chased them for miles, down southwest of Jerusalem.—1 Samuel 7:11.
That battle was a turning point. The Philistines kept retreating during the rest of Samuel’s days as judge. City after city returned to the control of God’s people.—1 Samuel 7:13, 14.
Many centuries later, the apostle Paul listed Samuel among the faithful judges and prophets who “effected righteousness.” (Hebrews 11:32, 33) Samuel did indeed help to bring about what was good and right in God’s eyes. He remained effective because he waited patiently on Jehovah, faithfully keeping at his work in spite of disappointments. He also showed an appreciative spirit. After the victory at Mizpah, Samuel had a monument erected to commemorate the way that Jehovah had helped his people.—1 Samuel 7:12.
Do you want to ‘effect righteousness’ yourself? If so, you do well to learn from Samuel’s patience and his humble, appreciative spirit. Who of us does not need those qualities? It was good for Samuel to acquire and display such traits when relatively young, for he faced deeper disappointments in his later years.
“Your Own Sons Have Not Walked in Your Ways”
The next time we see Samuel, he “had grown old.” Samuel had two adult sons by this time, Joel and Abijah, and he entrusted them with the responsibility of helping him in the work of judging. Sadly, though, his trust was misplaced. Honest and righteous though Samuel was, his sons used their positions for selfish ends, perverting justice and taking bribes.—1 Samuel 8:1-3.
One day, the older men of Israel approached the elderly prophet to complain. “Your own sons have not walked in your ways,” they said. (1 Samuel 8:4, 5) Was Samuel aware of the problem? The account does not say. Unlike Eli, however, Samuel was surely not a reprehensible father. Jehovah had rebuked and punished Eli for failing to correct his sons’ wickedness, for honoring his sons more than God. (1 Samuel 2:27-29) Jehovah never found such fault with Samuel.
The account does not reveal Samuel’s agonizing shame, anxiety, or disappointment once he learned of his sons’ wicked conduct. Many parents, however, can imagine his feelings only too well. In today’s dark times, rebellion against parental authority and discipline is pandemic. (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Parents who are dealing with that kind of pain may find a measure of comfort and guidance in Samuel’s example. He did not let his sons’ faithless ways alter his own course one bit. Remember, even after words and discipline fail to reach hardened hearts, parental example remains a powerful teacher. And parents always have the opportunity to make their own Father, Jehovah God, proud—as did Samuel.
“Do Appoint for Us a King”
Samuel’s sons could not have imagined how far the effects of their greed and selfishness would reach. The older men of Israel went on to say to Samuel: “Now do appoint for us a king to judge us like all the nations.” Did that demand feel like a rejection to Samuel? After all, he had been judging those people on Jehovah’s behalf for decades. Now they wanted, not some mere prophet like Samuel, but a king to be their judge. The nations round about had kings, and the Israelites wanted one too! How did Samuel react? “The thing was bad” in his eyes, we read.—1 Samuel 8:5, 6.
Note how Jehovah responded when Samuel took the matter to him in prayer: “Listen to the voice of the people as respects all that they say to you; for it is not you whom they have rejected, but it is I whom they have rejected from being king over them.” How comforting for Samuel, yet how awful an insult those people had flung at Almighty God! Jehovah told his prophet to warn the Israelites of the high price they would pay for having a human king. When Samuel complied, they insisted: “No, but a king is what will come to be over us.” Ever obedient to his God, Samuel went and anointed the king whom Jehovah chose.—1 Samuel 8:7-19.
How, though, did Samuel obey? In a resentful, perfunctory way? Did he allow disappointment to poison his heart, letting bitterness take root? Many a man might respond that way in such a situation, but not Samuel. He anointed Saul and acknowledged that the man was Jehovah’s own choice. He kissed Saul, a sign of welcome and submission to the new king. And he said to the people: “Have you seen the one whom Jehovah has chosen, that there is none like him among all the people?”—1 Samuel 10:1, 24.
Samuel focused, not on faults, but on the good in the man Jehovah had chosen. As to himself, he focused on his own record of integrity to God rather than on the approval of fickle people. (1 Samuel 12:1-4) He also worked faithfully at his own assignment, counseling God’s people about the spiritual dangers they faced and encouraging them to remain faithful to Jehovah. His counsel reached their hearts, and the people begged Samuel to pray in their behalf. He gave them this beautiful reply: “It is unthinkable, on my part, to sin against Jehovah by ceasing to pray in your behalf; and I must instruct you in the good and right way.”—1 Samuel 12:21-24.
Have you ever felt disappointed when someone else was chosen for a certain position or privilege? Samuel’s example is a powerful reminder that we must never let jealousy or bitterness take root in our heart. God has plenty of rewarding, fulfilling work for each of his faithful servants.
“For How Long Will You Be Mourning for Saul?”
Samuel was right to see good in Saul; this was a remarkable man. Tall and impressive in appearance, he was courageous and resourceful yet initially modest and unassuming. (1 Samuel 10:22, 23, 27) In addition to such gifts, he had a precious one—free will, the ability to choose his life course and make his own decisions. (Deuteronomy 30:19) Did he use that gift well?
Sadly, when a man basks in the warm glow of newly acquired power, modesty is often the first quality to melt away. Before long, Saul began to turn arrogant. He chose to disobey Jehovah’s orders that Samuel transmitted to him. Once, Saul grew impatient and offered up a sacrifice that only Samuel could rightfully offer. Samuel had to give him strong correction and foretold that the kingship would not remain in Saul’s family. Instead of being chastened by the discipline, Saul went on to commit worse acts of disobedience.—1 Samuel 13:8, 9, 13, 14.
Through Samuel, Jehovah told Saul to wage war against the Amalekites. Jehovah’s instructions included an order to execute their wicked king, Agag. However, Saul spared Agag as well as the best of the spoil that was to be destroyed. When Samuel came to correct him, Saul revealed how much he had changed. Instead of modestly accepting correction, he rationalized, excused himself, justified his actions, sidestepped the issue, and tried to shift the blame to the people. When Saul tried to deflect the discipline by claiming that some of the spoil was intended for a sacrifice to Jehovah, Samuel uttered the famous words: “Look! To obey is better than a sacrifice.” Courageously, Samuel rebuked the man and revealed Jehovah’s decision: The kingship would be ripped away from Saul and given to another—a better man.—1 Samuel 15:1-33.
Samuel was deeply upset over Saul’s failings. He spent the night crying out to Jehovah about the matter. He even went into mourning for the man. Samuel had seen so much potential in Saul, so much good, and now his hopes were shattered. The man he once knew had changed—he had lost his best qualities and turned against Jehovah. Samuel refused to see Saul ever again. In time, though, Jehovah offered Samuel this gentle reproof: “For how long will you be mourning for Saul, while I, on the other hand, have rejected him from ruling as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go. I shall send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, because I have provided among his sons a king for myself.”—1 Samuel 15:34, 35; 16:1.
Jehovah’s purpose does not depend on the wavering loyalties of imperfect humans. If one man turns unfaithful, Jehovah will find another to carry out His will. So aged Samuel let go of his grief over Saul. At Jehovah’s direction, Samuel went to the home of Jesse in Bethlehem, where he met a number of impressive-looking sons. Yet, from the first, Jehovah reminded Samuel: “Do not look at his appearance and at the height of his stature . . . For not the way man sees is the way God sees, because mere man sees what appears to the eyes; but as for Jehovah, he sees what the heart is.” (1 Samuel 16:7) Finally, Samuel met the youngest son, and here was Jehovah’s choice—David!
In his final years, Samuel got to see ever more clearly the rightness of Jehovah’s decision to replace Saul with David. Saul descended into murderous jealousy and apostasy. David, however, showed beautiful qualities—courage, integrity, faith, and loyalty. As Samuel’s life drew to a close, his faith grew ever stronger. He saw that no disappointment is too great for Jehovah to heal, to resolve, or even to turn into a blessing. Finally, Samuel died, leaving behind the record of a remarkable life that spanned the better part of a century. All Israel mourned the loss of that faithful man—and no wonder! To this day, servants of Jehovah do well to ask, ‘Will I imitate the faith of Samuel?’
[Picture on page 25]
How could Samuel help his people cope with terrible loss and disappointment?
[Picture on page 26]
How did Samuel cope with the disappointment of having sons who went bad? |
Greatest Man (gt)
1991 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/gt | Chapter 79
A Nation Lost, but Not All
SHORTLY after Jesus’ discussion with those who had gathered outside the house of a Pharisee, certain ones tell him “about the Galileans whose blood [the Roman governor Pontius] Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.” These Galileans are perhaps the ones who were killed when thousands of Jews protested Pilate’s use of money from the temple treasury to build an aqueduct to bring water into Jerusalem. Those relating this matter to Jesus may be suggesting that the Galileans suffered the calamity because of their own wicked deeds.
Jesus, however, sets them straight, asking: “Do you imagine that these Galileans were proved worse sinners than all other Galileans because they have suffered these things? No, indeed,” Jesus answers. Then he uses the incident to warn the Jews: “Unless you repent, you will all likewise be destroyed.”
Continuing, Jesus recalls another local tragedy, perhaps also associated with the aqueduct construction. He asks: “Or those eighteen upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, thereby killing them, do you imagine that they were proved greater debtors than all other men inhabiting Jerusalem?” No, it was not because of the badness of these persons that they happened to die, Jesus says. Rather, “time and unforeseen occurrence” are generally responsible for such tragedies. Jesus, however, once again uses the occasion to warn: “But, unless you repent, you will all be destroyed in the same way.”
Jesus then goes on to give a fitting illustration, explaining: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it, but found none. Then he said to the vinedresser, ‘Here it is three years that I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, but have found none. Cut it down! Why really should it keep the ground useless?’ In reply he said to him, ‘Master, let it alone also this year, until I dig around it and put on manure; and if then it produces fruit in the future, well and good; but if not, you shall cut it down.’”
Jesus has tried for more than three years to cultivate faith among the Jewish nation. But only a few hundred disciples can be counted as fruitage of his labors. Now, during this fourth year of his ministry, he is intensifying his efforts, symbolically digging and putting manure around the Jewish fig tree by zealously preaching and teaching in Judea and Perea. Yet to no avail! The nation refuses to repent and so is in line for destruction. Only a remnant of the nation respond.
Shortly afterward Jesus is teaching in a synagogue on a Sabbath. There he sees a woman who, because of a demon afflicting her, has been bent double for 18 years. Compassionately, Jesus addresses her: “Woman, you are released from your weakness.” At that he lays his hands on her, and instantly she straightens up and begins glorifying God.
The presiding officer of the synagogue, however, is angry. “There are six days on which work ought to be done,” he protests. “On them, therefore, come and be cured, and not on the sabbath day.” The officer thus acknowledges Jesus’ power to heal but condemns the people for coming to be healed on the Sabbath!
“Hypocrites,” Jesus answers, “does not each one of you on the sabbath untie his bull or his ass from the stall and lead it away to give it drink? Was it not due, then, for this woman who is a daughter of Abraham, and whom Satan held bound, look! eighteen years, to be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day?”
Well, on hearing this, those opposing Jesus begin to feel shame. The crowd, however, rejoice at all the glorious things they see Jesus do. In response Jesus repeats two prophetic illustrations regarding the Kingdom of God, ones that he told from a boat on the Sea of Galilee about a year earlier. Luke 13:1-21; Ecclesiastes 9:11; Matthew 13:31-33.
▪ What tragedies are here mentioned, and what lesson does Jesus draw from them?
▪ What application can be made regarding the unfruitful fig tree, as well as the attempts to make it productive?
▪ How does the presiding officer acknowledge Jesus’ healing ability, yet how does Jesus expose the man’s hypocrisy? |
Be Courageous—Jehovah Is With You! | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2013043 | Be Courageous—Jehovah Is With You!
“Be courageous and strong. . . . Jehovah your God is with you.”—JOSH. 1:9.
HOW WOULD YOU REPLY?
What did Joshua have to do to sustain his faith and courage?
What examples of courage have impressed you?
Whose example of faith and courage can help you to do the preaching work?
1, 2. (a) What qualities will help us to cope with trials? (b) How would you define faith? Illustrate.
JEHOVAH’S service brings us joy. Yet, we do face hardships common to mankind, and we may “suffer for the sake of righteousness.” (1 Pet. 3:14; 5:8, 9; 1 Cor. 10:13) To cope with such trials successfully, we need faith and courage.
2 What is faith? The apostle Paul wrote: “Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for, the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld.” (Heb. 11:1) Another translation reads: “Faith is the input-deed to the things we hope for. Faith is being sure of things we cannot see.” (The Simple English Bible) If property has been deeded to us, we are confident that we own it. Since we have faith that God always fulfills his word, it is as though we are holding a valuable deed. Our faith makes us certain that we will see the fulfillment of the Bible-based promises we hope for, and we are sure about spiritual realities, although we cannot see them.
3, 4. (a) What is courage? (b) What is one way to strengthen our faith and courage?
3 Courage has been defined as “spiritual, emotional, and moral fortitude to speak and act without fear in the face of obstacles and dangers.” (The New Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible) If we have courage, we are strong, valiant, even bold at times.—Mark 6:49, 50; 2 Tim. 1:7.
4 Faith and courage are desirable qualities. But suppose we sense a personal need for more faith and do not feel courageous. Well, thousands of individuals of Bible record have been exemplary in displaying these qualities. So one way to strengthen our faith and courage is to consider some of those examples.
JEHOVAH WAS WITH JOSHUA
5. To succeed in his assignment, what did Joshua need?
5 Let us turn the clock back some 35 centuries. Forty years have passed since millions of Israelites were delivered from Egyptian bondage under the mighty hand of Jehovah. The prophet Moses has taken the lead. Now at the age of 120, he views the Promised Land from a distance and then dies atop Mount Nebo. His successor is Joshua, a man “full of the spirit of wisdom.” (Deut. 34:1-9) The Israelites are about to take possession of Canaan. To succeed as their leader, Joshua will need God-given wisdom. He will also have to exercise faith in Jehovah and prove to be courageous and strong.—Deut. 31:22, 23.
6. (a) Joshua 23:6 calls for courage to do what? (b) What do we learn from the words of Acts 4:18-20 and Acts 5:29?
6 The wisdom, courage, and faith shown by Joshua during the long conquest of Canaan must have strengthened the Israelites. In addition to valor in battle, however, they needed what might be called quiet courage to do what Joshua urged them to do. At the end of his life, in his farewell address, he said: “You must be very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses by never turning away from it to the right or to the left.” (Josh. 23:6) We too need the courage to obey Jehovah at all times. This includes occasions when mere men demand that we act contrary to God’s will. (Read Acts 4:18-20; 5:29.) If we prayerfully rely on Jehovah, he will help us to take such a courageous stand.
HOW WE CAN MAKE OUR WAY SUCCESSFUL
7. To act with courage and have success, Joshua needed to do what?
7 To have the courage needed to do God’s will, we must study and apply his Word. That is what Joshua was told to do when he became Moses’ successor: “Be courageous and very strong to take care to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. . . . This book of the law should not depart from your mouth, and you must in an undertone read in it day and night, in order that you may take care to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way successful and then you will act wisely.” (Josh. 1:7, 8) Joshua followed that counsel, and ‘his way was successful.’ If we do likewise, we will have greater courage and success in God’s service.
Our yeartext for 2013: “Be courageous and strong. . . . Jehovah your God is with you.”—Joshua 1:9
8. The yeartext for 2013 is drawn from what scripture, and how do you feel that those words will help you?
8 Joshua must have been greatly strengthened when he heard Jehovah’s further words: “Be courageous and strong. Do not suffer shock or be terrified, for Jehovah your God is with you wherever you go.” (Josh. 1:9) Jehovah is with us too. So let us “not suffer shock or be terrified” regardless of our trials. Especially noteworthy is the statement: “Be courageous and strong. . . . Jehovah your God is with you.” Those words of Joshua 1:9 have been chosen as the yeartext for 2013. They will surely strengthen us in the months ahead, as will the words and actions of other examples of faith and courage.
THEY COURAGEOUSLY TOOK THEIR STAND
9. In what ways did Rahab show faith and courage?
9 When Joshua sent two spies into Canaan, Rahab the prostitute hid them and misdirected their enemies. Because of her acts of faith and courage, she and her household were spared when the city of Jericho fell to the Israelites. (Heb. 11:30, 31; Jas. 2:25) Of course, Rahab abandoned her immoral life so as to please Jehovah. Some who have become Christians have had the faith, courage, and moral strength to make similar changes to please God.
10. Under what circumstances did Ruth take her stand for true worship, resulting in what blessings for her?
10 After Joshua’s death, the Moabitess Ruth courageously took her stand for true worship. As the widow of an Israelite, she likely knew something about Jehovah. Her widowed mother-in-law, Naomi, had lived in Moab but decided to move back to the Israelite town of Bethlehem. Along the road, Naomi urged Ruth to return to her own people, but the Moabitess replied: “Do not plead with me to abandon you, to turn back from accompanying you . . . Your people will be my people, and your God my God.” (Ruth 1:16) Ruth meant that. In time, Naomi’s kinsman Boaz married Ruth, who bore a son and became an ancestress of David and of Jesus. Yes, Jehovah blesses acts of faith and courage.—Ruth 2:12; 4:17-22; Matt. 1:1-6.
MANY RISKED THEIR LIVES!
11. How did Jehoiada and Jehosheba manifest courage, and what did this accomplish?
11 Our courage and faith are strengthened when we see that God is with those who put his interests and the welfare of fellow believers ahead of their own concerns. For example, consider High Priest Jehoiada and his wife, Jehosheba. After King Ahaziah died, Athaliah, his mother, killed the remaining royal offspring except Jehoash and seized the throne. Jehoiada and Jehosheba had taken the risk of rescuing Ahaziah’s son Jehoash and had kept him hidden for six years. In the seventh year, Jehoiada had Jehoash proclaimed king and had Athaliah put to death. (2 Ki. 11:1-16) Jehoiada later supported King Jehoash in repairing the temple. And when Jehoiada died at 130 years of age, he was buried with the kings “because he had done good in Israel and with the true God and His house.” (2 Chron. 24:15, 16) Moreover, the courageous deeds of Jehoiada and his wife preserved the royal line from David to the Messiah.
12. What courageous action did Ebed-melech take?
12 Ebed-melech, a eunuch in the house of King Zedekiah, risked his life for Jeremiah. The king had surrendered Jeremiah to the princes of Judah, who falsely charged him with sedition and cast him into a miry cistern, there to die. (Jer. 38:4-6) Despite the danger in which it placed him because of the existing hatred for Jeremiah, Ebed-melech appealed to Zedekiah in behalf of the prophet. Zedekiah responded favorably and had 30 men accompany Ebed-melech to rescue Jeremiah. Through the prophet, God assured Ebed-melech that he would not perish during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. (Jer. 39:15-18) Godly courage is rewarded.
13. The three Hebrews took what courageous stand, and how can we benefit from their experience?
13 In the seventh century B.C.E., three Hebrew servants of Jehovah were given clear evidence that God rewards faith and courage. King Nebuchadnezzar assembled Babylon’s dignitaries and demanded that they worship a towering image of gold. Any who would not do so were to die in a fiery furnace. The three Hebrews respectfully told Nebuchadnezzar: “Our God whom we are serving is able to rescue us. Out of the burning fiery furnace and out of your hand, O king, he will rescue us. But if not, let it become known to you, O king, that your gods are not the ones we are serving, and the image of gold that you have set up we will not worship.” (Dan. 3:16-18) The thrilling rescue of the three Hebrews is vividly described at Daniel 3:19-30. Although we are not likely to be threatened with death in a fiery furnace, we do face tests of integrity and can be sure that God will bless us for our faith and courage.
