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YOUNG PEOPLE ASK
What Should I Know About Multitasking? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/500600103 | YOUNG PEOPLE ASK
What Should I Know About Multitasking?
How are your multitasking skills?
The myth of multitasking
A better method
What your peers say
How are your multitasking skills?
Do you know how to multitask—to do several things at the same time? Many people think that those who are growing up with technology—sometimes called “digital natives”—can multitask better than the “digital immigrant” older ones who adopted technology later in life. But is that really true?
TRUE or FALSE?
Multitasking allows you to get things done faster.
With practice, you can improve your multitasking skills.
Young people can multitask better than older people.
If you responded “true” to any of those statements, you may have been fooled by the “myth of multitasking.”
The myth of multitasking
Do you think you can do two things at the same time? You might be able to combine some activities without losing focus. For example, if you listen to music while you clean your room, your room will probably look OK.
But when you try to do two tasks that require concentration, both are likely to suffer. Perhaps that’s why a young woman named Katherine defines multitasking this way: “The ability to mess everything up at the same time.”
“I was talking to someone and then received a text message that I needed to respond to. I attempted to do both. As a result, I missed most of what the person who was speaking said and I misspelled almost every word in my message.”—Caleb.
Technology expert Sherry Turkle writes: “When we think we are multitasking, . . . our performance degrades for each new task we add to the mix. Multitasking gives us a neurochemical high so we think we are doing better and better when actually we are doing worse and worse.”a
“Sometimes I think I’m doing a great job texting one person and talking to another person, until I realize that I’ve just responded to a text message out loud and I’ve texted what was supposed to be a verbal response!”—Tamara.
People who try to multitask make life unnecessarily hard on themselves. For example, it usually takes them longer to complete their homework. Or they might have to spend time redoing work that they thought was finished. Either way, multitaskers end up with less free time to do the things that they want to!
For good reason, psychotherapist and school counselor Thomas Kersting says: “If you look at the brain as a file cabinet that neatly stores necessary information, the brains of high multitaskers are a mess.”b
“The more tasks you do at once, the more details start to fall between the cracks. In the end, you may just be creating more work for yourself and wasting the time you thought you could save.”—Teresa.
Trying to multitask is like trying to drive on two roads at the same time
A better method
Train yourself to focus on one task at a time. That might be challenging, especially if you are used to combining activities—studying with texting, for example. But the Bible tells us to “make sure of the more important things.” (Philippians 1:10) Not every task has equal weight. So decide which one comes first, and concentrate only on that task until it is completed.
“An unfocused mind is a lot like a toddler; sometimes you have to tell it no, even though it would seemingly be easier just to let it have what it wants.”—Maria.
Eliminate distractions. Are you tempted to check your phone while studying? Put it in another room. Turn off the TV, and don’t even think about social media! The Bible says: “Use your time in the best way you can.”—Colossians 4:5, Easy-to-Read Version.
“I’ve found that it’s so much better for me to focus on one thing at a time. That way, I’m even happier when I can scratch off that task on my to-do list and move on to the next one. That’s what I call job satisfaction.”—Onya.
Give conversation your undivided attention. Tending to your phone while talking to someone is not only counterproductive but also rude. The Bible tells us to treat others the way we want to be treated.—Matthew 7:12.
“Sometimes while I’m talking to my sister, she is texting someone or doing something else on her phone. It annoys me to death! But to be truly honest, sometimes I do the same thing!”—David.
What your peers say
“If there’s something I need to focus on, I put my phone on silent mode and concentrate on the task at hand. By doing that, I get a lot more done and I do a better job at it.”—Javan.
“It can be challenging to do one thing at a time, but when you focus on one task, you do better work. Quality is always better than quantity.”—Kiara.
Review: What should I know about multitasking?
When you try to do two tasks that require concentration at the same time, likely both will suffer.
People who try to multitask make life unnecessarily hard on themselves.
For better results, try to focus on one task at a time.
Multitasking while engaging in conversation is not only counterproductive but also rude.
The temptation to multitask can be strong, so eliminate distractions.
a From the book Reclaiming Conversation.
b From the book Disconnected. |
Worldwide Security (ws)
1986 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/ws | Chapter 14
After the New Covenant—The Millennial Kingdom
1, 2. (a) With whom may the millions of beneficiaries of the operation of the new covenant be compared today? (b) What did the terms of the new covenant say?
MILLIONS of people all around the earth have already received grand benefits from the operation of the new covenant, even though they are not in it. They are like the non-Israelite residents who lived in Israel during the days when the Mosaic Law covenant was still in force. (Exodus 20:10) How has this been the case with such increasing millions of beneficiaries who are associated with the remnant of spiritual Israelites today?
2 In the prophecy of Jeremiah 31:31-34, the One laying down the terms of the new covenant said: “I will put my law within them, and in their heart I shall write it. And I will become their God, and they themselves will become my people.”
3. (a) In what form was the law of the old Mosaic covenant given to Israel? (b) Before the Christian Greek Scriptures began to be written, where did God have the laws of the new covenant written?
3 In the case of the Law covenant, Jehovah God, by means of the prophet Moses as mediator, gave to natural Israel “the handwritten document . . . , which consisted of decrees.” (Colossians 2:14) What, though, about the law of the new covenant? Its Mediator was not to inscribe it on stone, or to write it in a manuscript. Its Mediator left behind no writings of his own. We ascertain what is the law of the new covenant from the inspired Christian Greek Scriptures. (2 Timothy 3:16) But even before those Greek Scriptures began to be written, from about 41 C.E., Jehovah God began writing his law of the new covenant. When? On the day of Pentecost, 33 C.E. Where? Exactly where he had long before promised to write it: “I will put my laws in their mind, and in their hearts I shall write them.”—Hebrews 8:10.
4. God’s writing his laws upon the heart and putting them in the mind of his servants would have what good effects?
4 Being inscribed upon the heart, those laws would be less likely to cease being loved by those who obeyed them. If those laws were put “in their mind,” they would be less likely to forget them. Hence, the keepers of those laws say, in the words of Psalm 119:97: “How I do love your law! All day long it is my concern.” From their most inward being, they set their affections upon Jehovah’s laws as given through his Mediator, Jesus Christ. Thus, with the right motivation, they determine to keep those precious laws. This applies both to the “little flock” in the new covenant and to the “great crowd” of “other sheep” who are, not in the new covenant, but under it.—Compare 1 John 5:3; John 14:15.
Kingdom Issue to the Fore!
5. What did the Mediator of the new covenant foretell at Matthew 24:12-14?
5 Keepers of the laws of the new covenant dare not succumb to what the Mediator, Jesus Christ, foretold as part of “the sign . . . of the conclusion of the system of things”: “Because of the increasing of lawlessness the love of the greater number will cool off. But he that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved. And this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations.”—Matthew 24:3, 12-14.
6. (a) Was Matthew 24:14 a mere prophecy? (b) Who have taken it as more than prophetic, and what may be said concerning their endurance?
6 This last statement concerning an earth-wide witness to the Kingdom was not a mere prediction. It was a directive for his disciples living in “the conclusion of the system of things.” It was a guide for their correct course of action down to the complete end of a system of things that is loveless and ridden with lawlessness in general, not merely with disrespect for God’s law. Who today prove to be true Christians, taking those words of Jesus Christ as a directive to them? The historical facts that have multiplied since 1919 truthfully answer, “Jehovah’s Witnesses”! Their Bible educational campaign regarding the Kingdom is the greatest on record, and they have shown endurance in it during the past 67 years. Each year now, it grows in scope and power.
7, 8. (a) During World War I, what did Satan try to do to those in the new covenant? (b) In the postwar period, how did the Kingdom issue leap to the fore?
7 Satan the Devil tried to prevent this phenomenal Bible educational campaign by having the small remnant of spiritual Israelites wiped out during World War I. He failed! Promptly, after their revival from a deathlike state in the summer of 1919, they held their first postwar convention in Cedar Point, Ohio, in September of that year. At the second Cedar Point convention in September 1922, the Kingdom issue leaped to the fore. On the fourth day of that convention, eninputd “The Day,” the president of the Watch Tower Society brought his thrilling discourse to a grand climax by exclaiming:
8 “Then back to the field, O ye sons of the Most High God! Gird on your armor! Be sober, be vigilant, be active, be brave. Be faithful and true witnesses for the Lord. Go forward in the fight until every vestige of Babylon lies desolate. Herald the message far and wide. The world must know that Jehovah is God and that Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords. This is the day of all days. Behold, the King reigns! You are his publicity agents. Therefore advertise, advertise, advertise the King and his Kingdom.”
Getting to Know Jehovah More Discerningly
9. (a) Because of the increase of the evidence respecting that righteous government, people have to take what stand? (b) Those taking a favorable stand are being given what knowledge?
9 It has now been more than 70 years since Christ was enthroned in Kingdom power in 1914. Since then, the evidence respecting God’s righteous government has increased tremendously. The people of the world of mankind have to take their stand regarding the Kingdom issue, either for the Kingdom or against it. And those taking their stand for that divine government are having fulfilled toward them these vital words of the new covenant: “They will no more teach each one his companion and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know Jehovah!’ for they will all of them know me, from the least one of them even to the greatest one of them.”—Jeremiah 31:34.
10. (a) So under what designation did the remnant of spiritual Israelites begin to welcome the “other sheep”? (b) What knowledge did the “other sheep” acquire?
10 In 1935 the remnant of spiritual Israelites began welcoming the “other sheep” of the Fine Shepherd into active association with them in “one flock” under Jesus Christ, all of them being Jehovah’s Witnesses. Then those “other sheep,” who began building up to be “a great crowd” without any foreordained number, undertook, along with the spirit-begotten remnant, to “observe the commandments of God” and to do “the work of bearing witness to Jesus.” (Revelation 7:9-17; 12:17) Thus from the start in 1935, these “other sheep” also got to know Jehovah “from the least one of them even to the greatest one of them.”
11. How is Christian knowledge of Jehovah different from and better than that of the Jews under the Law covenant?
11 In what way, however, is Christian knowledge of Jehovah different from and better than the knowledge that the Jews had under the old Mosaic Law covenant? The heavenly Maker of the new covenant goes on to tell us: “For I shall forgive their error, and their sin I shall remember no more.” (Jeremiah 31:34; Hebrews 8:12) This is due to the fact that the new covenant is based upon a better sacrifice by means of a better Mediator. (Hebrews 8:6; 9:11, 12, 22, 23) The better sacrifice of the better Mediator needs no repeating, as on the annual Day of Atonement under the old Mosaic Law covenant. (Hebrews 10:15-18) In view of all of this, the knowledge of Jehovah possessed by those in and under the new covenant is indeed better, more enriching, more discerning, more complete than the knowledge of God that the Jews had under the Law covenant.
12. Above all, what position does Jehovah occupy toward those taken into the new covenant and those under it?
12 Above all, Jehovah God, the Covenant-Maker, is the King over those whom he takes into the new covenant and over those whom he places under it. (Matthew 5:34, 35; Jeremiah 10:7) The apostle Paul, 1,850 years before Jesus was enthroned as King in the heavens in 1914, pointed to Jehovah’s kingship over those obeying the laws of the new covenant, saying: “Now to the King of eternity, incorruptible, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”—1 Timothy 1:17.
The Millennial Kingdom After “the Great Tribulation”
13. (a) When and under what circumstances will the “great crowd” in full measure enter into the blessings flowing from the new covenant? (b) What grand purpose will the new covenant have achieved?
13 The “great crowd” of “other sheep,” who are not in the new covenant but are under it, look forward to coming out alive from “the great tribulation.” After this present doomed system of things is destroyed, they will enjoy, for a thousand years, the reign of Jesus Christ and his joint heirs over the cleansed earth. (Revelation 7:9-14) Then the purpose of the new covenant will have been achieved, that of producing “a people for special possession” to become heirs of God’s heavenly Kingdom. (1 Peter 2:9; Acts 15:14) By means of God’s Kingdom, blessings will flow in full measure to the “great crowd” of surviving “other sheep.” Satan the Devil and his invisible demon organization will have been abyssed and will be unable to interfere.—Revelation 21:1-4; 20:1-3.
14. What good preparation will the surviving “great crowd” have had?
14 The surviving “great crowd” of “other sheep” will have had good preparation for taking up life in the new system of things. Like the remnant of spiritual Israelites, they will have come to know God “from the least one of them even to the greatest one of them.” (Jeremiah 31:34) In prayer to God, the reigning King once said: “This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.” (John 17:3) So this universal knowledge of Jehovah God will work out for everlasting salvation. This will be true not only for the “flesh” that will be saved alive out of the “great tribulation” but also for the billions of human dead ones who will hear the voice of the King and come forth from their memorial tombs. All needed knowledge of Jehovah will be imparted to such resurrected ones.—Matthew 24:21, 22; John 5:28, 29; Revelation 20:11-15.
15. Why will the carrying out of the new covenant not result in any loss to the “great crowd” of the “other sheep”?
15 Happily, the carrying out of God’s new covenant to grand success will not result in loss to the “great crowd” of sheeplike ones who survive the destruction of this doomed system of things. Rather, it will open up the way for even grander blessings here on the cleansed earth that will be theirs to inherit and that they will have an initial part in transforming into a global paradise. (Matthew 25:34; Luke 23:43) Shortly now, those ruining the earth will be gone, “but those hoping in Jehovah are the ones that will possess the earth. . . . The meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.” (Psalm 37:9-11) All hail the Millennial Kingdom of Jehovah God by the “Prince of Peace” that follows the carrying out of the new covenant!
[Picture on page 119]
The good news of God’s Kingdom will be preached throughout the earth before this system ends |
Do I Have to Go to School? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101984007 | Young People Ask . . .
Do I Have to Go to School?
JACK has been a school attendance officer for over 25 years. A truant youth is therefore hard pressed to come up with an excuse Jack has not already heard. “I’ve been told everything by the kids,” he says, “such as ‘I thought I was going to be sick today’ . . . ‘My grandfather in Alaska died.’” Jack’s “favorite” excuse? It was from three boys who claimed they “couldn’t find the school because it was too foggy.”
It would be hard to top these shaky alibis in either “creativity”—or sheer nerve. They do, nevertheless, echo a seemingly universal aversion toward school. When asked how they feel about school, youths frequently express either indifference (“It’s all right, I guess”) or outright hostility (“School stinks! I hate it”). How, though, do you feel about school? Do you, at least occasionally, join the chorus of teenagers who cry, “Do I have to go to school?”
If so, you probably manage to restrain your feelings and attend anyway. Nevertheless, a growing number of youths have defiantly decided not to go (which, of course, keeps men like Jack busily employed). In the United States alone, every day some two and a half million students of elementary and secondary schools are absent! A recent article in The New York Times added that so many (about one third!) are “chronically absent” in New York City high schools “that it is nearly impossible to teach them.”
There are, however, those who do go to school but reveal their dislike of it in more subtle ways.
Schulangst
Jennifer did well in elementary school, but upon entering junior high, she could barely pass her courses. “She doesn’t seem to care,” her mother complains. “She procrastinates, sleeps a lot and then frantically rushes to get assignments done at the last minute—if she does them at all.”
Gary would get up for school and immediately feel sick to his stomach. Said he, “I’d get close to the school, and I’d get so sweaty and nervous . . . I just had to get back to my house.”
Both youths were reacting to the stresses and strains of school. The Germans even have a word for it—“schulangst,” or school anxiety. And what causes it? Some, like Jennifer, find junior high school a bewildering experience. The change from elementary school to a large impersonal institution with an array of instructors is just too much for such youths. As a defensive strategy, they lose motivation and block out school. Shifting their minds into neutral, they coast through school, doing only enough to get by.
For others, like Gary, school violence, peer cruelty and pressure to get good grades trigger an obsessive dread of school—something doctors call school phobia. Such ones may (with a bit of parental persuasion) go to school, but they suffer constant turmoil and even physical distress until the fear is conquered. Dr. Jonathan Kellerman of the University of Southern California estimates that “school phobia” affects “one child in 60” in the United States. And how serious can school phobia get? Robert, for example, was only ten years old. A fireman had to talk him out of jumping from his perch on the roof of the school. The reason for his perilous climb? “He hated school,” reported the New York Post.
Another report is that in 1978 roughly one out of every three German youths under 16 years of age suffers symptoms that may indicate schulangst. Many of the 14,000 suicide attempts by German youths that year were attributed to this anxiety. And in 1978, according to another source, “more than 800 Japanese students between the ages of 5 and 19 committed suicide . . . because of school-related problems.”
But receiving an education has not always been a dreaded ordeal. In fact, youths in Bible times were highly motivated to learn. What made the difference?
Education—Patriarchal Style
The first man, Adam, received a delightful education directly from God. (Genesis 1:28-30) The perfect curriculum God provided not only gave moral guidance but likely included information on the command to cultivate and care for the garden of Eden. Adam was also assigned to name the animals, and this prodigious task required keen powers of observation and a knowledge of language.—Genesis 2:15-19.
Adam passed such knowledge on to his offspring. And for centuries patriarchal family heads likewise schooled their own young. The nation of Israel, for example, practiced parental instruction throughout their years of slavery in Egypt. Generations of youths raised there could not attend the fine Egyptian schools that instructed Moses “in all the wisdom of the Egyptians.” (Acts 7:22) Yet, the Israelite nation was literate—able to read and write!—Deuteronomy 6:9.
Later, God instructed parents: Train your children “when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deuteronomy 6:7) Jewish youths were thus treated to a superb education. Exciting trips to the capital city, Jerusalem, for three yearly festivals not only gave youths firsthand geography lessons but also provided them a chance to meet people from all over the country! (Deuteronomy 16:16) Boys further received on-the-job training and were taught a trade. Women became skilled not just in household chores but in buying and selling. (Proverbs 31:10-31) There was no schulangst or school phobia for Israelite youths!
But what really made education in Israel a success? True, the involvement of parents added a delightful dimension to education. More important, however, was the fact that education in Israel had a clearly defined goal: to help youths know and love Jehovah God. (Deuteronomy 6:4-7) Everything they learned was thus related to their worship. Solomon, for example, apparently studied such things as the earth’s water cycle, the traits of animals, insect behavior and the body’s circulatory system. And under inspiration he made observations that are scientifically accurate! (Ecclesiastes 1:7, 12-14; 12:6; Proverbs 6:6-8; 30:24-28) Nevertheless, Solomon used his scientific insight to promote not atheistic science but the worship of God! “Fear the true God and keep his commandments,” his research led him to conclude. (Ecclesiastes 12:13) Education back then therefore had both a real purpose and a strong motivating power.
Learning From the Past
Life has changed drastically since patriarchal times. Of course, God-fearing parents still endeavor to give their children moral guidance. Most parents, though, admit they have neither the time nor the expertise needed to give their children a formal education. And they would be hard pressed to teach their children the technical skills necessary to survive in today’s world. So the schools have shouldered much of the responsibility of providing secular training for children.
Admittedly, schools cannot provide the warmth of loving parents. Also, many problems now plague school systems around the world: violence, drugs, peer abuse, sagging educational standards and immorality, to name just a few. So you may resent the whole idea of being compelled to attend a school. Remember, though, what made education enjoyable to youths in Bible times: It was their desire to worship God. They learned to read—and read well—so they could read and understand his Word. They studied nature so as to deepen their appreciation of the Creator. They learned a trade so they could carry out their God-given responsibility of caring for their families. Can you learn from this? Could it be that if you develop a similar attitude, it might drastically change the way you feel about school?
You likely have little choice but to attend school, but this does not have to be viewed as a dismal prospect or a cruel sentence! There are definite advantages in attending school if you cultivate the right attitude. But how do you develop this attitude? What are the advantages of staying in school? And how can you cope with such specific problems as school violence and drugs? Future articles in this series will endeavor to answer these questions.
[Picture on page 17]
Some youths show their dislike of school by failing to apply themselves
[Picture on page 18]
In ancient Israel, love of God motivated youths to apply themselves to what they learned |
God’s Kingdom Rules! (kr)
2014 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/kr | outputs
PAGE CHAPTER
6 1. “Let Your Kingdom Come”
13 2. The Kingdom Is Born in Heaven
SECTION 1Kingdom Truth—Dispensing Spiritual Food
32 3. Jehovah Reveals His Purpose
39 4. Jehovah Exalts His Name
49 5. The King Shines Light on the Kingdom
SECTION 2Kingdom Preaching—Spreading the Good News Worldwide
60 6. People Who Preach—Ministers Offer Themselves Willingly
68 7. Methods of Preaching—Using Every Means to Reach People
78 8. Tools for Preaching—Producing Literature for the Worldwide Field
87 9. Results of Preaching—“The Fields . . . Are White for Harvesting”
SECTION 3Kingdom Standards—Seeking God’s Righteousness
100 10. The King Refines His People Spiritually
108 11. Moral Refinements—Reflecting God’s Holiness
118 12. Organized to Serve “the God of Peace”
SECTION 4Kingdom Conquests—Legally Establishing the Good News
134 13. Kingdom Preachers Take Their Case to Court
148 14. Loyally Supporting God’s Government and No Other
157 15. Fighting for Freedom to Worship
SECTION 5Kingdom Education—Training Servants of the King
170 16. Meeting Together for Worship
182 17. Training Ministers of the Kingdom
SECTION 6Kingdom Support—Building for Worship and Providing Relief
194 18. How Kingdom Activities Are Financed
202 19. Building Work That Honors Jehovah
209 20. The Ministry of Relief
SECTION 7Kingdom Promises—Making All Things New
222 21. God’s Kingdom Removes Its Enemies
231 22. The Kingdom Carries Out God’s Will on Earth |
My Hate Turned to Love | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101995004 | My Hate Turned to Love
As told by Ludwig Wurm
It was the coldest night I had ever experienced—minus 62 degrees Fahrenheit [-52° C.]. The date: February 1942—midwinter and wartime. The place: the Russian front near Leningrad. I was a soldier in the German Waffen-SS (Waffen Schutzstaffel), an elite armed force. A sergeant and I had been given the grisly task of burying more than 300 comrades, most of whom had died in their foxholes—frozen to death. The ground was so frozen, however, that it was impossible to bury them. Instead, we stacked the rigid corpses behind empty houses, just like logs. They would have to wait until springtime to be buried.
TO SAY that this gruesome assignment made me sick would be an understatement. In my wretchedness I blurted out, amid tears: “Unterscharführer (sergeant), can you tell me what all this senseless killing is for? Why is there so much hatred in the world? Why must we have wars?” He answered me in a low voice: “Ludwig, I really don’t know. Believe me, I also can’t understand why there is so much suffering and hatred in the world.”
Two days later I was hit in the neck by an exploding bullet that left me paralyzed, unconscious, and near death.
But my persistent questions enabled me eventually to experience firsthand how hate and despair can turn to love and hope. Let me explain.
My Meeting With Hitler
I was born in Austria in 1920. My father was Lutheran, and my mother was Catholic. I attended a private Lutheran school, where I received regular religious instruction from a clergyman. But I was not taught about Jesus Christ as Savior. Emphasis was constantly directed to a “God-sent führer,” Adolf Hitler, and a proposed Pan-German Empire. My textbook seemed to be Hitler’s book Mein Kampf (My Struggle) rather than the Bible. I also studied Rosenberg’s book Der Mythos des 20. Jahrhunderts (The Myth of the 20th Century), in which he tried to prove that Jesus Christ was not a Jew but a blond Aryan!
I became convinced that Adolf Hitler was actually God-sent, and in 1933, I was proud to join the Hitler Youth movement. You might imagine the thrill it was when I was given the opportunity to meet him personally. To this day, I clearly remember the way he looked at me with his unusually piercing eyes. It had such a profound effect on me that when I got home, I said to Mother: “From now on my life does not belong to you. My life belongs to my führer, Adolf Hitler. If I see anyone try to kill him, I will throw myself in front of him to save his life.” It wasn’t until years later that I understood why Mother just cried and held me very close to her.
Early Influence of the Nazi Party
In 1934 the National Socialists revolted against the Austrian government. During this conflict Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss, who opposed the unification of Austria and Germany, was assassinated by Nazis. The ringleaders of the revolt were arrested, tried, and sentenced to death. The Austrian government then introduced martial law, and I became active in the underground movement of the National Socialist German Workers’ Party—the Nazi party.
Then came the Anschluss, annexation, of Austria to Germany in 1938, and the Nazi party became legal. Shortly I was among the loyal party members invited by Hitler that same year to attend the Reich party annual rally in Nuremberg on the Zeppelin Meadow. There I saw Hitler display his growing power. His bombastic speeches, which held audiences spellbound, were full of hatred against all opposers of the Nazi Party, including international Jewry and the International Bible Students, now known as Jehovah’s Witnesses. I clearly remember his boast: “This enemy of Great Germany, this brood of International Bible Students, will be exterminated in Germany.” I had never met any of Jehovah’s Witnesses, so I wondered who these dangerous people were that he was talking about with such venom.
My Service at Buchenwald Concentration Camp
With the outbreak of World War II in 1939, I immediately volunteered to join the elite armed forces of Germany, the Waffen-SS. I was convinced that any sacrifices I was called upon to make in this war would be justified, for our führer was sent by God, was he not? But I was troubled in 1940, as our troops moved through Luxembourg and Belgium into France, when I saw for the first time at close range a dead soldier—a handsome young Frenchman. I could not understand why young Frenchmen would want to sacrifice their lives in a war that Germany, with God on our side, obviously would win.
I was wounded in France and brought back to be hospitalized in Germany. After my recovery I was transferred to duty in the outer perimeter of the Buchenwald concentration camp, near Weimar. We received strict instructions from our officers not to mix with the Totenkopfverbände (Death’s Head) SS camp guards or the prisoners. We were especially forbidden to enter the prisoners’ accommodations section, which was surrounded by a high wall with a large gate. Above the gate was a sign: “Arbeit Macht Frei” (Work Makes Free). Only the SS guards had special passes to enter this area.
Each day in the camp, we saw the prisoners as they were marched to their work assignments led by an SS guard and another prisoner in charge called a Kapo. There were Jews with the star of David insignia on their prison jackets, political prisoners with their red triangle, criminals with their black spot, and Jehovah’s Witnesses with their purple triangle.
I could not help noticing the unusually beaming faces of the Witnesses. I knew they were living in depraved conditions; yet they presented themselves with a dignity that belied their skin-and-bone appearance. Since I knew virtually nothing about them, I inquired of our superior officers as to why the Witnesses had been sent to concentration camps. The answer was that they were a Jewish-American sect closely instructioned to the Communists. But I was intrigued with their faultless conduct, their uncompromising principles, and their moral cleanliness.