14. According to Daniel chapter 6, how did Daniel act courageously, and with what result?
14 Daniel showed faith and courage when his enemies prevailed upon King Darius to issue a decree that “whoever makes a petition to any god or man for thirty days except to you, O king, should be thrown to the lions’ pit.” As soon as Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he “entered into his house, and, the windows in his roof chamber being open for him toward Jerusalem, even three times in a day he was kneeling on his knees and praying and offering praise before his God, as he had been regularly doing prior to this.” (Dan. 6:6-10) Courageous Daniel ended up in a lions’ pit—but Jehovah delivered him.—Dan. 6:16-23.
15. (a) Aquila and Priscilla set what example of faith and courage? (b) What is meant by Jesus’ words recorded at John 13:34, and how have many Christians shown such love?
15 Under circumstances not disclosed in the Bible, Aquila and Priscilla ‘risked their necks for Paul’s soul.’ (Acts 18:2; Rom. 16:3, 4) They courageously acted in harmony with Jesus’ words: “I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (John 13:34) The Mosaic Law required that a person love his neighbor as he loved himself. (Lev. 19:18) But Jesus’ commandment was “new” in describing love that would go to the point of giving our life for others, as he did. Many Christians have shown love by courageously ‘risking their necks’ to avoid exposing fellow believers to brutal treatment or death at enemy hands.—Read 1 John 3:16.
For the early Christians, compromising was not an option
16, 17. Some early followers of Christ faced what test of faith, and how does this compare with the experience of certain Christians in our day?
16 Like Jesus, early Christians courageously rendered worship only to Jehovah. (Matt. 4:8-10) They refused to burn incense in honor of the Roman emperor. (See picture.) “Very few of the Christians recanted,” wrote Daniel P. Mannix, “although an altar with a fire burning on it was generally kept in the arena for their convenience. All a prisoner had to do was scatter a pinch of incense on the flame and he was given a Certificate of Sacrifice and turned free. It was also carefully explained to him that he was not worshiping the emperor; merely acknowledging the divine character of the emperor as head of the Roman state. Still, almost no Christians availed themselves of the chance to escape.”—Those About to Die.
17 Modern Christians held in Nazi concentration camps with possible death facing them were given repeated opportunities to gain their freedom by signing a declaration renouncing Jehovah. But few signed. Risking death during a genocide in Rwanda in recent times, Tutsi and Hutu Witnesses protected one another. Such trials call for courage and faith.
REMEMBER, JEHOVAH IS WITH US!
18, 19. What Biblical examples of faith and courage can help us to carry out our preaching work?
18 We are now privileged to share in the greatest work ever entrusted to God’s human servants—that of declaring the Kingdom message and making disciples. (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20) How grateful we are for Jesus’ matchless example! He “went journeying from city to city and from village to village, preaching and declaring the good news of the kingdom of God.” (Luke 8:1) Like him, we need faith and courage in order to preach the Kingdom message. With God’s help, we can be like courageous Noah, an intrepid “preacher of righteousness” to “a world of ungodly people” about to perish in a global deluge.—2 Pet. 2:4, 5.
19 Prayer helps us to carry out the preaching work. When certain persecuted followers of Christ prayed that they might ‘speak God’s word with boldness,’ that plea was answered. (Read Acts 4:29-31.) If you are somewhat timid about preaching from house to house, Jehovah will answer your prayers for greater faith and courage.—Read Psalm 66:19, 20.a
20. What support do we have as Jehovah’s servants?
20 It is challenging to pursue a godly course in the face of trials that beset us in this evil and troubled world. However, we are not alone. God is with us. So is his Son, the Head of the congregation. We also have over 7,000,000 fellow Witnesses of Jehovah worldwide. With them, let us keep on exercising faith and declaring the good news while we bear in mind our 2013 yeartext: “Be courageous and strong. . . . Jehovah your God is with you.”—Joshua 1:9.
a See more examples of courage in the article “Be Courageous and Very Strong” in The Watchtower of February 15, 2012. |
Young People Ask (yp)
1989 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/yp | Foreword
Answers That Work
‘WHY DON’T my parents understand me?’ ‘Should I give drugs and alcohol a try?’ ‘What about sex before marriage?’ ‘How do I know if it’s real love?’ ‘What does the future hold for me?’
You are neither the first—nor the last—youth to ask such questions. However, when young people raise these basic issues, they are often barraged with conflicting answers. For example, drinking alcoholic beverages. Parents may discourage it—though indulging in it themselves. Magazines and TV shows glorify it. Peers encourage you to try it. No wonder, then, that many youths are genuinely perplexed as to just what they should do.
Recognizing the need for honest, workable answers to the questions of today’s youth, Awake! magazinea inaugurated a feature eninputd “Young People Ask . . . ” in January 1982. The series immediately drew a favorable reader response. “The series is evidence of your continued interest in the plight of young people today,” wrote one appreciative reader. “I hope and pray that these articles never end,” wrote another.
Yet another young reader put it this way: ‘I am 14 years old and I never knew growing up could be so hard. There is so much pressure on young kids today. That is why I am very grateful for the articles. Every night I thank God for having them published.’ The articles, however, were not childish, nor was any attempt made to “write down” to our readers. “Young People Ask . . . ” thus found an appreciative audience among adults. “I am 40 years of age,” wrote one parent. “These articles are truly godsends to us parents.” Christian elders found them particularly useful in understanding young ones in congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses and in dealing with them.
Why has “Young People Ask . . . ” triggered such enthusiastic response? The answers given really work! Each article is the product of extensive research. Furthermore, in order to determine just how young people really think and feel, Awake! reporters have spoken to hundreds of young people all over the world! Their candid expressions have been of great help in making the articles realistic and practical.
However, the real secret to the success of “Young People Ask . . . ” lies in the fact that the answers given have been based, not upon theory or personal opinion, but upon the eternal truths found in God’s Word, the Bible. ‘The Bible?’ you may ask. Yes, it has much to say to young people. (See Proverbs, chapters 1-7; Ephesians 6:1-3.) It was inspired by our Creator, who is keenly aware of “the desires incidental to youth.” (2 Timothy 2:20-22; 3:16) And while human society has changed much since Bible times, youthful desires have changed little. The Bible is thus as current as ever. We have endeavored, though, to present the Bible’s counsel in such a way that youths do not feel preached to, but, rather, reasoned with. And while the material has been written primarily with youths among Jehovah’s Witnesses in mind, it can be read and enjoyed by anyone who has respect for the practical wisdom contained in the Bible.
In response to the requests of many readers, we have compiled a number of “Young People Ask . . . ” articles in book form. The 39 chapters herein represent, in condensed form, information from over 100 of the nearly 200 articles that appeared in Awake! between 1982 and 1989. Some fresh material has been added. Furthermore, it is richly illustrated with photographs of youths of different lands and races.
Feel free to scan the table of outputs and go right to the questions that concern you the most. We recommend, though, that you later take the time to read the book through in its entirety, looking up the scriptures in your own copy of the Bible.
In some families, parent-child communication is lacking or awkward at best. We have thus added a feature called Questions for Discussion, which appears at the end of each chapter. The questions are not designed for paragraph-by-paragraph analysis. Nor are they a vehicle for parents to quiz their children. They are designed to stimulate discussions between youths and parents. Many of the questions allow you to give your own point of view or to apply the material under discussion to your own situation.
Many families may therefore want to use this book at times as a basis for family study. Family members might do so by taking turns reading paragraphs, looking up any scriptures cited. The Questions for Discussion can be asked intermittently, as appropriate subheadings are completed or after the whole chapter has been completed. All can be encouraged to express their feelings openly and honestly. Young people may enjoy discussing the book among themselves.
These are “critical times hard to deal with,” even for young people. (2 Timothy 3:1) With a knowledge of God’s Word, however, you can successfully pass through that difficult time of life. (Psalm 119:9) It is our pleasure, therefore, to provide this collection of practical, Bible-based answers to questions that may perplex you.
The Publishers
[Footnotes]
a Published semimonthly by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc. |
KEEP ON THE WATCH!
Is Racial Equality Only a Dream?—What Does the Bible Say? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/501100064 | CreativeDesignArt/DigitalVision Vectors via Getty Images
KEEP ON THE WATCH!
Is Racial Equality Only a Dream?—What Does the Bible Say?
For many people, racial equality remains an unfulfilled dream.
“Racism continues to poison institutions, social structures, and everyday life in every society. It continues to be a driver of persistent inequality.”—António Guterres, UN Secretary-General.
Will racial equality ever be realized? What does the Bible say?
God’s view of racial equality
The Bible teaches us how God views people of different races.
“[God] made out of one man every nation of men to dwell on the entire surface of the earth.”—Acts 17:26.
“God is not partial, but in every nation the man who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.”—Acts 10:34, 35.
The Bible reveals that all humans are related and that God accepts people of every race.
How racial equality will be realized
Equality will be realized by God’s Kingdom, a heavenly government. That government will teach people how to treat others in the right way. People will learn how to overcome any feelings of racism they may have.
“The inhabitants of the land [will] learn about righteousness.”—Isaiah 26:9.
“The result of true righteousness will be peace, and the fruitage of true righteousness will be lasting tranquility and security.”—Isaiah 32:17.
Today, millions of people are learning from the Bible how to treat others with respect and dignity.
To learn more, read the issue of Awake! magazine eninputd “Is There a Cure for Prejudice?”
Read the article “Talking to Children About Racism” to learn how parents can discuss this topic at home. |
Family Life (fl)
1978 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/fl | Other Aids for Your Family
Would you like other valuable aids for your family? You may obtain either or all of the following by writing to Watch Tower, using the appropriate address on the next page.
My Book of Bible Stories. This volume of large-sized pages (about 7ʺx 9ʺ) contains 116 accounts taken from the Bible. They appear in the order of their historical occurrence. The book is especially designed for young children. Even children too young to read can benefit from the book’s more than 125 beautiful illustrations. Yellow-gold cover, with embossed red input, 256 pages, extra-large type, fine-quality paper.
Listening to the Great Teacher. This book is also designed for young children. It employs teaching methods that draw children and parents together and makes learning a pleasure. The principal objective of this book is to teach children the Bible’s high moral standards. By instructing young ones in right principles of living, you will really help them to cope with present-day problems. Delightfully illustrated, large print, easily understood wording, hardbound, pocket-size, 192 pages.
Questions Young People Ask—Answers That Work. This book will help teenagers to counteract the immoral influences of today’s world. Dishonesty, alcohol and drug abuse, sexual morality, dating and courtship are some of the subjects under discussion. Hardbound, 320 pages. |
A Teen Who Takes Pride in His Religion | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102002013 | A Teen Who Takes Pride in His Religion
WHEN he was 13 years old, Andrew was assigned to do a school project on the topic of cultural heritage. “At first,” he says, “I thought I would write about my grandfather, but then I thought: ‘Wait a minute! I’m one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. This is a wonderful opportunity to speak up about my faith!’
“I gave my project the theme ‘Stand Firm,’ and I made a large poster that depicted the vicious persecution Jehovah’s Witnesses faced in Nazi Germany. My visual aids included a replica of a uniform with a purple triangle and various pictures and letters from the Kusserow family.a As a handout, I had copies of the letter sent by Jehovah’s Witnesses to the German government, which in a politically neutral yet firm way decried the unjust acts perpetrated against Jehovah’s Witnesses. Alongside the project, the video Jehovah’s Witnesses Stand Firm Against Nazi Assault played continuously. I also had on display Bibles, brochures, and tracts.
“First, our projects were shown in the gymnasium to all the students and staff at the school. The next evening family and friends were invited. Many asked me questions, as they had no idea that Jehovah’s Witnesses were persecuted by the Nazis.”
Andrew admits that it took courage to speak up about his faith. “I knew that some people would make fun of me,” he says, “but I would have felt terrible if I had not done it. Here were people who gave up their lives to defend their faith in Jehovah, so I figured the least I could do was put up with some criticism.”
In the end, Andrew was glad that he took advantage of this opportunity to give a witness. “I got into many conversations about why we don’t go to war, and I placed Bibles, books, and tracts with interested ones,” he says, adding: “I couldn’t think of a time when I was more proud to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.”
[Footnote]
a Jehovah’s Witnesses were identified in the camps by a purple triangle. The Kusserows stood firm in their beliefs as Jehovah’s Witnesses during the Nazi regime. See The Watchtower, September 1, 1985, pages 10-15. |
“God’s Love” (lv)
2014 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/lv | outputs
PAGE CHAPTER
5 1. “This Is What the Love of God Means”
14 2. How Can You Maintain a Good Conscience?
25 3. Love Those Whom God Loves
36 4. Why Respect Authority?
50 5. How to Keep Separate From the World
62 6. How to Choose Wholesome Entertainment
74 7. Do You Value Life as God Does?
86 8. God Loves Clean People
97 9. “Flee From Sexual Immorality!”
110 10. Marriage—A Gift From a Loving God
121 11. “Let Marriage Be Honorable”
133 12. Speak What “Is Good for Building Up”
144 13. Celebrations That Displease God
160 14. Be Honest in All Things
171 15. Find Enjoyment for Your Hard Work
183 16. Oppose the Devil and His Crafty Acts
196 17. “Build Yourselves Up on Your Most Holy Faith”
206 Appendix |
Isaiah’s Prophecy I (ip-1)
2000 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/ip-1 | Chapter Twenty-seven
Jehovah Pours Out Indignation Upon the Nations
Isaiah 34:1-17
1, 2. (a) Regarding Jehovah’s vengeance, of what can we be certain? (b) What does God accomplish by executing vengeance?
JEHOVAH GOD is patient not only with his faithful servants but also, when his purpose warrants it, with his enemies. (1 Peter 3:19, 20; 2 Peter 3:15) Jehovah’s adversaries may not appreciate his patience and may view it as an inability or an unwillingness to act. Still, as the 34th chapter of Isaiah shows, in the end Jehovah always demands an accounting from his enemies. (Zephaniah 3:8) For a while, God permitted Edom and other nations to oppose his people without hindrance. But Jehovah had his own due time for retribution. (Deuteronomy 32:35) Similarly, in his appointed time, Jehovah will express his vengeance upon all elements of the present wicked world that defy his sovereignty.
2 The primary purpose of God’s executing vengeance is to demonstrate his sovereignty and glorify his name. (Psalm 83:13-18) His retribution also vindicates his servants as being truly his representatives and delivers them from undesirable circumstances. Moreover, Jehovah’s vengeance is always in full harmony with his justice.—Psalm 58:10, 11.
Pay Attention, You Nations
3. What invitation does Jehovah through Isaiah extend to the nations?
3 Before focusing attention on retribution against Edom, Jehovah through Isaiah extends a solemn invitation to all nations: “Come up close, you nations, to hear; and you national groups, pay attention. Let the earth and that which fills it listen, the productive land and all its produce.” (Isaiah 34:1) The prophet has repeatedly spoken against ungodly nations. Now he is about to summarize the divine denunciations against them. Do these warnings have any meaning for our day?
4. (a) What are the nations called upon to do, as recorded at Isaiah 34:1? (b) Does Jehovah’s expression of judgment on the nations prove that he is a cruel God? (See box on page 363.)
4 Yes. The Sovereign of the universe has a controversy with all segments of this ungodly system of things. That is why the “national groups” and “the earth” are called upon to hear the Bible-based message that Jehovah has caused to be proclaimed worldwide. In language reminiscent of Psalm 24:1, Isaiah says that all the earth will be covered with this message—a prophecy that has come true in our time, when Jehovah’s Witnesses preach “to the most distant part of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) The nations, however, have not listened. They have not taken seriously the warning about their forthcoming demise. This, of course, will not prevent Jehovah from fulfilling his word.
5, 6. (a) For what are the nations called to account by God? (b) How is it true that “the mountains must melt because of their blood”?
5 The prophecy now describes the dark outlook for ungodly nations—a complete contrast to the bright hope of God’s people that is described later. (Isaiah 35:1-10) The prophet states: “Jehovah has indignation against all the nations, and rage against all their army. He must devote them to destruction; he must give them to the slaughter. And their slain ones will be thrown out; and as for their carcasses, their stink will ascend; and the mountains must melt because of their blood.”—Isaiah 34:2, 3.
6 Attention is drawn to the bloodguilt of the nations. Today the nations of Christendom have the most bloodguilt of all. In two world wars and in many smaller conflicts, they have soaked the earth with human blood. Who should rightly demand justice for all this bloodguilt? None other than the Creator, the great Life-Giver. (Psalm 36:9) Jehovah’s law has set the standard: “You must give soul for soul.” (Exodus 21:23-25; Genesis 9:4-6) True to this law, he will cause the blood of the nations to flow—to their death. The stench of their unburied, dead bodies will fill the air—a truly shameful death! (Jeremiah 25:33) The blood asked back in repayment will be enough to melt, or dissolve, as it were, the mountains. (Zephaniah 1:17) With the complete destruction of their military forces, the worldly nations will see the fall of their governments, which in Bible prophecy are sometimes pictured as mountains.—Daniel 2:35, 44, 45; Revelation 17:9.
7. What are “the heavens,” and what is “the army of the heavens”?
7 Again employing vivid imagery, Isaiah goes on to say: “All those of the army of the heavens must rot away. And the heavens must be rolled up, just like a book scroll; and their army will all shrivel away, just as the leafage shrivels off the vine and like a shriveled fig off the fig tree.” (Isaiah 34:4) The expression “all those of the army of the heavens” does not mean the literal stars and planets. Isa 34 Verses 5 and 6 speak of a sword of execution being drenched with blood in those “heavens.” Hence, this must be a symbol of something in the human realm. (1 Corinthians 15:50) Because of their loftiness as superior authorities, the governments of mankind are likened to heavens ruling over earthly human society. (Romans 13:1-4) So “the army of the heavens” represents the combined armies of these governments of mankind.
8. How do the symbolic heavens prove to be “just like a book scroll,” and what happens to their ‘armies’?
8 This “army” will “rot away,” molder, like something perishable. (Psalm 102:26; Isaiah 51:6) To the naked eye, the literal heavens above us appear curved, like an ancient book scroll, the writing of which was generally on the inner side. When the material written on the inner side of a scroll has passed before the eyes of the reader, the finished scroll is rolled up and put away. Similarly, “the heavens must be rolled up, just like a book scroll,” in that human governments must come to their end. Reaching the final page of their history, they must be brought to their finish at Armageddon. Their impressive-looking ‘armies’ will fall just as withered leaves fall off a grapevine or “a shriveled fig” drops off a fig tree. Their time will be past.—Compare Revelation 6:12-14.
A Day of Retribution
9. (a) What is the origin of Edom, and what relationship developed between Israel and Edom? (b) What does Jehovah decree concerning Edom?
9 Now the prophecy singles out a nation that exists in Isaiah’s day—Edom. The Edomites are descendants of Esau (Edom), who sold his birthright to his twin brother, Jacob, for bread and lentil stew. (Genesis 25:24-34) Because Jacob supplanted him in the birthright, Esau became filled with hatred for his brother. Later the nation of Edom and the nation of Israel became enemies, even though they descended from twin brothers. For this hostility against God’s people, Edom has incurred the wrath of Jehovah, who now says: “In the heavens my sword will certainly be drenched. Look! Upon Edom it will descend, and upon the people devoted by me to destruction in justice. Jehovah has a sword; it must be filled with blood; it must be made greasy with the fat, with the blood of young rams and he-goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams. For Jehovah has a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughtering in the land of Edom.”—Isaiah 34:5, 6.
10. (a) Whom does Jehovah bring down when he wields his sword “in the heavens”? (b) What attitude does Edom display when Judah is attacked by Babylon?
10 Edom occupies a high, mountainous region. (Jeremiah 49:16; Obadiah 8, 9, 19, 21) Nevertheless, even these natural fortifications will be of no help when Jehovah wields his sword of judgment “in the heavens,” abasing Edom’s rulers from their elevated position. Edom is heavily militarized, and its armed forces march through high mountain ranges to safeguard the country. But powerful Edom furnishes no assistance when Judah is attacked by the armies of Babylon. Rather, Edom is overjoyed to see the tumbling of the kingdom of Judah and urges her conquerors on. (Psalm 137:7) Edom even chases down Jews running for their lives and hands them over to the Babylonians. (Obadiah 11-14) The Edomites plan to take over the abandoned country of the Israelites, and they speak boastfully against Jehovah.—Ezekiel 35:10-15.
11. How will Jehovah repay the Edomites for their treacherous conduct?
11 Does Jehovah overlook this unbrotherly conduct on the part of the Edomites? No. Rather, he foretells of Edom: “The wild bulls must come down with them, and young bulls with the powerful ones; and their land must be drenched with blood, and their very dust will be made greasy with the fat.” (Isaiah 34:7) Jehovah speaks of the greater ones and the lesser ones in the nation as symbolic wild bulls and young bulls, as young rams and he-goats. The land of this bloodguilty nation must be drenched with the people’s own blood by means of the executional “sword” of Jehovah.
12. (a) Whom does Jehovah use to bring punishment upon Edom? (b) What does the prophet Obadiah foretell regarding Edom?
12 God purposes to punish Edom for what has maliciously been done to His earthly organization, called Zion. Says the prophecy: “Jehovah has a day of vengeance, a year of retributions for the legal case over Zion.” (Isaiah 34:8) Not long after the destruction of Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E., Jehovah begins to express his righteous vengeance upon the Edomites by means of the king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar. (Jeremiah 25:15-17, 21) When Babylon’s armies move against Edom, nothing can save the Edomites! It is “a year of retributions” upon that mountainous land. Jehovah foretells through the prophet Obadiah: “Because of the violence to your brother Jacob, shame will cover you, and you will have to be cut off to time indefinite. . . . In the way that you have done, it will be done to you. Your sort of treatment will return upon your own head.”—Obadiah 10, 15; Ezekiel 25:12-14.
Christendom’s Bleak Future
13. Who today is like Edom, and why?
13 In modern times, there exists an organization with a record like that of Edom. What organization? Well, who in modern times has taken the lead in reviling and persecuting Jehovah’s servants? Has it not been Christendom, through its clergy class? Yes! Christendom has elevated herself to mountainlike heights in the affairs of this world. She claims a lofty position in mankind’s system of things, and her religions form the dominant part of Babylon the Great. But Jehovah has decreed “a year of retributions” against this modern-day Edom for outrageous misconduct toward His people, His Witnesses.
14, 15. (a) What will happen both to the land of Edom and to Christendom? (b) What do the references to burning pitch and indefinitely lasting smoke mean, and what do they not mean?
14 Therefore, as we consider the rest of this part of Isaiah’s prophecy, we think not only of ancient Edom but also of Christendom: “Her torrents must be changed into pitch, and her dust into sulphur; and her land must become as burning pitch. By night or by day it will not be extinguished; to time indefinite its smoke will keep ascending.” (Isaiah 34:9, 10a) The land of Edom becomes so parched that it is as if the dust were sulfur and the torrent valleys were filled, not with water, but with pitch. Then these highly combustible substances are set afire!—Compare Revelation 17:16.
15 Some have viewed the mention of fire, pitch, and sulfur as evidence of the existence of a burning hell. But Edom is not hurled into some mythical hellfire to burn forever. Rather, it is destroyed, disappearing from the world scene as if totally consumed with fire and sulfur. As the prophecy goes on to show, the final result is, not everlasting torment, but “emptiness . . . wasteness . . . nothing.” (Isaiah 34:11, 12) The smoke ‘ascending to time indefinite’ vividly illustrates this. When a house burns down, smoke keeps coming from the ashes for some time after the flames have died down, providing onlookers with evidence that there has been a conflagration. Since Christians today are learning lessons from the destruction of Edom, the smoke of Edom’s burning is still, in a sense, ascending.
16, 17. What will Edom become, and how long will it continue in such a state?
16 Isaiah’s prophecy continues, foretelling that Edom’s human population will be replaced by wild animals, implying a coming desolation: “From generation to generation she will be parched; forever and ever no one will be passing across her. And the pelican and the porcupine must take possession of her, and long-eared owls and ravens themselves will reside in her; and he must stretch out over her the measuring line of emptiness and the stones of wasteness. Her nobles—there are none there whom they will call to the kingship itself, and her very princes will all become nothing. On her dwelling towers thorns must come up, nettles and thorny weeds in her fortified places; and she must become an abiding place of jackals, the courtyard for the ostriches. And haunters of waterless regions must meet up with howling animals, and even the goat-shaped demon will call to its companion. Yes, there the nightjar will certainly take its ease and find for itself a resting-place. There the arrow snake has made its nest and lays eggs.”—Isaiah 34:10b-15.a
17 Yes, Edom will become an empty land. It will become a wasteland with only wild beasts, birds, and snakes in it. This parched state of the land will continue, as Isa 34 verse 10 says, “forever and ever.” There will be no restoration.—Obadiah 18.
Sure Fulfillment of Jehovah’s Word
18, 19. What is “the book of Jehovah,” and what is reserved for Christendom in this “book”?
18 What a hopeless future this foreshadows for that modern-day equivalent of Edom, Christendom! She has proved herself to be a bitter enemy of Jehovah God, whose Witnesses she viciously persecutes. And there is no doubt that Jehovah will fulfill his word. Whenever anyone compares the prophecy with the fulfillment, the two will be found to coincide—just as surely as the creatures that inhabit the desolated Edom each ‘have their own mate.’ Isaiah addresses future students of Bible prophecy, saying: “Search for yourselves in the book of Jehovah and read out loud: not one has been missing of them; they actually do not fail to have each one her mate, for it is the mouth of Jehovah that has given the command, and it is his spirit that has collected them together. And it is He that has cast for them the lot, and his own hand has apportioned the place to them by the measuring line. To time indefinite they will take possession of it; for generation after generation they will reside in it.”—Isaiah 34:16, 17.
19 The impending destruction of Christendom has been foretold in “the book of Jehovah.” This “book of Jehovah” details the accounts that Jehovah will settle with those who are his implacable enemies and who are unrepentant oppressors of his people. What was written concerning ancient Edom came true, and this strengthens our confidence that the prophecy as applying to Christendom, the modern-day parallel of Edom, will likewise come true. “The measuring line,” Jehovah’s rule of action, guarantees that this spiritually moribund organization will become a desolate wasteland.
20. Like ancient Edom, Christendom will experience what?
20 Christendom does all she can to pacify her political friends, but to no avail! According to Revelation chapters 17 and 18, Almighty God, Jehovah, will put it into their hearts to act against all of Babylon the Great, including Christendom. This will rid the whole earth of fake Christianity. Christendom’s situation will become like the bleak condition described in Isaiah chapter 34. She will not even be on hand during the all-decisive “war of the great day of God the Almighty”! (Revelation 16:14) Like ancient Edom, Christendom will be totally cleared from the surface of the earth, “forever and ever.”
[Footnote]
a By Malachi’s time, this prophecy had been fulfilled. (Malachi 1:3) Malachi reports that Edomites hoped to repossess their desolated land. (Malachi 1:4) However, this was not Jehovah’s will, and later another people, the Nabataeans, took possession of what had been the land of Edom.
[Box on page 363]
An Angry God?
Expressions such as those found at Isaiah 34:2-7 have moved many to think that Jehovah, as described in the Hebrew Scriptures, is a cruel, wrathful God. Is that so?
No. While God does at times express his anger, such anger is always justified. It is always based on principle, not on uncontrolled emotion. Moreover, it is always dictated by the Creator’s right to receive exclusive devotion and his constancy in upholding truth. Divine anger is governed both by God’s love of righteousness and by his love for those practicing righteousness. Jehovah sees all the issues involved in a matter and has complete, unlimited knowledge of a situation. (Hebrews 4:13) He reads the heart; he notes the degree of ignorance, negligence, or willful sin; and he acts with impartiality.—Deuteronomy 10:17, 18; 1 Samuel 16:7; Acts 10:34, 35.
However, Jehovah God is “slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness.” (Exodus 34:6) Those who fear him and strive to work righteousness receive mercy, for the Almighty recognizes man’s inherited imperfection and shows mercy to him on this account. Today God does this on the basis of Jesus’ sacrifice. (Psalm 103:13, 14) At the proper time, Jehovah’s anger is removed from those who acknowledge their sin, repent, and truly serve him. (Isaiah 12:1) Fundamentally, Jehovah is not an angry God but a happy God, not unapproachable but welcoming, peaceable, and calm toward those who properly approach him. (1 Timothy 1:11) This is in sharp contrast to the merciless, cruel characteristics ascribed to the false gods of the pagans and portrayed in images of those gods.
[Map on page 362]
(For fully formatted text, see publication)
Great Sea
Damascus
Sidon
Tyre
ISRAEL
Dan
Sea of Galilee
Jordan River
Megiddo
Ramoth-gilead
Samaria
PHILISTIA
JUDAH
Jerusalem
Libnah
Lachish
Beer-sheba
Kadesh-barnea
Salt Sea
AMMON
Rabbah
MOAB
Kir-hareseth
EDOM
Bozrah
Teman
[Pictures on page 359]
Christendom has soaked the earth with blood
[Picture on page 360]
“The heavens must be rolled up, just like a book scroll” |
Wisdom for Life and Happiness | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102021002 | Wisdom for Life and Happiness
No. 1 2021
© 2021 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
This publication is not for sale. It is provided as part of a worldwide Bible educational work supported by voluntary donations. To make a donation, please visit donate.jw.org. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the modern-language New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. |
Remain in God’s Love (lvs)
2017 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/lvs | A Letter From the Governing Body
To those who love Jehovah God and his Word, the Bible:
“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free,” said Jesus. (John 8:32) Think of how you felt when you first found the truth from the Bible! It was exciting to know that in a world full of lies, we can learn the truth.—2 Timothy 3:1.
Jehovah God wants us to know the truth. And because we love people, we want to tell them about it. But there is more to serving God. We must do our best to live as Christians because we deeply respect Jehovah’s principles. Jesus explained an important way that we can prove to God that we love him. He said: “If you observe my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have observed the commandments of the Father and remain in his love.”—John 15:10.
Jesus really loves his Father, and he does everything his Father asks him to do. If we imitate Jesus in the way that we live, Jehovah will love us and we will be truly happy. As Jesus said, “if you know these things, happy you are if you do them.”—John 13:17.
We hope that this publication will help you learn to live by the truth from the Bible and to become a friend of God. It is our prayer that you will grow in your love for God and remain “in God’s love . . . with everlasting life in view.”—Jude 21.
Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses |
Earth’s Dwindling Resources | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102005002 | Earth’s Dwindling Resources
“In nature everything is connected, and we are now being held accountable for our past blunders.”—African Wildlife magazine.
SOME call it the ecological footprint. It is a measure of mankind’s consumption of natural resources compared with the earth’s ability to replenish them. According to the World Wildlife Fund, the global ecological footprint has been running a deficit since the 1980’s.a But that is just one indicator of the immense strain being placed on our environment.
Another gauge is the condition of earth’s ecosystems. The term “ecosystem” refers to the complex interaction of all organisms within a natural environment, including living and nonliving matter. The overall health of these ecosystems—revealed by the number of forest, freshwater, and marine species they support—makes up what the World Wildlife Fund calls the Living Planet Index. Between 1970 and 2000, this index plunged about 37 percent.
Is There Enough to Go Around?
If you live in a Western land where store shelves are fully stocked and round-the-clock shopping may be possible, it is hard to imagine that there could be a looming shortage of natural resources. Nevertheless, only a minority of earth’s inhabitants enjoy an affluent life-style. Most are locked in a daily struggle for survival. It has been estimated, for example, that more than two billion people live on three dollars a day or less and that two billion have no access to affordable commercial energy services.
Some people blame the trade practices of wealthy nations for the poverty of developing lands. “In a variety of ways,” says Vital Signs 2003, “the world economy is rigged against the interests of the poor.” As more and more people scramble to grab an ever smaller and more costly piece of the environmental “pie,” those who are economically disadvantaged cannot afford to compete for their fair share. That, in turn, leaves more natural resources for those who can afford them—namely, the wealthy.
Disappearing Forests
It is estimated that 80 percent of the inhabitants of Africa use wood for cooking. In addition, “Africa has the highest population growth rate [and] urban growth rate in the world,” says South Africa’s Getaway magazine. As a result, the territory around some large towns in the Sahel, a wide belt of semiarid land on the southern edge of the Sahara Desert, has been stripped of trees for over 60 miles [100 km] in all directions. Those trees were not felled for capricious reasons. ‘The overwhelming majority of Africa’s citizens destroy their own environment simply to survive,’ says Professor Samuel Nana-Sinkam.
The situation is quite different in South America. In Brazil, for example, there are nearly 7,600 registered logging companies in the rain forest. Many of them are owned by well-funded international conglomerates. A mahogany tree is worth about $30 to a logging company. However, by the time brokers, traders, and manufacturers make their profit, that same tree can have a value of upwards of $130,000 before hitting the furniture showroom. Little wonder that mahogany has been called green gold.
Much has been published about the destruction of Brazil’s rain forest. Satellite images show that more than 7,000 square miles [20,000 sq km] of Brazilian forest were destroyed each year between 1995 and 2000. “This frightening rate of destruction means that an area of forest the size of a soccer field disappeared every eight seconds,” reports Brazil’s Veja magazine. Interestingly, the United States alone is reported to have imported more than 70 percent of Brazil’s mahogany in the year 2000.
Deforestation in other parts of the world tells a similar story. For instance, half of Mexico’s forests and jungles have disappeared in the last 50 years. The loss of Philippine forests has been even more pronounced. That country loses some 380 square miles [100,000 ha] of forest every year, and back in 1999 it was estimated that at that rate nearly two thirds of the nation’s forests would be eliminated within a decade.
It can take from 60 to 100 years for a hardwood tree to reach full maturity but only minutes for it to be felled. Should it surprise us that our forests cannot keep up?
Vanishing Land
When soil is stripped of vegetation, the bare topsoil soon dries out and is blown away by wind or washed away by water. This process is called erosion.
Erosion occurs naturally and is generally not a serious problem—unless man accelerates the process through poor land management. For example, the magazine China Today says that sandstorms, along with other factors such as deforestation and overgrazing, “have accelerated the expansion” of desert areas. Unusually arid conditions in recent years have left China’s western and northwestern provinces susceptible to the cold Siberian winds that sweep across the land. Millions of tons of yellow sand and dust have been displaced, some reaching as far as Korea and Japan. Approximately 25 percent of China’s landmass is now desert.
The destruction of African soil has similar causes. “By clearing forest to plant cereal crops,” says Africa Geographic, “farmers have irretrievably destabilised the thin soils.” It is estimated that after a plot has been cleared of bush, within three years it loses up to 50 percent of its fertility. Thus, the magazine adds: “Millions of hectares are already beyond recovery and millions more are heading that way as agricultural yields in some areas decline year by year.”
It is said that Brazil loses 500 million tons of soil every year to erosion. In Mexico the Department of Environment and Natural Resources says that 53 percent of the scrubland, 59 percent of the jungles, and 72 percent of the forests are affected by soil degradation. All told, says a report by the United Nations Development Programme, “land degradation affects perhaps as much as two thirds of the world’s agricultural land. As a result, agricultural productivity is declining sharply, while the number of mouths to feed continues to grow.”
Water—Free, yet Priceless
A man can live about a month without food, but he will die in about a week without water. Hence, experts claim that declining supplies of fresh water will be a source of increasing tension in coming years. According to a 2002 Time magazine report, worldwide more than a billion people do not have easy access to clean drinking water.
Water shortages occur for a variety of reasons. In France, pollution plays a role and is a growing source of concern. “French rivers are in a very poor state of health,” says Le Figaro. Scientists have traced the problem to nitrate-rich runoff, which comes primarily from fertilizers used for farming. “French rivers discharged 375,000 tons of nitrates into the Atlantic in 1999, almost twice as much as in 1985,” states the paper.
The situation is similar in Japan. In order to provide a steady supply of food in that country, “farmers had no choice but to rely on chemical fertilizers and pesticides to meet society’s demand,” says Yutaka Une, head of a nonprofit farm safety organization. This has led to underground water pollution—which Tokyo’s IHT Asahi Shimbun calls “a major problem across Japan.”
In Mexico, 35 percent of illnesses “have their origin in environmental factors,” reports the newspaper Reforma. Furthermore, a study by the secretary of health revealed that “1 out of every 4 inhabitants does not have a sewer; over 8 million get their water from wells, rivers, lakes, or streams; and over one million obtain water from tanker trucks.” Little wonder that 90 percent of Mexico’s diarrhea cases are attributed to contaminated water!
“Rio’s beaches offer more than hot sun, white sand, and blue sea,” states Brazil’s Veja magazine. “They also harbor high levels of fecal coliforms and occasional oil spills.” That is because more than 50 percent of Brazil’s sewage flows directly into rivers, lakes, and the ocean without being treated. The result is a chronic shortage of clean water. The rivers around Brazil’s largest city, São Paulo, are so heavily polluted that drinking water is now brought in from some 60 miles away.
On the other side of the globe, much of Australia’s water shortage stems from a process called salinization. For decades landowners were encouraged to clear their land in order to plant crops. With fewer trees and shrubs to soak up the groundwater, water tables began to rise, bringing with them thousands of tons of subterranean salt. “Some 2.5 million hectares [6.2 million acres] of land are already affected by salinity,” says Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). “Much of this is Australia’s most productive agricultural land.”
Some believe that if the Australian legislators had not chosen profit over public interest, the salinity problem might have been avoided. “Governments were told from as early as 1917 that Wheatbelt soils were especially prone to salinity,” says Hugo Bekle of Edith Cowan University in Perth, Australia. “The impact of clearing on stream salinity was publicised by the 1920’s, and its effect on a rising water table was accepted in the Agricultural Department by the 1930’s. A major report was undertaken for the [Australian] Government by the CSIRO in 1950, . . . yet governments persistently ignored these warnings, dismissing scientists as prejudiced.”
Survival Threatened
Without doubt, many of man’s actions have been well intended. But as is so often the case, we simply do not know enough about the environment to predict the consequences of our actions accurately. The results have been devastating. “We’ve so upset the balance of life here that we threaten the very land that supports us and, through that, our own survival,” says Tim Flannery, South Australian Museum director.