My “Messiah’s” End
In 1945 the world that I had believed in collapsed. My “god,” Adolf Hitler, hailed by the clergy as the God-sent führer, proved to be a false messiah. His proposed Tausendjährige Reich (Thousand Year Rule) was completely in ruins after just 12 years. He was also a coward who escaped his responsibility for the slaughter of millions of men, women, and children by committing suicide. The subsequent news of the explosion of the first atom bombs on Japan almost caused me to have a mental breakdown.
Dramatic Changes in My Life
Shortly after the hostilities of World War II ended, I was denounced to the U.S. Army CIC (Counterintelligence Corps), a part of the United States’ occupying forces. I was arrested as a Nazi and a member of the Waffen-SS. My loving fiancée, Trudy, eventually located a doctor who, because of the aftereffects I was experiencing from a spinal injury, convinced the CIC to release me from prison because of my health. I was then put under house arrest until I was cleared of all charges of being a war criminal.
As a war invalid, I was sent to the repatriation hospital in the Austrian Alps for a medical examination. Then one particularly beautiful spring morning as I was enjoying the breathtaking scenery and warm sunshine and listening to the melodious songs of the birds, I uttered a short prayer from deep within my heart: “God, if you really exist, you must be able to answer my many disturbing questions.”
A few weeks later, after I had returned home, one of Jehovah’s Witnesses called at my door. I accepted Bible literature from her. Although she called back regularly every Sunday morning, I did not give any serious thought to or read the literature she left at that time. One day, however, I came home from work more depressed than usual. My wife suggested that I read something to try to relax my mind—a booklet left by the Witnesses eninputd Peace—Can It Last?
I began to read the booklet and found that I could not put it down until I had read it all. I said to my wife: “This booklet was printed in 1942. If someone on the street had then said that Hitler and Mussolini would lose the war and that the League of Nations would reappear in the form of the United Nations, people would have thought he was mentally disturbed. But what is now history is precisely what this booklet said would happen. Do we have a Bible somewhere so that I can check these Scripture references?”
My wife went to the attic and found an old Luther translation of the Bible. I checked the Bible verses listed in the booklet. Soon I began to learn things that I had never heard of before. I learned of the Bible’s promise of a new world right here on earth under God’s Messianic Kingdom. This real hope for a happy and secure future is reflected in the words of Jesus’ model prayer that I often repeated as a boy: “Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.” And to my great surprise, I learned that Almighty God, the Creator of heaven and earth, has a personal name, Jehovah.—Matthew 6:9, 10; Psalm 83:18.
It was not long before I began attending the meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses. At my first meeting, I met an elderly woman whose daughter and son-in-law had been executed in a German concentration camp because of their faith. I felt terribly ashamed. I explained to her that because of my past connections, I knew firsthand what she and her family had experienced, and in view of my association with those responsible, she had the right to spit in my face in disgust.
To my surprise, instead of hate, tears of joy welled up in her eyes. She embraced me warmly and said: “Oh, how wonderful it is that Almighty God, Jehovah, permits individuals from such opposing groups to come into his holy organization!”
Instead of the hatred that I had seen all around me, these people were truly reflecting God’s unselfish love—true Christian love. I remembered reading what Jesus said: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.” (John 13:35) This was exactly what I had been looking for. Now it was my turn for tears. I too began to cry like a child, in appreciation for such a wonderful God, Jehovah.
I Still Had Much to Learn
In time I dedicated my life to Jehovah God and was baptized in 1948. But I soon discovered that I still had much to learn. For example, since I had been so thoroughly brainwashed by Nazism, I could not understand why Jehovah’s organization at times printed articles against the infamous SS. I argued that we as individuals had not been to blame. We were just soldiers, and most of us were completely ignorant of what was happening in the concentration camps.
Then one day a dear brother who understood my problem and who had himself suffered for many years in a concentration camp put his arm around my shoulder and said: “Brother Ludwig, listen to me carefully. If you have difficulty appreciating this point and you find that it bothers you, just put it aside in your mind. Then leave your problem with Jehovah in prayer. You can take my word that if you do this, the day will come when Jehovah will open up an understanding of this and any other matter that perplexes you.” I took his wise advice, and as the years went by, I found that this is exactly what happened. Eventually I came to understand that the whole system of National Socialism, with its SS, was just another diabolic part of Satan the Devil’s entire world system.—2 Corinthians 4:4.
Back to Zeppelin Meadow, Nuremberg
Can you imagine what a highlight of my life it was to return to Nuremberg in 1955 and there attend the “Triumphierendes Koenigreich” (Triumphant Kingdom) Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses! Yes, this assembly was held in the very same place where I had heard Hitler boast that he would exterminate Jehovah’s Witnesses in Germany. Here, for an entire week, more than 107,000 of Jehovah’s Witnesses and friends from all over the world came together for worship. There was no pushing; there were no voices raised in anger. A truly united, international family living peaceably together.
It is hard to describe the emotions I felt when at that assembly I met some of my former comrades from the Waffen-SS who were now dedicated servants of Jehovah God. A joyful reunion indeed!
Looking to the Future With Hope
Since my dedication and baptism, I have had the privilege of conducting several home Bible studies with ex-Nazis in Austria. Some of them are also now dedicated Witnesses of Jehovah. In 1956, I emigrated from Austria, and I now live in Australia. Here I have enjoyed the privilege of serving in the full-time ministry. Lately, however, advancing years and failing health restrict my activity.
One of my most ardent hopes is that of welcoming back from the dead some of the faithful men and women who refused to compromise with the wicked Nazi system and who were executed in concentration camps for their integrity.
Meanwhile, in a most literal way, I have experienced seeing the destructive quality of hate turn to love and hope. My strong hope now is that of living forever on a paradise earth in human perfection, free from sickness and death—a hope not only for me but also for all those who humbly subject themselves to Jehovah’s now-reigning King, Christ Jesus. In my case I can truly repeat with conviction the words of the apostle Paul: “The hope does not lead to disappointment; because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy spirit, which was given us.”—Romans 5:5.
[Picture on page 13]
In my SS uniform
[Pictures on page 14, 15]
The 1955 “Triumphant Kingdom” Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses held in Nuremberg at the place where Hitler formerly held his annual Nazi rallies
[Credit Line]
U.S. National Archives photo
[Picture on page 15]
With my briefcase, ready to preach in Australia
[Picture Credit Line on page 11]
UPI/Bettmann |
Sing Praises (ssb)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/Ssb | Song 8
Loyally Submitting to Theocratic Order
(1 Corinthians 14:33)
1. As Jehovah’s people sound throughout the earth
Truths about the Kingdom, of such priceless worth,
Theocratic order they must all obey
And remain united, loyalty display.
(Chorus)
2. Jesus Christ, our Leader, is in full control;
He equips the soldiers that he does enroll.
’Tis a spir’tual warfare, so we have to act
As a group, united, close-knit, and compact.
(Chorus)
3. Then we have God’s steward and His active force.
These will ever guide us in our Christian course.
So may we be steadfast, seeking God to please,
Loyally proclaiming all his wise decrees!
(CHORUS)
Loyal submission in recognition,
This to our God we owe.
He gives protection, tender affection.
Loyalty to him we show. |
A Closer Look at Religion | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101989001 | A Closer Look at Religion
IF ASKED, you might agree with Voltaire when he called religion “the parent of fanaticism and civil discord, . . . the enemy of mankind.” Or in a spirit of indifference you might say, as did 17th-century Anglican clergyman Robert Burton: “One religion is as true as another.”
Possibly you might admit to being like the person who, as described by 18th-century French essayist Joseph Joubert, “finds in it his joy and his duty.”
Skin-Deep Religion
Nowadays, a person who truly “finds in [religion] his joy and his duty” has reasons to be disturbed. Even in religious countries, many people have only a foggy idea of what they should really believe; their religion has little influence on their daily lives. In some places, statistics show a drop in church membership. For example, recent statistics on Germany revealed that only 6.8 million Catholics attended Mass out of a total of 26.3 million. No wonder Catholic churchmen say they do not consider the Federal Republic to be “a Christian country except in only the most superficial interpretation of that term.”
According to the World Christian Encyclopedia, published in 1982, “it is not Christianity alone which is in decline; it is the entire phenomenon of religion.”
Why Review Religion’s History?
In view of such circumstances, just what is the future of religion? Our series of 24 Awake! articles to appear during 1989 has been designed to answer that question. By reviewing religion’s past, from its early years down to modern times, these articles will present a concise, and yet comprehensive, history of world religion. A glance into the rearview mirror of history will enable us to look into religion’s future in accordance with the well-known principle: You reap what you sow.
Do not be hasty in saying, ‘Religious history is not for me!’ The present is based on the past and whether one is a believer or not, the history of religion has affected everyone, directly or indirectly.
People who deny God’s existence are still in fact religious. How so? By replacing God as the object of their devotion with something else. J. M. Barrie, Scottish novelist of the early 20th century, expressed it this way: “One’s religion is whatever he is most interested in.”
As used in this magazine, religion is defined as a form of worship, including a system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices, either held personally or advocated by an organization. It usually involves belief in God or in a number of gods, or it treats humans, objects, desires, or forces as objects of worship.
We hope you will enjoy “Religion’s Future in View of Its Past.” Since religion has long been a source of conflict, it is most appropriate that we begin with the subject “Religious Disunity—How It Began.” |
“He Gives Power to the Tired One” | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2018242 | “He Gives Power to the Tired One”
Our yeartext for 2018: “Those hoping in Jehovah will regain power.”—ISA. 40:31.
SONGS: 3, 47
WHAT BEARING DO THESE SCRIPTURES HAVE ON OUR YEARTEXT?
Isaiah 40:26
Matthew 11:28-30
2 Corinthians 12:9, 10
1. What pressures must we deal with, but what reason does Jehovah have to be pleased with his faithful servants? (See opening pictures.)
AS YOU know, life in this system of things is by no means trouble-free. Many of you dear brothers and sisters are coping with serious illness. Others, although well along in years themselves, are caring for elderly relatives. Still others are struggling to provide, not luxury items, but just the basic necessities for their families. And we know that many are dealing with, not one, but several of such problems all at once! This requires a tremendous expenditure of time and emotional energy—to say nothing of the financial burden. Nevertheless, your confidence in God’s promises is absolute; your faith in a better future, unwavering. How pleased Jehovah must be!
2. What encouragement can we draw from Isaiah 40:29, but what serious mistake could we make?
2 Do you sometimes feel, though, that the pressures of life are driving you to the limit? If you do, you are not alone. The Bible reveals that faithful servants in the past often felt that they could not go on. (1 Ki. 19:4; Job 7:7) However, rather than give up, they looked to Jehovah for strength. They were not disappointed, for our God “gives power to the tired one.” (Isa. 40:29) Sadly, some of God’s people in our day have concluded that the best way to cope with the pressures of life is to ‘take a break from the truth,’ as they say, as if our Christian activities were a burden rather than a blessing. So they stop reading God’s Word, attending congregation meetings, and engaging in the field ministry—just as Satan hopes they will do.
3. (a) How can we frustrate Satan’s goal to weaken us? (b) What will we discuss in this article?
3 The Devil well knows that our being fully engaged in Christian activities can strengthen us, and he does not want us to be strong. When you feel physically and emotionally drained, then, do not cut yourself off from Jehovah. Draw ever closer to him, for “he will make you firm, he will make you strong.” (1 Pet. 5:10; Jas. 4:8) In this article, we will consider two situations that could cause us to slow down in our service to God and we will discuss how applying Bible principles can help us to cope. But first, let us focus on Jehovah’s ability to strengthen us, as shown at Isaiah 40:26-31.
THOSE HOPING IN JEHOVAH WILL REGAIN POWER
4. What lesson can we learn from Isaiah 40:26?
4 Read Isaiah 40:26. No one has been able to count all the stars in the universe. Scientists believe that our Milky Way galaxy alone may contain up to 400 billion stars. Yet, Jehovah gives a name or a designation to each star. The lesson for us? If Jehovah takes a personal interest in his inanimate creation, imagine how he feels about you who serve him, not because you have been programmed to do so, but because you love him! (Ps. 19:1, 3, 14) Our dear Father knows you through and through. “Even the hairs of your head are all numbered” by him. (Matt. 10:30) And the psalmist assures us: “Jehovah is aware of what the blameless go through.” (Ps. 37:18) Yes, he takes notice of the trials you face, and he can give you the strength to endure each one of them.
5. How can we be sure that Jehovah is able to strengthen us?
5 Read Isaiah 40:28. Jehovah is the Source of dynamic energy. Consider, for example, the amount of energy that he supplies just to our sun. Science writer David Bodanis observed: “The mass our Sun is exploding into energy each second is equivalent to [billions of atomic] bombs.” Another researcher calculated that the sun “currently radiates . . . sufficient energy in one second to meet mankind’s needs for 200,000 years”! Can anyone doubt that the One who “fuels” the sun can give us the strength we need to cope with any problem?
6. In what sense is Jesus’ yoke kindly, and how should knowing that affect us?
6 Read Isaiah 40:29. Serving Jehovah brings much joy. Jesus said to his disciples: “Take my yoke upon you.” And he added: “You will find refreshment for yourselves. For my yoke is kindly, and my load is light.” (Matt. 11:28-30) How true that statement is! At times, we may feel exhausted when we leave home to attend a congregation meeting or to engage in the field ministry. But how do we feel when we return? Refreshed—and better prepared to deal with life’s trials. Jesus’ yoke is kindly indeed!
7. Relate an experience that illustrates the truthfulness of Matthew 11:28-30.
7 A sister whom we will call Kayla has had to battle with chronic fatigue syndrome, depression, and migraine headaches. Understandably, she has sometimes found it difficult to attend congregation meetings. However, after she made the effort to attend a public meeting, she wrote: “The talk was about discouragement. The information was presented in such an empathetic and concerned way that I was moved to tears. I was reminded that the meetings are where I need to be.” How happy she was that she made the effort to attend!
8, 9. What did the apostle Paul mean when he wrote: “When I am weak, then I am powerful”?
8 Read Isaiah 40:30. No matter how qualified we may be, we are limited in what we can accomplish in our own strength. That is a lesson we all must learn. Although he was a capable man, the apostle Paul had limitations that prevented him from doing everything he wanted to do. When he expressed his concerns to God, he was told: “My power is being made perfect in weakness.” Paul got the point. He concluded: “When I am weak, then I am powerful.” (2 Cor. 12:7-10) What did he mean by that?
9 Paul realized that there was only so much he could do without help from a higher source. God’s holy spirit could supply the power that Paul lacked. Not only that, but God’s spirit could empower Paul to perform tasks that he would never have been able to complete in his own power. The same is true of us. If the strength we have comes from Jehovah, we will be strong indeed!
10. How did Jehovah help David to cope with the challenges he faced?
10 The psalmist David often experienced the power of God’s holy spirit. He sang: “With your help I can charge against a marauder band; by God’s power I can scale a wall.” (Ps. 18:29) There are some walls—some problems—that we cannot “scale” in our own strength; we need a boost from Jehovah.
11. Describe the role of holy spirit in helping us to cope with our problems.
11 Read Isaiah 40:31. The eagle does not soar and glide long distances solely in its own power. A draft of warm air gives it the lift it needs, enabling the eagle to conserve energy. So when you are faced with a daunting task, remember the eagle. Beg Jehovah to give you a “lift” by means of “the helper, the holy spirit.” (John 14:26) Happily, we can have access to it whenever we need it—24 hours a day. And we may most keenly feel the need for divine help when we have a disagreement with a member of the congregation. But why do such differences arise?
12, 13. (a) Why do differences between Christians occur? (b) What does the account of Joseph teach us about Jehovah?
12 Differences between individuals occur because we are all imperfect. Accordingly, there will be times when we will be irritated by the words or actions of fellow believers—or when they will be annoyed by ours. This can be a serious test. As with other tests, Jehovah allows us to prove our integrity by learning to work unitedly with dedicated men and women whom he loves despite their imperfections.
Jehovah did not abandon Joseph; neither will he abandon you (See paragraph 13)
13 That Jehovah does not prevent his servants from being tested is illustrated by the account of Joseph. As a young man, Joseph was sold into slavery by his jealous half brothers and taken to Egypt. (Gen. 37:28) Jehovah saw what was happening and no doubt was grieved to observe the way his friend, righteous Joseph, was being treated. Still, He did not intervene. Later, when Joseph was accused of trying to rape Potiphar’s wife and was thrown into prison, Jehovah still did not step in. But did God ever abandon Joseph? On the contrary: “Jehovah made whatever [Joseph] did successful.”—Gen. 39:21-23.
14. What spiritual and physical benefits can we derive by ‘letting go’ of anger?
14 Here is another example. Few people have been treated as badly as David was. Still, that friend of God did not allow resentment to gnaw away at him. Rather, he wrote: “Let go of anger and abandon rage; do not become upset and turn to doing evil.” (Ps. 37:8) The most important reason to “let go” of anger is to imitate Jehovah, who “has not dealt with us according to our sins.” (Ps. 103:10) But there are also practical benefits to ‘letting go’ of anger. Anger can cause such physical problems as high blood pressure and respiratory trouble. It can affect the liver and the pancreas, and it can cause digestive problems. When we are angry, we do not always think clearly. And at times a fit of anger may be followed by a prolonged period of depression. On the other hand, “a calm heart gives life to the body,” says the Bible. (Prov. 14:30) How, then, can we deal with hurt feelings and gain our brother? We can do so successfully by applying the Bible’s wise advice.
WHEN WE ARE DISAPPOINTED BY OUR BROTHERS
15, 16. How should we approach someone who has offended us?
15 Read Ephesians 4:26. We are not surprised when we have to endure harsh treatment from the world. But when a fellow believer or a family member says or does something that hurts us deeply, we may be devastated. Suppose we cannot simply forget the incident. Will we allow resentment to fester for years? Or will we follow the Bible’s wise advice to settle matters quickly? The longer we put off dealing with the situation, the harder it will be for us to make peace with our brother.
16 Suppose you have been offended by a brother and you cannot put it behind you. What positive steps can you take to make peace? First, approach Jehovah in earnest prayer. Ask him to help you to have an upbuilding conversation with your brother. Remember, he is one of Jehovah’s friends. (Ps. 25:14) God loves him. Jehovah treats his friends with kindness, and he expects no less from us. (Prov. 15:23; Matt. 7:12; Col. 4:6) Next, review in your mind what you are going to say. Do not assume that your brother set out deliberately to hurt you; give him the benefit of the doubt. And be open to the possibility that in some way you may have contributed to the rift. You might begin the conversation by saying something like this, “Perhaps I am being overly sensitive, but when you spoke to me yesterday, I felt . . .” If the discussion does not produce the results you desire, look for another opportunity to make peace. In the meantime, pray for your brother; ask Jehovah to bless him. Ask God to help you focus on your brother’s positive qualities. Whatever the outcome, you can be sure that Jehovah will be pleased with your sincere efforts to gain your brother—God’s friend.
WHEN WE ARE TORMENTED BY OUR PAST
17. What means can Jehovah use to help us recover when we have committed a sin, and why should we take advantage of the provision?
17 Some feel unworthy of serving Jehovah because they have committed a serious sin. Guilt can be a harsh taskmaster. King David, who struggled with guilt, put it this way: “When I kept silent, my bones wasted away because of my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me.” Happily, David dealt with the problem like a man—a spiritual man. “Finally I confessed my sin to you,” he wrote, “and you pardoned the error of my sins.” (Ps. 32:3-5) If you have sinned seriously, Jehovah is ready to help you recover. But you must accept the help he provides through the congregation. (Prov. 24:16; Jas. 5:13-15) Do not delay—your everlasting future is at stake! But suppose that long after a transgression was forgiven, you still have pangs of conscience over past mistakes?
18. How can Paul’s example help those who struggle with feelings of unworthiness?
18 There were evidently times when the apostle Paul was distressed over past misdeeds. He acknowledged: “I am the least of the apostles, and I am not worthy of being called an apostle, because I persecuted the congregation of God.” Nevertheless, Paul added: “But by God’s undeserved kindness I am what I am.” (1 Cor. 15:9, 10) Jehovah accepted Paul for what he was, and He expected Paul to realize that about himself. If you are sincerely repentant of past sins and have confessed them to the extent necessary, you can rest assured that Jehovah will be merciful. So take Jehovah at his word, and accept his forgiveness!—Isa. 55:6, 7.
19. What is the yeartext for 2018, and why is it appropriate?
19 As this system nears its end, we can expect the pressures of life to increase. Be assured, however, that the One who “gives power to the tired one and full might to those lacking strength” can give you whatever you need to carry on. (Isa. 40:29; Ps. 55:22; 68:19) During 2018, we will be reminded of this important truth every time we attend a meeting at the Kingdom Hall. It is embodied in the words displayed there from our yeartext: “Those hoping in Jehovah will regain power.”—Isa. 40:31. |
ILLUSTRATED BIBLE STORIES
David Acts Courageously | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502016171 | ILLUSTRATED BIBLE STORIES
David Acts Courageously
Because a boy named David trusted in Jehovah, he courageously defeated a giant.
Read the illustrated story online or from a printed PDF.
Download
1234 |
Young People Ask, Volume 1 (yp1)
2011 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/yp1 | CHAPTER 27
Why Don’t Boys Like Me?
He knows I’m popular because I’ve told him that other boys like me. He laughed when I told him how silly some of my friends are. And he knows I’m smart—I’ve corrected him on a few things he said. I wonder how long it will be before he asks me out.
She looks attractive, but she seems so shallow! I’ve hardly had a chance to say anything. And when I do speak up, she corrects me! I wonder where the nearest exit is.
DO YOU worry that boys are not attracted to you? Many girls do, even the ones you think would have no problems! Take Joanne, for example. She’s good-looking, intelligent, and articulate. Yet, she says: “I often feel that boys don’t like me. A few that I liked showed an interest in me for a while but later stopped talking to me completely!”
What types of things do young men find attractive in a girl? What do they find unattractive? What can you do to catch the attention of a decent young man?
What to Do
● Know your own mind and heart. You likely felt an increased attraction to boys soon after you entered puberty. You may have felt drawn to more than one boy. That’s normal. But if you had quickly given your heart to the first boy who made your pulse race, you would have risked stunting your emotional and spiritual growth. It takes time to develop positive personality traits, to ‘make your mind over’ on important matters, and to reach some of your own goals.—Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 7:36; Colossians 3:9, 10.
True, many boys are attracted to girls who have not yet formed strong convictions or who are naive. However, such boys are primarily interested in the girl’s body, not in who she is as a person. The fact is, a balanced young man will look for a girl who can bring her strengths to a partnership.—Matthew 19:6.
What boys say: “I find it attractive when a girl is able to form opinions for herself, when she seems to have the inner conviction that she’s a person in her own right.”—James.
“I’d be interested in a girl who can express herself in an honest, respectful way and who doesn’t just agree with everything I say. Even if she’s pretty, I don’t feel comfortable with a girl who just says what I want to hear.”—Darren.
What is your reaction to the boys’ comments above?
․․․․․
● Develop respect for others. Just as you have a need for love, the boys you know have a deep desire for respect. It’s no coincidence that the Bible says to the husband that he should love his wife but that the wife should have “deep respect” for her husband. (Ephesians 5:33) In harmony with this insight, one survey of hundreds of young men found that more than 60 percent said that they valued respect more than love. Over 70 percent of the older men surveyed made that same choice.
Respect doesn’t mean surrender—that you must give up your right to hold a different opinion and to express it. (Genesis 21:10-12) But the way you express your opinion will likely determine if you attract or repel a young man. If you consistently contradict or correct what he says, he may feel that you have little respect for him. Yet, if you acknowledge his viewpoint and comment on what you find praiseworthy, he will be more likely to accept and value your opinion. Of course, a discerning young man will also notice if you treat members of your family and others with respect.
What boys say: “I think respect is the most important thing at the start of a relationship. Love might develop later.”—Adrian.
“If a girl can show respect for me, I feel that she can definitely love me.”—Mark.
What is your reaction to the boys’ comments above?
․․․․․
● Dress modestly, and maintain good hygiene. Your dress and grooming are like loudspeakers that broadcast your inner thoughts and attitudes. Long before you start to talk to a boy, your attire has expressed volumes about you. If your clothing is well-arranged and modest, it will send a very positive message. (1 Timothy 2:9) If it is provocative or sloppy, the message will be loud and clear—and negative!
What boys say: “A girl’s standard of dress says a lot about her attitude toward life. If she wears revealing or sloppy clothes, it tells me that she is desperate for attention.”—Adrian.
“I am drawn to a girl who cares for her hair, smells pleasant, and has a soothing tone of voice. On the other hand, although I was attracted to one beautiful girl, her bad hygiene put an end to that.”—Ryan.
“If a girl dresses provocatively, she’ll spark an initial attraction for sure. But that’s not the type of girl I want to start a relationship with.”—Nicholas.
What is your reaction to the boys’ comments above?
․․․․․
What Not to Do
● Don’t flirt. Women have the ability to exert tremendous influence on men. That power to attract can be used for good and for bad. (Genesis 29:17, 18; Proverbs 7:6-23) If you test out the power you have on every boy you meet, you’ll likely gain a reputation as a flirt.
What boys say: “Just sitting beside an attractive girl and touching shoulders can be thrilling, so I think that a girl who frequently touches you when talking to you is flirting.”—Nicholas.
“If a girl constantly finds ways to touch the arm of every boy she meets or if she coyly glances at every passing male, then I think she’s a flirt, and I find that unattractive.”—José.
● Don’t be clingy. When a couple marry, they become what the Bible calls “one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24) At that stage of the relationship, both husband and wife give up many of the freedoms they may have had when single; really, they become committed to each other. (1 Corinthians 7:32-34) However, if you’re just getting to know a young man, you don’t have the right to expect that level of accountability from him, nor he from you.a The fact is, when you recognize his right to enjoy other friends, he may become more intrigued by you. And the way he uses that freedom will tell you much about his character.—Proverbs 20:11.
What boys say: “I think a girl is being too clingy if she needs to know my every move and seems incapable of having a social life or other interests aside from me.”—Darren.
“If a girl I’ve recently met constantly texts me and wants to know who is with me, especially the names of any girls in the group, then I think that’s a warning sign.”—Ryan.
“A girl who won’t allow you to spend time with your male friends and gets annoyed when you don’t always invite her to be with you is unattractively dependent.”—Adrian.
What is your reaction to the boys’ comments in this subheading?
․․․․․
Appreciate Your Own Value
You likely know girls who would do anything just to gain the attention and approval of a boy. Others may lower their standards just so they can have a boyfriend—or even a husband. However, the principle ‘you reap what you sow’ applies in this matter. (Galatians 6:7-9) If you don’t value yourself and the standards you try to live by, you’re likely to attract boys who don’t value you or your standards either.