What is the solution? Will mankind ever learn to live in harmony with the environment? Indeed, can planet Earth be saved?
[Footnote]
a It is estimated, for example, that in 1999 the deficit reached 20 percent. This means that the amount of natural resources humans used during that 12-month period took more than 14 months to replace.
[Box on page 6]
Every Drop Counts
A few simple steps can conserve gallons of water.
● Repair leaky faucets.
● Keep showers short.
● Turn off the water while shaving or brushing your teeth.
● Reuse bath towels two or three times before laundering.
● Wait until you have a full load of clothes before using a washing machine. (The same principle applies to automatic dishwashers.)
[Box/Picture on page 7]
Waste Not, Want Not
● Even though Australia is the world’s driest continent, over 90 percent of its irrigation water is “applied to crops by simple flood-and-furrow irrigation,” reports The Canberra Times. This is the same “technology in use when the pharaohs were still building pyramids.”
● Worldwide, the average water use per person (including water used in agriculture and industry) is about 145,000 gallons [550,000 liters] a year. The average North American, however, uses nearly 423,000 gallons [1,600,000 liters] a year. A former Russian republic uses the most, averaging over 1.4 million gallons of water [5.3 million liters] per person annually.
● According to Africa Geographic, “on average, each South African consumes 4.0 global hectares a year whereas the country can afford only 2.4 global hectares per person per year.”
[Picture on page 5]
Deforested Sahel landscape in Burkina Faso. This area was thick with trees 15 years ago
[Credit Line]
© Jeremy Hartley/Panos Pictures
[Picture on page 8]
Slash-and-burn agriculture is destroying rain forests in Cameroon
[Credit Line]
© Fred Hoogervorst/Panos Pictures
[Picture on page 8]
Auto pollution is still a cause for concern in the United States
[Picture on page 8, 9]
Some 7,000 square miles of Brazilian forest were destroyed each year between 1995 and 2000
[Credit Line]
© Ricardo Funari/SocialPhotos.com
[Picture on page 9]
More than two billion people live on three dollars a day or less
[Credit Line]
© Giacomo Pirozzi/Panos Pictures
[Picture on page 9]
The groundwater supplying this village well in India has been polluted by local prawn farms
[Credit Line]
© Caroline Penn/Panos Pictures |
Religious Tolerance—500 Years Later! | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101993010 | Religious Tolerance—500 Years Later!
FIVE HUNDRED years ago, Christopher Columbus set sail from Spain. Just one day before Columbus’ departure, another fleet left Spain, heading in a different direction. Columbus and his men returned in triumph, having discovered new lands. But the other hapless voyagers were never to see their homeland again.
Who were these people, and why were they banished from their land? They were Spanish Jews. Two weeks before Columbus received royal backing for his voyage of discovery, Ferdinand and Isabella, the Catholic sovereigns of Spain, issued an edict expelling all the Jews of Spain, “never to return again.” They accused the Spanish Jews of committing crimes against the holy Catholic faith.
This decree, along with the recently established Inquisition, marked the beginning of a crusade to make Spain exclusively Catholic. A decade after the expulsion of the Jews, any Moors who practiced the Islamic faith were also exiled. And the Inquisition quickly stamped out budding Protestant groups. Columbus, echoing the intolerant spirit of his royal patrons, spoke of excluding the Jews from any lands he might discover.
The spirit of religious intolerance in Spain prevailed, even down to this century. Under the dictatorship of Francisco Franco, only the Catholic religion enjoyed “official protection.” Many who wished to practice another faith were arbitrarily arrested. Jehovah’s Witnesses in Spain were imprisoned on the charge of having offended the spiritual unity of Spain. In 1959 government minister Camilo Alonso Vega instructed the police force to proceed with the “extirpation” of the Witnesses’ activities. But happily, times have changed.
On March 31, 1992, exactly five hundred years after his predecessors signed the decree expelling the Jews, Juan Carlos, the present king of Spain, visited a Madrid synagogue in a symbolic meeting of the Spanish Crown with descendants of those exiled Spanish Jews.
“We have turned the page of intolerance in Spain,” declared the Spanish minister of justice, Tomás de la Quadra-Salcedo. Now Jews, Muslims, and Protestants worship without hindrance. And Jehovah’s Witnesses are no longer under ban. Madrid boasts a new mosque and a synagogue, as well as the branch office of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Spain. With over 90,000 active members, the Witnesses are considered to be the largest non-Catholic religion in Spain.
If you would like to have more information about Jehovah’s Witnesses and their beliefs, please write to Watchtower, 25 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, New York, 11201, or to the nearest address listed on page 5.
[Picture on page 32]
Spain branch of the Watch Tower Society |
Life Can Be Better Now! | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101981003 | Life Can Be Better Now!
Many people think the Bible offers a better life only in heaven after death, and that their present life is destined to be as it is. However, the publishers of this magazine receive letters from all over the world showing that thousands of persons have been helped to a better life right now by following the Bible. Consider the following true-life examples.
Better Mental Balance
A plague of mental illness is sweeping the earth. For example, according to official statistics one out of every three Germans in the Federal Republic has suffered from or is presently suffering from a mental disorder. Worldwide there are 1,000 suicides each day.
In the United States, where up to one quarter of the population is said to suffer from mental imbalance, one young woman in New York city complained: “My life lacked any significance. For this reason I began to drink heavily and participated in wild parties.” Yet rather than this bringing the happiness she so desperately sought, she adds: “I became so disgusted with life that I decided to commit suicide. With this in mind, I obtained a bottle of barbiturates to mix with alcohol.”
“That night,” reveals the woman, “I prayed to God and told myself that if God really exists, he should stop me from taking my life. It was at this precise moment that somebody knocked at my door. A lady offered to study the Bible with me.”
“My initial reaction,” she confessed, “was that I slammed the door in her face. However, realizing what I had done, I went after the lady and begged her not to leave me. I then made arrangements to study the Bible with this woman who was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.”
From the Bible she learned of a Creator who takes a personal interest in each of us. “Throw all your anxiety upon [God],” says the Bible, “because he cares for you.” (1 Pet. 5:7) He promises to rid the earth of wickedness soon and to establish a “new earth” wherein will be an “abundance of peace.”—2 Pet. 3:13; Ps. 37:10, 11.
Such knowledge brought meaning into this young woman’s life. She now had self-esteem and hope for the future. After studying for two years she concluded: “My life is now filled with real joy and significance.” Not everyone receives an answer to prayer as quickly as this woman did. But God is “not far off from each one” who turns to him with a desire to know his will and he does answer such sincere pleas for help.—Acts 17:26, 27.
Coping with Bad Health
“All my life I had been weak in health,” wrote an older man from Sweden who had suffered through the Spanish flu, several operations and presently was distressed by an eye defect.
“The turning point in my ability to cope with my bad health,” beamed this elderly man, “came when I was only 22. Your magazine [Awake!] helped me to turn to the Bible.” From the Bible he learned that soon God will remove permanently all sicknesses from the earth. (Rev. 21:1, 3, 4) “Since that time,” continued the man, “I have experienced years of happiness, for despite my many physical handicaps I have a real hope for the future. Also, I’m accomplishing something, as I have been able to help many others to get the same bright outlook on life.” Thousands of similar cases prove that the Bible can fill one’s life with hope and meaningful activities. This really helps one to endure sickness cheerfully.
Better Habits
‘A habit,’ it has been said, ‘may at first be but as the spider’s web, easily broken through, but, if not resisted, it soon binds us with chains of steel.’ How many are those held back from a better life by such “chains of steel,” bad habits, such as drunkenness, drug abuse, gluttony, thievery and others!
“I was listed as ‘wanted’ by 18 police centers,” began a young man in Spain. His bad habits included street fighting, drug abuse and drunkenness; he also forged checks and engaged in illegal gambling and drug trafficking. He was in and out of jail.
He read one of the Bible publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses and saw the need to change if he wanted to be happier. “But it wasn’t easy for me to change. All I wanted were revelries and ‘kicks,”’ he admitted; yet he hated the kind of person he had become. “I had many ups and downs. On one occasion, in frustration, I ripped up a Bible and threw it against the wall.”
Nevertheless, the Bible’s counsel gradually began to reach his heart. “With the help of Jehovah God I have changed completely,” concluded this man. Now, not only can he live with himself, but he even assists others to make similar changes.
Better Family Life
One newly married man became fed up with his family life and walked out after 18 months of marriage. He then searched the world for happiness. After seven years, which included living in a hippie commune and indulging in drug abuse, he felt that his life was a failure and attempted suicide a number of times.
“It was then while in Australia that I was contacted by one of Jehovah’s Witnesses who was kind to me both materially and spiritually,” reported this young man. He began to study the Bible with the Witness and was shown from the Bible how he could have a successful marriage. He was convinced it would work, so he contacted his wife. Noting his changed way of life, she decided to join him. Now the two of them live by the Bible and declare: “We are both happy and have a very outputed homelife.”—Eph. 5:33.
Better Economy
“We figured out we spent more money on smoking, drinking and gambling per month than on housing, food and clothing for our family. Our smoking habits alone cost us more than the rent for our cramped housing,” admitted one couple in Sweden.
“A Bible study with Jehovah’s Witnesses motivated us to quit our excessive habits,” continued this couple, who now had gained an inner harmony by cultivating self-control. “We now have a larger flat, we eat better, dress better, feel better, sleep better, and we have both money and energy left for more spiritually and physically uplifting activities.” Countless others world wide have been assisted similarly.
Additionally, Bible guidelines concerning honesty, industriousness and outputment have helped many to attain a better life economically as these became trusted and valued employees. By learning not to love money, but to respect it, they make better use of it. As the Swedish couple concluded: “That God-given book brings balance to everything in life.”—Heb. 13:5, 18; compare Proverbs 18:9.
These preceding cases show how the Bible can help a person to enjoy a better life now. But you may think: ‘Those were exceptional persons. I could never, by simply reading the Bible, make all those changes.’ Neither could they. More was involved.
Peace and Brotherhood
The persons referred to above all received free personal help from Jehovah’s Witnesses. One American newspaper called their organization “a model of peace and brotherhood.” Association with these people was a forceful incentive to imitate their good conduct.
One young American woman testifies to the value of such association. Her former life-style included drinking at bars, smoking “pot” and fighting. “I was just mean,” she said, and tells why. “Never underestimate what bad associations can do!” Her “friends” brought out the worst in her.
Then she and her husband began to study the Bible and enjoy the company of Jehovah’s Witnesses. “I got rid of my hang-ups and developed a good conscience,” she reports. “We found that we don’t need our old associations anymore, because we have hundreds of new faithful friends that we can trust.” This is not to say that this organization of people is perfect. But at least they are trying hard to live by the Bible, and the results are notable.
Yet, even if we enjoy a better life now, it is not perfect. Try as we may, we still make mistakes and at times lose our self-control. Additionally, sickness and death can bring to us unavoidable pain. We also struggle against a bad environment. Will the time ever come when our lives will be completely happy? |
This Life (ts)
1974 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/ts | Chapter 9
Can You Talk with the Dead?
IN LIFE, we humans keenly sense a need to talk with those whom we love. We want to know that our loved ones are well and happy. When things go well for them, we are encouraged. But when we learn that they face grave danger due to a “natural” disaster or some other calamity, we begin to worry. We anxiously wait to hear from them. As soon as we have word that they are safe we are relieved.
The desire to know about the welfare of loved ones has prompted many to want to talk with the dead. They want to know whether their deceased loved ones are happy ‘in the beyond.’ But is it possible to talk with the dead?
Some maintain that they have periodically felt the presence of a deceased relative or friend and have heard his voice. Others have had like experiences with the help of spirit mediums. Through these mediums they believe that they have heard voices from ‘the beyond.’ What are they told by such voices? Basically this: ‘The dead are very happy and outputed. They continue to take a real interest in the life of their surviving loved ones and can see and hear everything they do.’
Regarding such messages, François Grégoire, in his book L’au-delà (The Hereafter), observes: “What do these Spirits have to say to us? ‘Above all, they appear to be anxious to prove their identity and that they still exist’ . . . but on the nature of the other world, nothing essential, not even the smallest revelation.”
What do you think about these messages? Do you believe that the dead are actually talking? Since, as the Bible shows, no soul or spirit survives the death of the body to continue conscious existence, could these voices really be the voices of the dead?
THE CASE OF KING SAUL
Some among those believing that the dead can give messages to the living point to the Holy Bible as confirming their view. One example they cite is an incident involving King Saul of ancient Israel.
Because of his unfaithfulness to Jehovah God, King Saul was cut off from divine direction for carrying out his responsibilities. Therefore, when the Philistines came to wage war against him, in desperation he sought help from a spirit medium. He asked her to bring up the dead prophet Samuel. As to what happened thereafter, the Bible relates:
“When the woman [the medium] saw ‘Samuel’ she began crying out at the top of her voice; and the woman went on to say to Saul: ‘Why did you trick me, when you yourself are Saul?’ But the king said to her: ‘Do not be afraid, but what did you see?’ And the woman went on to say to Saul: ‘A god I saw coming up out of the earth.’ At once he said to her: ‘What is his form?’ to which she said: ‘It is an old man coming up, and he has himself covered with a sleeveless coat.’ At that Saul recognized that it was ‘Samuel,’ and he proceeded to bow low with his face to the earth and to prostrate himself. And ‘Samuel’ began to say to Saul: ‘Why have you disturbed me by having me brought up?’”—1 Samuel 28:12-15.
Was Saul, in this case, actually brought in touch with the dead prophet Samuel? How could this be, for the Bible instructions silence, not talking, with death? We read: “The dead themselves do not praise Jah [Jehovah], nor do any going down into silence.”—Psalm 115:17.
Other passages of the Holy Scriptures shed light on the matter. First, it is clear that what Saul did in consulting a spirit medium was a violation of God’s law. Both spirit mediums and those consulting them were judged guilty of a capital offense. (Leviticus 20:6, 27) God’s law to Israel stated: “Do not turn yourselves to the spirit mediums, and do not consult professional foretellers of events, so as to become unclean by them.” (Leviticus 19:31) “When you are entered into the land that Jehovah your God is giving you, you must not learn to do according to the detestable things of those nations. There should not be found in you . . . anyone who consults a spirit medium or a professional foreteller of events or anyone who inquires of the dead.”—Deuteronomy 18:9-11; Isaiah 8:19, 20.
If spirit mediums could actually get in touch with the dead, why, then, did God’s law label their practice as something “unclean,” “detestable” and deserving of death? If the communication were with dead loved ones, for example, why would a God of love designate this as a terrible crime? Why would he want to deprive the living of getting some comforting messages from the dead? Does not God’s view indicate that people are not really talking to the dead but that a terrible deception must be involved? Scriptural evidence shows that is the case.
Against this background, consider the case of Saul. Regarding divine communication with him, Saul acknowledged: “God himself has departed from me and has answered me no more, either by means of the prophets or by dreams; so that I am calling you [Samuel] to let me know what I shall do.” (1 Samuel 28:15) Obviously, God would not allow a spirit medium to get around this divine cutoff of communication by getting in touch with a dead prophet and having him deliver a message from God to Saul. Then, too, during the latter part of his life, Samuel himself, a faithful prophet of God, had ceased to have any dealings whatsoever with Saul. Would it not be unreasonable, therefore, to conclude that Samuel was willing to speak with Saul by means of a spirit medium, an arrangement that was condemned by God?
Manifestly, there must have been deception involved, something so unclean that spirit mediums and those consulting them merited the death sentence. That same deception must be behind claimed communication with the dead today.
Indicating this is the fact that, under the influence of supposed “voices” from the beyond, many persons have committed suicide. They have given up their most precious possession—life—in an effort to join dead loved ones. Others have begun to dread such voices, as the messages have been gloomy, telling of some terrible accident or death about to occur. How could such voices possibly come from a good source? Who or what might be behind these voices?
[Picture on page 77]
Who was it that spoke to Saul by means of the spirit medium at En-dor? |
Sing Praises (ssb)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/Ssb | Song 131
Cleaving to Jehovah Our God
(Joshua 23:8)
1. Now we of God’s household Jehovah God are serving;
Exclusive devotion t’ward him we are preserving.
The gods of the nations, of these we’ve had our fill.
We cleave to Jehovah; we want to do his will.
His truth in our hearts may he lovingly instill.
2. The things he has promised, the words that he has spoken,
They’re all coming true—soon oppression will be broken!
His incoming Kingdom will cause all wars to cease.
To him we are cleaving; his fame may we increase.
For he is our God; he alone can give men peace.
3. The book of God’s truth let us day and night keep reading.
We cleave to Jehovah and so his Word keep heeding.
To love him and serve him we really need to learn.
His will and his purpose with faith we must discern
And make his true worship our daily chief concern. |
Family Life (fl)
1978 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/fl | outputs
PAGE CHAPTER
5 1 Finding the Key to Family Happiness
11 2 Laying a Fine Foundation for Your Marriage
26 3 After the Wedding Day
40 4 A Husband Who Gains Deep Respect
54 5 A Wife Who Is Dearly Loved
70 6 Love, “a Perfect Bond of Union”
81 7 Having Children—A Responsibility and a Reward
97 8 Your Role as Parents
114 9 Training Children from Infancy
131 10 The Value of Disciplining in Love
146 11 Keeping the Lines of Communication Open
161 12 Making Your Parents’ Hearts Rejoice
171 13 The Later Years
181 14 Building as a Family for an Eternal Future
NOTE: Unless otherwise indicated, Bible quotations in this book are from the modern-language New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, revised edition of 1971. |
Paradise Restored (pm)
1972 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/pm | Back Endsheets
[Picture on back endsheets]
TEMPLE REBUILT BY HEROD
As Viewed from the Southeast Angle |
Pure Worship (rr)
2018 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/rr | Pure Worship of Jehovah—Restored At Last!
“I will certainly sanctify my great name, . . . and the nations will have to know that I am Jehovah.”—EZEKIEL 36:23 |
“The Watchtower” | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101971018 | “The Watchtower”
Esau sold his birthright for a meal of stew. He did not appreciate a sacred thing.
Many people today are like Esau. They think more of material things than sacred things. God’s written Word is sacred. Do you appreciate it?
“The Watchtower” can broaden your knowledge of God’s Word and strengthen your faith in it. Manifest your appreciation for sacred things by receiving “The Watchtower” regularly. The cost is small, only $1 per year.
Please send me The Watchtower for one year (24 issues), for which I am enclosing $1. Send also the three free booklets God’s Way Is Love, Man’s Rule About to Give Way to God’s Rule and Saving the Human Race—in the Kingdom Way. |
Sing Praises (ssb)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/Ssb | Song 163
The Fruitage of the Spirit
(Galatians 5:22, 23)
1. The fruitage of God’s holy spirit
We all must produce and retain,
That thus we may bring to him honor
And life in his new order gain.
So let us at all times be showing
The love that is godlike and pure
And try to be always rejoicing,
For joy gives us strength to endure.
2. God’s peace we must make our possession
To prosper and have unity.
Important is also long-suff’ring,
That patient with all we may be.
O what fine effects come from kindness!
It makes men more willing to hear,
While goodness moves us to be active
In sharing with all Kingdom cheer.
3. The fine fruit of faith gives us courage
And strengthens our purpose in life.