The fact is, not all boys will like you—and that can be a good thing! But if you are conscious of caring for both your outer beauty and your inner beauty, you will have “great value in the eyes of God”—and you will attract the type of young man that will suit you best.—1 Peter 3:4.
IN OUR NEXT CHAPTERWhat if you’re a boy and you’ve wondered, ‘Why don’t girls like me?’
[Footnote]
a Of course, when a couple get engaged, they are rightly more accountable to each other.
KEY SCRIPTURE
“Charm may be false, and prettiness may be vain; but the woman that fears Jehovah is the one that procures praise for herself.”—Proverbs 31:30.
TIP
Go easy on the makeup! Too much can send the wrong message—that you are conceited or even desperate for attention.
DID YOU KNOW . . . ?
If you constantly demand a boy’s undivided attention, you may sabotage your relationship with him.
ACTION PLAN!
The trait that I will give attention to improving is ․․․․․
What I would like to ask my parent(s) about this subject is ․․․․․
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
● How can you show that you respect a young man’s thoughts and feelings?
● How can you show that you value yourself?
[Blurb on page 190]
“I admit that I’m often initially attracted to pretty girls. But that can quickly cool off if the girl doesn’t have some definite, worthwhile goals. On the other hand, if she knows what she wants to do with her life—especially if she has already reached some of her goals—that can make her very attractive.”—Damien
[Picture on page 191]
Love and respect are like the two wheels of a bicycle—both are essential |
Jehovah’s Witnesses in Eastern Europe | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101991003 | Jehovah’s Witnesses in Eastern Europe
WHEN the Berlin Wall fell in November 1989, Asiaweek reported that “some 2 million East Germans poured into the western half of their divided country in the two days after East Berlin opened the frontier.” What was their mission?
For the more affluent, it was a buying spree. For others, it was mainly window-shopping and tasting their newfound freedom. Many found Jehovah’s Witnesses on the streets of Berlin and other cities and accepted literature from them. Since then, some have written to the Watch Tower Society’s branch office in Selters, near Frankfurt am Main, expressing some remarkable reactions.
One letter stated: “When I visited West Berlin for the first time in my life, I received a copy of The Watchtower as a gift from Jehovah’s Witnesses on the street. Since then, I have started looking into the Bible again, and even though I have many, many problems, once again there is someone who gives me hope and joy in living. I would be very happy if I could read the book Your Youth—Getting the Best out of It. I would also like to have contact with Jehovah’s Witnesses.”
Another visitor wrote: “As I passed through the tunnel to the main station in Nuremberg, a lady gave me copies of Awake! and The Watchtower. I was thrilled when I read them. For some days I have been using the Bible daily again.”
Conventions of Jehovah’s Witnesses were held in major cities across Eastern Europe during the summer of 1990. The Olympia Stadium in what was then West Berlin was the site of one convention attended by Witnesses from many nations, including eastern Germany. It is estimated that of the 44,532 in attendance, some 30,000 were from eastern Germany. The newspaper Berliner Morgenpost reported that 1,017 new Witnesses were baptized in the Olympic swimming pool, using total immersion in water, the method by which “the participants closely stick to the pattern of the primitive Christians.”
How have things changed in eastern Germany? In March 1990 the East German newspapers announced the legalization of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Under the input “Jehovah’s Witnesses Legal Again,” the East German newspaper Mitteldeutsche Zeitung stated: “March 14 meant the end of a ban that had lasted for four decades. On this day German representatives of Jehovah’s Witnesses were able to leave the building of the G[erman] D[emocratic] R[epublic] State Secretariat for Church Affairs with an official document in their pocket again permitting their community of faith the free exercise of religion within the realm of the GDR.”
A letter received last spring from a Witness in Leipzig tells the story: “One week ago we were still secretly importing spiritual food in small amounts. Now [March 14, 1990] we have been officially recognized! Soon we will be unloading a truck with four tons of literature!” In fact, the first truck into East Germany was loaded with 25 tons of Bible literature, and within the next two months, 250 tons more were sent. Such was the spiritual hunger of those Witnesses who had been deprived of freedom for over 40 years!
When we recall that both Nazism (1933-45) and Communism tried to stamp out the work of the Witnesses in Germany, their past and present vigorous activities are a fine testimony to their integrity and to God’s blessing upon them.
Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Soviet Union
In December 1989, Mikhail Gorbachev met with Pope John Paul II in the Vatican. The Soviet newspaper Pravda reported Gorbachev as saying about this dialogue: “We had a deep and meaningful talk. . . . We spoke about religion and relevant processes underway in Europe, the world, and the Soviet Union.” L’Osservatore Romano, the official Vatican newspaper, reported that Mr. Gorbachev said in his speech to the pope: “People of many confessions, including Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists and others, live in the Soviet Union. All of them have a right to satisfy their spiritual needs. Shortly, the Law on the Freedom of Conscience will be adopted in our country.”
True to that word, in September 1990 the Soviet legislature approved a law allowing freedom of conscience. Article 3 of the law as drafted states: “In harmony with the right to freedom of conscience, every citizen decides for himself his relationship to religion, has the right to practice any religion individually or together with others or to practice none, to express and spread convictions relative to his relationship to religion.”
There are thousands of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Soviet Union who look forward to the exercise of freedom of religion. (See page 22.) For the 1990 “Pure Language” Conventions, over 17,000 delegates from the Soviet Union attended the Russian sessions in Warsaw in representation of all the Witnesses spread throughout the Soviet Union. They look forward to the day when it will be possible to hold conventions in the Soviet Union.
Progress in Poland
Jehovah’s Witnesses were legalized in Poland in May 1989. Since then a branch office has been established, and enlarged facilities are being constructed near Warsaw. Formerly, hundreds of young Witnesses were imprisoned because of the issue of Christian neutrality. Now they are exempt from military service and punishment if they present an appropriate certificate.
The conventions held in Poland in 1989 and 1990 have been another great stimulus to the Witnesses there. A report states that the number of active Witnesses in Poland has risen every month during the last year, with a new peak of over 97,000. No doubt Poland will soon be the 12th nation with over 100,000 Witnesses.a The attendance at the Memorial of Christ’s death in April was 188,861 persons.
Religious Freedom in Romania
Witnesses in Romania were thrilled to hear that their association was legally recognized in April 1990. (See box, page 13.) Soon circuit assemblies were organized throughout the nation, and in one series over 44,000 were present, yet there were only about 19,000 Witnesses in the country at that time. Certainly many Romanians are responding to the Kingdom message.
District conventions with the worldwide theme for 1990 of “Pure Language” were held in the cities of Brasov and Cluj-Napoca. The program was presented in Romanian and Hungarian. Over 36,000 were present, and 1,445 were baptized.
With the January 1, 1991, issue, The Watchtower in Romanian began to be published simultaneously with the English and in full color.
In nearby Bulgaria, where the Eastern Orthodox religion predominates, the Witnesses do not yet have legal recognition but are renting rooms for their congregation meetings. Over two hundred traveled down to Salonika, Greece, for the “Pure Language” Convention held in Bulgarian and Greek.
Good News From Hungary
June 27, 1989, was a historic day for the Witnesses in Hungary. The newspaper Magyar Nemzet announced: “The State Office for Church Affairs declared the religious association of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Hungary, according to the law pursuant to freedom of religion, as a legally recognized religious confession.” The news was announced over the radio and on TV. Hungarians learned that Jehova Tanúi (Jehovah’s Witnesses) at last had legal recognition of their work.
To cover the major regions of the country, “Pure Language” Conventions were held in Pecs, Miskolc, Debrecen, and Budapest. Some 2,000 who spoke Hungarian came from Czechoslovakia and the Soviet Union. To underline the international unity of Jehovah’s Witnesses, a group of 700 visiting delegates attended from Finland. The total attendance in Hungary was 21,568, including upwards of 2,000 Romanian delegates.
Since January 1990, the Witnesses in Hungary have been receiving their full-color magazines regularly, translated simultaneously with the English language originals.
On the Move in Czechoslovakia
In this beautiful country of rugged mountains and fertile plains, Jehovah’s Witnesses are busy helping their neighbors learn more about the Bible. A report on their activity states: “The work is being carried on openly, and large meetings are being held.”
After the dramatic changes in Eastern Europe beginning in late 1989, the Witnesses in Czechoslovakia reacted very swiftly and organized a series of circuit assemblies during the months of April through June 1990. As a result, for the first time, there were positive press reports about the Witnesses. Presently, there are over 21,000 Witnesses in Czechoslovakia, and in 1990 there were 40,295 in attendance at the Memorial of Christ’s death. Over half of the congregations have already rented places where they can hold meetings, and 12 congregations even have their own Kingdom Halls.
A convention was held in Prague in August 1990, with an attendance of 23,876, and 1,824 were baptized. To make the stadium presentable for the convention, over 9,500 Witnesses voluntarily spent over 58,000 hours in cleaning and painting. A representative of Czechoslovak TV commented: “We have visited many social events, but we admire your organization here in the stadium. We can hardly believe that you are organizing such a gathering for the first time.” A visitor said: “I admire the spiritual atmosphere, cordial relations, and love among your brothers. I came as a friend; I leave as an even greater one.”
The Watchtower and Awake! magazines are being published in full color in the Czech and Slovak languages, and The Watchtower is simultaneous with the English in both tongues. When we recall the repressive situation of just over a year ago, these are remarkable changes.
Future Prospects
What are the prospects for the Witnesses preaching in countries where the newer generations have been raised on atheism? A report states: “There is a great darkness as to the Bible and God. The positive side is, however, that the people are not confused by false religious teachings that must be discarded. It appears that the harvest will be great.”
So, what is the message that Jehovah’s Witnesses have to offer the people of Eastern Europe from the Bible? The following article will answer.
[Footnotes]
a The other 11 are Brazil, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, and the United States.
[Box on page 8, 9]
Religious Freedom At Last!
The following are comments by Witnesses from former East Germany who attended the “Pure Language” Convention in Berlin, July 1990.
“My name is Lydia. I am eight years old, and I come from the GDR [German Democratic Republic]. I am very happy to be attending this district convention because a year ago, the borders were not open. We had to celebrate the Memorial secretly. This time free! When everyone starts singing, the tears come. I am so excited I will just have to tell about it at school!”
“We are filled with gratefulness and appreciation for being Jehovah’s guests here in Berlin amid an international brotherhood.”—Bernd.
“That GDR brothers were also on the program points up a special aspect: Jehovah trains and qualifies his people even when they are under ban.”—Gottfried.
“The applause and the singing showed that everyone was happy. It was a roaring sound that inwardly swept a person off his feet. How Jehovah must have rejoiced!”—Egon.
“After my baptism some of the brothers asked if the water had been very cold. I could only answer that I didn’t know. The blessing of Jehovah was so warm that I hardly noticed the temperature of the water.”—Heidrun.
“The atmosphere in the dormitory accommodations was indescribable! From Denmark, Mozambique, England, California, southern Germany, Spain, GDR—all of us sang together, all of us were speaking the ‘pure language.’”—Jutta.
“We always related to our children the memories of the 1958 and 1960 Berlin conventions, the last we were able to attend. But what we now experienced surpassed all our memories and expectations.”—Wolfgang.
“What impressed us most was when thousands stood up to sing and praise Jehovah, especially during the closing song and prayer. We could no longer hold back our tears.”—Monika and Reinhard.
[Box on page 13]
“An Injustice Was Corrected”
Under that input a news item was reported in the Romanian journal Tineretul liber (Free Youth) of August 11, 1990. It stated: “Yes, an injustice was corrected. The much reviled religious organization ‘Jehovah’s Witnesses,’ who have kept their integrity as followers of Christ for more than 40 years, have been legalized, obtaining the charter of a legal entity. This organization carries on its activity under the oversight and authorization of the Governing Body, as a worldwide organization, which is active in 210 countries and island territories.” The item concluded by announcing the August conventions in Brasov and Cluj-Napoca.
[Pictures on page 9]
Convention activities: (from lower left, clockwise) presenting new brochure in Warsaw; Hungarian and Romanian platforms, Budapest; taking notes, Berlin; preconvention stadium facelift, Prague
[Pictures on page 10]
Convention activities: (from left, clockwise) baptism, Romania; stadium, Prague; family with “Mankind’s Search for God” book in Berlin; speaker in Budapest; examining the Bible in Poland |
Reasoning (rs)
1989 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/books/reasoning-rs | Armageddon
Definition: The Greek Har Ma·ge·donʹ, taken from Hebrew and rendered “Armageddon” by many translators, means “Mountain of Megiddo,” or “Mountain of Assembly of Troops.” The Bible associates the name, not with a nuclear holocaust, but with the coming universal “war of the great day of God the Almighty.” (Rev. 16:14, 16) This name is applied specifically to “the place [Greek, toʹpon; that is, condition or situation]” to which earth’s political rulers are being gathered in opposition to Jehovah and his Kingdom by Jesus Christ. Such opposition will be shown by global action against Jehovah’s servants on earth, the visible representatives of God’s Kingdom.
Will humans be permitted by God to ruin the earth by what some call a “thermonuclear Armageddon”?
Ps. 96:10: “Jehovah himself has become king. The productive land [Hebrew, te·velʹ; the earth, as fertile and inhabited, the habitable globe] also becomes firmly established so that it cannot be made to totter.”
Ps. 37:29: “The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it.”
Rev. 11:18: “The nations became wrathful, and your own [Jehovah’s] wrath came, and the appointed time . . . to bring to ruin those ruining the earth.”
What is Armageddon, as referred to in the Bible?
Rev. 16:14, 16: “They are, in fact, expressions inspired by demons and perform signs, and they go forth to the kings of the entire inhabited earth, to gather them together to the war of the great day of God the Almighty. And they gathered them together to the place that is called in Hebrew Har–Magedon [Armageddon].”
Will Armageddon be fought only in the Middle East?
Rulers and armies of all nations will be assembled in opposition to God
Rev. 16:14: “They go forth to the kings of the entire inhabited earth, to gather them together to the war of the great day of God the Almighty.”
Rev. 19:19: “I saw the wild beast [human political rulership as a whole] and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage the war with the one seated on the horse and with his army.”
Jer. 25:33: “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.”
Use of the name Armageddon (Har–Magedon) cannot mean that the war will be fought at a literal Mountain of Megiddo
There is no literal Mountain of Megiddo; only a mound about 70 feet (21 m) high where ruins of ancient Megiddo are found.
The kings and military forces of “the entire inhabited earth” could not fit into the literal Plain of Esdraelon, below Megiddo. The plain is triangular, only 20 miles (32 km) long and 18 miles (29 km) wide at the eastern end.—The Geography of the Bible (New York, 1957), Denis Baly, p. 148.[1]
The name is fitting because of Megiddo’s role in history; the plain below Megiddo was the site of decisive wars
There Jehovah caused the defeat of Sisera, the chief of the Canaanite army, before Judge Barak.—Judg. 5:19, 20; 4:12-24.
Thutmose III, pharaoh of Egypt, said: “The capturing of Megiddo is the capturing of a thousand towns!”—Ancient Near Eastern Texts Relating to the Old Testament (Princeton, N.J.; 1969), edited by James Pritchard, p. 237.[2]
The reference to Megiddo (meaning “Assembly of Troops”) is appropriate because Armageddon is a world situation in which the troops and other supporters of the rulers of all nations will be involved.
Who or what will be destroyed at Armageddon?
Dan. 2:44: “The God of heaven will set up a kingdom . . . It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite.”
Rev. 19:17, 18: “I saw also an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out with a loud voice and said to all the birds that fly in midheaven: ‘Come here, be gathered together to the great evening meal of God, that you may eat the fleshy parts of kings and the fleshy parts of military commanders and the fleshy parts of strong men and the fleshy parts of horses and of those seated upon them, and the fleshy parts of all, of freemen as well as of slaves and of small ones and great.’”
1 John 2:16, 17: “Everything in the world—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one’s means of life—does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever.”
Rev. 21:8: “As for the cowards and those without faith and those who are disgusting in their filth and murderers and fornicators and those practicing spiritism and idolaters and all the liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulphur. This means the second death.”
Will the destruction be forever?
Matt. 25:46: “These [who refused to do good to Christ’s “brothers”] will depart into everlasting cutting-off.”
2 Thess. 1:8, 9: “Those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus . . . will undergo the judicial punishment of everlasting destruction.”
Will there be survivors?
Zeph. 2:3: “Seek Jehovah, all you meek ones of the earth, who have practiced His own judicial decision. Seek righteousness, seek meekness. Probably you may be concealed in the day of Jehovah’s anger.”
Rom. 10:13: “Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.”
Ps. 37:34: “Hope in Jehovah and keep his way, and he will exalt you to take possession of the earth. When the wicked ones are cut off, you will see it.”
John 3:16: “God . . . gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.”
Rev. 7:9, 10, 14: “I saw, and, look! a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes; and there were palm branches in their hands. And they keep on crying with a loud voice, saying: ‘Salvation we owe to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb.’ . . . ‘These are the ones that come out of the great tribulation.’”
What will happen to young children at Armageddon?
The Bible does not directly answer that question, and we are not the judges. However, the Bible does show that God views the young children of true Christians as “holy.” (1 Cor. 7:14) It also reveals that in times past when God destroyed the wicked he likewise destroyed their little ones. (Num. 16:27, 32; Ezek. 9:6) God does not want anyone to be destroyed, so he is having a warning sounded now to benefit both parents and children. Would it not be wise for parents to pursue a course that would result in their children being looked on with favor by God both now and at Armageddon?
Is the love of God violated by destruction of the wicked?
2 Pet. 3:9: “Jehovah . . . is patient with you because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.”
Luke 18:7, 8: “Shall not God cause justice to be done for his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night, even though he is long-suffering toward them? I tell you, He will cause justice to be done to them speedily.”
2 Thess. 1:6: “It is righteous on God’s part to repay tribulation to those who make tribulation for you [his servants].”
Is it possible to take a neutral position?
2 Thess. 1:8: “He brings vengeance upon those who [by choice] do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus.”
Matt. 24:37-39: “Just as the days of Noah were . . . they took no note until the flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be.”
Matt. 12:30: “He that is not on my side is against me, and he that does not gather with me scatters.”
Compare Deuteronomy 30:19, 20.
Whose influence is pushing the nations to the world situation that will result in war against God?
Rev. 16:13, 14: “I saw three unclean inspired expressions that looked like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon [Satan the Devil; Rev. 12:9] and out of the mouth of the wild beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. They are, in fact, expressions inspired by demons and perform signs, and they go forth to the kings of the entire inhabited earth, to gather them together to the war of the great day of God the Almighty.”
Compare Luke 4:5, 6; 1 John 5:19; also Acts 5:38, 39; 2 Chronicles 32:1, 16, 17. |
Life (lp)
1977 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/lp | Chapter 9
Universal Law Reveals Purpose in Life
1. How do people often view law?
PEOPLE, both young and old, often incline to look upon any control of their lives as undesirable. But does resentment or resistance to any regulation of our actions really lead to happiness? Or, instead, can our enjoyment of personal freedom actually be enhanced by our submitting to certain regulations, and working in willing harmony with them—particularly those established by our Creator?
2. What laws can we not evade, and yet how are these beneficial?
2 The benefits of laws to our enjoyment of life can be seen in certain guiding or binding forces in the universe, often called “laws.” One of these is the law of gravity. Such laws governing physical things are inescapable. We cannot ignore them or cancel them out. We cannot violate them with impunity. The penalty for violating such laws is usually executed immediately, as when, for example, someone jumps from a tall building.
3. How is it to our benefit that the physical laws are stable, reliable?
3 The physical laws are also constant, stable. If we could not predict how they would act from day to day, we could get very little work done. If we could not count on the sun’s rising every day or rely on the seasons following one another in a certain order, we could tend to lose our sanity. Without constancy in the natural laws, living would be extremely difficult.
4. Give an example of a substance that is governed by strict laws, and show how this is for our benefit.
4 Take, for example, some substances with which we are familiar in everyday life. Consider oxygen, a gas that we must breathe in order to live. In its normal state it is indispensable to human and animal life. But three atoms of oxygen combine to make ozone, which is poisonous. However, it requires special conditions to produce ozone in the atmosphere. It does not happen accidentally, or just at any time in any place. The action of atoms of oxygen, as of all substances, is governed by strict laws preventing such accidental changes. Therefore we are not in fear of every breath we take, worried that our oxygen may have turned into ozone.
5. What does the existence of the physical laws reveal to us about the Creator?
5 Where there is enforced law, there must be order. A law is not a passing chance occurrence, but refers to that which is continuous, steady. And when we see that this stability exists in the laws governing physical things, we know that there is a purpose in them. It helps us to realize that the Creator has a purpose in everything. God would also have to uphold and be personally involved in sustaining those laws. He could not be one who is “far off,” or who is not actually concerned with his universe.—Acts 17:27.
6. (a) Explain how scientists actually have faith in the physical laws governing the universe. (b) In what greater thing should their knowledge of the reliability of these laws bring faith?
6 The universal laws merit full confidence. When the astronauts traveled to the moon, they relied on the laws governing gravitation and on the precise speed and timing of earth and moon in their orbits. They knew that these laws would operate dependably and with exactness. The very slightest deviation would mean that the astronauts would be whirled out into space forever. They depended also on the principles of radio transmission and a host of other laws. They had confidence—actually faith—in the sureness of these laws. Really, they staked their lives on that faith. Their success is an outstanding testimony to universal law. Does not the fact that the heavenly bodies continue to move orderly and on time, without confusion or collision, imply that their Lawmaker is purposefully maintaining them?—Isaiah 40:26.
PURPOSE MANIFEST IN THE LAW OF PROCREATION
7. Can a person see invisible qualities by observing the physical laws? (Romans 1:20)
7 Goodness and wisdom are evident in the physical laws and in the way that they work out in living things. Goodness can come only from intelligent purpose. A very impressive example of this is seen in God’s law of procreation. How is this?
8, 9. (a) How is goodness evident in God’s law of procreation? (b) In what promise of God should this fact give us faith?
8 Adam and Eve came on the earthly scene about 6,000 years ago, according to Bible history. They broke God’s law—sinned, and passed on genetic defects to their children. These defects multiplied in succeeding generations. Each generation has added to these imperfections, multitudes doing everything imaginable that has damaged their bodies. Many have become drunkards, drug addicts and full of disease through immorality. Bad thinking, hatred and murder have also had their damaging effects.
9 Yet, although no one is perfect, the great majority of babies born today are in a comparatively sound condition. They have two eyes, two arms, two legs, possess all their faculties and can live what we call “normal” lives. In view of all the adverse forces operating for millenniums in the human race, this is little short of miraculous—an evidence of the Creator’s love and care for humankind, as well as the fine quality and sturdiness of his work. Since he was so careful to arrange for the continuance of the human race even though they brought bad conditions upon themselves, should we not believe him when he promises to give everlasting life, with perfect conditions?
MORAL LAWS—VITAL TO PURPOSEFUL LIVING
10. What other laws must we consider to get a full understanding of God and his purpose?
10 To his intelligent creatures God has given another set of regulations—the moral laws. These reflect God’s purpose to an even greater degree. In fact, a purpose is often expressly stated in connection with God’s moral laws. (For examples read Deuteronomy 5:16, 33; Matthew 19:17; Psalm 19:7-11; 1 Timothy 4:8.)
11. Are the moral laws any more changeable or escapable than the physical laws?
11 The moral laws are as stable and as certain in their outworking as are the laws governing inanimate or unintelligent things. One who breaks the moral laws cannot ‘get away with it.’ These regulations are just as sure of being carried out as is the law of gravity, though the retribution for breaking them is not always so sudden.
12. What does the Bible say as to the moral laws of God being sure of enforcement?
12 The Bible expresses the principle with regard to moral laws in this way: “God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap; because he who is sowing with a view to his flesh will reap corruption from his flesh, but he who is sowing with a view to the spirit will reap everlasting life from the spirit.”—Galatians 6:7, 8.
13, 14. Explain what the apostle Paul meant when he spoke of ‘sowing to the flesh’ and ‘sowing to the spirit.’
13 By “flesh” the apostle meant the desires of the imperfect fleshly body. (Ephesians 2:3) By “spirit” he meant the spirit or active force of God that serves to guide His servants in a wholesome way. Paul illustrates the operation of these forces at Galatians 5:19-23:
14 “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, and they are 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. . . . On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
RECOMPENSE FOR ‘SOWING TO THE FLESH’
15, 16. How does the apostle Paul show the results to mankind in general for violating God’s moral laws?
15 As testimony to the truth that God’s moral laws cannot be ignored, the apostle Paul calls attention to what mankind has done. He comments that men had full opportunity, from observing God’s creative works, to seek to learn more about him and to serve him. But, in the main, they rejected him and served gods of their own making. Paul continues:
16 “Therefore God, in keeping with the desires of their hearts, gave them up to uncleanness, that their bodies might be dishonored among them . . . That is why God gave them up to disgraceful sexual appetites, for both their females changed the natural use of themselves into one contrary to nature; and likewise even the males left the natural use of the female and became violently inflamed in their lust toward one another, males with males, working what is obscene and receiving in themselves the full recompense, which was due for their error.”—Romans 1:24-27.
17, 18. Besides physical diseases, what other troubles have mankind brought upon themselves by violating God’s laws?
17 This “recompense” consisted in many diseases, particularly venereal diseases. But also, such turning away from what is right resulted in mental difficulties and every sort of badness. Giving more details of the “recompense,” Paul goes on to say:
18 “And just as they did not approve of holding God in accurate knowledge, God gave them up to a disapproved mental state, to do the things not fitting, filled as they were with all unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, badness, being full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malicious disposition, being whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, insolent, haughty, self-assuming, inventors of injurious things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, false to agreements, having no natural affection, merciless.”—Romans 1:28-31.
19, 20. What are some conditions in the earth today that give evidence that this present wicked system of things is near its end?
19 Such ‘sowing to the flesh’ has been a major cause of mankind’s sad history. But in our time we see the works of the flesh causing greater distress than ever before, on a worldwide scale. Racial and nationalistic hatreds, hypocrisy, immorality, dishonesty, drug abuse, crime, vandalism and terrorism have brought about great fear and unhappiness in the earth. According to the Bible, such widespread, flagrant flouting of God’s moral laws is evidence that this system of things is in its last days. We read:
20 “Know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, self-assuming, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, having a form of godly devotion but proving false to its power; and from these turn away.”—2 Timothy 3:1-5.
RELIGIOUS HYPOCRISY
21. What fulfillment do we see today of the apostle’s words at 2 Timothy 3:5?
21 The latter part of the apostle’s statement shows that it should be no cause for surprise to see the most reprehensible form of hypocrisy today—persons claiming to be servants of God, but proving false to their claim. Though they have a form of godly devotion, it is hollow. They do not believe that godliness will bring the real riches—spirituality, life and peace. Really, it is not the kind of gain that they want. Their “form of godly devotion” is a false front so that they may give a “holy” appearance to a selfish, immoral course of life. As God’s Word says: “They publicly declare they know God, but they disown him by their works, because they are detestable and disobedient and not approved for good work of any sort.”—Titus 1:16.
22. Who were the men that gave Jesus the greatest trouble when he was on earth, and why did he warn the people not to follow their practices?
22 Jesus Christ had trouble with such men among the religious leaders of the Jews. He said to them: “You hypocrites, Isaiah aptly prophesied about you, when he said, ‘This people honors me with their lips, yet their heart is far removed from me. It is in vain that they keep worshiping me, because they teach commands of men as doctrines.‘” (Matthew 15:7-9) He warned the people to take care not to practice their righteousness in front of men merely in order to be observed by them. He said that the hypocrites performed their acts of “mercy” in the synagogues and in the streets, ‘that they might be glorified by men.’—Matthew 6:1, 2.
23. Do we have any counterpart of those religious men in our time, when judgment is near?
23 Speaking of the day when he would act as judge of mankind, Jesus said: “Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?’ And yet then I will confess to them: I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness.”—Matthew 7:22, 23.
24. (a) Will there be a time when God’s laws will no longer be violated? (b) What people will receive adverse judgment and who will receive mercy?
24 From Jesus’ words we see that Jehovah the Universal Lawmaker is going to see that his laws are carried out. He also purposes to bring all intelligent creation into full harmony with his moral laws, so that there will no longer be violations. This will require an adverse judgment for persistent, irreformable lawbreakers. (1 Peter 4:17, 18) It will also call for a merciful consideration of others who have violated moral laws. (Psalm 103:8-10) Who would these be? Persons who have sinned through ignorance, imperfections and weaknesses. There is also a worldly spirit that, much like a mob spirit, motivates people to violate laws of honesty and morality. (Ephesians 2:1-3) Persons who have been swept up with such spirit may later regret this and be shown mercy by God.—Luke 19:8-10; Acts 7:57-60; 1 Corinthians 15:9.”
25, 26. Why is it reasonable and timely to get back into harmony with the Creator?
25 Can we confidently count on such just, yet merciful, treatment? Yes, because the whole structure of God’s law, both physical and moral, is actually for the final purpose of benefiting, not condemning, mankind.
26 Is it not time, therefore, for the honesthearted people of earth to look to the Universal Lawgiver, to get back into harmony with him? Obedience to his laws is not burdensome but brings freedom—the very reverse of what we see today.—1 John 5:3; 2 Corinthians 3:17.
27. What can a person who loves life and peace do to have peace and favor from God?
27 Accordingly, anyone loving life in peace and security should take these things seriously to heart and make immediate adjustments in his life. He should bring it as fully as possible into harmony with God’s laws. Jehovah admonished the nation of Israel: “Come, now, you people, and let us set matters straight between us . . . Though the sins of you people should prove to be as scarlet, they will be made white just like snow.”—Isaiah 1:18.
28. What important questions now merit our consideration?
28 Someone may ask: ‘But can I set matters straight with God? Would Jehovah God care for me and deal with me as an individual? Perhaps I am too bad for him to listen to me.’ Whether God is interested in you is the subject for our investigation in the following chapter.
[Picture on page 100]
Astronauts traveling to the moon showed faith in laws governing speed, gravity and the orbits of the earth and the moon
[Picture on page 101]
Despite thousands of years of human imperfection, God’s laws still cause most babies to be normal at birth |
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 | February
Wednesday, February 1
Jehovah is near to all those calling on him.—Ps. 145:18.
Jehovah is keenly interested in the welfare of all his worshippers. He is near to each one of us, and he notices when we feel overwhelmed by discouraging feelings. (Ps. 145:18, 19) Consider how attentive Jehovah was to his prophet Elijah. That faithful man lived during a difficult time in Israel’s history. Worshippers of Jehovah were being severely persecuted, and Elijah was a special target of powerful enemies who opposed God. (1 Ki. 19:1, 2) What may also have troubled Elijah was the feeling that he was the only prophet left serving Jehovah. (1 Ki. 19:10) God quickly took note of Elijah. Jehovah sent an angel to reassure His prophet that he was not alone—that there were still many other God-fearing Israelites! (1 Ki. 19:5, 18) Jesus warmly reassured his disciples that they would gain a vast spiritual family. (Mark 10:29, 30) And Jehovah, the Head of our spiritual family, promises that he will support those who want to serve him.—Ps. 9:10. w21.06 8-9 ¶3-4
Thursday, February 2
The one who is from God listens to the sayings of God.—John 8:47.
Many are stumbled because our Bible-based teachings expose false religious ideas. Clergymen teach their flocks that God punishes the wicked in hell. They use that false teaching to maintain control over the people. As Jehovah’s servants, who worship a God of love, we expose that false teaching. The clergy also teach that the soul is immortal. We expose the pagan origin of that doctrine, which—if true—would make the resurrection irrelevant. And contrary to the belief in predestination that many religions embrace, we teach that man has free will and can choose to serve God. How do religious leaders respond? Often, they are furious! If we love the truth, we must accept the sayings of God. (John 8:45, 46) Unlike Satan the Devil, we stand fast in the truth. We never compromise our beliefs. (John 8:44) God requires that his people “abhor what is wicked” and “cling to what is good,” just as Jesus did.—Rom. 12:9; Heb. 1:9. w21.05 10 ¶10-11
Friday, February 3
Oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you.—Jas. 4:7.
What if we discover that we have given in to pride or greed? We can escape! The apostle Paul said that those who “have been caught alive by” the Devil can still escape from the snare. (2 Tim. 2:26) Never forget, Jehovah is stronger than Satan. So if we accept Jehovah’s help, we can escape from any snare or trap that the Devil has set. Of course, rather than have to escape from Satan’s snares or traps, we should avoid them altogether. We can do so only with God’s help. So beg Jehovah daily to help you recognize if those ugly qualities have begun to influence your thinking and actions. (Ps. 139:23, 24) Never allow them to get a grip on you! For thousands of years, Satan has been the hunter. But soon he will be bound and eventually destroyed. (Rev. 20:1-3, 10) We long for that day. Until then, stay alert to Satan’s snares. Work hard to prevent pride or greed from dominating you. Be determined to “oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you.” w21.06 19 ¶15-17
Saturday, February 4
Beg the Master of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.—Matt. 9:38.
Jehovah rejoices when a person accepts Bible truth and shares that truth with others. (Prov. 23:15, 16) How great Jehovah’s joy must be when he sees what is happening today! For example, despite a global pandemic during the 2020 service year, 7,705,765 Bible studies were conducted, which helped 241,994 people to dedicate themselves to Jehovah and get baptized. These new disciples will, in turn, conduct Bible studies and make more disciples. (Luke 6:40) Without doubt, we make Jehovah happy when we share in the disciple-making work. Making disciples is hard work, but with Jehovah’s help we can play a part in teaching new ones to love our heavenly Father. Could we set the goal of starting and conducting at least one Bible study? We may be surprised to see what will happen if we use every appropriate occasion to ask those whom we meet to study with us. w21.07 6-7 ¶14-16
Sunday, February 5
Because of my delight in the house of my God, there is also my private treasure of gold and silver that I am giving to the house of my God.—1 Chron. 29:3.
King David made substantial donations from his personal wealth to support the construction of the temple. (1 Chron. 22:11-16) When we no longer have the physical strength to participate in theocratic construction projects, we can continue to support these projects by means of our contributions, to the extent that our circumstances allow. And we can help younger ones to benefit from the experience we have acquired. In regard to generosity, consider the example set by the apostle Paul. He invited Timothy to join him in the missionary work, and Paul shared his preaching and teaching methods with this younger man. (Acts 16:1-3) Paul’s training helped Timothy to be effective in spreading the good news. (1 Cor. 4:17) Timothy, in turn, used Paul’s methods to train others. w21.09 12 ¶14-15
Monday, February 6
There are jealousy and strife among you.—1 Cor. 3:3.
What can we learn from the examples of the disciple Apollos and the apostle Paul? Both men had an excellent knowledge of the Scriptures. Both were prominent and influential teachers. And both had helped to make many disciples. But neither man viewed the other as a rival. (Acts 18:24) In fact, some time after Apollos left Corinth, Paul urged him to return there. (1 Cor. 16:12) Apollos used his gifts in a good way—to proclaim the good news and to strengthen his brothers. We can also be sure that Apollos was a humble man. For example, there is no record that he took offense when Aquila and Priscilla “explained the way of God more accurately to him.” (Acts 18:24-28) The apostle Paul was aware of the good work done by Apollos. But Paul did not feel threatened by him. Paul’s humility, modesty, and reasonableness are seen in the counsel that he gave to the congregation in Corinth.—1 Cor. 3:4-6. w21.07 18-19 ¶15-17
Tuesday, February 7
Many will be made righteous.—Rom. 5:19.
Adam and Eve deliberately disobeyed God, so they deserved to be disinherited by him. But what of their offspring? Jehovah lovingly made a provision for deserving ones among them to be adopted into his family. He did this by means of the sacrifice of his only-begotten Son. (John 3:16) As a result of Jesus’ sacrifice, 144,000 integrity-keeping humans are adopted as God’s sons. (Rom. 8:15-17; Rev. 14:1) Additionally, untold millions of other faithful ones are obediently doing God’s will. They have the prospect of full membership in God’s family after the final test at the end of the Millennium. (Ps. 25:14; Rom. 8:20, 21) Even now they address Jehovah, their Creator, as “Father.” (Matt. 6:9) Resurrected ones too will be given the opportunity to learn what Jehovah expects of them. Those who respond well to his direction will eventually also become members of his family. w21.08 5 ¶10-11
Wednesday, February 8
Make sure of the more important things.—Phil. 1:10.
The apostle Paul had been assigned a ministry, and for decades he viewed that ministry as one of the more important things. He preached “publicly and from house to house.” (Acts 20:20) In fact, he took advantage of every opportunity to preach! For example, while waiting for his companions in Athens, he introduced the good news to a distinguished group of people, with some positive results. (Acts 17:16, 17, 34) Even while in “prison bonds,” Paul preached to those who were around him. (Phil. 1:13, 14; Acts 28:16-24) Paul made the best use of his time. He often invited others to join him in the ministry. For example, on his first missionary tour, he took John Mark, and on his second, Timothy. (Acts 12:25; 16:1-4) No doubt Paul endeavored to teach these men how to organize a congregation, how to carry out the shepherding work, and how to become effective teachers.—1 Cor. 4:17. w22.03 27 ¶5-6
Thursday, February 9
[God] is not far off from each one of us.—Acts 17:27.
Some do not believe in a Creator because they say that they believe only in what they can see. They make exceptions, of course, for such unseen things as gravity, which is, after all, a reality. The type of faith mentioned in the Bible involves evidence for other “realities that are not seen.” (Heb. 11:1) It takes time and effort to study the evidence for ourselves, and many people lack the motivation they need to do the work. A person who does not investigate the evidence for himself may conclude that there is no God. After studying the evidence, some scientists have become convinced that God created the universe. Originally, they simply assumed that there was no Creator because creation had never been taught in university. However, they have now come to know and love Jehovah. Actually, all of us must build our faith in God, no matter what our educational background. w21.08 14 ¶1; 15-16 ¶6-7
Friday, February 10
Jehovah is good to all, and his mercy is evident in all his works.—Ps. 145:9.
Jesus used a parable about a lost son to paint a heartwarming picture of how much Jehovah loves to show mercy. The son had left home and “squandered his property by living a debauched life.” (Luke 15:13) Later, he repented of his immoral course, humbled himself, and returned home. How did his father respond? Jesus said: “While [the son] was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him and was moved with pity, and he ran and embraced him and tenderly kissed him.” The older man did not humiliate his son. Rather, he mercifully forgave the young man and welcomed him back to the family. The lost son had sinned greatly, but on the basis of his repentance, his father forgave him. The merciful father in the illustration represents Jehovah. In this touching way, Jesus illustrated his Father’s willingness to forgive sinners who sincerely repent.—Luke 15:17-24. w21.10 8 ¶4; 9 ¶6
Saturday, February 11
God for the first time turned his attention to the nations to take out of them a people for his name.—Acts 15:14.
Today many religious leaders have done everything in their power to conceal the fact that God has a personal name. They have removed it from their Bible translations and, in some cases, have banned the use of that name in their religious services. Can anyone deny that Jehovah’s Witnesses are the only ones who give Jehovah’s name the respect and honor it deserves? We are making God’s personal name more widely known than any other religious group! In that regard, we are doing our very best to live up to our name, Jehovah’s Witnesses. (Isa. 43:10-12) We have produced over 240 million copies of the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, which uses Jehovah’s name in places where it has been omitted by other Bible translators. And we produce Bible-based publications that promote Jehovah’s name in more than 1,000 languages! w21.10 20-21 ¶9-10
Sunday, February 12
If one of your brothers becomes poor among you . . . , do not harden your heart or be tightfisted toward your poor brother.—Deut. 15:7.
We worship Jehovah when we help fellow Christians who are in need. Jehovah promised to repay Israelites who showed favor to the poor. (Deut. 15:10) Yes, each time we help a fellow worshipper who is in need, Jehovah views it as a gift to Him. (Prov. 19:17) For example, when Christians from Philippi sent a gift to the prisoner Paul, he called it “an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.” (Phil. 4:18) Look around the congregation and ask yourself, ‘Is there someone I can help?’ Jehovah is pleased when he sees us use our time, energy, skills, and material things to help those in need. He considers that to be part of our worship. (Jas. 1:27) True worship requires time and effort. But it is not burdensome. (1 John 5:3) Why not? Because it is done out of love for Jehovah and our brothers and sisters. w22.03 24 ¶14-15
Monday, February 13
He makes his sun rise on both the wicked and the good.—Matt. 5:45.
Before we can show compassionate concern for our brothers and sisters, we need to consider what challenges they are facing. For example, a sister may have a serious health problem. She never complains about it, but she would likely appreciate some practical help. Would she welcome a little assistance with preparing meals or cleaning the house? A brother may have lost his job. Would a modest monetary gift, perhaps given anonymously, help tide him over until he finds another job? We should not wait until our brothers and sisters ask for our help before we show compassion. Like Jehovah, we can take the initiative. He makes the sun rise on us daily without our even asking for it! And the warmth of the sun sustains everyone, not just those who are thankful. Would you not agree that by providing for our needs, Jehovah is expressing his love for us? How we love Jehovah for being so kind and generous! w21.09 22-23 ¶12-13
Tuesday, February 14
You, O Jehovah, are good and ready to forgive; you abound in loyal love for all those who call on you.—Ps. 86:5.
God’s loyal love moves him to be forgiving. When Jehovah observes a sinner who is repentant and who rejects his sinful course, loyal love moves Him to be forgiving. The psalmist David stated about Jehovah: “He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor has he repaid us what our errors deserve.” (Ps. 103:8-11) David himself knew from painful experience how heavy the burden of a guilty conscience can be. But he also learned that Jehovah is “ready to forgive.” What moves Jehovah to be forgiving? The answer is recorded in today’s text. Yes, as David said in prayer, Jehovah forgives because he abounds in loyal love for all those who call on him. When we sin, it is appropriate—even healthy—to feel remorse. It can move us to repent and take steps to correct our mistakes. w21.11 5 ¶11-12
Wednesday, February 15
Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified.—Matt. 6:9.
Jehovah loves his name, and he wants everyone to respect it. (Isa. 42:8) But for some six millenniums, his good name has been reproached. (Ps. 74:10, 18, 23) This started when the Devil (meaning “Slanderer”) accused God of depriving Adam and Eve of something they needed. (Gen. 3:1-5) Ever since then, Jehovah has been falsely accused of depriving humans of what they truly need. Jesus was concerned about the reproach that was being heaped on his Father’s name. Jehovah has the absolute right to rule the heavens and the earth, and his way of ruling is the very best. (Rev. 4:11) But the Devil has tried to mislead angels and humans into thinking that God does not have that right. Soon, the issue will be settled once and for all. Jehovah will be vindicated as he proves that his Kingdom alone can establish real peace and security on earth. w21.07 9 ¶5-6
Thursday, February 16
I will exult in Jehovah; I will be joyful in the God of my salvation.—Hab. 3:18.
It is natural for a family head to want to provide sufficient food, clothing, and shelter for his wife and children. Are you facing economic hardship? If so, this is a difficult time for you. However, as challenging as your circumstances are, you can use this time to build your faith. Prayerfully read Jesus’ words recorded at Matthew 6:25-34 and meditate on them. Consider modern-day experiences that prove that Jehovah provides for those who stay busy in theocratic activities. (1 Cor. 15:58) Doing so will strengthen your confidence that just as your heavenly Father has helped others in similar circumstances, he will help you. He knows what you need, and he knows how to provide it. As you experience Jehovah’s help in your life, your faith will grow stronger so that you can endure greater trials in the future. w21.11 20 ¶3; 21 ¶6
Friday, February 17
If anyone does commit a sin, we have a helper with the Father, Jesus Christ.—1 John 2:1.
The faith of many Christians has been sustained by the teaching of the ransom. They have kept on preaching despite opposition and have endured all sorts of trials right on into old age. Consider the example of the apostle John. He loyally preached the truth about Christ and the ransom, likely for more than 60 years. When he was in his late 90’s, he was apparently considered to be such a threat to the Roman Empire that he was imprisoned on the isle of Patmos. His crime? “Speaking about God and bearing witness concerning Jesus.” (Rev. 1:9) What an outstanding example of faith and endurance! John expresses his deep love for Jesus and his appreciation for the ransom in his inspired writings. They contain over 100 references either to the ransom or to the benefits that the ransom makes possible. (1 John 2:2) Clearly, John deeply appreciated the ransom. w21.04 17 ¶9-10
Saturday, February 18
You must not curse a deaf man or put an obstacle before a blind man.—Lev. 19:14.
Jehovah expected his people to show consideration for those who had physical limitations. For example, the Israelites were not to curse a deaf man. Such cursing involved threatening someone or calling down evil on him. What a terrible thing to do to a deaf man! He could not hear what was being said about him, so he would not be in a position to defend himself. Furthermore, in Leviticus 19:14 we learn that God’s servants were not to “put an obstacle before a blind man.” One reference work comments regarding people with physical challenges: “In the ancient Near East [they] tended to be exploited and abused.” Perhaps some inconsiderate person would place an obstacle before a blind man out of spite or out of some perverted sense of humor. How unkind! By means of this command, Jehovah helped his people to see that they should show compassion to those who were disadvantaged. w21.12 8-9 ¶3-4
Sunday, February 19
Jacob became very frightened and anxious.—Gen. 32:7.
Jacob was worried that his brother might still be nursing a grudge against him. So he fervently prayed to Jehovah about the matter. Then, he sent a generous gift to Esau. (Gen. 32:9-15) Finally, when the estranged brothers met face-to-face, Jacob took the initiative to show honor to Esau. He bowed to Esau—not once, not twice, but seven times! With humble and respectful action, Jacob made peace with his brother. (Gen. 33:3, 4) We learn a lesson from how Jacob prepared to meet his brother and how he approached Esau. Jacob humbly asked Jehovah for help. Then he followed through on his prayer by taking steps to make his reunion with his brother as pleasant as possible. When the brothers met, Jacob did not argue with Esau about who was right and who was wrong. Jacob’s goal was to make peace with his brother. Can you imitate Jacob’s example?—Matt. 5:23, 24. w21.12 25 ¶11-12
Monday, February 20
God is greater than our hearts and knows all things.—1 John 3:20.
When you think about Jesus’ dying to cover your sins, you may say, ‘I do not feel worthy of that honor.’ Why might you feel that way? Our imperfect heart might deceive us, making us feel worthless or unlovable. (1 John 3:19) At such times, we need to remember that “God is greater than our hearts.” Our heavenly Father’s love and forgiveness are far stronger than any negative feelings that may lurk in our heart. We need to convince ourselves to accept Jehovah’s view of us. To do that, we must study his Word often, pray to him frequently, and associate regularly with his loyal people. Why is doing those things so important? You will see Jehovah’s warm personality more clearly. You will perceive his tender feelings for you. Meditating on a portion of God’s Word each day can help you think more clearly, “setting things straight” in your mind and heart.—2 Tim. 3:16. w21.04 23-24 ¶12-13
Tuesday, February 21
To God I will cry out, and he will hear me.—Ps. 77:1.
To build strong faith, more is required than merely taking in knowledge. We need to meditate on what we are learning. Consider the experience of the writer of Psalm 77. He was distressed because he felt that he and his fellow Israelites had lost Jehovah’s approval. Those anxious thoughts kept him up at night. (Verses 2-8) What did he do? He told Jehovah: “I will meditate on all your activity and ponder over your dealings.” (Verse 12) Of course, the psalmist was well-aware of the things Jehovah had done for His people in the past, but the anxious man wondered: “Has God forgotten to show his favor, or has his anger caused his mercy to cease?” (Verse 9) The psalmist meditated on Jehovah’s activity and on the fact that God had shown mercy and compassion in the past. (Verse 11) The result? The psalmist became convinced that Jehovah would not abandon His people. (Verse 15) w22.01 30-31 ¶17-18
Wednesday, February 22
They are all living to him.—Luke 20:38.
How does Jehovah feel about faithful men and women who have died? He longs to see them again! (Job 14:15) Can you imagine how much Jehovah misses his friend Abraham? (Jas. 2:23) Or Moses, with whom he spoke “face-to-face”? (Ex. 33:11) And how he must yearn to hear David and the other psalmists sing their beautiful songs of praise! (Ps. 104:33) Although these friends of God are sleeping in death, Jehovah has not forgotten them. (Isa. 49:15) He remembers every detail of their personality. One day, he will bring them back to life, and he will once again hear their earnest prayers and accept their worship. If you have lost a loved one in death, may these thoughts console and comfort you. When the rebellion began in Eden, Jehovah knew that conditions would get worse before they got better. Jehovah hates the wickedness, injustice, and violence in the world today. w21.07 10 ¶11; 12 ¶12
Thursday, February 23
We should love . . . in deed and truth.—1 John 3:18.
When we show such love, we also show appreciation for the ransom. Why? Because Jesus gave his life not just for us but also for our brothers and sisters. If he was ready to die for them, they clearly have great value in his eyes. (1 John 3:16-18) We express our love for our brothers and sisters by the way we treat them. (Eph. 4:29, 31–5:2) For example, we help them when they are sick or when they are enduring severe trials, including natural disasters. But what should we do when a fellow believer does or says something that offends us? Are you inclined to hold a grudge? (Lev. 19:18) If so, follow this advice: “Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely even if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Just as Jehovah freely forgave you, you must also do the same.” (Col. 3:13) Every time we forgive our brother or sister, we prove to our heavenly Father that we truly appreciate the ransom. w21.04 18 ¶12-13
Friday, February 24
Use [your gift] in ministering to one another.—1 Pet. 4:10.
We may work hard for Jehovah, and we may help many progress to baptism. But we realize that any success we have is only because of Jehovah’s blessing. From the examples of Apollos and the apostle Paul, we learn another lesson—the more prominence we have, the greater our opportunity to promote peace. How grateful we are when appointed men promote peace and unity by basing their counsel on God’s Word and by focusing attention, not on themselves, but on our model, Christ Jesus! (1 Cor. 4:6, 7) Each one of us has some God-given talent or ability. We may feel that the part we play is small. But the small acts that promote unity are like the small stitches that hold a garment together. May we work hard to remove from ourselves any trace of a competitive spirit. Let us be determined to do all we can to promote peace and unity in the congregation.—Eph. 4:3. w21.07 19 ¶18-19
Saturday, February 25
Your brother will rise.—John 11:23.
You can be convinced that you will see your dead loved ones again. Jesus’ tears as he gave comfort to his grief-stricken friends are proof that the resurrection is close to his heart! (John 11:35) You can support those who grieve. Jesus not only wept with Martha and Mary but also listened and spoke reassuringly to them. (John 11:25-27) We can do the same for those who grieve. Dan, an elder who lives in Australia, says: “After losing my wife, I needed support. Several couples made themselves available day and night just to listen to me. They let me grieve, and they were not embarrassed by my tears. They also offered practical help, such as washing my car, shopping for groceries, and cooking meals when I felt unable to care for these tasks myself. And they prayed with me often. They proved to be true friends and brothers who are ‘born for times of distress.’”—Prov. 17:17. w22.01 16 ¶8-9
Sunday, February 26
The one who listens to life-giving reproof is at home among the wise.—Prov. 15:31.
Jehovah wants what is best for us. (Prov. 4:20-22) When he counsels us by means of his Word, a Bible-based publication, or a mature fellow believer, he is expressing his love for us. (Heb. 12:9, 10) Focus on the output, not the delivery. At times, we may feel that the counsel was not given in the best manner. Of course, anyone giving counsel should try to make it as easy as possible to accept. (Gal. 6:1) But if we are the one being counseled, we do well to focus on the message—even if we feel that it could have been delivered in a better way. We might ask ourselves: ‘Even if I do not appreciate the manner in which the counsel was given, is there some truth to what was said? Can I look past the imperfections of the messenger and benefit from the message itself?’ It would be wise on our part to find a way to benefit from any counsel we receive. w22.02 12 ¶13-14
Monday, February 27
The reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy, making the inexperienced one wise.—Ps. 19:7.
Jehovah knows that it will take time and effort for us to avoid wrong thinking and bad habits. (Ps. 103:13, 14) However, through his Word, his spirit, and his organization, Jehovah gives us the wisdom, strength, and support that we need to change who we are. Use the Bible to examine yourself closely. God’s Word acts like a mirror; it can help you to analyze the way that you think, speak, and act. (Jas. 1:22-25) And Jehovah is always ready to come to your aid. He knows best how to help you; he knows what is in your heart. (Prov. 14:10; 15:11) So get into the habit of praying to him and studying his Word each day. Be convinced that Jehovah’s standards are best. We can benefit from everything that Jehovah asks us to do. Those who live by his standards gain self-respect, a purpose in life, and genuine happiness.—Ps. 19:8-11. w22.03 4 ¶8-10
Tuesday, February 28
Set your hearts upon its ramparts. Inspect its fortified towers, so that you may tell about it to future generations.—Ps. 48:13.