And what a good asset is mildness!
It mitigates friction and strife.
Firm self-control also is needed
If disapproved we would not be.
Since bearing these fruits wins God’s favor,
Let’s cultivate them constantly. |
Family Life (fl)
1978 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/fl | Chapter 5
A Wife Who Is Dearly Loved
1-4. What complaint do women at times make about husbands’ assuring them of their love?
ONE woman complained to another, ‘I know my husband loves me, but he never says it. Oh, occasionally, if I drag it out of him, but it would mean so much more if he would say it without my prompting.’
2 The other woman replied, ‘I know. That’s the way men are. One time I asked my husband if he loved me, and he said, “I married you, didn’t I? I support you, I live with you; I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t love you.”’
3 She paused a moment, then continued: ‘However, something very touching happened the other evening. During the day I was cleaning in his study, and in one of his desk drawers I saw a snapshot. It was one I had shown him from an old family album of mine. It was of me in a bathing suit when I was seven years old. He had pulled it out of the album and put it in his desk drawer.’
4 She smiled as she recalled this, then looked at her friend. ‘I confronted him with it that evening when he got home from work. He took the snapshot in his hand and smiled, and said, “I cherish this little girl.” Then he laid it down and took my face in both his hands and said, “I cherish what she became, too.” And he kissed me very tenderly. It brought tears to my eyes.’
5. To be dearly loved by her husband, how should a wife conduct herself?
5 A wife who knows that she is very dear to her husband feels warm and safe inside. God’s Word counsels men to have such love for their wives. “Husbands ought to be loving their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself, for no man ever hated his own flesh; but he feeds and cherishes it, . . . the two will become one flesh.” (Ephesians 5:28, 29, 31) As we have already discussed, the wife is to have deep respect for her husband, but the husband ought to conduct himself in such a way as to earn that respect. The same holds true in this case where your husband is counseled to love and cherish you: Conduct yourself in ways that impel him to do so from the heart.
DO YOU GIVE SUPPORT?
6, 7. (a) At Genesis 2:18, for what role did Jehovah say that he made woman? (b) In order for a wife to be a real helper to her husband, what is required of her?
6 For a wife to be dearly loved, more is required than mere submission under her husband’s headship. He could have a horse or a dog that is well trained and submissive to him. Adam had animals with him in the garden of Eden, and they were in subjection to him. But he was still alone as to his kind. He needed an intelligent human companion that would be a complement of him and a helper to work with him: “It is not good for the man to continue by himself,” Jehovah God said. “I am going to make a helper for him, as a complement of him.”—Genesis 2:18.
7 What a husband needs is a wife who not only loves and respects him but also is a real helper, supporting him in the decisions that he makes. This is not difficult when decisions are mutually agreed upon after discussion together. But it may not be so easy if you were not consulted or if you do not happen to agree. In such a case could you loyally support your husband—do your best to make his decision work, provided it is not some illegal or unscriptural activity? Or would you be inclined to hold back stubbornly, hoping to see him fail so you could say, ‘I told you so’? If he sees you working hard for the success of the project, in spite of your misgivings, don’t you think such loyal support on your part will cause him to love you all the more?
8. How can a wife encourage her husband to exercise proper headship?
8 Above all, don’t try to usurp his headship! If you succeed, you won’t like him; and he won’t like you or himself. Maybe he does not take the lead as he should. Can you encourage him to do so? Do you express appreciation for any effort he makes at taking the lead? Do you cooperate with and encourage him when he does show some initiative, or do you tell him that he is wrong, that his plan won’t work? Sometimes a wife must share the blame if her husband doesn’t take the lead—for example, if she belittles his ideas or opposes his efforts, or gives the I-told-you-it-wouldn’t-work response when the project falls short of perfection. This can eventually produce an uncertain, indecisive husband. On the other hand, your loyalty and support, your trust and confidence in him, will strengthen him and contribute to his success.
“A CAPABLE WIFE”
9. What does Proverbs 31:10 say about a capable wife?
9 To be a wife who is dearly loved, you also need to care well for your responsibilities in the home. Of such a woman the Bible says: “Her value is far more than that of corals.” (Proverbs 31:10) Are you such a wife? Do you want to be?
10, 11. How might a wife show that she fits the description of Proverbs 31:15?
10 When discussing the activities of a “capable wife,” the book of Proverbs reports: “She also gets up while it is still night, and gives food to her household.” (Proverbs 31:15) Many young women start off married life with a handicap because their mothers did not teach them how to cook; but they can learn. And a wise woman will learn how to do it well! Cooking is an art. When a meal is prepared well, it not only fills the stomach but also brings response from the heart.
11 There is much that can be learned about preparing food. It is beneficial to become informed on the basics of nutrition so that you can safeguard the health of your family. But simply setting nutritious food before your husband is not necessarily going to win his praise. The Bible tells us that Isaac’s wife, Rebekah, knew how to prepare food in a “tasty” manner, in such a way that her husband was fond of it. (Genesis 27:14) Many wives could benefit from her example.
12. What could be included in a woman’s acting in harmony with Proverbs 31:14?
12 In some parts of the world women go to the market every morning to get the things that they need for the day. Elsewhere, they shop perhaps once a week and keep the perishables refrigerated. Whatever the case, a man cannot help but appreciate a wife who uses household funds carefully, and who respects the family budget. If she learns how to identify food and clothing that are of good quality, and knows their value, she will not always buy the first thing she sees. Rather, as Proverbs 31:14 says: “She has proved to be like the ships of a merchant. From far away she brings in her food.”
13. According to Proverbs 31:27, what can be expected from a capable wife in connection with care of the home?
13 That conscientious concern about her work also needs to be reflected in the condition of her home. In commenting further on what identifies a wife as being capable, Proverbs 31:27 says: “She is watching over the goings on of her household, and the bread of laziness she does not eat.” Making it a habit to sleep late, spending excessive amounts of time in idle chatter with the neighbors—these are not for her. Although illness or unforeseen circumstances may at times cause her to fall behind in her housework, her home will generally be neat and clean. Her husband can be confident that, if friends come to visit, he will not be embarrassed by the appearance of their home.
14, 15. What is the Bible’s counsel to women respecting attire and adornment?
14 Most women do not need to be told that it is also important to give attention to their personal appearance, but some do need a reminder. It is not easy to feel affection for someone whose appearance shows that she doesn’t think much of herself. The Bible recommends that women “adorn themselves in well-arranged dress, with modesty and soundness of mind.” But it also counsels against putting too much emphasis on hairstyling, jewelry and expensive garments that draw undue attention to the wearer.—1 Timothy 2:9.
15 Of far greater value than such attire is the disposition of the one who wears it. The apostle Peter tells Christian wives that a “quiet and mild spirit . . . is of great value in the eyes of God.” (1 Peter 3:3, 4) And Proverbs, when enumerating the traits of a capable wife, adds that “her hands she has thrust out to the poor one” and that “the law of loving-kindness is upon her tongue.” She is neither selfish nor “catty” but is generous and kind. (Proverbs 31:20, 26) “Charm may be false,” the description continues, “and prettiness may be vain; but the woman that fears Jehovah is the one that procures praise for herself.”—Proverbs 31:30.
16. How will an appreciative husband feel about such a wife?
16 Yes, such a woman will be dearly loved by any husband who shares the viewpoint of the Creator. He will feel about his wife as expressed by the writer of Proverbs: “There are many daughters that have shown capableness, but you—you have ascended above them all.” (Proverbs 31:28, 29) And without a lot of prompting, he will be moved to let his wife know that he feels that way.
YOUR VIEW OF SEX MAKES A DIFFERENCE
17, 18. How can the wife’s view of sex affect how her husband feels about her?
17 Unsatisfactory sexual relations are at the root of many marriage problems. In some cases this is due to the husband’s lack of consideration and understanding of his wife’s physical and emotional needs, and in other cases it is the wife’s failure to share physically or emotionally in the experience with her husband. The sex act, willingly and warmly participated in by both husband and wife, should be an intimate expression of the love that they feel for each other.
18 Frigidity in a wife may be due to a lack of consideration by her husband, but a wife’s indifference also hurts the husband, and a show of distaste may kill his potency or even cause him to feel attracted to someone else. If the wife merely submits, with a couldn’t-care-less attitude, the husband may interpret this as evidence that his wife doesn’t care for him. Emotions rule sexual responsiveness, and if the wife is unresponsive she may need to review her own attitude toward sex.
19. (a) How does the Bible show that it would be wrong to deny sex relations to one’s mate for extended periods of time? (b) Why should it not be necessary to ask persons outside the marriage union to rule on the propriety of a couple’s conduct in matters of sex?
19 The Bible counsels both husband and wife not to “be depriving each other of it.” God’s Word makes no allowance for using sex as a means of punishing one’s mate or expressing resentment, as in a wife’s denying it to her husband for weeks or even months. Just as he is to “render to his wife her due,” she is also to “do likewise to her husband.” (1 Corinthians 7:3-5) This does not mean that a wife should be expected to submit to some abnormal act that she finds morally repugnant, and a husband who loves and respects his wife would not require her to do so. “Love . . . does not behave indecently.” (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5) It should not be necessary to ask someone outside the marriage union to rule on the propriety or impropriety of the couple’s conduct. The Bible, at 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, clearly enumerates practices forbidden to worshipers of Jehovah God: fornication, adultery, homosexuality. (Compare also Leviticus 18:1-23.) Some modern liberals practicing a “new morality”—actually immorality—clamor for acceptance of some of these forbidden sexual acts, while others who are very conservative would add to these prohibitions. The Bible gives the balanced view. Generally speaking, if all the other relationships in the marriage are good, if there are love, respect, good communication and understanding, then sex will seldom be a problem.
20. If a wife uses sex for bargaining purposes, what is the result?
20 A wife who is dearly loved does not use sex for bargaining purposes. Certainly not all wives bargain with sex, but some do. In ways that may be subtle they use sex to gain concessions from their husbands. What is the result? Well, you don’t feel tender affection for the person who sells you a dress, do you? Neither does a husband feel tender affection for a wife who trades sex for concessions from him. The woman who does it may gain materially, but she loses emotionally and spiritually.
THE WEEPERS, THE NAGGERS
21-23. As illustrated in the case of Samson, how can a woman’s weeping and nagging destroy happiness?
21 Samson was a strong man, but he could not bear up under the pressure of women who used weeping or nagging to get their way. On one occasion he was confronted with a siege of weeping from the woman who was to become his wife. As recorded at Judges 14:16, 17, she “began to weep over him and to say: ‘You only hate me, you do, and you do not love me. There was a riddle that you propounded to the sons of my people, but to me you have not told it.’ At this he said to her: ‘Why, to my own father and my own mother I have not told it, and ought I to tell it to you?’” Samson’s appeal to logic did not work. It seldom does when emotions are running high. “She kept weeping over him the seven days that the banquet continued for them, and it came about on the seventh day that finally he told her, because she had pressured him. Then she told the riddle to the sons of her people.”
22 Do not think your husband does not love you just because he does not always give you your own way. Samson’s wife-to-be accused him of not loving her, but in actuality she was the one who did not love him. She brought pressure to bear on him until he could stand it no longer. When he did tell her his riddle, she immediately betrayed his confidence, racing off to tell his secret to his enemies. In the end, she became the wife of another man.
23 Later, Samson became attracted to another woman, Delilah by name. She may have been physically attractive, but did she prove to be a woman that he could dearly love? In order to wheedle from Samson information that she could use for selfish advantage, Delilah used nagging as her tool. The account says: “It came about that because she pressured him with her words all the time and kept urging him, his soul got to be impatient to the point of dying.” The final results were tragic.—Judges 16:16.
24-27. (a) What does the book of Proverbs say about the effect of a wife’s nagging? (b) Why does it single out women for this counsel? (c) What is most likely to move a husband to want to do nice things for his wife?
24 Weeping and nagging are not wise. They are damaging to a marriage. They alienate a husband. The Bible warns against such practices, as in the following scriptures quoted from The New English Bible: “He who harps on something breaks up friendship.” “A nagging wife is like water dripping endlessly.” “Better to live alone in the desert than with a nagging and ill-tempered wife.” “Endless dripping on a rainy day—that is what a nagging wife is like. As well try to control the wind as to control her! As well try to pick up oil in one’s fingers!”—Proverbs 17:9; 19:13; 21:19; 27:15, 16.
25 Why do the Scriptures single out the wife for this counsel? Probably because women are generally more emotional and more inclined to give vent to their feelings, especially when they are disturbed about something. Also, they may feel it is the only weapon they have. As head of the house a husband may arbitrarily have his way, so the wife may feel that she must resort to putting on emotional pressure. You, the wife, should not indulge in such tactics, and your husband should not make you feel forced to do so.
26 True, there may be times when you don’t feel well, and perhaps you find yourself giving way to tears, even when you wish you wouldn’t. But that is quite different from employing highly charged emotional scenes simply to get your own way.
27 If they truly love their wives, most husbands will favor their wives more than they do themselves, where personal preferences are involved. Please your husband, and he will likely seek opportunities to please you.
“A TIME TO KEEP QUIET AND A TIME TO SPEAK”
28-35. (a) Describe conversation habits that might make it difficult for a husband to converse with his wife. (b) What can be done to improve conversation between husband and wife?
28 Many wives complain, ‘My husband never talks to me.’ The fault may be his. However, many times a husband would like to talk with his wife, but she doesn’t make it easy for him. In what way? Not all women are alike. But ask yourself whether you fit one of these descriptions:
29 The first is a woman who has no trouble at all in talking with other women in the neighborhood. But what is her style? When the other woman stops for a breath, she breaks in. She may throw in a couple of questions, or she may take off on an entirely different subject. Soon the one interrupted cuts in and again carries the conversational ball for a while. Neither one seems to mind this conversational free-for-all.
30 Now her husband comes home, and he has some news to tell. As he enters the door, he starts out, ‘You’ll never guess what happened at work . . .’ He never gets any farther. She interrupts him with, ‘How did you get that spot on your coat? Be careful where you walk. I just cleaned the floor.’ He may hesitate to take up his story again.
31 Or, perhaps they are conversing with friends and he is relating an experience, but he leaves out some of the details or doesn’t get them all exactly right. His wife cuts in, first to correct the flaws, then to round out the story. Before long he takes a deep breath and says, ‘Why don’t you tell it?’
32 Another woman is the kind who encourages her husband to talk. Trying to appear casual, but bursting with curiosity, she asks: ‘Where were you?’ ‘Who was there?’ ‘What happened?’ Not the routine things of life, but those that seem to be more confidential, are the ones that intrigue her. She pieces together the bits of information that she can glean and fills in the gaps with a bit of imagination. Perhaps some of it is information her husband should not have divulged. Other things may have been appropriate for discussion with his wife, but they were told in confidence. If she now talks about this to others, the confidence has been broken. “Do not reveal the confidential talk of another,” Proverbs 25:9 warns. But if she did, it may cause problems. How free will he feel about talking to her in the future?
33 Yet a third kind of woman is not much of a talker herself. She knows how to do the necessary work around the house, but she seldom has more than a few words to say. Anyone who tries to converse with her has to do all the talking. Perhaps she is timid, or it may be that she had little opportunity for education when she was a child. Regardless of the cause, efforts at conversation with her fall flat.
34 But changes can be made. The art of conversation can be learned. If a woman does, not only her housework, but also worthwhile reading and kind deeds for other people, she will have upbuilding things to share with her mate. And successful conversation requires sharing. It also requires respect—enough respect to let him finish what he is saying, to let him say it in his own way, and to know when there is a confidence to be kept. As Ecclesiastes 3:7 says, there is “a time to keep quiet and a time to speak.”
35 Therefore, instead of complaining that your husband seldom talks to you, why not try to make it a pleasure for him to do so? Be interested in the things that he does. Listen intently when he speaks. Let your response reflect the warm love and deep respect that you have for him. Be sure that the things you talk most about are of a positive, upbuilding nature. You may soon find that conversation is a pleasure to both of you.
“WON WITHOUT A WORD”
36-38. What are some ways to reach the heart of a mate who is not a fellow believer?
36 At times, actions speak louder than words, and especially so with husbands who are not fellow believers of God’s Word. Of them the apostle Peter said: “They may be won without a word through the conduct of their wives, because of having been eyewitnesses of your chaste conduct together with deep respect.” (1 Peter 3:1, 2) Many a nonbelieving husband has complained that his wife is always “preaching” to him, and he resents it. In contrast, others have become believers by seeing the change that the truth of God’s Word has made in their wives. People are often more impressed by seeing a sermon than by hearing one.
37 When you speak to your unbelieving mate, “let your utterance be always with graciousness,” in good taste, or “seasoned with salt,” as the scripture puts it. There is a time to speak. “As apples of gold in silver carvings is a word spoken at the right time for it,” the Bible says. Is he discouraged about something? Maybe things went wrong at work. A few understanding words might be treasured by him right now. “Pleasant sayings are . . . sweet to the soul and a healing to the bones.” (Colossians 4:6; Proverbs 25:11; 16:24) Or, depending on the situation, just to slip your hand into his may say it all: I understand, I’m on your side, I’ll help if I can.
38 Even though he is not one with you in your faith, God’s Word shows that you are still to be in subjection to him. Your good conduct may in time win him over, so that he shares your faith. What a happy day that would be! And if that time comes, he will realize that he has more reasons to love you than he ever knew. Because your devotion, coupled with firmness for what you knew to be right, will have helped him to lay hold of “the real life.”—1 Corinthians 7:13-16; 1 Timothy 6:19.
39, 40. What qualities, listed at Titus 2:4, 5, make a wife precious, not only to her husband, but also to Jehovah?
39 The Scriptures encourage Christian wives, whether their husbands are believers or nonbelievers, “to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sound in mind, chaste, workers at home, good, subjecting themselves to their own husbands, so that the word of God may not be spoken of abusively.”—Titus 2:4, 5.
40 If you, the wife, do this to the best of your ability, you will be dearly loved, not only by your husband, but also by Jehovah God.
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“A Capable wife . . . her value is far more than that of corals.”—Proverbs 31:10.
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The women in Samson’s life |
Daniel’s Prophecy (dp)
1999 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/dp | Chapter One
The Book of Daniel and You
1, 2. (a) What are some of the unusual situations presented in the Bible book of Daniel? (b) In our modern times, what questions arise regarding the book of Daniel?
A POWERFUL king threatens to execute his wise men because they are not able to reveal and interpret his puzzling dream. Three young men who refuse to worship a towering image are thrown into a superheated furnace, yet they survive. In the midst of a festive celebration, hundreds behold a hand that is writing mysterious words on a palace wall. Evil conspirators have an elderly man thrown into a pit of lions, but he emerges without a scratch. A prophet of God sees four beasts in a vision, and their significance stretches millenniums into the future.
2 These are just some of the accounts found in the Bible book of Daniel. Do they merit serious consideration? What possible relevance could this age-old book have for our day? Why should we be concerned about events that occurred some 2,600 years ago?
DANIEL—AN ANCIENT BOOK FOR MODERN TIMES
3, 4. Why are many people justifiably concerned about the future of mankind?
3 Much of the book of Daniel focuses on the theme of world rulership, a subject that is of paramount concern today. Almost everyone will agree that we live in difficult times. On a daily basis, news reports bombard us with grim reminders that human society is sinking into a quagmire of perplexing problems—and this despite remarkable achievements in science and technology.