We worship Jehovah as we build and maintain places of worship. The Bible says that the work of making the tabernacle and its furnishings was “holy work.” (Ex. 36:1, 4) Today, too, Jehovah views the work of constructing Kingdom Halls and other theocratic facilities as sacred service. Some brothers and sisters spend much time engaging in these activities. Do we not appreciate this vital contribution to the Kingdom work? Of course, they also engage in the preaching work. Some of them may even want to be pioneers. Congregation elders can show their support for the construction activities by not hesitating to appoint these hardworking men and women as pioneers when they qualify. Whether we are skilled in construction work or not, all of us can share in keeping the buildings clean and in good repair. w22.03 22 ¶11-12 |
Reasoning (rs)
1989 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/books/reasoning-rs | Evolution
Definition: Organic evolution is the theory that the first living organism developed from lifeless matter. Then, as it reproduced, it is said, it changed into different kinds of living things, ultimately producing all forms of plant and animal life that have ever existed on this earth. All of this is said to have been accomplished without the supernatural intervention of a Creator. Some persons endeavor to blend belief in God with evolution, saying that God created by means of evolution, that he brought into existence the first primitive life forms and that then higher life forms, including man, were produced by means of evolution. Not a Bible teaching.
Is evolution really scientific?
The “scientific method” is as follows: Observe what happens; based on those observations, form a theory as to what may be true; test the theory by further observations and by experiments; and watch to see if the predictions based on the theory are fulfilled. Is this the method followed by those who believe in and teach evolution?
Astronomer Robert Jastrow says: “To their chagrin [scientists] have no clear-cut answer, because chemists have never succeeded in reproducing nature’s experiments on the creation of life out of nonliving matter. Scientists do not know how that happened.”—The Enchanted Loom: Mind in the Universe (New York, 1981), p. 19.
Evolutionist Loren Eiseley acknowledged: “After having chided the theologian for his reliance on myth and miracle, science found itself in the unenviable position of having to create a mythology of its own: namely, the assumption that what, after long effort, could not be proved to take place today had, in truth, taken place in the primeval past.”—The Immense Journey (New York, 1957), p. 199.
According to New Scientist: “An increasing number of scientists, most particularly a growing number of evolutionists . . . argue that Darwinian evolutionary theory is no genuine scientific theory at all. . . . Many of the critics have the highest intellectual credentials.”—June 25, 1981, p. 828.
Physicist H. S. Lipson said: “The only acceptable explanation is creation. I know that this is anathema to physicists, as indeed it is to me, but we must not reject a theory that we do not like if the experimental evidence supports it.” (Italics added.)—Physics Bulletin, 1980, Vol. 31, p. 138.
Are those who advocate evolution in agreement? How do these facts make you feel about what they teach?
The introduction to the centennial edition of Darwin’s Origin of Species (London, 1956) says: “As we know, there is a great divergence of opinion among biologists, not only about the causes of evolution but even about the actual process. This divergence exists because the evidence is unsatisfactory and does not permit any certain conclusion. It is therefore right and proper to draw the attention of the non-scientific public to the disagreements about evolution.”—By W. R. Thompson, then director of the Commonwealth Institute of Biological Control, Ottawa, Canada.
“A century after Darwin’s death, we still have not the slightest demonstrable or even plausible idea of how evolution really took place—and in recent years this has led to an extraordinary series of battles over the whole question. . . . A state of almost open war exists among the evolutionists themselves, with every kind of [evolutionary] sect urging some new modification.”—C. Booker (London Times writer), The Star, (Johannesburg), April 20, 1982, p. 19.
The scientific magazine Discover said: “Evolution . . . is not only under attack by fundamentalist Christians, but is also being questioned by reputable scientists. Among paleontologists, scientists who study the fossil record, there is growing dissent.”—October 1980, p. 88.
What view does the fossil record support?
Darwin acknowledged: “If numerous species . . . have really started into life at once, the fact would be fatal to the theory of evolution.” (The Origin of Species, New York, 1902, Part Two, p. 83) Does the evidence indicate that “numerous species” came into existence at the same time, or does it point to gradual development, as evolution holds?
Have sufficient fossils been found to draw a sound conclusion?
Smithsonian Institution scientist Porter Kier says: “There are a hundred million fossils, all catalogued and identified, in museums around the world.” (New Scientist, January 15, 1981, p. 129) A Guide to Earth History adds: “By the aid of fossils palaeontologists can now give us an excellent picture of the life of past ages.”—(New York, 1956), Richard Carrington, Mentor edition, p. 48.
What does the fossil record actually show?
The Bulletin of Chicago’s Field Museum of Natural History pointed out: “Darwin’s theory of [evolution] has always been closely instructioned to evidence from fossils, and probably most people assume that fossils provide a very important part of the general argument that is made in favor of darwinian interpretations of the history of life. Unfortunately, this is not strictly true. . . . the geologic record did not then and still does not yield a finely graduated chain of slow and progressive evolution.”—January 1979, Vol. 50, No. 1, pp. 22, 23.
A View of Life states: “Beginning at the base of the Cambrian period and extending for about 10 million years, all the major groups of skeletonized invertebrates made their first appearance in the most spectacular rise in diversity ever recorded on our planet.”—(California, 1981), Salvador E. Luria, Stephen Jay Gould, Sam Singer, p. 649.
Paleontologist Alfred Romer wrote: “Below this [Cambrian period], there are vast thicknesses of sediments in which the progenitors of the Cambrian forms would be expected. But we do not find them; these older beds are almost barren of evidence of life, and the general picture could reasonably be said to be consistent with the idea of a special creation at the beginning of Cambrian times.”—Natural History, October 1959, p. 467.
Zoologist Harold Coffin states: “If progressive evolution from simple to complex is correct, the ancestors of these full-blown living creatures in the Cambrian should be found; but they have not been found and scientists admit there is little prospect of their ever being found. On the basis of the facts alone, on the basis of what is actually found in the earth, the theory of a sudden creative act in which the major forms of life were established fits best.”—Liberty, September/October 1975, p. 12.
Carl Sagan, in his book Cosmos, candidly acknowledged: “The fossil evidence could be consistent with the idea of a Great Designer.”—(New York, 1980), p. 29.
Might it be that the evolutionary process took place as a result of mutations, that is, sudden drastic changes in genes?
Science Digest states: “Evolutionary revisionists believe mutations in key regulatory genes may be just the genetic jackhammers their quantum-leap theory requires.” However, the magazine also quotes British zoologist Colin Patterson as stating: “Speculation is free. We know nothing about these regulatory master genes.” (February 1982, p. 92) In other words, there is no evidence to support the theory.
The Encyclopedia Americana acknowledges: “The fact that most mutations are damaging to the organism seems hard to reconcile with the view that mutation is the source of raw materials for evolution. Indeed, mutants illustrated in biology textbooks are a collection of freaks and monstrosities and mutation seems to be a destructive rather than a constructive process.”—(1977), Vol. 10, p. 742.
What about those “ape-men” depicted in schoolbooks, encyclopedias and museums?
“The flesh and hair on such reconstructions have to be filled in by resorting to the imagination. . . . Skin color; the color, form, and distribution of the hair; the form of the features; and the aspect of the face—of these characters we know absolutely nothing for any prehistoric men.”—The Biology of Race (New York, 1971), James C. King, pp. 135, 151.
“The vast majority of artists’ conceptions are based more on imagination than on evidence. . . . Artists must create something between an ape and a human being; the older the specimen is said to be, the more apelike they make it.”—Science Digest, April 1981, p. 41.
“Just as we are slowly learning that primitive men are not necessarily savages, so we must learn to realize that the early men of the Ice Age were neither brute beasts nor semi-apes nor cretins. Hence the ineffable stupidity of all attempts to reconstruct Neanderthal or even Peking man.”—Man, God and Magic (New York, 1961), Ivar Lissner, p. 304.
Do not textbooks present evolution as fact?
“Many scientists succumb to the temptation to be dogmatic, . . . over and over again the question of the origin of the species has been presented as if it were finally settled. Nothing could be further from the truth. . . . But the tendency to be dogmatic persists, and it does no service to the cause of science.”—The Guardian, London, England, December 4, 1980, p. 15.
But is it reasonable to believe that everything on this earth was created in six days?
There are some religious groups that teach that God created everything in six 24-hour days. But that is not what the Bible says.
Genesis 1:3-31 tells how God prepared the already existing earth for human habitation. It says that this was done during a period of six days, but it does not say that these were 24-hour days. It is not unusual for a person to refer to his “grandfather’s day,” meaning that one’s entire lifetime. So, too, the Bible often uses the term “day” to describe an extended period of time. (Compare 2 Peter 3:8.) Thus the ‘days’ of Genesis chapter 1 could reasonably be thousands of years long.
For further details, see page 88.
If Someone Says—
‘I believe in evolution’
You might reply: ‘Do you believe that God had any hand in matters, or is it your belief that from the very start the development of life was strictly a matter of chance? (Then proceed on the basis of what the person says.)’
Or you could say: ‘It wouldn’t be realistic to reject something that has been fully proved to be a scientific fact, would it? . . . I have here some comments of scientists that are very interesting regarding this point. (Use material on pages 121, 122, under the subheading “Is evolution really scientific?” or on pages 122, 123, under “Are those who advocate evolution in agreement? . . . ”)’
Another possibility: ‘When there is solid evidence proving something, that is what we should all believe, isn’t it? . . . I recall in my school textbooks that pictures of fossils were provided to support evolution. But since then I have read some very interesting comments by scientists concerning the fossil record. I have some of them here. (Use material on pages 123, 124, under the subheading “What view does the fossil record support?”)’
An additional suggestion: ‘Am I right in concluding that you are a person who likes to face life the way it really is? . . . I do too.’ Then perhaps add: ‘If I walk in the countryside and find that some wood and stones have been shaped into a house, it should be obvious to me that someone was there before me and built it; right? . . . But, now, would it be logical for me to conclude that flowers growing alongside the house resulted just from chance? If I feel that way I need to look closely and notice the intricate design, because I know that it is a basic truth that where there is design there must be a designer. This is what the Bible tells us at Hebrews 3:4.’
Or you might answer (an older person): ‘One of the basic ideas in evolution is that it accounts for man’s progress, his development to what he is today, isn’t that right?’ Then perhaps add: (1) ‘You are an individual who has lived quite some time. Do you remember how things were when you were a child? Was there as much crime as there is now? . . . Did you always have to keep the door locked? . . . Would you say that people back then showed greater concern for their neighbors, and for older folks, than they do today? . . . So, while there has been great progress in technical fields, humans themselves seem to be losing some of the qualities that count most. Why is this?’ (2) ‘I find that these realities of life that we have both observed agree with what is written here in the Bible at Romans 5:12. . . . So, really there has been a downhill trend.’ (3) ‘But the Bible shows how that will change. (Dan. 2:44; Rev. 21:3, 4)’
‘I believe that God created man by means of evolution’
You might reply: ‘I’ve talked with others who share your view. Am I right in concluding that you are a person who has strong faith in God? . . . So your faith really holds first place in your life; with it as a guide, you endeavor to evaluate other things, is that right? . . . That’s the way I view matters too.’ Then perhaps add: (1) ‘I know that if what I believe is really truth, it is not going to conflict with proved scientific facts. At the same time I know that it would be foolish for me to ignore what God’s Word says, because God knows much more about his works than any of us do. I’m impressed with what the Bible, God’s inspired Word, says here at Genesis 1:21 (emphasize “according to their kinds”).’ (2) ‘Then in Genesis 2:7 we learn that God formed man, not from earlier animals, but from the dust.’ (3) ‘And in verses 21, 22 we find that Eve was formed, not from an animal, but with one of Adam’s ribs as starting material.’
Or you could say: ‘(After establishing a common ground, as above . . . ) Some say that the Bible’s reference to Adam was just an allegory. But if that is true, to what conclusion does it lead?’ (1) ‘Well, notice what is stated here at Romans 5:19: “Just as through the disobedience of the one man [Adam] many were constituted sinners, likewise also through the obedience of the one person [Jesus Christ] many will be constituted righteous.” Similarly, 1 Corinthians 15:22 says: “Just as in Adam all are dying, so also in the Christ all will be made alive.” But if there really was no “one man” named Adam, then such a man never sinned. If he did not sin and pass an inheritance of sin on to his offspring, then there was no need for Christ to give his life on behalf of mankind. If Christ really did not give his life on our behalf, then there is no prospect for life beyond our present few years. That would mean that there actually is nothing left to Christianity.’ (2) ‘Yet, embodied in Christianity are the highest moral principles that can be found anywhere. Is it possible that the finest teachings as to truth and honesty could originate with something that is basically false?’ (See also pages 27-29, under the main heading “Adam and Eve.”)
‘But highly educated people believe it’
You might reply: ‘True, yet I have come to realize that even those who say they believe it may strongly disagree with others who believe in evolution. (Cite examples from material on pages 122, 123.) So, we must personally examine the evidence to see which we should believe—evolution or creation.’
Or you could say: ‘That’s true. And yet I have come to realize that there are other highly educated people who do not believe it.’ Then perhaps add: (1) ‘Why the difference? They are all acquainted with the same evidence. Might motive enter the picture? Possibly.’ (2) ‘How can you decide which ones to believe? Well, viewing the group as a whole (and not criticizing individuals), which group do you believe would be the more honest—those who believe that man was created by God and so feel accountable to him, or those who say they are a product of chance and so are accountable only to themselves?’ (3) ‘So, then, we personally need to examine the evidence to see whether creation or evolution provides the most satisfying answers to life.’ |
Saying It in 17 Syllables | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101989005 | Saying It in 17 Syllables
By Awake! correspondent in Japan
A fallen petal
Flies back to its branch:
Ah! a butterfly!
What a delicate picture captured in just a few words! In fact, in Japanese, it is in just 17 syllables. Yes, ever the masters of miniaturization, the Japanese celebrate their land and people in what is known as the haiku, a three-line, nonrhyming form of poetry.
Originally, haiku was part of a 31-syllable, five-line verse form called waka or tanka. By the Middle Ages, aspiring poets were fond of using waka in a sort of literary game: one giving the first three lines and another matching them with two more. In time, the opening three-line form became popular on its own, and thus was born the haiku.
To Construct a “Haiku”
Haiku is a lesson in brevity. The first and last lines are five syllables in length and the middle one is seven. Traditionally, each haiku contains the name of a season or a word to convey the time of the year. “Snow” makes one think of winter, “frog” or “blossom” calls out spring, while the word “heat” can plunge the reader right into the middle of a sweltering summer day. Yes, the expert “haikuist” can recreate the mood in just a syllable or two.
Barley drying
In front of the door
Old bamboo blinds hanging.
Can you visualize the old farmhouse? Barley grain is left out front to dry. Over the door are hung bamboo blinds, much faded by the sun of bygone harvests.
Called by some ‘the poetry of sensation,’ a well-composed haiku can make the reader feel the setting.
Snail, my little man
Slowly, ah, very slowly
Climb up Mount Fuji.
Just imagine that scene. Towering over 12,000 feet [3,700 m] above sea level, Mount Fuji rises abruptly, and the surrounding foothills pale into nothing. To reach her top is no mean feat, and puny man must climb just like a snail, ever so slowly. You can almost feel the aching limbs!
Haiku poets, like Issa Kobayashi of the early 19th century, saw humor in everyday life, albeit somewhat on the dark side. This is reflected in his haiku:
The change of clothes
Changed, yes,
But the same lice of my journeying.
These haiku examples all carry the traditional references to nature and season. They enhance the reader’s feeling for the flora and fauna, the seasonal changes, the delicate scenery, and a host of other details about the land and its people. Without describing his own sentiments, the poet arouses the reader’s feelings by his masterful choice of a few words. What a beautiful use of the gift of language!
Teaching With “Haiku”
The simplicity of haiku makes it a ready introduction to poetry for anyone. Some teachers feel that haiku is a beneficial first step into creative writing. Also, the delicate treatment of nature and the seasons causes the student to be more conscious of the world around him. And taking such a close look at the beauty of creation can move one to a deeper appreciation of the Creator.
A kindergarten teacher in Osaka, Japan, had some rewarding experiences in teaching haiku to her young pupils. Little ones aged three to five learned about a hundred haiku in a school year. The result was that these children were observed to be “more appreciative of nature and considerate towards animals.” A happy result in this age of frenetic entertainment dominated by fantasy!
It might be noted here that some professionals feel that to excel in haiku, they must get into the religious aspects, such as Zen Buddhism and meditation. However, the general public in Japan learns haiku simply as a part of Japanese literature, and that is what it will always be for them.
“Haiku” Goes Abroad
Though born, bred, and cultivated in Japan, haiku has gained a wide reputation as the world’s shortest poetic form. In the late 1950’s, a growing interest in haiku developed in the West, especially in the United States, where there are several English-language haiku publications. A teacher in California, for example, found to her delight that her pupils grasped the basics of haiku quickly. This is one student’s first poem:
From the mountain
The moon
Slowly goes to the stars.
Not a bad effort for a young child!
Making its way to the Third World, haiku is also being composed in Africa. The Senegalese have proved to be sensitive poets. Here is an example of their work:
The folds in the riverbed
Smile sadly
Under the blazing sun.
How poignantly this haiku expresses the intensity of the African sun. There, people live close to nature and consciously feel its power and beauty. They make excellent “haikuists.”
Of course, when it comes to translating haiku from Japanese into any other language, the problem of form presents itself. Whereas the five-seven-five form in Japanese is tidy and trim, the same syllable combination can prove to be quite a mouthful in another language. Thus, some teachers advocate ignoring the syllable count or even writing in just two lines. Others favor retaining the three-line form, making the middle one slightly longer. Here is a prize-winning non-Japanese haiku, perfect in form and output:
A bitter morning:
Sparrows sitting together
Without any necks.
It tells us that it is a cold morning in winter. Sparrows huddle together, perhaps on a telephone wire, each with its neck tucked in its feathery shoulders to keep warm. The whole picture conveyed in a single breath-length!
That is where the growing attraction of haiku lies—the challenge of expressing the beauty of nature, capturing the minute details of a scene and stirring the emotions of the reader in just three lines and 17 syllables. You will find them all in the haiku.
[Picture on page 12]
A fallen petal
Flies back to its branch:
Ah! a butterfly!
[Picture on page 13]
Barley drying
In front of the door
Old bamboo blinds hanging.
[Picture on page 14]
Snail, my little man
Slowly, ah, very slowly
Climb up Mount Fuji. |
How Christendom Became Trinitarian | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101973004 | How Christendom Became Trinitarian
EVER since the Vatican II Ecumenical Council, a division is becoming more and more manifest within the Roman Catholic Church. On the one side are those who do not want any changes to be made, and on the other side are those who are impatient because more changes are not taking place. As one Jesuit publication put it: “For some Catholics, the changes are going too far and too fast, and look as if they will go farther and faster. For others, the changes are too little and too late, and there is no hope of stepping up the tempo.”
The very first Ecumenical Council of the Catholic Church was held in Nicaea in 325 C.E., and it also started a great controversy within the Catholic Church. What was that controversy all about? The issue then was the Trinity doctrine.
Regarding that situation, a modern historian writes: “Two groups of theologians were of such wide influence that practically they split Christianity into two camps, which were theological and political rivals for two centuries [and more!]. These were the ‘orthodox’ group led by Athanasius, an archdeacon of the church in Alexandria, and the Arians, so called from Arius, a deacon in the same church. . . . The Athanasians were doctrinally trinitarians; the Arians, unitarians.” The Latin West, with its headquarters in Rome, was almost wholly Athanasian, whereas the Hellenized or Grecianized Eastern part of the Roman Empire was largely Arian, with its headquarters eventually at Constantinople.
What did the Arians believe? They held to “the doctrine that Christ the Son is subordinate to God the Father, and of different substance, because Christ was created by God and so came into being after God.”a
And what did the Trinitarians believe? Their doctrine is defined today as “the threefold personality of the one Divine Being,” in which ‘God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost’ are said to be of the same substance, coequal, and alike uncreated and omnipotent.
However, it is generally admitted that the Trinity teaching was a gradual development. Thus Cardinal Newman wrote that the creeds before Constantine’s time did not make any mention of it. “They make mention indeed of a Three; but that there is any mystery in the doctrine, that the Three are One, that They are coequal, coeternal, all increate, all omnipotent, all incomprehensible, is not stated, and never could be gathered from them.”—The Development of Christian Doctrine, page 15.
A modern leading Roman Catholic authority testifies in a similar vein: “It is difficult, in the second half of the 20th century, to offer a clear, objective, and straightforward account of the revelation, doctrinal evolution, and theological elaboration of the mystery of the Trinity. . . . One should not speak of Trinitarianism in the New Testament without serious qualification. . . . When one does speak of an unqualified Trinitarianism, one has moved from the period of Christian origins to, say, the last quadrant of the 4th century.”—The New Catholic Encyclopedia (1967), Vol. XIV, page 295.
Constantine and Nicaea
Constantine professed to be converted to so-called Christianity, doubtless as much due to political factors as religious ones. It therefore was very disturbing to him to see this doctrinal division, he viewing it as a threat to the unity of his empire. So as Pontifex Maximus, that is, Chief Religious Ruler, he summoned the first Ecumenical Council at Nicaea in 325 C.E. Although he had not as yet been baptized as a Christian, he presided over this council to which only some 318 bishops came; with their attendants the gathering may have numbered between 1,500 and 2,000.
For about two months the Trinitarians and the Arians wrangled, the Trinitarians often resorting to extremely intolerant tactics. Constantine, noting that the Trinitarians were in the majority, decided in their favor. He “crushed the opposition among the bishops and demanded the signature of all present under the penalty of banishment. Only two bishops of Libya refused; together with Arius and the priests who remained faithful to him, they were exiled to Illyricum,” a territory corresponding to western Yugoslavia today. Arius’ writings were seized, burned, and, upon the penalty of death, all were warned against possessing any of them.
But the triumph of Athanasius and his Trinitarians was short-lived. Constantine, having decided in favor of the Trinitarians, most likely for political reasons, was just as ready to change when the political climate seemed to shift. And thus it occurred when Constantine, just a few years later, moved his capital to Byzantium and built the city bearing his name, Constantinople. Here Arianism was strong, the bishops from this area having signed the Nicene statement only because of fear.
The leading bishop in Constantinople, Eusebius of Nicomedia, was an Arian, and he succeeded in causing Constantine to change doctrinal horses, so to speak. Now it was the Trinitarians that were banned. In 335 Constantine banished Athanasius to Treves, in Gaul (France). Shortly thereafter, and just before he died, Constantine was baptized by Arian bishop Eusebius.
Constantine left the empire to his heirs, some nephews and his three sons, Constantine II, Constantius and Constans. The sons at once got rid of the other heirs and then fought it out among themselves. The one finally to win out was Constantius, a convinced Arian who gradually gained control of the entire empire, East and West, upon the death of his Trinitarian brothers. Out to advance Arianism, he ordered Trinitarian bishops to be replaced with Arian bishops, which changes caused a pagan historian of the times to mock that “the highways were covered with galloping bishops.”
The Trinitarians Finally Win
This Arian domination, however, lasted only until the death of Constantius, for the Trinitarians were still in the majority. This should not seem surprising since, with Satan as the “god of this system of things,” error is generally more popular than truth. (2 Cor. 4:4) Also accounting for the Arians losing out was the fact that they themselves were not unified. They did not endorse a common statement or creed as expressing their beliefs nor did they have a governing body to which to appeal. So they were divided, and how can ‘a house divided against itself stand’?—Matt. 12:25.
But perhaps as much as anything that caused Trinitarians to win out over Arians was that the former were ever ready to resort to violence and force to gain their ends. When Arius got up to speak at the Nicaean Council, we are told, a certain Nicholas of Myra hit him in the face, and, while Arius was speaking, many of the Trinitarian bishops stuck their fingers in their ears and ran out as if horrified at his heresies. Also typical of the intolerance of the Trinitarians was the sit-down strike that Ambrose, the bishop of Milan, maneuvered so as to prevent even one church building in his city from being turned over to the Arians, as ordered by Emperor Valentinian. Ambrose had his flock remain in the building day and night, singing songs, for two weeks, until the emperor finally yielded to his demand.
Bearing similar testimony to the violent intolerance of the Trinitarians as an effective weapon against the Arians are the contrasting statements made by two of the most noted of Germanic ‘barbarian’ rulers. Clovis, king of the Franks, who embraced Roman Catholic orthodoxy and therefore Trinitarianism, proceeded against the Arian Visigoths in Gaul, saying: “It grieves me that these Arians should hold part of Gaul. Let us march, with the help of God, and reduce them to subjection.” And reduce them to subjection he did. Concerning the harvest that followed this sowing of intolerance, we read that it “is a tale of cruelty, avarice, and treachery, of debauched kings and vindictive queens, for whom [pope] Gregory sought excuses because of their defense of Catholic orthodoxy.”
In striking contrast to the intolerance of orthodox Clovis stood Arian Theodoric, king of the Ostrogoths. Zeno, the Roman emperor in the East, commissioned him to take the Italian peninsula, it being held at the time by a king who did not recognize Zeno as ruling over both the eastern and western parts of the Roman Empire. Theodoric conquered Italy, but, as regards religion, his policy was: “Religion is a thing which the king cannot command, because no man can be compelled to believe against his will.”
Another factor that worked in favor of the Trinitarians was that of monasticism, that is, having men lead celibate lives in monasteries. Athanasius was the first prominent Roman Catholic theologian to promote monasticism. Monks not only were a stronghold of Trinitarianism but were ever ready to resort to violence in their zeal for their Trinitarian beliefs.
The fact that the Germanic warriors who invaded the Roman Empire, both its eastern and its western parts, were Arians also worked in favor of the Trinitarians. How did it come about that these ‘barbarians’ were Arians? Because they had been converted by an Arian bishop, Ulfilas. So to espouse Arianism was construed as sympathizing with these invaders.
Perhaps the severest blow against the Arians was delivered by Emperor Theodosius. By means of the official decrees of 391-392 C.E., he imposed Roman Catholic orthodoxy upon all “Christians” and deprived the Arians, as well as all pagans, of their houses of worship. Says a historian: “The legal triumph of the church over heresy [Arianism] and paganism and its evolution from a persecuted sect to a persecuting state church were complete.”