4 Consider this: Man has walked on the moon, but in many places he cannot stroll on the streets of his own planet without fear. He can furnish a home with all sorts of modern conveniences, but he cannot stem the tide of broken families. And he can bring about the information age, but he cannot teach people to live together peacefully. Hugh Thomas, a professor of history, once wrote: “The spread of knowledge and education has taught mankind little in the way of self-control and less in the art of living with other men.”
5. For the most part, what has been the result of man’s rulership?
5 In an attempt to establish a measure of order in society, men have organized themselves under a wide variety of governments. None of them, though, have been exempt from the truthfulness of King Solomon’s observation: “Man has dominated man to his injury.” (Ecclesiastes 4:1; 8:9) Of course, some rulers have had noble ideals. Nevertheless, no king, president, or dictator can eradicate sickness and death. No human can restore our earth to the Paradise that God purposed it to be.
6. Why does Jehovah not need the cooperation of human rulerships to accomplish his will?
6 Yet, the Creator is both willing and able to do such things. He does not need the permission of human governments to accomplish his purpose, for to him “the nations are as a drop from a bucket; and as the film of dust on the scales they have been accounted.” (Isaiah 40:15) Yes, Jehovah is Sovereign Ruler of the universe. As such, he has authority far above that of human governments. It is God’s Kingdom that will replace all human rulerships, to mankind’s eternal blessing. Perhaps nowhere is this made clearer than in the Bible book of Daniel.
DANIEL—GREATLY BELOVED BY GOD
7. Who was Daniel, and how did Jehovah view him?
7 Jehovah God had great affection for Daniel, who served as his prophet for many years. Indeed, God’s angel described Daniel as “someone very desirable.” (Daniel 9:23) The original Hebrew term translated “someone very desirable” can mean “greatly beloved,” “highly esteemed,” even “a favorite.” Daniel was especially precious in God’s sight.
8. How did Daniel come to be in Babylon?
8 Let us briefly consider the unique circumstances of this beloved prophet. In 618 B.C.E., Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar besieged Jerusalem. (Daniel 1:1) Shortly thereafter, certain well-educated Jewish youths were forcibly taken into exile in Babylon. Daniel was among them. At the time, he was probably in his teens.
9. What training was given to Daniel and his Hebrew companions?
9 Daniel and his companions Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were among the Hebrews selected to receive three years of training in “the writing and the tongue of the Chaldeans.” (Daniel 1:3, 4) Some scholars note that this was likely more than just a language course. For instance, Professor C. F. Keil states: “Daniel and his companions were to be educated in the wisdom of the Chaldean priests and learned men, which was taught in the schools of Babylon.” So Daniel and his companions were being specially trained for government service.
10, 11. What challenges did Daniel and his companions face, and what help did Jehovah give them?
10 What a drastic change of circumstance this was for Daniel and his associates! In Judah they had lived among worshipers of Jehovah. Now they were surrounded by a people who worshiped mythological gods and goddesses. Nevertheless, young Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were not intimidated. They were determined—despite this faith-challenging situation—to hold fast to true worship.
11 This would not be easy. King Nebuchadnezzar was a zealous devotee of Marduk, the chief deity of Babylon. The king’s demands were at times totally unacceptable to a worshiper of Jehovah. (For example, see Daniel 3:1-7.) Yet, Daniel and his companions had Jehovah’s unfailing guidance. During their three years of training, they were blessed by God with “knowledge and insight in all writing and wisdom.” In addition, Daniel was given the ability to understand the meaning of visions and dreams. Later when the king made an examination of these four young men, he found them to be “ten times better than all the magic-practicing priests and the conjurers that were in all his royal realm.”—Daniel 1:17, 20.
PROCLAIMING GOD’S MESSAGES
12. What special assignment did Daniel have?
12 Throughout the many years he spent in Babylon, Daniel served as God’s messenger to such men as Kings Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar. Daniel’s assignment was a crucial one. Jehovah had allowed Nebuchadnezzar to destroy Jerusalem, using him as His instrument. In time, Babylon too would be destroyed. Truly, the book of Daniel magnifies Jehovah God as the Most High and as Ruler in “the kingdom of mankind.”—Daniel 4:17.
13, 14. What happened to Daniel after Babylon’s fall?
13 Daniel continued in court service some seven decades, until the fall of Babylon. He lived to see many Jews returning to their homeland in 537 B.C.E., though the Bible does not state that he accompanied them. He was very active until at least the third year of the reign of King Cyrus, the founder of the Persian Empire. By that time, Daniel must have been close to 100 years of age!
14 After the fall of Babylon, Daniel put the most significant events of his life down in writing. His document is now a remarkable part of the Holy Bible and is known as the book of Daniel. But why should we pay attention to this ancient book?
TWO THREADS, ONE MESSAGE
15. (a) What two threads are contained in the Bible book of Daniel? (b) How can the narrative portion of Daniel benefit us?
15 The unique book of Daniel contains two very different threads—one is narrative, the other is prophetic. Both aspects of Daniel’s book can build our faith. How? The narrative portions—among the most vivid in the Bible—show us that Jehovah God will bless and care for those who keep their integrity to him. Daniel and his three companions remained steadfast in the face of life-threatening trials. Today, all who want to remain loyal to Jehovah will be strengthened by a close consideration of their example.
16. What lesson do we learn from the prophetic portions of Daniel?
16 The prophetic portions of Daniel build faith by showing that Jehovah knows the course of history centuries—even millenniums—in advance. For example, Daniel provides details concerning the rise and fall of world powers from the time of ancient Babylon right down to “the time of the end.” (Daniel 12:4) Daniel directs our attention to the Kingdom of God in the hands of His appointed King and associate “holy ones,” pointing to it as the government that will endure forever. This government will fully accomplish Jehovah’s purpose for our earth and will result in the blessing of all those who want to serve God.—Daniel 2:44; 7:13, 14, 22.
17, 18. (a) How will our faith be strengthened by a close examination of the book of Daniel? (b) What matter needs to be addressed before we embark on a study of this prophetic Bible book?
17 Thankfully, Jehovah does not keep knowledge of future events to himself. Rather, he is the “Revealer of secrets.” (Daniel 2:28) As we consider the fulfillment of the prophecies recorded in the book of Daniel, our faith in God’s promises will be strengthened. We will come to feel ever more sure that God will accomplish his purpose at the exact time and in the precise manner that he chooses.
18 All who study the Bible book of Daniel with a receptive heart will grow in faith. Before embarking on an in-depth examination of this book, however, we need to consider evidence as to whether this book is truly authentic. Some critics have attacked the book of Daniel, saying that its prophecies were actually written after their fulfillment. Are the claims of skeptics justified? The next chapter will address this matter.
WHAT DID YOU DISCERN?
• Why is Daniel a book for modern times?
• How did Daniel and his companions come to enter Babylonian governmental service?
• What was Daniel’s special assignment in Babylon?
• Why should we pay attention to Daniel’s prophecy?
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Teach Us (bhs)
2015 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/bhs | ENDNOTES
1 JEHOVAH
God’s name is Jehovah and is understood to mean “He Causes to Become.” Jehovah is the almighty God, and he created everything. He has the power to do anything he decides to do.
In Hebrew, God’s name was written with four letters. In English, these are represented by YHWH or JHVH. God’s name appears in the original Hebrew text of the Bible nearly 7,000 times. People all over the world use different forms of the name Jehovah, pronouncing it in the way that is common in their language.
▸ Chap. 1, par. 15
2 THE BIBLE IS “INSPIRED OF GOD”
The Author of the Bible is God, but he used men to write it. This is similar to a businessman telling his secretary to write a letter that contains his ideas. God used his holy spirit to guide the Bible writers to record his thoughts. God’s spirit guided them in various ways, sometimes causing them to see visions or have dreams that they would then write down.
▸ Chap. 2, par. 5
3 PRINCIPLES
These are teachings in the Bible that explain a basic truth. For example, the principle “bad associations spoil useful habits” teaches us that we are affected for good or for bad by the people with whom we associate. (1 Corinthians 15:33) And the principle “whatever a person is sowing, this he will also reap” teaches us that we cannot escape the results of our actions.—Galatians 6:7.
▸ Chap. 2, par. 12
4 PROPHECY
This is a message from God. It could be an explanation of God’s will, a moral teaching, a command, or a judgment. It can also be a message about something that will happen in the future. There are many prophecies in the Bible that have already come true.
▸ Chap. 2, par. 13
5 PROPHECIES ABOUT THE MESSIAH
Jesus is the one who fulfilled the many Bible prophecies about the Messiah. See the box “Prophecies About the Messiah.”
▸ Chap. 2, par. 17, ftn.
PROPHECIES ABOUT THE MESSIAH
EVENT
PROPHECY
FULFILLMENT
Born of the tribe of Judah
Genesis 49:10
Luke 3:23-33
Born of a virgin
Isaiah 7:14
Matthew 1:18-25
A descendant of King David
Isaiah 9:7
Matthew 1:1, 6-17
Jehovah declared Jesus to be his Son
Psalm 2:7
Matthew 3:17
Many people did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah
Isaiah 53:1
John 12:37, 38
Entered Jerusalem riding a donkey
Zechariah 9:9
Matthew 21:1-9
Betrayed by a close friend
Psalm 41:9
John 13:18, 21-30
Betrayed for 30 silver pieces
Zechariah 11:12
Matthew 26:14-16
Silent when he was accused
Isaiah 53:7
Matthew 27:11-14
Lots were cast for his garments
Psalm 22:18
Matthew 27:35
Mocked while on the stake
Psalm 22:7, 8
Matthew 27:39-43
None of his bones broken
Psalm 34:20
John 19:33, 36
Buried with the rich
Isaiah 53:9
Matthew 27:57-60
His resurrection
Psalm 16:10
Acts 2:24, 27
Resurrected to heaven to be at God’s right hand
Psalm 110:1
Acts 7:55, 56
6 JEHOVAH’S PURPOSE FOR THE EARTH
Jehovah created the earth to be a paradise home for humans who love him. His purpose has not changed. Soon, God will remove wickedness and give his people everlasting life.
▸ Chap. 3, par. 1
7 SATAN THE DEVIL
Satan is the angel who started the rebellion against God. He is called Satan, which means “Resister,” because he fights against Jehovah. He is also called Devil, which means “Slanderer.” This name was given to him because he tells lies about God and deceives people.
▸ Chap. 3, par. 4
8 ANGELS
Jehovah created the angels long before he created the earth. They were created to live in heaven. There are more than a hundred million angels. (Daniel 7:10) They have names and different personalities, and loyal angels humbly refuse to be worshipped by humans. They have different ranks and are assigned a variety of work. Some of this work includes serving before Jehovah’s throne, delivering his messages, protecting and guiding his servants on earth, carrying out his judgments, and supporting the preaching work. (Psalm 34:7; Revelation 14:6; 22:8, 9) In the future, they will fight alongside Jesus in the war of Armageddon.—Revelation 16:14, 16; 19:14, 15.
▸ Chap. 3, par. 5; Chap. 10, par. 1
9 SIN
Anything that we feel, think, or do that is against Jehovah or his will is sin. Because sin damages our relationship with God, he has given us laws and principles that help us to avoid intentional sin. In the beginning, Jehovah created everything perfect, but when Adam and Eve chose to disobey Jehovah, they sinned and were no longer perfect. They grew old and died, and because we inherited sin from Adam, we too grow old and die.
▸ Chap. 3, par. 7; Chap. 5, par. 3
10 ARMAGEDDON
This is God’s war to destroy Satan’s world and all wickedness.
▸ Chap. 3, par. 13; Chap. 8, par. 18
11 GOD’S KINGDOM
God’s Kingdom is a government that Jehovah has set up in heaven. Jesus Christ is ruling as its King. In the future, Jehovah will use the Kingdom to remove all wickedness. God’s Kingdom will rule over the earth.
▸ Chap. 3, par. 14
12 JESUS CHRIST
God created Jesus before everything else. Jehovah sent Jesus to earth to die for all humans. After Jesus was killed, Jehovah resurrected him. Jesus is now ruling in heaven as King of God’s Kingdom.
▸ Chap. 4, par. 2
13 THE PROPHECY OF THE 70 WEEKS
The Bible prophesied, or foretold, when the Messiah would appear. This would be at the end of a period of time called the 69 weeks, which began in the year 455 B.C.E. and ended in the year 29 C.E.
How do we know that it ended in 29 C.E.? The 69 weeks began in the year 455 B.C.E. when Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem and began to rebuild the city. (Daniel 9:25; Nehemiah 2:1, 5-8) Just as the word “dozen” makes us think of the number 12, so the word “week” reminds us of the number 7. The weeks in this prophecy are not weeks of seven days but are weeks of seven years, in line with the prophetic rule of “a day for a year.” (Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6) This means that each week is seven years long and that the 69 weeks add up to 483 years (69 x 7). If we count 483 years from 455 B.C.E., it takes us to the year 29 C.E. This is exactly the year when Jesus was baptized and became the Messiah!—Luke 3:1, 2, 21, 22.
The same prophecy foretold another week, which is an extra seven years. During this time period, in the year 33 C.E., the Messiah would be killed, and beginning in the year 36 C.E., the good news of God’s Kingdom would be preached to all the nations and not just to the Jews.—Daniel 9:24-27.
▸ Chap. 4, par. 7
14 THE FALSE TEACHING OF THE TRINITY
The Bible teaches that Jehovah God is the Creator and that he created Jesus before all other things. (Colossians 1:15, 16) Jesus is not Almighty God. He never claimed that he was equal to God. In fact, he said: “The Father is greater than I am.” (John 14:28; 1 Corinthians 15:28) But some religions teach the Trinity, that God is three persons in one: the Father, the Son, and the holy spirit. The word “Trinity” is not in the Bible. This is a false teaching.
The holy spirit is God’s active force, his invisible power in action that he uses to do his will. It is not a person. For example, early Christians “became filled with holy spirit,” and Jehovah said: “I will pour out some of my spirit on every sort of flesh.”—Acts 2:1-4, 17.
▸ Chap. 4, par. 12; Chap. 15, par. 17
15 THE CROSS
When true Christians worship God, they do not use the cross. Why not?
The cross has been used in false religion for a long time. In ancient times it was used in nature worship and in pagan sex rites. During the first 300 years after Jesus’ death, Christians did not use the cross in their worship. Much later, Roman Emperor Constantine made the cross a symbol of Christianity. The symbol was used to try to make Christianity more popular. But the cross had nothing to do with Jesus Christ. The New Catholic Encyclopedia explains: “The cross is found in both pre-Christian and non-Christian cultures.”
Jesus did not die on a cross. The Greek words translated “cross” basically mean “an upright stake,” “a timber,” or “a tree.” The Companion Bible explains: “There is nothing in the Greek of the [New Testament] even to imply two pieces of timber.” Jesus died on an upright stake.
Jehovah does not want us to use images or symbols in our worship.—Exodus 20:4, 5; 1 Corinthians 10:14.
▸ Chap. 5, par. 12
16 THE MEMORIAL
Jesus commanded his disciples to observe the Memorial of his death. They do this each year on Nisan 14, the same date that the Israelites celebrated the Passover. Bread and wine, which represent Jesus’ body and blood, are passed around to everyone at the Memorial. Those who will rule with Jesus in heaven eat the bread and drink the wine. Those who have the hope of living forever on earth respectfully attend the Memorial but do not eat the bread or drink the wine.
▸ Chap. 5, par. 21
17 SOUL
In the English edition of the New World Translation, the word “soul” is used to describe (1) a person, (2) an animal, or (3) the life of a person or an animal. Here are some examples:
A person. “In Noah’s day . . . a few people, that is, eight souls, were carried safely through the water.” (1 Peter 3:20) Here the word “souls” refers to people—Noah and his wife, their three sons, and the sons’ wives.
An animal. “God said: ‘Let the waters swarm with living creatures [“souls,” footnote], and let flying creatures fly above the earth across the expanse of the heavens.’ Then God said: ‘Let the earth bring forth living creatures [“souls,” footnote] according to their kinds, domestic animals and creeping animals and wild animals of the earth according to their kinds.’ And it was so.”—Genesis 1:20, 24.
The life of a person or an animal. Jehovah told Moses: “All the men who were seeking to kill you [“seeking your soul,” footnote] are dead.” (Exodus 4:19) When Jesus was on earth, he said: “I am the fine shepherd; the fine shepherd surrenders his life [“soul,” footnote] in behalf of the sheep.”—John 10:11.
In addition, when a person does something with his “whole soul,” this means that he does it willingly and to the best of his ability. (Matthew 22:37; Deuteronomy 6:5) The word “soul” can also be used to describe the desire or appetite of a living creature. A dead person or a dead body can be referred to as a dead soul.—Numbers 6:6; Proverbs 23:2; Isaiah 56:11; Haggai 2:13.
▸ Chap. 6, par. 5; Chap. 15, par. 17
18 SPIRIT
The Hebrew and Greek words translated “spirit” in the English edition of the New World Translation can mean different things. Yet they always refer to something invisible to humans, such as the wind or the breath of humans and animals. These words may also refer to spirit persons and to the holy spirit, which is God’s active force. The Bible does not teach that a separate part of a person keeps on living after he dies.—Exodus 35:21; Psalm 104:29; Matthew 12:43; Luke 11:13.
▸ Chap. 6, par. 5; Chap. 15, par. 17
19 GEHENNA
Gehenna is the name of a valley near Jerusalem where garbage was burned and destroyed. There is no evidence that in Jesus’ time animals or humans were tortured or burned alive in this valley. So Gehenna does not symbolize an invisible place where people who have died are tortured and burned forever. When Jesus spoke of those who are thrown into Gehenna, he was talking about complete destruction.—Matthew 5:22; 10:28.
▸ Chap. 7, par. 20
20 THE LORD’S PRAYER
This is the prayer Jesus gave when teaching his disciples how to pray. It is also called the Our Father prayer or the model prayer. For example, Jesus taught us to pray this way:
“Let your name be sanctified”
We pray for Jehovah to clear his name, or reputation, of all lies. This is so that everyone in heaven and on earth will honor and respect God’s name.
“Let your Kingdom come”
We pray for God’s government to destroy Satan’s wicked world, to rule over the earth, and to make the earth into a paradise.
“Let your will take place . . . on earth”
We pray for God’s purpose for the earth to be fulfilled so that obedient, perfect humans can live forever in Paradise, just as Jehovah wanted when humans were created.
▸ Chap. 8, par. 2
21 THE RANSOM
Jehovah provided the ransom to save humans from sin and death. The ransom was the price needed to buy back the perfect human life that the first man, Adam, lost and to repair man’s damaged relationship with Jehovah. God sent Jesus to earth so that he could die for all sinners. Because of Jesus’ death, all humans have the opportunity to live forever and become perfect.
▸ Chap. 8, par. 21; Chap. 9, par. 13
22 WHY IS THE YEAR 1914 SO IMPORTANT?
The prophecy in Daniel chapter 4 teaches us that God would set up his Kingdom in 1914.
The prophecy: Jehovah gave King Nebuchadnezzar a prophetic dream about a large tree that was chopped down. In the dream, a band of iron and copper was put around the tree’s stump to stop it from growing for a period of “seven times.” After that, the tree would grow again.—Daniel 4:1, 10-16.
What the prophecy means for us: The tree represents God’s rulership. For many years, Jehovah used kings in Jerusalem to rule over the nation of Israel. (1 Chronicles 29:23) But those kings became unfaithful, and their rulership ended. Jerusalem was destroyed in the year 607 B.C.E. That was the start of the “seven times.” (2 Kings 25:1, 8-10; Ezekiel 21:25-27) When Jesus said, “Jerusalem will be trampled on by the nations until the appointed times of the nations are fulfilled,” he was talking about the “seven times.” (Luke 21:24) So the “seven times” did not end when Jesus was on earth. Jehovah promised to appoint a King at the end of the “seven times.” The rulership of this new King, Jesus, would bring great blessings for God’s people all over the earth, forever.—Luke 1:30-33.
The length of the “seven times”: The “seven times” lasted for 2,520 years. If we count 2,520 years from the year 607 B.C.E., we end up at the year 1914. That was when Jehovah made Jesus, the Messiah, King of God’s Kingdom in heaven.
How do we get the number 2,520? The Bible says that three and a half times equal 1,260 days. (Revelation 12:6, 14) So “seven times” is double that number, or 2,520 days. The 2,520 days are equal to 2,520 years because of the prophetic rule “a day for a year.”—Numbers 14:34; Ezekiel 4:6.
▸ Chap. 8, par. 23
23 MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL
The word “archangel” means “chief of the angels.” The Bible mentions only one archangel, and his name is Michael.—Daniel 12:1; Jude 9.
Michael is the Leader of God’s army of faithful angels. Revelation 12:7 says: “Michael and his angels battled with the dragon . . . and its angels.” The book of Revelation says that the Leader of God’s army is Jesus, so Michael is another name for Jesus.—Revelation 19:14-16.
▸ Chap. 9, par. 4
24 THE LAST DAYS
This expression refers to the time period when major events would happen on earth just before God’s Kingdom destroys Satan’s world. Similar expressions, such as “the conclusion of the system of things” and “the presence of the Son of man,” are used in Bible prophecy to refer to the same time period. (Matthew 24:3, 27, 37) “The last days” started when God’s Kingdom began ruling in heaven in 1914 and will end when Satan’s world is destroyed at Armageddon.—2 Timothy 3:1; 2 Peter 3:3.
▸ Chap. 9, par. 5
25 RESURRECTION
When God brings a person who has died back to life, it is called a resurrection. Nine resurrections are mentioned in the Bible. Elijah, Elisha, Jesus, Peter, and Paul all performed resurrections. These miracles were possible only because of God’s power. Jehovah promises to resurrect “both the righteous and the unrighteous” to life on earth. (Acts 24:15) The Bible also mentions a resurrection to heaven. This takes place when those who are chosen, or anointed, by God are resurrected to live in heaven with Jesus.—John 5:28, 29; 11:25; Philippians 3:11; Revelation 20:5, 6.
▸ Chap. 9, par. 13
26 DEMONISM (SPIRITISM)
Demonism or spiritism is the bad practice of trying to communicate with spirits, either directly or through someone else, such as a witch doctor, a medium, or a psychic. People who practice spiritism do this because they believe the false teaching that spirits of humans survive death and become powerful ghosts. The demons also try to influence humans to disobey God. Astrology, divination, magic, witchcraft, superstitions, the occult, and the supernatural are also part of demonism. Many books, magazines, horoscopes, movies, posters, and even songs make the demons, magic, and the supernatural seem harmless or exciting. Many funeral customs, such as sacrifices for the dead, funeral celebrations, funeral anniversaries, widowhood rites, and some wake rituals, also include contact with the demons. People often use drugs when trying to use the power of the demons.—Galatians 5:20; Revelation 21:8.
▸ Chap. 10, par. 10; Chap. 16, par. 4
27 JEHOVAH’S SOVEREIGNTY
Jehovah is Almighty God, and he created the whole universe. (Revelation 15:3) That is why he is the Owner of all things and has sovereignty, or complete authority, to rule over his creation. (Psalm 24:1; Isaiah 40:21-23; Revelation 4:11) He has made laws for everything that he has created. Jehovah also has the authority to appoint others to be rulers. We support God’s sovereignty when we love him and obey him.—1 Chronicles 29:11.
▸ Chap. 11, par. 10
28 ABORTION
An abortion is done intentionally to cause the death of an unborn child. It is not an accident or the result of a natural reaction of the human body. From the time of conception, a child is not just another part of the mother’s body. The child is a separate person.
▸ Chap. 13, par. 5
29 BLOOD TRANSFUSION
This is the medical procedure in which whole blood or one of its four main components is transferred into a person’s body from another person or from blood that has been stored. The four main components of blood are plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
▸ Chap. 13, par. 13
30 DISCIPLINE
In the Bible, the word for “discipline” is not just another word for punishment. When we are disciplined, we are instructed, educated, and corrected. Jehovah is never abusive or cruel to those he disciplines. (Proverbs 4:1, 2) Jehovah sets a beautiful example for parents. The discipline he gives is so effective that a person can actually come to love discipline. (Proverbs 12:1) Jehovah loves his people, and he trains them. He gives them instruction that corrects wrong ideas and that helps them to learn to think and act in a way that pleases him. For parents, discipline includes helping their children to understand the reasons why they should be obedient. It also means teaching them to love Jehovah, as well as to love his Word, the Bible, and to understand its principles.
▸ Chap. 14, par. 13
31 DEMONS
They are invisible, wicked spirit creatures with superhuman powers. The demons are wicked angels. They became wicked when they made themselves enemies of God by disobeying him. (Genesis 6:2; Jude 6) They joined Satan’s rebellion against Jehovah.—Deuteronomy 32:17; Luke 8:30; Acts 16:16; James 2:19.
▸ Chap. 16, par. 4 |
HELP FOR THE FAMILY | YOUNG PEOPLE
How to Tame Your Temper | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102015007 | HELP FOR THE FAMILY | YOUNG PEOPLE
How to Tame Your Temper
THE CHALLENGE
“I screamed at my sister and swung the door so hard that the hook on the back of it went through the wall. The hole was a constant reminder of how childishly I had behaved.”—Diane.a
“I shouted, ‘You’re a horrible dad!’ and slammed the door. But before it closed, I saw the hurt look on my dad’s face, and I immediately wanted to go back in time and swallow my words.”—Lauren.
Can you relate to Lauren and Diane? If so, this article can help you.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Outbursts hurt your reputation. “I used to think that others just had to accept my bad temper,” says Briana, now 21. “But then I began to notice that people look foolish when they don’t control themselves, and it hit me—that’s how I appeared to others!”
The Bible says: “The one who is quick to anger acts foolishly.”—Proverbs 14:17.
People will run from an erupting volcano; likewise, they will avoid anyone with an explosive temper
Your anger could cause people to avoid you. “When you lose your temper,” says 18-year-old Daniel, “you also lose your dignity and the respect of those around you.” Elaine, also 18, would agree. “Displaying a bad temper isn’t attractive,” she says. “It just makes people scared of you.”
The Bible says: “Do not keep company with a hot-tempered man or get involved with one disposed to rage.”—Proverbs 22:24.
You can improve. “You can’t always control how a situation makes you feel,” says 15-year-old Sara, “but you can control how you express your feelings. You don’t have to explode.”
The Bible says: “The one slow to anger is better than a mighty man, and the one controlling his temper than one conquering a city.”—Proverbs 16:32.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Make a goal. Instead of saying, “That’s just the way I am,” strive to improve within a specified time period—perhaps six months. During that period, keep a record of your progress. Each time you lose your temper, write down (1) what happened, (2) how you reacted, and (3) how you could have reacted better—and why. Then make it your goal to use that better reaction the next time you are provoked. Tip: Keep track of your successes too! Write about how good you feel after showing self-control.—Bible principle: Colossians 3:8.
Wait before reacting. When someone or something angers you, do not say the first thing that comes to your mind. Instead, wait. Take a deep breath if necessary. “When I breathe,” says 15-year-old Erik, “it gives me time to think before I do or say something I will later regret.”—Bible principle: Proverbs 21:23.
Expand your view. Sometimes you might become angry because you see only one aspect of the issue—the part that affects you. Try to consider the other side of the story. “Even when people are downright rude,” says a young woman named Jessica, “there’s usually an explanation that can help me show a little understanding.”—Bible principle: Proverbs 19:11.
If necessary, walk away. The Bible says: “Before the quarrel breaks out, take your leave.” (Proverbs 17:14) As that scripture indicates, sometimes it is best simply to walk away from a volatile situation. Then, rather than stewing over the matter and letting your anger build even more, get active. “I find that exercise can relieve my stress and keep me from losing my temper,” says a young woman named Danielle.
Learn to let go. The Bible says: “Be agitated, but do not sin. Have your say in your heart, . . . and keep silent.” (Psalm 4:4) Note that there is nothing wrong with feeling agitated. The question is, What will happen next? “If you allow others to provoke you,” says a young man named Richard, “it gives them power over you. Why not try to be mature and overlook the matter?” If you do, you will be controlling your anger rather than letting your anger control you.
a Some names in this article have been changed.
KEY SCRIPTURES
“Put them all away from you: wrath, anger, badness, abusive speech.”—Colossians 3:8.
“The one guarding his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”—Proverbs 21:23.
“The insight of a man certainly slows down his anger.”—Proverbs 19:11.
DANIEL
“Eat nutritious food, and drink plenty of water. I’ve noticed that there’s a direct relationship between my temperament and what I choose to eat.”
NATALIE
“Learning to control your temper is part of leaving childhood and becoming an adult. Children tend to argue and bicker, but mature adults know how to discuss things calmly.” |
This Life (ts)
1974 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/ts | input Page/Publishers’ Page
Is This Life All There Is?
Many common beliefs about life and death have held millions in the grip of fear. This book has been published in the hope that it will aid sincere persons to enjoy the freedom that only the truth can give. May it help you to find real purpose in living now and to have a grand hope for the future.
—The Publishers |
In Grandfather’s Time | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102011012 | In Grandfather’s Time
● The mechanical clock was likely invented in China over 900 years ago. Since then, improvements to clocks have been many. An outstanding improvement came in the mid-1600’s, when the pendulum came into use in mechanical clocks. Thanks to that revolutionary innovation, clocks became so accurate that a new feature appeared on their faces—a minute hand! The new design—with its pendulum, weights, and relatively heavy mechanism—naturally required a sturdy, upright housing. This resulted in what became familiar to people around the world as longcase, or grandfather, clocks, described by one clock expert as “highly reliable and reasonable time-keepers even in adverse conditions.”a
At first, these prized clocks were manufactured only in big European cities, such as London and Paris. Little by little, however, their production spread to the farthest corners of the European continent. Thus, local artistic styles began to embellish the basic design. The clock’s shape could be straight or curved; its structure, slender or bulky. It could be made of pine, ebony, mahogany, oak, or walnut, and its case could be plain or adorned with ornamentation. The grandfather clock therefore gained popularity not only as a superior timekeeper but also as an elegant and dignified addition to the furnishings of a room.
There may be an additional reason why people continue to find the grandfather clock fascinating and attractive. In a way, it appears human. “It is about the size of an average human being and has an expressive and meaningful face,” notes Finnish researcher Dr. Sinikka Mäntylä. Its audible ticktock even resembles a heartbeat. Today, precise and inexpensive quartz-controlled clocks have replaced most of these big upright masterpieces. But even in our hurried times, the presence of a grandfather clock still inspires a measure of tranquillity. The book Keeping Time—Collecting and Caring for Clocks observes: “A long-case clock with its steady and unhurried tick can also somehow soothe the spirit and is redolent of what we think of as a more peaceful age.”
[Footnote]
a The name grandfather clock, as longcase clocks are called in some lands, is said to derive from a popular 1876 song eninputd “My Grandfather’s Clock.”
[Picture on page 19]
A clock that possibly dates back to the early 1800’s |
Examining the Scriptures—2020
2019 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/brochures-and-booklets/examining-the-scriptures/examining-the-scriptures-2020 | July
Wednesday, July 1
Keep perceiving what the will of Jehovah is.—Eph. 5:17.
We are living in “critical times” that are “hard to deal with,” and life is going to become even more difficult before a new day dawns and true peace is restored to this earth. (2 Tim. 3:1) So we do well to ask ourselves, ‘Where am I looking for help and direction?’ Centuries ago, a psalmist acknowledged the need for us to raise our eyes to Jehovah for help in times of need. (Ps. 123:1-4) He compared our looking to Jehovah with the way a servant looks to his master. What did the psalmist mean by that? Well, not only does a servant look to his master for food and protection but the servant needs constantly to watch his master to discern his wishes and then to carry them out. In a similar way, we daily need to search God’s Word to ascertain what Jehovah’s will is for us personally and then to follow that direction. Only then can we be sure that Jehovah will show us favor in our time of need. w18.07 12 ¶1-2
Thursday, July 2
If the Son sets you free, you will be truly free.—John 8:36.
Jesus was talking about liberation from the greatest bondage and oppression that humankind has ever experienced—being “a slave of sin.” (John 8:34) Not only can sin lead us to doing what is bad but it can also prevent us from doing what we know is right or from living up to what we know we are capable of. In that sense we are slaves of sin, and the outcome is frustration, pain, suffering, and finally death. (Rom. 6:23) It is only when the shackles of sin are thrown off that we can hope to have the true freedom that our first human parents once enjoyed. Jesus’ statement “if you remain in my word” implies that there are certain requirements or boundaries for being set free by him. (John 8:31) As dedicated Christians, we have disowned ourselves and have chosen to live within the bounds of Christ’s teachings as his disciples. (Matt. 16:24) Just as Jesus promised, we will be truly free when the benefits of his ransom sacrifice are fully applied to us. w18.04 7 ¶14-16
Friday, July 3
You alone truly know the human heart.—2 Chron. 6:30.
Jehovah shows consideration for the feelings of his people—even when their thinking is not always sound. Consider the case of Jonah. God sent this prophet to proclaim a message of judgment against the Ninevites. When they repented, God chose to spare them. However, Jonah was not happy about this outcome. He “became hot with anger” because his prophecy of doom did not come true. But Jehovah was patient with Jonah and helped him to adjust his thinking. (Jonah 3:10–4:11) In time, Jonah got the point, and he was even used by Jehovah to record this account for our benefit. (Rom. 15:4) Jehovah’s dealings with his people assure us that he has empathy for his servants. He is aware of the pain and suffering of each one of us. He understands our intimate thoughts, our deepest emotions, and our limitations. And “he will not let [us] be tempted beyond what [we] can bear.” (1 Cor. 10:13) How comforting that assurance is! w19.03 16 ¶6-7
Saturday, July 4
All things are naked and openly exposed to the eyes of the one to whom we must give an account.—Heb. 4:13.
Under the Mosaic Law, appointed older men were responsible for handling not only spiritual matters but also civil and criminal cases. Consider a few examples. If an Israelite killed someone, he was not arbitrarily executed. The elders of his city would investigate the circumstances before deciding if the death penalty was appropriate. (Deut. 19:2-7, 11-13) The elders also judged numerous aspects of daily life—from resolving public controversies over property to settling private marital disputes. (Ex. 21:35; Deut. 22:13-19) When the elders were fair and the Israelites obeyed the Law, everyone benefited, and the nation brought honor to Jehovah. (Lev. 20:7, 8; Isa. 48:17, 18) From this we see that every aspect of our life is important to Jehovah. He wants us to be just and loving when dealing with others. And he takes notice of what we say and do, even in the privacy of our home. w19.02 23 ¶16-18
Sunday, July 5
He let himself be afflicted, but he would not open his mouth.—Isa. 53:7.
When we are under stress, it is difficult to be meek. Our words may become harsh and our tone cold. If you have ever felt stressed, consider the example of Jesus. During the final months of his life on earth, Jesus was under intense stress. He knew that he would be executed and that he would suffer terribly. (John 3:14, 15; Gal. 3:13) Some months before his death, he said that he was distressed. (Luke 12:50) And just days before his death, Jesus said: “I am troubled.” We can sense his humility and his submissiveness to God as he poured out his feelings in prayer. (John 12:27, 28) When the time came, Jesus courageously handed himself over to God’s enemies, who executed him in the most agonizing and humiliating way possible. Despite the stress, despite the suffering, Jesus meekly did God’s will. Without a doubt, we can say that Jesus is the most outstanding example of someone showing meekness under stress!—Isa. 53:10. w19.02 11 ¶14-15
Monday, July 6
Let us consider one another so as to incite to love and fine works.—Heb. 10:24.
To attend meetings regularly, we may need to demonstrate courage in the face of difficult circumstances. Some of our brothers and sisters attend meetings despite being burdened by grief, discouragement, or health problems. Others courageously attend meetings despite strong opposition from family members or governmental authorities. Think for a moment about how our example affects our brothers who are imprisoned for their faith. (Heb. 13:3) When they hear that we keep serving Jehovah in spite of our trials, they are strengthened to maintain their faith, courage, and integrity. When Paul was in prison in Rome, he rejoiced whenever he heard that his brothers were serving God faithfully. (Phil. 1:3-5, 12-14) Shortly before or just after his release, Paul wrote his letter to the Hebrews. In that letter he urged those faithful Christians to never forsake meeting together.—Heb. 10:25. w19.01 28 ¶9
Tuesday, July 7
The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.—1 John 5:19.
Satan wants us to become like him—a rebel who ignores Jehovah’s standards and is motivated by selfishness. He surrounds us with people who are already corrupted by him and hopes that they will “spoil” or “corrupt” the way we think and act. (1 Cor. 15:33; ftn.) Satan also tries to infect our heart by getting us to trust human wisdom rather than Jehovah’s thinking. (Col. 2:8) Consider just one idea promoted by Satan—that getting rich should be a primary goal in life. Those who think this way might become wealthy, or they might not. Either way, they are in danger. Why? Because they may become so focused on making money that they will sacrifice their health, their family relationships, and even their friendship with God just to reach their goal. (1 Tim. 6:10) We can be grateful that our wise heavenly Father helps us to have a balanced view of money.—Eccl. 7:12; Luke 12:15. w19.01 15 ¶6; 17 ¶9
Wednesday, July 8
Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things. I will appoint you over many things. Enter into the joy of your master.—Matt. 25:21.
Even before Jehovah’s Son came to earth and set a perfect example of how to impart encouragement, faithful servants of Jehovah were conscious of the need to be encouraging. When threatened by the Assyrians, Hezekiah assembled the military chiefs and the people of Judah to encourage them. “And the people were strengthened by [his] words.” (2 Chron. 32:6-8) Although in need of consolation himself, Job gave his three “troublesome comforters” a lesson in giving encouragement. He told them that if he had been in their place, he ‘would have strengthened them with the words of his mouth, and the consolation of his lips would have brought them relief.’ (Job 16:1-5) Finally, Job received encouragement from Elihu and from Jehovah himself.—Job 33:24, 25; 36:1, 11; 42:7, 10. w18.04 16 ¶6; 17 ¶8-9
Thursday, July 9
I will fortify you, yes, I will help you.—Isa. 41:10.