The Arian ‘Barbarians’
From the fifth century on, there were no longer any Arian Roman emperors. However, this did not mark the end of Arianism as a national religion. Far from it! After the death of Theodosius, Rome again became the prey of Arian German invaders who swooped down from the north. Says a Roman Catholic authority: “Despite some persecution, Christianity in this [Arian] form spread with remarkable vigor from the Goths to the neighboring tribes. . . . When they invaded the West and established the various Germanic kingdoms, most of the tribes professed [Arianism] as their national religion and in some instances persecuted those among the Roman population who professed Catholic orthodoxy. . . . But gradually the [Roman] Catholic Church succeeded in eliminating Arianism. In some instances this was achieved by military action that all but wiped out the Germanic element.” This took place during the reign of Emperor Justinian, whose ambition it was to restore the Roman Empire to its former glory and who was notorious for his persecution, not only of the Arians, but also of the Jews and the Samaritans. He even forbade the Jews to read their Scriptures in Hebrew!
But Justinian did not make an end of Arianism. Rome was to have still more to do with the Germanic barbarians, for a few years after Justinian’s death the Lombards, said to have been one of the fiercest of all the Germanic tribes, invaded Italy. Before long they had the greater part of the Italian peninsula under their control. Then in the middle of the seventh century, for one reason or another, the Lombards gradually became Trinitarian Roman Catholics, and so, while they kept on making trouble for the papacy, it was on political or territorial grounds, not religious ones.
Concerning this period we read: “In the ensuing debacle, fortunes alternated, more often as a consequence of political shifts and civil patronage than theological argument.” And as another authority puts it, Arianism “maintained itself for two centuries longer, though more as a matter of accident than choice and conviction.” Incidentally, all such political and military activity on the part of the Arians refutes the charge of some that the nonpolitical, peace-loving Christian witnesses of Jehovah are Arians.
As we note what history has to say about the political activities of the Trinitarians and of the Arians, we cannot help but be impressed with how accurately both Jesus and his apostles foretold what would happen to the Christian congregation. As Jesus put it in one of his parables: “While men were sleeping, his enemy came and oversowed weeds in among the wheat.” And so it was that the field that was originally a wheat field became a weed patch. (Matt. 13:25) And, considering what greed and violence these displayed, one appreciates how accurately the apostle Paul foretold these events: “I know that after my going away oppressive wolves will enter in among you and will not treat the flock with tenderness.” Included among those packs of wolves were both Trinitarians and Arians, the former being the fiercer of the two!—Acts 20:29.
[Footnotes]
a That the Arians had scriptures to support them is apparent from such texts as John 14:28; Colossians 1:15-17; 1 Timothy 1:17; Revelation 3:14.
[Picture on page 17]
Symbol of the Trinity, as it appears in the Catholic church of Tagnon, France |
Peace and Security (tp73)
1973 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/tp73 | Chapter 12
Respect for Authority Essential for Peaceful Living
1-3. (a) What has contributed to widespread rejection of authority in our day? (b) In what various ways is this attitude expressed? (c) Where are the effects felt?
THERE is a spirit of independence that permeates the world in our day. Particularly among those born since World War II a general rejection of authority has developed. Why? For one thing, their parents had observed and experienced oppression on an unprecedented scale, as well as high-handed and corrupt tactics by those in power. They developed a dim view of authority. Consequently, many of them, on becoming parents, did not instill in their children a respect for authority. Nor have the injustices seen by the children helped matters. As a result, rebellion against authority has become common.
2 That rebellion is expressed in various ways. Sometimes it is shown by adopting a type of dress that indicates rejection of “accepted standards.” It may involve public defiance of the police, or even violence and bloodshed. But it is not limited to these. Even among persons who do not express themselves in these more open ways, how many are there who ignore or sidestep laws or other regulations if they do not agree with them or if they find it inconvenient to do what these require?
3 This situation has deeply affected the atmosphere in homes, in schools, at places of employment and in contacts with government officials. More and more people just do not want anyone else to be telling them what to do. They are reaching out for what they believe to be greater freedom. Faced with this situation, what will you do?
4. By what we do in this matter, we show our attitude on what issue?
4 Your course will unavoidably indicate where you stand in relation to the issue of the rightfulness of Jehovah’s universal sovereignty. Do you really look to Jehovah as the Source of true peace and security? Will you seek out and apply in your life what his Word says? Or are you going along with those of mankind who, being misled by Satan, believe that they ought to make their own decisions as to what is good and what is bad?—Genesis 3:1-5; Revelation 12:9.
5. (a) What often results from following the lead of humans who promise “freedom”? (b) How free is the person who does God’s will?
5 Anyone who allows what is “popular” to control his thinking will easily be misled. (Jeremiah 8:6) But an accurate knowledge of the Bible is a safeguard. It can protect you against simply exchanging one bad situation for another because of having listened to persons who, while ‘promising freedom, are themselves existing as slaves of corruption.’ Following the lead of such persons would only put you in the same enslaved condition. (2 Peter 2:18, 19) True freedom can be had only by learning and doing the will of God. His law is “the perfect law that belongs to freedom.” (James 1:25) Jehovah does not needlessly restrict us, hedging us in with rules that serve no useful purpose. But he does provide the kind of guidance that enables a person to enjoy the peace and security that result from having a fine relationship with God and with one’s fellowman. Is not that what you want?
6, 7. (a) Who is in the best position to do something about the misuse of authority in this system of things? (b) How did Jesus show what happens to persons who try to take the law into their own hands?
6 Better than anyone else, God knows the extent to which there is corruption and misuse of authority in this old system of things. And he has given his word that, regardless of how highly situated those causing oppression may be, he will call them to account. (Romans 14:12) In God’s appointed time, “the wicked . . . will be cut off from the very earth; and as for the treacherous, they will be torn away from it.” (Proverbs 2:22) But it is not going to result in any lasting good for ourselves if we grow impatient and take the law into our own hands.—Romans 12:17-19.
7 On the night of his betrayal and arrest in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus Christ emphasized this to his apostles. Because of the conditions in the land, including the presence of wild beasts, the Jews frequently carried weapons, and on that occasion there were two swords among Jesus’ apostles. (Luke 22:38) What happened? Well, when they saw a violent distortion of justice—an effort to arrest Jesus without just cause and under cover of darkness—the apostle Peter impulsively drew his sword and struck off the ear of one of the men. But Jesus restored the severed ear and said to Peter: “Return your sword to its place, for all those who take the sword will perish by the sword.” (Matthew 26:52) Many persons, even in our day, could have been saved from untimely deaths by following this advice.—Proverbs 24:21, 22.
PROPER VIEW OF SECULAR AUTHORITY
8. (a) As stated at Romans 13:1, 2, how are Christians to view secular rulers? (b) What is meant by the statement that they are “placed in their relative positions by God”?
8 When writing to Christians in Rome, the apostle Paul was inspired by God to discuss how they were to conduct themselves in relation to secular authorities. He said: “Let every soul be in subjection to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except by God; the existing authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God. Therefore he who opposes the authority has taken a stand against the arrangement of God; those who have taken a stand against it will receive judgment to themselves.” (Romans 13:1, 2) Does this mean that God has put these secular rulers in power? The Bible definitely answers, No! (Luke 4:5, 6; Revelation 13:1, 2) But they do exist by his permission, and the ‘relative position’ that they have occupied in the course of human history was determined by God. What has that position been?
9. If officials engage in wrong practices, how can we respect them?
9 The scripture just quoted says that it is a “superior” one. Thus government officials are not to be treated with disrespect. The laws put into force by them are not to be disregarded. This does not necessarily mean that you admire the individuals, nor that you approve of any corruption in which they might engage. But respect is properly shown because of the office they occupy.—Titus 3:1, 2.
10. How is the payment of taxes to be viewed, and why?
10 In large measure, secular laws work for the good of the people. They help to maintain order and assure a measure of protection for the person and property of individuals. (Romans 13:3, 4) Furthermore, the government usually provides roads, sanitation service, fire protection, education and other services that benefit the people. Are they to be paid for these services? Should we pay taxes? This is a question that is sometimes permeated with strong feelings because of the high tax rate and the frequent misuse of public funds. In the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry, too, the question had political overtones. But Jesus did not take the position that the existing situation warranted any refusal to pay. Referring to the money that had been minted by the Roman Caesar, he said: “Pay back, therefore, Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.” (Matthew 22:17-21; Romans 13:6, 7) Knowing the results that could easily develop, Jesus did not endorse the idea of each one becoming a law to himself.
11, 12. (a) How do the scriptures under consideration show that there is also another authority to be considered? (b) What would you do if secular rulers issued orders that conflicted with God’s requirements, and why?
11 It is to be noted, however, that in his reply Jesus showed that the secular state was not the only authority to be considered. The “superior authorities” are not superior to God nor even equal to him. To the contrary, they “stand placed in their relative positions by God.” (Romans 13:1) Their authority is limited, not absolute. Because of this, Christians have frequently been confronted with a critical decision. It is a decision that you too must make. When men in power demand for themselves what belongs to God, what will you do? If they forbid what God commands, whom will you obey?
12 The apostles of Jesus Christ, choosing to uphold Jehovah’s sovereignty, respectfully but firmly stated their position to the members of the high court in Jerusalem: “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. . . . We must obey God as ruler rather than men.” (Acts 4:19, 20; 5:29) Political governments may impose restrictions on the number of people who may meet together; they may also prohibit certain public activity. God’s Word does not require that his people assemble in large crowds for worship, nor does it say that there is only one proper way to contact other people to speak to them about God’s will. On the other hand, if conforming to governmental restrictions were to make it impossible to fulfill God-given obligations, what then? Who can deny that the right thing to do would be to “obey God as ruler rather than men”?
13, 14. (a) How careful should we be not to disobey secular laws just for personal reasons? (b) From the Scriptures, point out reasons for this.
13 This is far different from independently doing what appeals to selfish interests instead of doing what the law requires. It is true that, from a personal standpoint, certain laws may seem unnecessary or unduly restrictive. But does that justify one’s ignoring the law? What would be the result if everyone were to obey only the laws that he felt benefited himself? It would lead to anarchy.
14 There is grave danger in a person’s ignoring authority and doing only what pleases self simply because it is unlikely to result in immediate punishment. While such disregard for law may at first involve comparatively minor matters, a person’s going unpunished may embolden him to greater lawlessness until he becomes set in his bad way. Regarding this, Ecclesiastes 8:11 states: “Because sentence against a bad work has not been executed speedily, that is why the heart of the sons of men has become fully set in them to do bad.” What is the real reason for obeying the law? Should it be merely fear of punishment for disobeying? In the case of a Christian, there ought to be a far stronger inducement—what the apostle Paul referred to as a “compelling reason”—and that is the desire for a clean conscience. (Romans 13:5) When a person’s conscience has been educated in harmony with the Scriptures, he knows that, if he were to pursue a lawless course, he would be taking a stand “against the arrangement of God.” Regardless of whether other humans know what we are doing, God knows, and our prospects for future life depend on him.—1 Peter 2:12-17.
15. (a) What should guide a person in his attitude toward a schoolteacher or an employer? (b) In this way we avoid being influenced by whose spirit?
15 The same is true in regard to a young person’s attitude toward his schoolteacher, and an adult’s attitude toward his secular employer. The fact that many other people around us do wrong things should not be the determining factor. Whether the teacher or the employer knows what we do should not make any difference. The question is, What is right? What is pleasing to God? Schoolteachers are generally representatives of the secular government, agents of the “superior authorities,” and so deserve respect. And as to secular employers, the Bible counsels: “Please them well, . . . exhibiting good fidelity to the full, so that [you] may adorn the teaching of our Savior, God, in all things.” (Titus 2:9, 10) Doing so, we show that we have not given in to the influence of Satan, whose spirit “operates in the sons of disobedience.” Instead, we make a genuine contribution to peaceful relations with our fellowmen.—Ephesians 2:2, 3.
AUTHORITY WITHIN THE HOME
16. What requirement for harmonious family life is stated at 1 Corinthians 11:3?
16 Another area in which peaceful relations are very much to be desired is the family circle. Too often such a wholesome relationship is lacking, resulting in a breakdown in family relations—in many cases, even the breaking up of the household. What can be done to improve the situation? A basic requirement is respect for Jehovah’s arrangement of headship. As written at 1 Corinthians 11:3, that arrangement is as follows: “The head of every man is the Christ; in turn the head of a woman is the man; in turn the head of the Christ is God.”
17. (a) As to headship, what is the man’s position? (b) What fine example as to husbandly headship did Christ set?
17 Notice that the statement begins with man’s position, not pointing first to his headship, but, rather, drawing attention to the fact that, in Jehovah’s arrangement of things, there is someone to whom the man should be looking for direction, someone whose example he should be following. Christ is the head of man, and in his dealings with his congregation, which is likened to a bride, Christ has demonstrated the way to make a success of husbandly headship. His fine example stirs a willing response in his followers. Instead of being a boss, harsh and demanding toward them, Jesus has been “mild-tempered and lowly in heart,” so that his followers have found refreshment for their souls. (Matthew 11:28-30) Has he belittled them for their shortcomings? To the contrary, he laid down his life to cleanse them of sins. (Ephesians 5:25-30) What a blessing to any household to have a man who sincerely endeavors to follow that example!
18. (a) In what ways can a wife show that she respects the authority of her husband? (b) How are children to show respect for their parents, and why?
18 When there is such headship in the home, it is not difficult for a woman to look up to her husband. And obedience of the children to their parents comes more readily. But there is much that the wife and children too can contribute to the happiness of the family. By diligence in caring for the household, also by accepting her husband’s decisions and working to make them succeed, a wife gives evidence that she truly does have “deep respect for her husband.” Is that true in your household? (Ephesians 5:33; Proverbs 31:10-15, 27, 28) As for the children, if there is willing obedience to both father and mother, this shows that they honor their parents, and that is what God requires. (Ephesians 6:1-4) Do you not agree that there would be far more peace, and a much greater feeling of personal security, in such a household than in one where respect for authority is lacking?
19. If you are the only one in the family who tries to be guided by God’s Word, then what?
19 You can help to make your home such a place. Whether other members of the family choose to uphold Jehovah’s ways or not, you can do so. Others in the family may respond to your fine example. (1 Corinthians 7:16; Titus 2:6-8) Even if they do not, still what you do will stand as a demonstration of your faith in the rightness of God’s ways, and that is something of no little value.—1 Peter 3:16, 17.
20, 21. (a) How does the Bible show that the authority of a husband and of parents is not absolute? (b) So, with what decision may a Christian wife or believing children be faced, and what should motivate them?
20 Keep in mind that the entire framework of family authority has its origin with God. So, he cannot be left out of account, can he? Thus wives are instructed to be in subjection to their husbands “as it is becoming in the Lord.” And children are counseled to be obedient to their parents “for this is well-pleasing in the Lord.” (Colossians 3:18, 20) This means that the authority of a husband over his wife and of parents over their children is a relative one. If the husband or the parents are unbelievers, that idea might at first displease them. But really it works for their good, because it will help to make the believer more dependable and more respectful.
21 Of course, if a husband were to demand that his wife do something that would not be “becoming in the Lord,” what she does will demonstrate whether she really does “fear the true God” or not. (Ecclesiastes 12:13) Likewise, when children are old enough to understand and obey God’s Word, if their parents do not share their desire to serve Jehovah, the children must decide whether they will prove their loyalty to God or share the lot of parents who do not. Their prospects for eternal life are involved. (Matthew 10:37-39) Nevertheless, aside from their prior obligation to God, such children should be submissive in “everything,” even if it means doing things that are not to their liking. (Colossians 3:20) Doing this, they may be able to help their parents, too, to accept Jehovah’s provisions for salvation. When one’s motivation is, not disobedience born of an independent spirit, but loyalty to Jehovah and his righteous ways, this is truly “well-pleasing in the Lord.”
IN THE CHRISTIAN CONGREGATION
22, 23. (a) What do Christian overseers do on behalf of the members of the congregation? (b) So, what attitude does Hebrews 13:17 say that we should have toward them?
22 That same spirit of loyalty to Jehovah should be reflected in our attitude toward his Christian congregation and those who are caring for its interests. In the congregation Jehovah has provided overseers to shepherd the “flock.” They receive no salary for their work, but, rather, give of themselves because of genuine concern for the welfare of their Christian brothers and sisters. (1 Thessalonians 2:8, 9) They help the congregation to carry out the special work entrusted to it, namely, the preaching of the good news of God’s kingdom. Also, with concern for the individual welfare of the members of the congregation, they assist these to learn how to apply the principles of the Bible in their daily lives. Further, if any member of the congregation, though knowing what God requires, deliberately persists in serious wrongdoing, the responsible overseers see that he is expelled, and thus the rest of the congregation is protected from his corrupting influence.—1 Corinthians 5:12, 13.
23 In appreciation for this loving provision of Jehovah to assure a spirit of peacefulness among his people, we should heed the admonition found at Hebrews 13:17, namely: “Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive, for they are keeping watch over your souls as those who will render an account; that they may do this with joy and not with sighing, for this would be damaging to you.”
24, 25. (a) How should what the elders teach influence the way we view them? (b) When and where should we apply what we are taught from the Bible? Why?
24 Rendering obedience to “those who are taking the lead,” however, does not mean becoming mere men pleasers. The Bible emphasizes that a principal reason why these overseers or elders deserve respect is because what they are teaching is “the word of God.” (Hebrews 13:7; 1 Timothy 5:17) And concerning that word, Hebrews 4:12, 13 states: “The word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword and pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of joints and their marrow, and is able to discern thoughts and intentions of the heart. And there is not a creation that is not manifest to his sight, but all things are naked and openly exposed to the eyes of him with whom we have an accounting.”
25 That “word of God” truly reveals what a person is inside. It exposes the difference between what he may appear to be and the dominant attitude that moves him to speak and act as he does. If he really has faith in God, and is motivated by a genuine desire to please his Creator, he will not lapse into wrongdoing when out of sight of the elders of the congregation. Nor will he engage in some unscriptural conduct simply because it is not among the serious wrongs for which a person would be expelled from the congregation. His desire is, not to sin, but properly to reflect “the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) On the other hand, if anyone is inclined to take lightly any of the counsel found in God’s Word, he ought to examine carefully what his attitude toward God really is. Is he becoming like that person concerning whom Psalm 14:1 [13:1, Dy] says: “The senseless one has said”—no, not publicly—but “in his heart: ‘There is no Jehovah’”?
26, 27. (a) Why is it important to take seriously “every utterance” of Jehovah? (b) How are our lives affected when we thus show respect for authority?
26 When tempted by the Devil, Jesus Christ firmly declared: “Man must live . . . on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah’s mouth.” (Matthew 4:4) Do you feel that strongly about the matter? Do you believe that “every utterance” of Jehovah is important and that none are to be ignored? Obeying some of Jehovah’s requirements, while treating others as unimportant, simply is not enough. Either we uphold the rightfulness of Jehovah’s sovereignty or we take the Devil’s side of the issue by setting our own standard of what is good and what is bad. Happy are those who show that they truly love Jehovah’s law.—Psalm 119:165 [118:165, Dy].
27 Such persons are not ensnared by the divisive spirit of the world. Nor do they indulge in the shameful conduct of those who throw off moral restraint. Deep respect for Jehovah and his righteous ways gives stability to their lives. |
God’s Kingdom Has Approached (ka)
1973 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/ka | Chapter 2
War Between Heaven and Earth Precedes the Thousand Years
1. (a) According to the Revelation, what conflict must precede the coming of The Millennium? (b) Why must that battle be evidently yet ahead of us, and what should be our attitude toward it?
WE HAVE just read the description given us by the apostle John of the preview that he had of the thousand years. Such wonderful things are foretold for it that it is called The Millennium. Ah, but what did John describe as taking place immediately ahead of that glorious Millennium? It was a battle between heavenly forces and earthly human forces. Down till now such a fight has not taken place since the day of Pentecost of 33 C.E., the festival day when the Christian congregation came to life spiritually by being begotten of God’s life-giving spirit. True, Jesus Christ was in heaven and at God’s right hand at that festival time, more than sixty years before John got the Revelation of “what must shortly happen.” (Revelation 1:1, 2, NE) But even after John got the Revelation, no such battle occurred back there between the “King of kings” and the “kings of the earth.” That battle is yet ahead of us, and we ought to be interested in the advance account of it, because we are approaching it on a straight course.
2, 3. (a) What kind of battle will that be as regards the participants therein? (b) How does the glorified Jesus Christ contrast with the earthly Jesus as to carrying on war?
2 This approaching battle is not any dreaded third world war, in which the political superpowers, armed with an overload of nuclear and chemical weapons, will madly seek to annihilate one another. This is the coming battle in which all the “kings of the earth,” no matter of what political ideologies, unite their forces against their common Opponent, a king and lord who is superior to them all and who is therefore called “King of kings and Lord of lords.” He is not God, but, to quote Revelation 19:13, “the name he is called is The Word of God.” This is the input that was given to the only-begotten Son of God in his prehuman existence in heaven with his heavenly Father, Jehovah God.—John 1:1-3, 18.
3 During his human existence on earth as the man Jesus Christ, he did not lead any armies of fighting men on white horses, nor did he even choose to call twelve legions of heavenly angels to his aid. (Matthew 26:52-54) But now, since his glorification in heaven and since the end of the “times of the Gentiles” in 1914 C.E., he is authorized to act as the executional officer of the Supreme Judge, Jehovah God, and to do executional work upon earthly enemies just as that angel did, who, in the year 732 B.C.E., in one night killed off 185,000 soldiers of the Assyrian King Sennacherib, who had invaded the land of the people of Jehovah God, and this without the use of a nuclear bomb. (2 Kings 19:32-36; Isaiah 37:33-37) This explains why John was inspired to write concerning the heavenly Warrior Jesus Christ: “The one seated upon [the white horse] is called Faithful and True, and he judges and carries on war in righteousness.”—Revelation 19:11.
4. What will it mean for the nations that out of the mouth of their common opponent a sharp long sword protrudes?
4 This is far more than a third world war between the nations of earth now armed with nuclear and chemical weapons. This time the nations are fighting, not against blood and flesh, but against the one seated upon the symbolic white horse and against his heavenly angelic armies. And when he uses his tongue to speak and order an execution of his enemies, it is as if a long sword of an officer with authority were being applied. This is the meaning of the inspired words: “And out of his mouth there protrudes a sharp long sword, that he may strike the nations with it, and he will shepherd them with a rod of iron. He treads too the winepress of the anger of the wrath of God the Almighty. And upon his outer garment, even upon his thigh, he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.”—Revelation 19:15, 16.
5, 6. (a) At what location will the nations meet the King of kings in battle, and what crushing and breaking will take place? (b) What angelic invitation to the “great evening meal of God” shows whether the ones slain on earth will be buried with military honors?
5 Instead of being a third world war between irreligious radical humans on one side and irreligious radical humans on the other side, this is “the war of the great day of God the Almighty.” The nations, having by then disposed violently of the international religious “harlot,” Babylon the Great, will then find themselves at that stage of world developments called Har–Magedon; just as it is written: “And they gathered them together to the place that is called in Hebrew Har–Magedon.” (Revelation 16:14-16) It is at this world situation that the King of kings and the Lord of lords crushes the defiant nations, like grapes in a winepress, thus treading the “winepress of the anger of the wrath of God the Almighty.” They will be like helpless sheep to him, upon whom he uses a “rod of iron” to break them to pieces like earthenware vessels of a potter. (Revelation 14:18-20; 2:26, 27; 12:5; Psalm 2:8, 9) There will be no dignified burial with military honors for those slain on earth in the “war of the great day of God the Almighty.” That is why God’s angel speaks of it as “the great evening meal of God” spread for the carrion birds:
6 “Come here,” cries out a sunlit angel to all the birds that fly in midheaven, “be gathered together to the great evening meal of God, that you may eat the fleshy parts of kings and the fleshy parts of military commanders and the fleshy parts of strong men and the fleshy parts of horses and of those seated upon them, and the fleshy parts of all, of freemen as well as of slaves and of small ones and great.” And the account of this “war of the great day of God the Almighty” closes with the remark: “And all the birds were filled from the fleshy parts of them.” (Revelation 19:17, 18, 21) From this description of the ones whose corpses the carrion birds are to devour, it appears that there is a total mobilization and regimentation of the peoples of the nations for this War of all wars.
7. What is the “wild beast” that is found in the battle lineup of the kings of the earth at Har–Magedon?
7 Concerning the battle lineup at Har–Magedon the apostle John writes: “And I saw the wild beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage the war with the one seated on the horse and with his army.” (Revelation 19:19) Is this “wild beast” a mere mascot, an animal supposed to bring good luck, for the armies of these “kings of the earth”? Of what value would a literal wild beast be to the fighting forces at Har–Magedon? Of no value at all! And a literal wild beast is not to be understood here. It is a symbolic wild beast. It is really a world figure of historical importance. How so? Because it is the symbolic wild beast described in Revelation, chapter thirteen, verses one to eight, concerning which Re 13 verse two says: “And the dragon gave to the beast its power and its throne and great authority.” It is the worldwide political system that the “dragon,” that is, Satan the Devil, established long ago as his visible instrument for governing all the people of the world. It has carried on its beastly practices throughout the earth for more than a thousand years, yes, for more than four thousand one hundred years, since the twenty-second century B.C.E.
8. When did that symbolic wild beast begin its activities, to spread its authority to what extent?
8 This symbolic wild beast began ravaging the earth’s inhabitants in the days of Nimrod, a hunter of literal wild beasts. It was about the year 2189 B.C.E. that this Nimrod began engineering the building of the Tower of Babel in the land of Shinar, in the valley of Mesopotamia. Becoming world famous, he came to be called “Nimrod a mighty hunter in opposition to Jehovah.” He established the old or original Babylonian empire, and about this Genesis 10:10-12 tells us: “The beginning of his kingdom came to be Babel and Erech and Accad and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. Out of that land he went forth into Assyria and set himself to building Nineveh and Rehoboth-Ir and Calah and Resen between Nineveh and Calah: this is the great city.” (Genesis 10:8-12; 11:1-9) From that small beginning this symbolic wild beast continued extending its power and authority over more and more people until finally it has its political throne established over all the earth.
9. (a) What do the seven heads of the symbolic wild beast picture? (b) Against whom has it used its “ten horns”?
9 Throughout the past millenniums this symbolic wild beast has had various members of its political system act as the dominant world power. That is why Revelation, chapter thirteen, pictures this symbolic wild beast as having seven heads, to represent seven world powers in succession, namely, (1) Egypt, (2) Assyria, (3) Neo-Babylonia, (4) Medo-Persia, (5) Greece, (6) Rome, and (7) the dual world power of Britain and America. With its symbolic “ten horns,” this seven-headed wild beast has horned, gored and pushed around the worshipers of Jehovah God, including the genuine followers of the Son of God, Jesus Christ, since the days of the enslavement of the sons of Israel in Egypt until now. No wonder, then, that Revelation 19:19 pictures the “kings of the earth and their armies” as lined up with the “wild beast” in battle array against the heavenly angelic army of the “one seated on the horse,” Jesus Christ!