Isaiah had already described how Jehovah would fortify, or strengthen, his people, saying: “Jehovah will come with power, and his arm will rule for him.” (Isa. 40:10) The Bible often uses the word “arm” symbolically to signify power. So the statement that Jehovah’s “arm will rule” reminds us that Jehovah is a powerful King. He used his unbeatable strength to support and defend his servants in the past, and he continues to strengthen and protect those who trust in him today. (Deut. 1:30, 31; Isa. 43:10, ftn.) Especially when enemies persecute us, Jehovah keeps his promise: “I will fortify you.” In some parts of the world today, our enemies are trying hard to stop our preaching work or ban our organization. Even so, we are not overly anxious about such attacks. Jehovah has given us a guarantee that fills us with strength and confidence. He promises us: “No weapon formed against you will have any success.”—Isa. 54:17. w19.01 5-6 ¶12-13
Friday, July 10
Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need.—Matt. 5:3.
Unlike the animals, you have a spiritual need, which only your Creator can satisfy. (Matt. 4:4) When you listen appreciatively to him, you gain insight, wisdom, and happiness. God satisfies your spiritual need by means of his Word and the abundance of spiritual food that he provides through “the faithful and discreet slave.” (Matt. 24:45) And how varied and rich that food is! (Isa. 65:13, 14) The spiritual food that God provides will give you wisdom and thinking ability, which can protect you in many ways. (Prov. 2:10-14) For example, these qualities open your eyes to false teachings, such as the view that there is no Creator. They protect you against the lie that money and possessions are the key to happiness. And they help you to recognize and resist wrong desires and self-destructive behavior. So continue to search for godly wisdom and thinking ability, viewing them as treasures! w18.12 20 ¶6-7
Saturday, July 11
The days of my people will be like the days of a tree.—Isa. 65:22.
Will the time come when our days “will be like the days of a tree”? Some trees live thousands of years. Humans would have to be healthy in order to have lifespans of such length. If they could live in the conditions that Isaiah foretold, it would be a dream come true, a paradise! And that prophecy will be fulfilled! Reflect on how the promises point to a future paradise: People of the whole earth will be blessed by God. No one will face danger from animals or beastlike humans. The blind, deaf, and lame will be cured. People will be able to build their own homes and enjoy growing wholesome food. They will live longer than trees. Yes, we find indications in the Bible that such a future is ahead. Still, some might claim that we are reading more into those prophecies than is justified. What solid reason do you have to look forward to a real paradise on earth? The greatest man who ever lived provided a solid reason.—Luke 23:43. w18.12 5 ¶13-15
Sunday, July 12
Be transformed by making your mind over.—Rom. 12:2.
The mind is flexible and can keep changing. To a large extent, any such changes will be determined by what we allow into our mind and what we choose to dwell on. By dwelling or meditating on Jehovah’s way of thinking, we can prove to ourselves that his viewpoints are right. It will then be our natural desire to bring our thoughts into alignment with his. Note, however, that in order to make our mind over to Jehovah’s way of thinking, we need to “stop being molded by this system.” We must stop taking into our minds ideas or viewpoints that are in opposition to God’s. The importance of this preliminary step can be illustrated with food. A person might seek to improve his health by eating food that is nutritious. But of what value would that be if he is also ingesting regular doses of contaminated food? Similarly, feeding on Jehovah’s thoughts will be of limited value if we are corrupting our mind with worldly ideas. w18.11 21 ¶14-15
Monday, July 13
Stand firm . . . with the belt of truth fastened around your waist.—Eph. 6:14.
We must be firmly resolved to live in harmony with the truth day by day. Wear the belt of truth around your waist. In Bible times, the belt of a soldier supported and protected his waist and his internal organs. For his belt to provide protection, however, it had to be tight. A loose belt gave little support. How does our spiritual belt of truth protect us? If we keep it wrapped tightly around us like a belt, the truth will guard us from faulty reasoning and will help us to make sound decisions. When we are tempted or under trial, Bible truth will strengthen our resolve to do what is right. Just as a soldier would never have thought of going into battle without his belt, we must be determined never to loosen or remove our belt of truth. Rather, we do all we can to keep it tight around our body by living in harmony with the truth. w18.11 12 ¶15
Tuesday, July 14
Buy truth and never sell it.—Prov. 23:23.
We do not find the truth in God’s Word without effort. We must be willing to make whatever sacrifices are needed to obtain it. As the wise writer of Proverbs notes, once we “buy,” or acquire, “truth,” we must be careful not to “sell,” or lose, it. Even something that is free may come at a cost. The Hebrew word translated “buy” at Proverbs 23:23 can also mean “acquire.” Both words imply making an effort or exchanging something for an item of value. We might illustrate the idea of buying truth this way. Let us say that a market advertises “Free Bananas.” Will those bananas miraculously appear on our table? No. We have to make the effort to go to the market to pick them up. Are the bananas free? Yes, but we must expend the effort and take the time to go to the market. Similarly, we do not need money to buy truth. However, we must make an effort to obtain it. w18.11 4 ¶4-5
Wednesday, July 15
His face shone as the sun, and his outer garments became brilliant.—Matt. 17:2.
Jesus had invited Peter, James, and John to accompany him up into a high mountain. While there, they saw a remarkable vision. Jesus’ face shone brightly and his clothes glistened. Two figures, representing Moses and Elijah, began talking to Jesus about his coming death and resurrection. (Luke 9:29-32) Next, a bright cloud covered them, and they heard a voice from the cloud—God’s voice! The vision gave a preview of Jesus’ future glory and power as King of God’s Kingdom. No doubt, Christ was encouraged and fortified for the sufferings and painful death he would endure. The vision also built up the disciples’ faith and strengthened them for the tests of integrity and years of hard work that lay ahead. Some 30 years later, the apostle Peter referred to the vision of the transfiguration, showing that the vision was still vivid in his mind.—2 Pet. 1:16-18. w19.03 10 ¶7-8
Thursday, July 16
We recommend ourselves as God’s ministers, . . . by truthful speech.—2 Cor. 6:4, 7.
What is one way that true Christians distinguish themselves from members of false religions? We “speak the truth.” (Zech. 8:16, 17) We will tell the truth in ways big and small—to strangers, coworkers, friends, and loved ones. What if you are a young person who wants to fit in with your peers? Make sure that you never lead a double life, appearing to be chaste when around family and the congregation but acting entirely different when around worldly youths and on social media. That is living a lie, playing false to your parents, to fellow worshippers, and to God. (Ps. 26:4, 5) Jehovah knows when we are only ‘honoring him with our lips, but our heart is far removed from him.’ (Mark 7:6) How much better it is to do as the proverb says: “Let your heart not envy sinners, but be in the fear of Jehovah all day long.”—Prov. 23:17. w18.10 9 ¶14-15
Friday, July 17
God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in union with God and God remains in union with him.—1 John 4:16.
God’s people are a spiritual family—one marked by love. (1 John 4:21) That love is usually reflected, not in rare heroic acts, but in countless smaller ways, such as by thoughtful words and kind deeds. When we treat others kindly and considerately, we “become imitators of God, as beloved children.” (Eph. 5:1) Jesus perfectly imitated his Father. “Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down,” said Jesus, “and I will refresh you . . . , for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart.” (Matt. 11:28, 29) When we imitate Christ’s example by “[showing] consideration to the lowly one,” we receive our heavenly Father’s favor and find great happiness. (Ps. 41:1) So, let us manifest our love by continuing to show consideration for others in the family, in the congregation, and in the field ministry. w18.09 28 ¶1-2
Saturday, July 18
We are God’s fellow workers.—1 Cor. 3:9.
When disasters strike, God’s people have opportunities to work with God by helping their brothers in practical ways. For example, they give financial support to those affected. (John 13:34, 35; Acts 11:27-30) Another practical way is by assisting with cleaning or reconstruction. Gabriela, a sister from Poland whose home was virtually destroyed by a flood, cheered up when brothers from nearby congregations came to her aid. “I don’t want to talk about what I lost—those are just material things,” she relates. “Rather, I want to tell you how much I gained. This experience reassured me that being a part of the Christian congregation is a unique privilege as well as a source of joy and happiness.” Many who receive help after a disaster say that they feel richer from the experience. And those who work with Jehovah to provide such help enjoy great satisfaction themselves.—Acts 20:35; 2 Cor. 9:6, 7. w18.08 26 ¶12
Sunday, July 19
Safeguard your heart.—Prov. 4:23.
If we are to succeed in safeguarding our heart, we must be able to identify dangers and react quickly to protect ourselves. The word translated “safeguard” reminds us of the work done by a watchman. In King Solomon’s day, watchmen stood guard on the walls of a city and sounded an alarm if they saw danger approaching. That mental picture helps us understand what we must do to stop Satan from corrupting our thinking. In ancient times, watchmen worked closely with city gatekeepers. (2 Sam. 18:24-26) Together, they helped protect the city by making sure that the gates were closed whenever an enemy came near. (Neh. 7:1-3) Our Bible-trained conscience can act as our watchman and warn us when Satan tries to invade our heart—in other words, when he tries to influence our thoughts, feelings, motives, or desires. Whenever our conscience sounds the alarm, we need to listen and shut the gate, so to speak. w19.01 17 ¶10-11
Monday, July 20
Let them serve as ministers, as they are free from accusation.—1 Tim. 3:10.
Younger men must be evaluated, not by personal or cultural viewpoints, but by the measuring stick of God’s Word. (2 Tim. 3:16, 17) Unscriptural cultural views can hold back qualified brothers. In one country, a well-qualified ministerial servant was entrusted with weighty responsibilities. Although the elders in his congregation agreed that the young brother met the Scriptural qualifications of an elder to a reasonable degree, he was not recommended for appointment. A few older elders insisted that the brother looked too young to be viewed as an elder. Sadly, the brother was held back from appointment simply because of the way he looked. Reports indicate that this way of thinking affects many in various parts of the world. How important it is that we rely on the Scriptures rather than on our own viewpoints! That is the only way to obey Jesus and stop judging by the outward appearance.—John 7:24. w18.08 12 ¶16-17
Tuesday, July 21
When anyone replies to a matter before he hears the facts, it is foolish and humiliating.—Prov. 18:13.
There is danger in quickly forwarding e-mails and text messages. In some lands, our work is under restriction or outright ban. Our opposers in such lands may purposely circulate reports designed to instill fear or to cause us to distrust one another. Consider what happened in the former Soviet Union. The secret police, known as the KGB, spread rumors that various prominent brothers had betrayed Jehovah’s people. Many put confidence in such false reports, and as a result, they separated themselves from Jehovah’s organization. How sad! Thankfully, many later returned, but some never did. Their faith was shipwrecked. (1 Tim. 1:19) How can we avoid such a disastrous outcome? Refuse to circulate negative or unsubstantiated reports. Do not be naive, or gullible. Be sure you have the facts. w18.08 4 ¶8
Wednesday, July 22
Truly I tell you today, you will be with me in Paradise.—Luke 23:43.
In the earliest available Greek manuscripts, punctuation was not consistently used. Thus, the question arises: Was Jesus saying, “I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise”? Or was he saying, “I tell you today, you will be with me in Paradise”? Recall that Jesus had earlier told his followers: “The Son of man will be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights.” (Matt. 12:40; 16:21; 17:22, 23; Mark 10:34; Acts 10:39, 40) So Jesus did not go to any Paradise on the day he and that criminal died. Jesus was “in the Grave [or “Hades”]” for days, until God resurrected him. (Acts 2:31, 32; ftn.) That dying criminal did not know that Jesus had made a covenant with his faithful apostles to be with him in the heavenly Kingdom. (Luke 22:29) Furthermore, that criminal had not even been baptized. (John 3:3-6, 12) Thus, what Jesus promised must be an earthly paradise that was to be fulfilled later. w18.12 6 ¶17-18, 20-21
Thursday, July 23
Make for us a god who will go ahead of us, because we do not know what has happened to this Moses.—Ex. 32:1.
Soon the Israelites were worshipping a golden calf! Despite this obvious act of disobedience, the Israelites somehow fooled themselves into thinking that they were still on Jehovah’s side. Why, Aaron even called their calf worship “a festival to Jehovah”! How did Jehovah react? He felt betrayed. Jehovah told Moses that the people had “corrupted themselves” and had “deviated from the way [He] commanded them to go.” In his “burning anger,” Jehovah even considered wiping out the newly formed nation of Israel. (Ex. 32:5-10) However, Jehovah decided not to eliminate the Israelites. (Ex. 32:14) Although initially involved in setting up the idol, Aaron repented and joined the rest of the Levites who declared themselves to be on Jehovah’s side. While thousands lost their lives because of their idolatry, those who were on Jehovah’s side were promised a blessing.—Ex. 32:26-29. w18.07 20 ¶13-16
Friday, July 24
Beware of the scribes . . . who love greetings in the marketplaces . . . and the most prominent places at evening meals.—Luke 20:46.
What is the greatest form of recognition that we can strive for? It is not the kind of attention that people seek in the academic, business, and entertainment fields of this world. Rather, it is the kind that Paul described for us in these words: “Now that you have come to know God or, rather, have come to be known by God, how is it that you are turning back again to the weak and beggarly elementary things and want to slave for them over again?” (Gal. 4:9) What a wonderful privilege it is to “come to be known by God,” the Supreme Ruler of the universe! He is willing to have an intimate relationship with us. As one scholar stated, we “become objects of his favourable attention.” When Jehovah acknowledges us as his friends, we achieve the very reason for our existence.—Eccl. 12:13, 14. w18.07 8 ¶3-4
Saturday, July 25
I ponder over your reminders.—Ps. 119:99.
In order to benefit from God’s laws, we must grow to love and respect them. (Amos 5:15) But how do we actually do that? A key is to learn to view things the way Jehovah views them. To illustrate: Imagine that you are having difficulty sleeping well. Your doctor prescribes a program involving diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. After trying the program, you find that it works! You probably would greatly appreciate your doctor for helping you to improve the quality of your life. In like manner, our Creator has given us laws that can protect us from the damaging effects of sin and thus improve our life. Think about how we benefit from following the Bible’s laws about lying, scheming, stealing, sexual immorality, violence, and spiritism. (Prov. 6:16-19; Rev. 21:8) When we experience the rich rewards that come from doing things Jehovah’s way, our heart naturally grows in love and appreciation for both Jehovah and his laws. w18.06 17 ¶5-6
Sunday, July 26
Are you the King of the Jews?—John 18:33.
Perhaps the governor feared that Jesus could cause political unrest, a principal concern throughout Pilate’s rule. Jesus answered: “My Kingdom is no part of this world.” (John 18:36) He would not get involved in politics, for his Kingdom was to be a heavenly one. He told Pilate that his work on earth was to “bear witness to the truth.” (John 18:37) When we understand our assignment as clearly as Jesus understood his, we will avoid even lending tacit, or unspoken, support for political independence movements. This may not be easy. “People in our area are becoming more and more radical,” notes one traveling overseer. “A nationalistic spirit has taken over, and many take for granted that political independence will improve their lives. Thankfully, the brothers have safeguarded their Christian unity by concentrating on preaching the good news of the Kingdom. They look to God to solve injustice and the other problems we face.” w18.06 4-5 ¶6-7
Monday, July 27
Oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you.—Jas. 4:7.
Only three books of the Hebrew Scriptures, 1 Chronicles, Job, and Zechariah, mention Satan, which means “Resister.” Why was little said about our enemy prior to the arrival of the Messiah? Apparently, Jehovah did not want to give Satan undue prominence by devoting large portions of the Hebrew Scriptures to discussing him and his activity. Jehovah’s primary purpose for inspiring that section of the Scriptures was to identify the Messiah and lead God’s people to him. (Luke 24:44; Gal. 3:24) When that was accomplished and the Messiah arrived, Jehovah used him and his disciples to reveal much of what we know about Satan and the angels who joined him. That is fitting, since it is Jesus and his anointed corulers whom Jehovah will use to crush Satan and his followers. (Rom. 16:20; Rev. 17:14; 20:10) Remember, the Devil’s power is limited. We are backed by Jehovah, Jesus, and the faithful angels. With their help, we can resist our enemy. w18.05 22-23 ¶2-4
Tuesday, July 28
He takes away every branch in me not bearing fruit.—John 15:2.
Jehovah views us as his servants only if we bear fruit. (Matt. 13:23; 21:43) Hence, in the illustration found at John 15:1-5, the fruitage that each Christian must bear cannot refer to new disciples whom we may be privileged to make. (Matt. 28:19) Otherwise, faithful Witnesses who do not succeed in making disciples because of preaching in an unresponsive territory would be like the barren branches in Jesus’ illustration. However, such a conclusion is unthinkable! Why? Because we cannot force people to become disciples. It would go against Jehovah’s loving ways to disqualify his servants for failing to do something that is beyond their reach. Whatever Jehovah asks of us is always reachable. (Deut. 30:11-14) What, then, is the fruit we must bear? Clearly, the fruit must refer to an activity that each of us is able to carry out. What activity? The preaching of the good news of God’s Kingdom.—Matt. 24:14. w18.05 14 ¶8-9
Wednesday, July 29
You are from your father the Devil, . . . a liar and the father of the lie.—John 8:44.
Whether called pastors, priests, rabbis, swamis, or by some other input, religious leaders abound in the world today. Like their first-century counterparts, they are “suppressing the truth” from God’s Word and have “exchanged the truth of God for the lie.” (Rom. 1:18, 25) They promote such false teachings as “once saved, always saved,” the immortality of the human soul, reincarnation, and the foolish idea that God would condone homosexual lifestyles and same-sex marriages. Politicians have used lies to mislead mankind. One of the biggest lies is yet to be heard when men proclaim that they have achieved “peace and security!” But “then sudden destruction is to be instantly on them.” May we not be taken in by their attempt to minimize how precarious this system of things really is! In truth, we “know very well that Jehovah’s day is coming exactly as a thief in the night.”—1 Thess. 5:1-4. w18.10 7-8 ¶6-8
Thursday, July 30
You must assist those who are weak and must keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, when he himself said: “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.”—Acts 20:35.
Jesus Christ, through his anointed brothers and supportive “princes” of the other sheep, provides encouragement and guidance to despondent and discouraged ones in this time of need. That is as it should be, for these elders are not “masters” over the faith of others but “are fellow workers” for the joy of their brothers. (Isa. 32:1, 2; 2 Cor. 1:24) The apostle Paul set an example to be imitated. He wrote to the persecuted Christians in Thessalonica: “Having tender affection for you, we were determined to impart to you, not only the good news of God but also our very selves, because you became so beloved to us.” (1 Thess. 2:8) Showing that just a word of encouragement does not always suffice, Paul told the elders from Ephesus the words of today’s text. w18.04 21-22 ¶6-8
Friday, July 31
Jehovah is the Spirit, and where the spirit of Jehovah is, there is freedom.—2 Cor. 3:17.
To enjoy and benefit from that freedom, we must ‘turn to Jehovah,’ that is, come into a personal relationship with him. (2 Cor. 3:16) The Israelites in the wilderness did not view Jehovah’s dealings with them in a spiritual way. It was as if their hearts and minds were veiled and hardened, focused only on using their newfound freedom from Egypt in a physical, or fleshly, way. (Heb. 3:8-10) The freedom that is associated with the spirit of Jehovah, however, is more than liberation from physical slavery. Far beyond what human efforts can hope to achieve, the spirit of Jehovah brings liberation from enslavement to sin and death, as well as from slavery to false worship and its practices. (Rom. 6:23; 8:2) What a glorious freedom that is! A person can enjoy the benefits of such freedom even when imprisoned or enslaved.—Gen. 39:20-23. w18.04 9 ¶3-5 |
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