10. (a) What is the “false prophet” in the battle lineup of the kings of the earth, and what does it prophesy? (b) What is the “image of the wild beast” the making of which it proposes?
10 Revelation 19:20 mentions also as being with the “kings of the earth and their armies” what is called “the false prophet that performed in front of [the wild beast] the signs with which he misled those who received the mark of the wild beast and those who render worship to its image.” This is not a religious prophet belonging to religious Babylon the Great, but is a political prophet. It is the same political organization that is pictured in Revelation 13:11-17. There it appears as the two-horned wild beast that proposed the making of the image of the wild beast and then gave breath to that image so that it spoke authoritatively. That two-horned wild beast is the dual world power of Britain and America, or the Seventh World Power, and the political “image” of the seven-headed wild beast is today the organization for world peace and security, the United Nations. The whole world knows today that this Seventh World Power of Britain and the United States of America endeavors to dictate to the world of mankind and makes impressive prophecies concerning the future of mankind. But it is not the prophet of Jehovah God, inspired by Him. It is “false.”
11, 12. (a) What spirit moves the kings and their armies to the war at Har–Magedon? (b) Why must the tide of battle go only one way, and what outcome of it does John show in his preview?
11 The symbolic wild beast has reached its full state of development, having had its seventh head since the year 1763 C.E. By now we have also had more than a quarter of a century of the United Nations (not to speak of its predecessor, the League of Nations). Under the driving force of pursuing their own national goals and preserving their own national sovereignties in defiance of God’s kingdom as rightful government for the earth, the “kings of the entire inhabited earth” are irresistibly being gathered to the “war of the great day of God the Almighty.” The time for the unparalleled battle at Har–Magedon, which the apostle John saw in pictorial preview, should be quite near, nearer than the self-occupied people of the world think! With God the Almighty and his King of kings being the ones against whom the “kings of the earth and their armies” are drawn up in total warfare, the tide of battle can go only one way, from its very start. We can have confidence, therefore, that the apostle John is correct in his prophetic description of the battle, as follows:
THE BATTLE AT HAR–MAGEDON
12 “And I saw the wild beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage the war with the one seated on the horse and with his army. And the wild beast was caught, and along with it the false prophet that performed in front of it the signs with which he misled those who received the mark of the wild beast and those who render worship to its image. While still alive, they both were hurled into the fiery lake that burns with sulphur. But the rest were killed off with the long sword of the one seated on the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth. And all the birds were filled from the fleshy parts of them.”—Revelation 19:19-21.
13. (a) How much of the enemy organization does Almighty God take on as his battle opponent? (b) While doing what is the “wild beast” caught, and who runs it down?
13 This battle account makes it certain that God the Almighty takes on as his opponent the entire visible organization of the symbolic dragon, “the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan.” In support of that visible worldwide organization, symbolized by the seven-headed wild beast, go all its component parts, namely, the “kings of the earth and their armies,” the military commanders, the strong men, the horse riders, the freemen and the slaves, the small ones and the great. The “false prophet” is also a part of that visible planetary system, for it is the dual world power of Britain and America, the dominant part of the whole visible organization of this world. The whole world system is not wily enough to elude the execution of divine judgment for all its ungodly deeds and the way it has preyed upon the people. The symbolic wild beast, along with its false prophet, is “caught,” yes, caught while committing its last misdeeds against the faithful worshipers of Jehovah God. The King of kings, Jesus Christ, is the one who runs down this ferocious wild beast. Like a maneater, it is destroyed.
14. What does the hurling of the “wild beast” and the “false prophet” signify for them?
14 Never again will this beastly world system of political rule, along with its political “false prophet,” victimize mankind. Not as dead, nonfunctioning political institutions, but, as Revelation 19:20 states, “while still alive, they both were hurled into the fiery lake that burns with sulphur.” Never will they come out of this “fiery lake” alive, for their death in battle is not due to the death that the sinner Adam brought upon all his human offspring. The “fiery lake” symbolizes another kind of death, an endless death from which there is no resurrection. Revelation itself (Re 20:14) explains it, saying: “This means the second death, the lake of fire.” All human efforts in patriotically fighting to perpetuate this political system for running human affairs will fail!
15. What shows whether there will be a resurrection of the dead for the rulers and the ruled people slain at Har–Magedon?
15 Will there, then, be a resurrection for the others, who as rulers or as ruled people fight for the symbolic wild beast and false prophet against God’s kingdom in the hands of his King of kings? There is a total extermination of them. The tongue of the militant King of kings, which proceeds out of his mouth like a sharp long sword, orders the execution of them all, and the angelic armies of heaven carry out his royal orders. So those willful opposers of God’s Messianic kingdom are all killed off. They are not counted as having suffered an honorable death, making the “supreme sacrifice” for country and government. They are not buried in memorial tombs, in nationally maintained military cemeteries to be visited annually on a Memorial Day or Decoration Day. As undeserving of a resurrection, they are pictured as having their corpses left lying exposed on the battlefield of Har–Magedon, their stinking bodies attracting all the birds that live on carrion flesh. It is foretold: “All the birds were filled from the fleshy parts of them.” They gorge themselves to bursting on the “great evening meal of God.”—Revelation 19:17-21.
16. What must be said of survival of the war at Har–Magedon, as to (a) the earth, (b) the birds, and (c) exceptions to the worshipers of the wild beast?
16 It is to be noted that the account does not say that the literal earth over which the “kings” have reigned is burned up. No, but the earth survives the “war of the great day of God the Almighty” at Har–Magedon. Also, “all the birds that fly in midheaven” survive, to feast upon the fleshy parts of the bodies strewn over the earth. But there are also human survivors on earth after the “war of the great day of God the Almighty.” This is not shown here directly in this battle account. Yet this must be so! Why? Because not all the inhabitants of the earth at the time of the battle will be misled by the “false prophet.” There will be exceptions, though comparatively few, to “those who received the mark of the wild beast and those who render worship to its image.” (Revelation 19:20) What about the “great crowd,” whom the apostle John saw earlier in the vision and who were seen standing before God’s throne and before the Lamb Jesus Christ? They are not among those fighting against God’s Messianic kingdom at Har–Magedon.
17. What does Revelation, chapter seven, show regarding the attitude of the “great crowd” toward God and his Messianic kingdom?
17 Telling about these, John says: “They keep on crying with a loud voice, saying: ‘Salvation we owe to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb.’” After making inquiry about these, one of the twenty-four heavenly elders tells John: “These are the ones that come out of the great tribulation, and they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:9-14) This “great crowd” that comes “out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues” was definitely not against the Messianic kingdom of God. It refused to receive the “mark of the wild beast” and to “render worship to its image.”
18. Why will the earth not be found empty of human life when Christ’s thousand-year reign begins?
18 So the “great crowd” will not fall slain with people executed at Har–Magedon, but will “come out of the great tribulation,” the grand climax of which will be the “war of the great day of God the Almighty.” Surviving that “great tribulation” and hailing victorious Jehovah God and the Lamb Jesus Christ, the “great crowd” will, as with palm branches, look forward joyfully to the thousand years ahead. So the earth will not be found empty of human life as the glorious thousand years of Christ’s reign begins. |
How to Get More From Reading the Bible | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2017002 | How to Get More From Reading the Bible
No. 1 2017
© 2016 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 www.jw.org.
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are from the modern-language New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.
THIS MAGAZINE, The Watchtower, honors Jehovah God, the Ruler of the universe. It comforts people with the good news that God’s heavenly Kingdom will soon end all wickedness and transform the earth into a paradise. It promotes faith in Jesus Christ, who died so that we might gain everlasting life and who is now ruling as King of God’s Kingdom. This magazine has been published continuously since 1879 and is nonpolitical. It adheres to the Bible as its authority. |
Worship God (wt)
2002 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/wt | Chapter Four
The One to Whom All the Prophets Bore Witness
1. What do the facts about Jesus’ prehuman existence show as to his relationship with Jehovah?
“THE Father has affection for the Son and shows him all the things he himself does.” (John 5:20) What a warm relationship the Son enjoyed with his Father, Jehovah! The closeness of that relationship began at the time of his creation, countless millenniums before his human birth. He was God’s only-begotten Son, the only one created directly by Jehovah himself. Everything else in heaven and on earth was created by means of that dearly loved firstborn Son. (Colossians 1:15, 16) He also served as God’s Word, or Spokesman, the One through whom the divine will was communicated to others. This one, the Son that God was specially fond of, became the man Jesus Christ.—Proverbs 8:22-30; John 1:14, 18; 12:49, 50.
2. To what extent have Bible prophecies referred to Jesus?
2 Before God’s firstborn Son was miraculously conceived as a human, scores of inspired prophecies were recorded about him. The apostle Peter testified to Cornelius: “To him all the prophets bear witness.” (Acts 10:43) The role of Jesus was featured in the Bible to such an extent that an angel told the apostle John: “The bearing witness to Jesus is what inspires prophesying.” (Revelation 19:10) Those prophecies clearly identified him as the Messiah. They drew attention to various roles he would play in fulfilling God’s purposes. All of this should be of keen interest to us today.
What the Prophecies Revealed
3. (a) In the prophecy at Genesis 3:15, who is represented by the serpent, “the woman,” and the ‘seed of the serpent’? (b) Why would the ‘bruising of the serpent in the head’ be of great interest to Jehovah’s servants?
3 The first of such prophecies was spoken after the rebellion in Eden. Jehovah 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 3:15) That prophecy was really addressed to Satan, the one represented by the serpent. “The woman” is Jehovah’s own loyal heavenly organization, which is like a faithful wife to him. The ‘seed of the serpent’ includes all angels and humans who manifest the spirit of Satan, those who oppose Jehovah and His people. The ‘bruising of the serpent in the head’ means the eventual destruction of the rebel Satan, who slandered Jehovah and brought great grief to mankind. But what is the identity of the principal part of the “seed” who would do the bruising? For centuries, that remained a “sacred secret.”—Romans 16:20, 25, 26.
4. How did Jesus’ ancestry help to identify him as the promised Seed?
4 After some 2,000 years of human history, Jehovah provided further details. He indicated that the Seed would appear in the family line of Abraham. (Genesis 22:15-18) However, the line leading to the Seed would depend, not on fleshly descent, but on God’s choice. In spite of Abraham’s love for his son Ishmael, born to Hagar, Jehovah said: “My covenant I shall establish with Isaac, whom Sarah will bear to you.” (Genesis 17:18-21) Later that covenant was confirmed, not to Isaac’s firstborn son, Esau, but to Jacob, from whom the 12 tribes of Israel descended. (Genesis 28:10-14) In time, it was indicated that the Seed would be born in the tribe of Judah, in the line of David.—Genesis 49:10; 1 Chronicles 17:3, 4, 11-14.
5. When Jesus began his earthly ministry, what made it evident that he was the Messiah?
5 What other clues were given as to the Seed’s identity? Over 700 years in advance, the Bible named Bethlehem as the place of the human birth of the promised Seed. It also revealed that the Seed had already existed “from the days of time indefinite,” since the time he was created in heaven. (Micah 5:2) The exact time of his appearance on earth as the Messiah was also foretold, through the prophet Daniel. (Daniel 9:24-26) And when Jesus was anointed with holy spirit, actually becoming Jehovah’s Anointed One, God’s own voice from heaven clearly identified him as His Son. (Matthew 3:16, 17) The Seed was revealed! Thus, Philip could say with conviction: “We have found the one of whom Moses, in the Law, and the Prophets wrote, Jesus.”—John 1:45.
6. (a) According to Luke 24:27, what did Jesus’ followers come to realize? (b) Who is the principal part of the ‘seed of the woman,’ and what is meant by his bruising the serpent’s head?
6 Thereafter, Jesus’ followers came to realize that literally scores of prophetic references to him had been woven into the inspired Scriptures. (Luke 24:27) It became even clearer that Jesus is the principal part of the ‘seed of the woman,’ the one who will bruise the head of the serpent, crushing Satan out of existence. By means of Jesus, all of God’s promises to humankind, all the things for which we earnestly long, will be brought to fulfillment.—2 Corinthians 1:20.
7. In addition to the identity of the One referred to in the prophecies, what else is it beneficial to realize?
7 How should knowing this affect us? The Bible tells of an Ethiopian eunuch who had read some of these prophecies about the coming Redeemer and Messiah. Puzzled, he asked the evangelizer Philip: “About whom does the prophet say this?” But the eunuch did not let the matter rest when he received the answer. After listening carefully to the explanation that Philip gave, the man realized that appreciation for this fulfilled prophecy called for action on his own part. He understood that he needed to get baptized. (Acts 8:32-38; Isaiah 53:3-9) Do we respond similarly?
8. (a) What did Abraham’s attempt to offer up Isaac foreshadow? (b) Why did Jehovah tell Abraham that all nations would bless themselves by means of the Seed, and how does this apply to us today?
8 Consider, too, the touching account of Abraham’s attempt to offer up Isaac, his only son by Sarah. (Genesis 22:1-18) That foreshadowed what Jehovah would do—offer up his only-begotten Son: “God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) This gives us confidence that just as Jehovah gave his only-begotten Son to fulfill His purpose, He will also “kindly give us all other things.” (Romans 8:32) What is required on our part? As recorded at Genesis 22:18, Jehovah told Abraham that all nations would bless themselves by means of the Seed, “due to the fact that [Abraham had] listened to [God’s] voice.” We too need to listen to Jehovah and to his Son: “He that exercises faith in the Son has everlasting life; he that disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.”—John 3:36.
9. If we appreciate the hope of everlasting life made possible by Jesus’ sacrifice, what will we do?
9 If we appreciate the hope of everlasting life made possible by Jesus’ sacrifice, we will want to do the things that Jehovah has spoken to us through Jesus. These revolve around our love for God and for our neighbors. (Matthew 22:37-39) Jesus showed that our love for Jehovah would motivate us to teach others “to observe all the things [that Jesus has] commanded [us].” (Matthew 28:19, 20) And we want to share that love with fellow servants of Jehovah by the regular “gathering of ourselves together” with them. (Hebrews 10:25; Galatians 6:10) Too, in listening to God and his Son, we should not think that they demand perfection from us. Hebrews 4:15 says that Jesus, as our High Priest, can “sympathize with our weaknesses.” How comforting that is, especially when we approach God in prayer through Christ for help to overcome our weaknesses!—Matthew 6:12.
Show Faith in Christ
10. Why is there no salvation apart from Jesus Christ?
10 After pointing out to the Jewish high court in Jerusalem that Bible prophecy had been fulfilled in Jesus, the apostle Peter forcefully concluded: “There is no salvation in anyone else, for there is not another name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must get saved.” (Acts 4:12) Since all of Adam’s offspring are sinners, their death holds no merit that can be applied as a ransom for anyone. But Jesus was perfect, and his life had sacrificial value. (Psalm 49:6-9; Hebrews 2:9) He offered to God a ransom that exactly corresponded in value to the perfect life that Adam had lost. (1 Timothy 2:5, 6) This opened the way for us to obtain everlasting life in God’s new world.
11. Explain how Jesus’ sacrifice can greatly benefit us.
11 The ransom also opened the way for us to receive other benefits, even now. For example, although we are sinners, Jesus’ sacrifice makes possible our having a clean conscience because of forgiveness of sin. This is far more than was ever achieved for the Israelites by the animal sacrifices that the Mosaic Law required. (Acts 13:38, 39; Hebrews 9:13, 14; 10:22) However, having such forgiveness requires that we honestly recognize how much we need Christ’s sacrifice: “If we make the statement: ‘We have no sin,’ we are misleading ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous so as to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”—1 John 1:8, 9.
12. Why is water immersion an important factor in gaining a good conscience before God?
12 How can sinners express faith in Christ and his sacrifice? When people in the first century became believers, they publicly demonstrated that. How? They got baptized. Why? Because Jesus commanded that all his disciples be baptized. (Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 8:12; 18:8) A person will not hold back when his heart is really moved by the loving provision that Jehovah made through Jesus. He will make any needed adjustments in his life, dedicate himself to God in prayer, and symbolize his dedication by water immersion. It is by demonstrating faith in this way that he makes ‘request to God for a good conscience.’—1 Peter 3:21.
13. If we realize that we have committed a sin, what should we do about it, and why?
13 Even after this, of course, sinful traits will show themselves. What then? The apostle John said: “I am writing you these things that you may not commit a sin. And yet, if anyone does commit a sin, we have a helper with the Father, Jesus Christ, a righteous one. And he is a propitiatory sacrifice for our sins.” (1 John 2:1, 2) Does this mean that no matter what we do, if we pray to God for forgiveness, everything will be all right? Not necessarily. The key to forgiveness is genuine repentance. Help may also be needed from older, more experienced ones in the Christian congregation. We must recognize the wrongness of what was done and feel sincere regret over it so that we will make an earnest effort to avoid repeating it. (Acts 3:19; James 5:13-16) If we do this, we can be assured of Jesus’ help and of our restoration to Jehovah’s favor.
14. (a) Explain an important way in which Jesus’ sacrifice has benefited us. (b) If we really have faith, what will we do?
14 Jesus’ sacrifice has opened the way for eternal life in heaven for a “little flock,” the subsidiary part of the seed of Genesis 3:15. (Luke 12:32; Galatians 3:26-29) It has also opened the way for eternal life on a paradise earth for billions of others of mankind. (Psalm 37:29; Revelation 20:11, 12; 21:3, 4) Eternal life is “the gift God gives . . . by Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-10) If we have faith in that gift and appreciation for the manner in which it was made possible, we will make this manifest. Discerning how marvelously Jehovah has used Jesus in accomplishing His will and how vital it is that all of us follow Jesus’ steps closely, we will make the Christian ministry one of the most important activities in our life. Our faith will be evident from the conviction with which we tell others about this magnificent gift from God.—Acts 20:24.
15. How does faith in Jesus Christ have a unifying effect?
15 What a fine, unifying effect such faith has! By means of it, we are drawn closer to Jehovah, to his Son, and to one another within the Christian congregation. (1 John 3:23, 24) It causes us to rejoice that Jehovah has kindly given to his Son “the name that is above every other name [except God’s 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 2:9-11.
Review Discussion
• When the Messiah appeared, why was his identity clear to those who truly believed God’s Word?
• What are some of the things we should do to show our appreciation for Jesus’ sacrifice?
• In what ways has Jesus’ sacrifice already benefited us? How does this help us when we pray to Jehovah for forgiveness of sins?
[Picture on page 36]
Jesus told his followers that they should teach others to observe God’s commandments |
Can the Bible Help You Overcome Drug Addiction? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/501100036 | Can the Bible Help You Overcome Drug Addiction?
Each year, millions die from the direct or indirect effects of substance use, including drug abuse. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the scope of this problem only increased. The Bible’s wisdom has helped many to overcome drug addiction. If you are struggling with this problem, this wisdom can help you too.a
In this article
Why look to the Bible for help in overcoming addiction?
Four Bible-based steps to break free from addiction
Bible verses that can help you overcome addiction
More real-life experiences: Conquering addiction with the Bible’s help
Does the Bible forbid medical treatment for addiction?
Does the Bible forbid the medicinal use of drugs?
Why look to the Bible for help in overcoming addiction?
Researchers have found that addiction is often associated with such deep-seated issues as loneliness, stress, anxiety, and depression. The Bible can help you to build the faith needed to cope successfully with the challenges that may contribute to addiction. It shows how you can have a close friendship with God. (Psalm 25:14) With his help, you can overcome problems that might seem impossible to solve on your own.—Mark 11:22-24.
Four Bible-based steps to break free from addiction
1. Get to know Jehovah God.b (John 17:3) He is the Creator and the Source of unlimited power. More than that, he is your loving heavenly Father. He wants to have a close relationship with you and to use his power in your behalf. (Isaiah 40:29-31; James 4:8) He has a wonderful future in store for you if you choose to benefit from his love.—Jeremiah 29:11; John 3:16.
2. Ask Jehovah for help. Pray to God and ask him to help you overcome your addiction so that you can be “holy [or, clean] and acceptable to [him].” (Romans 12:1) By means of his holy spirit, or active force, he will give you “power beyond what is normal.” (2 Corinthians 4:7; Luke 11:13) This power will help you to stop abusing drugs and to develop a “new personality” that is in harmony with his will.—Colossians 3:9, 10.
3. Fill your mind with God’s thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9) He will help you “to be made new in your dominant mental attitude,” or to change your thinking patterns, which will help you to break free from addiction. (Ephesians 4:23) God’s thoughts are found in the Bible, so it is vital that you read it regularly. (Psalm 1:1-3) Many have benefited by getting help to understand what the Bible teaches. (Acts 8:30, 31) Jehovah’s Witnesses offer a free interactive Bible course. We also invite you to attend our meetings, where we examine what the Bible says and how we can apply its teachings in our life.
4. Choose good association. Your friends can exert a strong influence on you, for good or for bad, in your fight against addiction. (Proverbs 13:20) God provides good associates among those who worship him, and he wants you to benefit from their friendship. (Psalm 119:63; Romans 1:12) Be selective in your entertainment as well, since you essentially associate with the characters you watch, listen to, or read about. Avoid anything that will weaken your resolve to do what is right.—Psalm 101:3; Amos 5:14.
Bible verses that can help you overcome addiction
Psalm 27:10: “Even if my own father and mother abandon me, Jehovah himself will take me in.”
“I never knew my biological father, and this left me feeling empty inside. Once I came to know Jehovah God as a real Person who truly loved me, I found meaning in life and was able to conquer my addiction.”—Wilby, from Haiti.
Psalm 50:15: “Call on me in the time of distress. I will rescue you.”
“Time and again, this verse gave me the strength to keep going, even after I had setbacks. Jehovah kept his promise.”—Serhiy, from Ukraine.
Proverbs 3:5, 6: “Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of him, and he will make your paths straight.”
“These verses helped me to trust, not in myself, but in Jehovah. With his strength, I was able to change my life completely.”—Michele, from Italy.
Isaiah 41:10: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify you, yes, I will help you, I will really hold on to you with my right hand of righteousness.”
“I suffered from terrible anxiety when I didn’t have access to drugs. This scripture convinced me that God would help me overcome my anxiety, and he did.”—Andy, from South Africa.
1 Corinthians 15:33, footnote: “Do not be misled. Bad associations corrupt good morals.”
“Bad associates introduced me to drugs and led me into addiction. I was able to break free only after I cut off my association with them and made friends with clean people whose lifestyle I admired.”—Isaac, from Kenya.
2 Corinthians 7:1: “Let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit.”
“Those words inspired me to continue in the struggle to cleanse my body and leave behind a past of addictions and self-destruction.”—Rosa, from Colombia.
Philippians 4:13: “For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power.”
“I knew that I wasn’t strong enough on my own to stop taking drugs, so I prayed that God help me. He gave me the strength I needed.”—Patrizia, from Italy.
More real-life experiences: Conquering addiction with the Bible’s help
Joseph Ehrenbogen was raised around violence and became addicted to alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and heroin. Several times, he nearly died from overdoses. One Bible passage in particular convinced him that he could change. Read his story in the article “I Learned to Respect Women and Myself.”
Dmitry Korshunov suffered many relapses in his struggle to break free from alcohol addiction. Watch the video ‘I Got Fed Up With My Lifestyle’ to see what helped him to succeed.
Does the Bible forbid medical treatment for addiction?
No. The Bible acknowledges: “Healthy people do not need a physician, but those who are ill do.” (Matthew 9:12) Likewise, the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse says: “Drug addiction is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will.” Of course, the help that God provides is far stronger than anyone’s willpower. Still, many who have broken free from substance addiction by following the Bible’s counsel also needed the help of medical treatment.c For instance, a man named Allen recalls: “When I was giving up alcohol, the physical pain of withdrawal was tremendous. That’s when I realized that I needed medical treatment in addition to the spiritual help I was getting.”
Does the Bible forbid the medicinal use of drugs?
No. In fact, the Bible describes the use of alcohol to treat illness or to dull the pain of someone who is about to die. (Proverbs 31:6; 1 Timothy 5:23) However, just as is true of alcohol, drugs that are used to manage pain can be highly addictive. Thus, it is wise to see the potential danger and exercise caution in the use of prescription painkillers.—Proverbs 22:3.
a Although this article focuses on overcoming drug addiction, the Bible principles considered can also help those who are fighting other problems, including issues involving alcohol, tobacco, food, gambling, pornography, or social media.
b Jehovah is the personal name of God. (Psalm 83:18) See the article “Who Is Jehovah?”
c Many treatment centers, hospitals, and recovery programs can provide help. Each person should carefully evaluate the options and then decide what type of treatment is best.—Proverbs 14:15. |
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 | input Page/Publishers’ Page
Examining the Scriptures Daily—2020
Yeartext “Go, therefore, and make disciples . . . , baptizing them.”—Matthew 28:19.
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.
July 2019 Printing
English (es20-E)
© 2019
WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA |
Paradise Restored (pm)
1972 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/pm | input Page/Publishers’ Page
Paradise Restored To Mankind—By Theocracy!
A Look at the Fulfillment of the Restoration Prophecies of Haggai and Zechariah, as Possible from the Twentieth-Century Vantage Point
“And the Lord God had planted a paradise of pleasure from the beginning; wherein he placed man whom he had formed.”—Genesis 2:8, Douay Version.
“You will be with me in paradise.”—Luke 23:43, Jerusalem Version.
Dedicated to the Heavenly Theocrat in the Joyful Hope of His Restoration of Paradise to Earth as Mankind’s Everlasting Home
Symbols of Scripture translations quoted or cited in this book:
AT - An American Translation, by J. M. P. Smith and E. J. Goodspeed.
AV - Authorized or King James Version, of 1611 C.E.
By - The Bible in Living English, by Steven T. Byington, A.B., of Ballard Vale, Massachusetts, U.S.A. (Published in 1972).
Dy - Roman Catholic English Version of the Latin Vulgate, made at Douay and Rheims, as of 1610 C.E.
Je - The Jerusalem Bible, Roman Catholic English translation from the French, as of 1966 C.E.
JP - The Holy Scriptures, by The Jewish Publication Society of America, as of 5712/1952 (Copyrighted 1917).
Mo - A New Translation of the Bible, by James Moffatt, as of 1922 C.E.
NAB - The New American Bible, Roman Catholic translation by the Catholic Biblical Association of America, as of 1970 C.E.
NE - The New English Bible, by the Delegates of the Oxford University Press and the Syndics of the Cambridge University Press, as of 1961, 1970 (England).
Ro - The Emphasised Bible - A New Translation, by Joseph B. Rotherham, as of 1897.
RS - Revised Standard Version, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America, as of 1952 C.E.
Yg - Young’s Literal Translation of the Holy Bible, by Robert Young, as of 1862.
Any Bible quotation or citation not followed by any specific abbreviation is made from the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (NW) in its revised edition of 1971.
DATING: In dating events the abbreviation B.C.E. means “Before Our Common Era,” and the abbreviation C.E. means “Of Our Common Era,” to distinguish the years before or after the year 1 C.E. |
Good News (gh)
1976 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/gh | Chapter 1
Where Can Good News Be Found Today?
1. What would you regard as good news?
WE ALL welcome good news, do we not? Well, the purpose of this book is to tell of good news that affects every man, woman and child on this earth today. It points to a bright and secure future for the human family. In fact, when you understand what this good news is all about, we feel sure that you will agree that it is the grandest of good news.
2. What effect should good news have on us? (Proverbs 12:25; 25:25)
2 To be good news to us, this news would need to touch our lives. It should cheer us, and encourage us to have an optimistic view of the future. It should help us as we face up to the realities of life. Its effect should be to lighten the burdens that press down on most people during this age of uncertainty. It should aid in removing our fears, and in making life purposeful and worth living.
3. What kind of news reports would make you happy?
3 Suppose that each morning as we picked up the newspaper we read headlines like these:
“No Housing Shortage—Secure Jobs for Everyone”
“Record Crops—Plenty of Good Food”
“Racial Barriers Gone”
“Crime Eradicated”
“Global Peace Complete”
“Disease and Old Age Eliminated—Hospitals and Funeral Parlors Closed Down”
“Earth’s Administrators in Complete Accord—Programs for Full Enjoyment of Life Under Way”
4. (a) Would you consider it miraculous for such good news to come true? (b) Can you think of some everyday happenings that really are miracles? (Luke 12:27) (c) Logically, who is responsible for these miracles? (Acts 14:15, 17) (d) What else does the good news relate?
4 Surely news like that would make us happy! However, you are probably saying, ‘That is impossible! It could never happen! That would be a miracle? But what is a miracle? It is defined as “a marvelous event due to some supernatural agency.” And truly we are surrounded constantly by marvels that no natural human agency could bring about or create. Why, life itself is a miracle! And among living things on earth, myriads of miracles are happening every day. The birth of each living creature is a miracle, and so is the blossoming of each flower. The beauty that adorns this earth, and the abundant provision to sustain life on it, cry out that an all-wise, all-loving Creator performed the miracle of producing it all. The good news related herein tells of further marvelous things that he is about to perform in restoring unity, peace and happiness among all his creation.
5. What message do you observe in creation?
5 Even now, where greedy men have not polluted this earth, all creation testifies to us that the One who designed and made it has marvelous qualities of love, kindness, wisdom and foresight. The glories of his creation are part of his message to us. How restful and appealing to our eyes is the beauty of a green landscape! Yet that same green of the vegetation is the stuff that turns energy from the sun into food to sustain our bodies. A human face has a nose to smell with, ears to hear with, eyes to see with, and mouth, teeth and tongue to eat and speak with. But when all these parts are put together, how beautiful that face can appear in expressing a personality that shows forth Godlike qualities!
6. (a) In what two Books does the Grand Creator spell out his message for mankind? (b) What hope does Bible prophecy hold out for: (1) Housing and secure Jobs for all? (2) Abundant food supplies? (3) Removal of racial barriers? (4) Eradication of crime? (5) Abolition of war? (6) Elimination of sickness, old age and death? (7) Administration of earth in righteousness?
6 Yes, the marvelous things we see in creation, including the design of man himself, speak to us the message that a Grand Creator lives and has a purpose toward us humans. However, he writes this message, not only in the Book of his creation, but also in black and white in a Book that we today can read in print. In this Book he spells out what he can do in handling the problems and curing the ills that confront us humans today. Consider, please, some examples of what the Creator of our earth talks about doing for his people.
Homes and Secure Jobs for Everyone:
“They will actually build . . . , and plant vineyards and drink the wine of them, and make gardens and eat the fruit of them.” “As for the one listening to [wisdom], he will reside in security and be undisturbed from dread of calamity.”—Amos 9:14; Proverbs 1:33.
An Abundance of Produce and Food for All:
“The earth itself will certainly give its produce.” “There will come to be plenty of grain on the earth.” “I will exalt you, O my God . . . You are opening your hand and satisfying the desire of every living thing.”—Psalm 67:6; 72:16; 145:1, 16.
Racial Barriers Replaced by Brotherhood of Mankind:
“Look! a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues . . . They will hunger no more nor thirst anymore.” “All you are brothers.”—Revelation 7:9, 16; Matthew 23:8.
Crime, Violence and Wickedness Eradicated:
“Evildoers themselves will be cut off, . . . just a little while longer, and the wicked one will be no more.” “When the wicked ones sprout as the vegetation and all the practicers of what is hurtful blossom forth, it is that they may be annihilated forever.”—Psalm 37:9, 10; 92:7.
The Achieving of Global Peace—No More War:
“Upon earth peace among men of goodwill.” “They will not lift up sword, nation against nation, neither will they learn war anymore. And they will actually sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and there will be no one making them tremble.”—Luke 2:14; Micah 4:3, 4.
Elimination of Disease, Old Age and Death:
“Death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.” “There were trees of life . . . And the leaves of the trees were for the curing of the nations [of mankind]. And no more will there be any curse.”—Revelation 21:4; 22:2, 3.
One Righteous Administration for All Mankind:
“Look! A king will reign for righteousness itself; and as respects princes, they will rule as princes for justice itself.” “In his days the righteous one will sprout, and the abundance of peace until the moon is no more. And he will have subjects . . . to the ends of the earth.”—Isaiah 32:1; Psalm 72:7, 8.
7. (a) To how many persons is the good news declared “as glad tidings“? (b) Why may this be termed “everlasting” good news? (Isaiah 40:8)
7 This sounds like marvelous good news, does it not? True, some people ridicule this good news, but they have nothing to offer in its place. You do not need to be like them. You and your family will not lose anything—and can gain much—by examining these grand promises. The good news that we are about to examine has been termed “everlasting good news” that is declared “as glad tidings to those who dwell on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people.” (Revelation 14:6) It tells of permanent, lasting benefits to come to all mankind.
[Full-page picture on page 4] |
Where They Lived | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2010007 | The Life and Times of First-Century Christians
Where They Lived
“I did not hold back from . . . teaching you publicly and from house to house.”—ACTS 20:20.
ENTERING through the massive gate, you are instantly thrust into a first-century city. Like many cities, it is situated on a hill. Above you is a ridge, where the upper city is revealed. Numerous luxurious white villas, many with walled gardens, glisten in the sun. This is the neighborhood of the wealthy. Down the slope, more houses of different sizes and shapes come into view. These large multistoried stone houses of the middle-class merchants and landowners line the paved streets. Farther down in the lower valley are the poorer areas. The drab houses here are small, boxlike structures packed on narrow alleyways or clustered around small courtyards.
As you walk along the congested streets, the sounds and smells excite your senses. Women are cooking, filling the neighborhood with tantalizing aromas. You hear the sounds of animals and of children at play. Men are busily working in noisy, smelly shops.
For the Christian family, life centered in these houses. They set the scene for daily life, spiritual instruction, and worship.
The Smaller Houses Like homes today, the size and type of dwellings varied according to location and the family’s financial circumstances. The smallest houses (1) consisted of one cramped, dark room, which provided living space for an entire family. Many small houses were built of sun-dried mud-brick walls. Others were of rough-hewn stone walls. Both types were usually constructed on a stone foundation.
The interior walls were plastered and the floors were paved, requiring constant maintenance. At least one small opening in the roof or wall allowed kitchen smoke to escape. Furnishings were limited to essential household items.
An earthen roof rested on branches, reeds, and rafters over wooden beams, supported by posts. The packed clay was then plastered, making a reasonably waterproof ceiling. Roof access usually involved a climb on an outside ladder.
Even in such close quarters, Christian homes were pleasant places, where even a poor family could be spiritually rich and happy.
The Middle Class The bigger two-story stone houses (2) of the middle class featured a guest room. (Mark 14:13-16; Acts 1:13, 14) This large upper chamber could accommodate meetings and was often available at festival times. (Acts 2:1-4) These houses and even larger houses (3) of merchants and landowners were constructed of limestone blocks, bonded with lime mortar. The paved floors and interior walls were plastered; exterior walls were whitewashed.
Access to the upper rooms and roof was by a staircase. All flat roofs were rimmed by a parapet intended to prevent falls and other accidents. (Deuteronomy 22:8) During the heat of the day, under a makeshift shade structure, the roof would be a delightful place to retire to for study, meditation, prayer, or rest.—Acts 10:9.
While often accommodating extended families, these sturdy houses with larger rooms allowed for additional living space, separate bedrooms, and a larger kitchen and dining area.
The More Luxurious Homes The Roman-style houses (4) varied considerably in size, design, and construction. Spacious rooms were centered around a large dining room (triclinium), the hub of family activities. Some designs included a second or third story (5) or were adorned with walled gardens.
The more luxurious homes may have been well-equipped with elaborate furniture, some of it inlaid with ivory and gold. These homes had such conveniences as running water and baths. The floors may have been made of wood or multicolored marble, and the walls may have been paneled with cedar. Braziers were used for heating. Lattice, usually of wood, was installed in window openings for security, and curtains afforded a measure of privacy. Window seats were cut into the thick stone walls.—Acts 20:9, 10.
Whatever the size or shape of their house, the early Christians were open and generous with their belongings. Traveling overseers thus had no difficulty finding a warm, hospitable family with whom to stay until they completed their ministry in that city or town.—Matthew 10:11; Acts 16:14, 15.
“The Home of Simon and Andrew” Jesus found a warm welcome in “the home of Simon and Andrew.” (Mark 1:29-31) The house of these fishermen may have been part of an enclosed cluster of unpretentious structures (6) crowded around a paved courtyard.
At such houses, doors and windows opened onto the courtyard, which often was the center of daily activities, including cooking, baking, grinding grain, and socializing and eating.
The one-story houses in Capernaum were constructed from uncut local basalt (volcanic rock). The exterior stairs led to a flat roof made of packed clay or tile put over reeds and rafters that rested on beams. (Mark 2:1-5) The interior floors were paved, often covered with woven mats.
Blocks of houses formed streets and alleys along the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Capernaum was an ideal setting for the fishermen who earned their living from the sea.
“From House to House” All in all, the houses of the first-century Christians were varied—from the single-room mud-brick houses to the large, luxurious stone villas.
Those houses served as more than a shelter for the family. The home was a place of spiritual instruction. Within the walls, the family worshipped together. They assembled in private homes to study the Scriptures and to enjoy association with fellow believers. What they learned in their homes they put to good use as they carried out their all-important work, namely, preaching and teaching “from house to house” throughout the Roman world.—Acts 20:20. |
Road to Life (ol)
2002 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/ol | The Road to Everlasting Life—Have You Found It? |
Sing Praises (ssb)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/Ssb | Song 101
Showing Concern for “the Flock of God”
(1 Peter 5:2)
1. Jesus Christ, as God’s Fine Shepherd,
For His flock showed deep concern.
With his life he did us purchase.
Much from him we all can learn.
2. Elders are his undershepherds;
Lovingly they tend the sheep.
They must set a fine example
And strict vigilance e’er keep.
3. ‘Feed my lambs’ is Christ’s instruction
To each one whose love is pure.
Tenderly and with much patience,
All must help them to mature.
4. As a flock—united, peaceful—
Many blessings we do share.
God Jehovah and Christ Jesus
Shepherd us with loving care. |
Reasoning (rs)
1989 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/books/reasoning-rs | Government
Definition: The arrangement for making and administering laws. Governments are frequently classified according to the source and scope of their authority. Jehovah God is the Universal Sovereign, who confers authority on others in accord with his will and purpose. However, Satan the Devil, the foremost rebel against Jehovah’s sovereignty, is “the ruler of the world”—this by God’s permission for a limited period of time. The Bible depicts the global system of political rulership as a wild beast and says that “the dragon [Satan the Devil] gave to the beast its power and its throne and great authority.”—John 14:30; Rev. 13:2; 1 John 5:19.
Is it possible for humans to establish a government that will really bring lasting happiness?
What does the record of human history show?
Eccl. 8:9: “Man has dominated man to his injury.” (This is true even though some governments and rulers have started off with high ideals.)
“Every civilization that has ever existed has ultimately collapsed. History is a tale of efforts that failed, or aspirations that weren’t realized. . . . So, as a historian, one has to live with a sense of the inevitability of tragedy.”—Henry Kissinger, political scientist and professor of government, as quoted in The New York Times, October 13, 1974, p. 30B.
What hinders human efforts in the field of government?
Jer. 10:23: “I well know, O Jehovah, that to earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.” (God did not authorize his human creation to chart its own path independent from God.)
Gen. 8:21: “The inclination of the heart of man is bad from his youth up.” (Not only the rulers but also those ruled are all born in sin, with selfish inclinations.)
2 Tim. 3:1-4: “In the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, . . . not open to any agreement, . . . puffed up with pride.” (The problems facing mankind today cannot be lastingly solved by just one nation; they require complete international cooperation. But selfish interests prevent that and also seriously hinder any real cooperation among the various organizations within nations.)
The Bible also reveals that superhuman forces are manipulating the affairs of men. “The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19) “We have a wrestling, not against blood and flesh, but against . . . the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places.” (Eph. 6:12) “Expressions inspired by demons . . . go forth to the kings of the entire inhabited earth, to gather them together to the war of the great day of God the Almighty.”—Rev. 16:14.
How can people get lasting relief from governmental corruption and oppression?
Will putting other men in office solve the problem?
Is it not true that where there are free elections the men in power are usually voted out of office in a relatively few years? Why? A majority are not satisfied with their performance.
Ps. 146:3, 4: “Do not put your trust in nobles, nor in the son of earthling man, to whom no salvation belongs. His spirit goes out, he goes back to his ground; in that day his thoughts do perish.” (So, any programs for betterment that rulers institute soon pass into the hands of others and are frequently abandoned.)
No matter who the ruler is, he will still be part of this world that lies in Satan’s power.—1 John 5:19.
Is violent revolution the answer?
Even if corrupt rulers are ousted and unjust laws are discarded, the new government will be made up of imperfect humans and will still be part of the political system that the Bible clearly says is under the control of Satan.
Matt. 26:52: “Return your sword to its place, for all those who take the sword will perish by the sword.” (Jesus said this to one of his apostles at a time when governmental authority was being used unjustly against the Son of God himself. For what more worthy cause could a person have fought, if that were the right thing to do?)
Prov. 24:21, 22: “My son, fear Jehovah and the king. With those who are for a change, do not intermeddle. For their disaster will arise so suddenly, that who is aware of the extinction of those who are for a change?”
What, then, is the answer to the problems of corruption and oppression?
Dan. 2:44: “The God of heaven will set up a kingdom [a government] that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite.”
Ps. 72:12-14: “He [Jehovah’s appointed king, Jesus Christ] will deliver the poor one crying for help, also the afflicted one and whoever has no helper. He will feel sorry for the lowly one and the poor one, and the souls of the poor ones he will save. From oppression and from violence he will redeem their soul, and their blood will be precious in his eyes.” (His concern for such people when he was on earth—his healing them, feeding multitudes, even laying down his life for them—shows that he will truly be the kind of ruler foretold in the prophecy.)
See also pages 227-232, under the heading “Kingdom.”
Why should we seriously consider what the Bible says about the future of government?
Human rulers are not providing what mankind urgently needs
Consider these things that people everywhere need, that human governments are not providing but that God has promised: (1) Life in a world free from the threat of war.—Isa. 2:4; Ps. 46:9, 10. (2) Ample food for everyone.—Ps. 72:16. (3) Comfortable housing for everyone.—Isa. 65:21. (4) Satisfying employment for all who need it, so they can provide for themselves and their families.—Isa. 65:22. (5) Life that is not marred by sickness and disease.—Rev. 21:3, 4. (6) Justice; freedom from religious, racial, economic, and national prejudice.—Isa. 9:7; 11:3-5. (7) Enjoyment of security, without danger to one’s person or property from criminals.—Mic. 4:4; Prov. 2:22. (8) A world in which qualities most highly prized include love, kindness, concern for one’s fellowman, and truthfulness.—Ps. 85:10, 11; Gal. 5:22, 23.
For thousands of years, political rulers have been promising their people better conditions. With what results? Although the people in many nations have more material possessions, they are not happier, and the problems confronting them are more complex than ever.
Bible prophecies have proved completely reliable
A century in advance God’s Word foretold Babylon’s position of world dominance, also how its power would finally be broken, and the fact that, once desolated, its capital would never again be inhabited. (Isa. 13:17-22) Nearly two centuries in advance, even before Cyrus was born, the Bible foretold him by name as well as his role in international affairs. (Isa. 44:28; 45:1, 2) Before Medo-Persia became a world power, its ascendancy, its dual nature, and how it would end were all foretold. Over two centuries in advance the course of the Grecian world empire under its first king was foretold, also the subsequent division of the empire into four parts.—Dan. 8:1-8, 20-22.
The Bible foretold in detail the world conditions of our day, and it puts us on notice that all human governments will come to their end at the hands of God and that God’s Kingdom in the hands of his Son, Jesus Christ, will rule over all mankind.—Dan. 2:44; 7:13, 14.
Is it not the course of wisdom to heed a source of information that has proved to be so consistently reliable?
Government by God is the only real solution to the problems of mankind
The problems that need to be resolved require power, abilities, and qualities that no humans possess. God can free mankind from the influence of the Devil and his demons, and He has promised to do so, but no human can. God has made provision to do what medical science could never accomplish—remove sin, thus ending sickness and death and making it possible for people to be the kind of persons that they really want to be. The Creator has the needed knowledge (of the earth and of all life processes) to solve the problems of food production and to prevent dangerous pollution, but human efforts often create more problems. God’s Word is already transforming lives so that those who respond to its leading become kind, loving persons with high morals, a society of persons who refuse to take up arms against their fellowman and who live in genuine peace and brotherhood although they are from all nations, races, and language groups.
When will God’s Kingdom clear out the present world system? See the main headings “Dates” and “Last Days.” |
Happiness (hp)
1980 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/hp | Chapter 19
Will You Worship God in HIS Way?
IN THE “last days,” the Bible foretells, men would “be lovers of themselves, . . . self-assuming, haughty, . . . having a form of godly devotion but proving false to its power.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Does that not well describe what we see around us today?
2 Yes, in every aspect of life people act in a way that says, “Me first”—their conduct when shopping or driving, the attention they give to clothing and makeup, and the type of dancing they do. But all of this has not brought real happiness.
3 Many people even view religion according to what they want or feel they need. What a mistake that is! We are not the ones to say how God should be worshiped. As the Creator and Life-Giver, Jehovah is the one to say how he should be worshiped. (Romans 9:20, 21) And what he requires of us is for our own good. It brings outputment now and keeps our mind and heart on the wonderful things that he has in store for us in the future.—Isaiah 48:17.
4 Jehovah does not burden Christians with needless ceremonies or impose pointless restrictions. But God knows that continued life depends on a good relationship with him, and that we need to live by his standards and show concern for others if we are to find true enjoyment in life. When we worship God the way he wants, life becomes richer and gains meaning.
DOING THINGS IN GOD’S WAY
5 Noah is a fine example of a person who complied with God’s way. The Bible says: “Noah was a righteous man. He proved himself faultless among his contemporaries. Noah walked with the true God.” After God gave him instructions to build a huge life-preserving ark, “Noah proceeded to do according to all that God had commanded him. He did just so.” (Genesis 6:9, 22) Doing things in God’s way saved Noah’s life, as well as the lives of his family, who stuck with him as God’s prophet on earth.—2 Peter 2:5.
6 Another person who followed God’s way was Abraham. God told him to leave his homeland. Would you have obeyed? Abraham “went just as Jehovah had spoken,” though “not knowing where he was going.” (Genesis 12:4; Hebrews 11:8) Because of faithfully doing things in God’s way, Abraham was counted as “Jehovah’s friend.”—James 2:23; Romans 4:11.
BEING AMONG GOD’S PEOPLE
7 In time God chose to deal with a large group, the nation of Israel. They became “his people, a special property, out of all the peoples who are on the surface of the ground.” (Deuteronomy 14:2) Of course, each Israelite needed to pray to God and have a close, personal relationship with him. But they also had to recognize that God was directing a congregation; they had to follow the form of worship outlined in God’s law for them as a people. Thus they could enjoy the protection and blessing God provided for the congregation. (Deuteronomy 28:9-14) Think what a privilege it was to be part of those whom the Almighty called “my people Israel.”—2 Samuel 7:8.
8 What of non-Israelites who wanted to worship the true God? Persons of that sort formed “a vast mixed company” who chose to go with Israel when Moses led the nation out of Egypt. (Exodus 12:38) Had you been in Egypt, would you have felt that you could remain and worship God alone in your own way?
9 Even when Israel settled in the Promised Land, foreigners who recognized Jehovah and wanted to worship him could do so. However, they had to appreciate that God was dealing with a congregated people and that His worship centered at a temple in Jerusalem. (1 Kings 8:41-43; Numbers 9:14) Persons could not be acceptable to God if they let pride or independence move them to devise their own way of worship.
A CHANGE IN CONGREGATIONS
10 When Jesus engaged in his ministry on earth, God was still dealing with Israel as a people dedicated to him. Thus it was not necessary for everyone who accepted the Messiah to meet regularly with Jesus and travel with him as the apostles did. (Mark 5:18-20; 9:38-40) But the nation as a whole rejected Jehovah’s Messiah, moving Jesus to say shortly before he died: “The kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.”—Matthew 21:43, Jerusalem Bible.
11 Who would this new people be, once the way of worship set out in God’s law to Israel was no longer required? (Colossians 2:13, 14; Galatians 3:24, 25) On the day of Pentecost 33 C.E., the Christian congregation was formed and God made it clear to sincere observers that this was his doing. (Acts 2:1-4, 43-47; Hebrews 2:2-4) First, Jews and foreigners who had accepted Judaism, and, later, Gentiles, or people of the nations, became “a people for his name.” God now considered them to be “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special possession.”—Acts 15:14-18; 1 Peter 2:9, 10.
12 If you had lived then and wanted a relationship with God, you would have been directed to the Christian congregation. This is what happened with the Italian man Cornelius and his family. (Acts 10:1-48) The believers world wide constituted the Christian congregation. (1 Peter 5:9) All the local congregations, which met in homes or public buildings, were part of this one congregation that God was now using.—Acts 15:41; Romans 16:5.
13 Being a God of order, Jehovah arranged a measure of organization in the congregations. To provide needed attention to individual worshipers, he appointed men to serve as shepherds or overseers. They were experienced, qualified men who could teach God’s Word and train members of the congregation to share Bible truth with others, to help in the vital work of preaching the “good news.”—2 Timothy 2:1, 2; Ephesians 4:11-15; Matthew 24:14; Acts 20:28.
14 In many other ways, too, the congregations would benefit from these overseers. They were not to deal in a legalistic or oppressive manner. Rather, their assignment was lovingly to help fellow Christians to strengthen their relationship with God. (Acts 14:21-23; 1 Peter 5:2, 3) Any who had problems could go to these spiritually older men for kind, Scriptural help. (James 5:13-16; Isaiah 32:1, 2) Because Christians were still imperfect, occasionally difficulties might arise in congregations. The overseers were to be alert to help fellow Christians, and to be on guard against any who might endanger the congregation’s spirituality.—Philippians 4:2, 3; 2 Timothy 4:2-5.
15 The congregations got needed directions from a Christian governing body of the apostles and older men of the Jerusalem congregation. They studied and resolved questions sent from congregations. And the governing body dispatched representatives to visit congregations.—Acts 15:1-3.
16 Jehovah God is still dealing with his people as a congregated group. Throughout the earth there are thousands of congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses. If you want to come into unity with God’s way of worship, respond to his encouragement to congregate with fellow Christians:
“Let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, . . . but encouraging one another, and all the more so as you behold the day drawing near.”—Hebrews 10:24, 25.
WORSHIPING GOD WHOLE-SOULED
17 It is good to reflect on all that Jehovah God has done for you. From him you have life and the provisions to sustain your life each day. On top of that, God sent his Son to earth to die as a sacrifice. That was an expression of God’s deep love, love that is sure and constant. (Romans 5:8; 8:32, 38, 39) In that way God made it possible for you to gain forgiveness of sin and the prospect of everlasting life in happiness.—John 3:17; 17:3.
18 How will we respond to his love? Certainly we should not turn our back on God and his love. The apostle Peter urged:
“Repent, therefore, and turn around so as to get your sins blotted out, that seasons of refreshing may come.”—Acts 3:19.
19 All of us need to “repent,” for we have all sinned, fallen short of God’s standards in our conduct, speech and thoughts. (Romans 2:4; 7:14-21; James 3:2) For us to repent means to recognize that we are sinners and to feel sorrow over our having failed to live in full harmony with Jehovah’s will. Is that how you feel? Next, we need to “turn around,” to change our way of life, henceforth striving to reflect Jehovah’s qualities and to do things in his way. Doing that, we can trust that God will forgive and accept us.—Psalm 103:8-14; 2 Peter 3:9.
20 Recognizing that Jesus provided a model so that we could follow his steps in serving God, we should endeavor to imitate his example. (1 Peter 2:21) Hebrews 10:7 tells us that Jesus’ attitude was: “Look! I am come . . . to do your will, O God.” Similarly, our love and appreciation for God should move us to dedicate our lives to him, to do his will whole-souled. Of course, we will still eat, sleep, care for and love our family, enjoy pleasant relaxation and in other ways share in the normal activities of life. But dedicating our lives to God means that his will and worship should be of primary importance, and that, no matter where we are or what we are doing, we will earnestly endeavor to apply God’s counsel and follow the example Jesus set.—Colossians 3:23, 24.
21 The Scriptures make clear that a person who dedicates his life to God should publicly manifest that by being baptized. Jesus told his followers:
“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.”—Matthew 28:19, 20.
If those getting baptized were to have studied God’s Word and become disciples of Christ, then clearly they were not mere infants. Also, their baptism, in symbol of their dedication to God, was by total immersion in water, as Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River.—Mark 1:9-11; Acts 8:36-39.
22 Your becoming a baptized disciple of Christ will put you in line for the full and happy life of real Christianity. It is not a life governed by endless do’s and don’ts. Rather, it is a life of satisfying growth. You can steadily improve your spiritual outlook and your application of God’s Word, this bringing you ever closer to the example Jesus set.—Philippians 1:9-11; Ephesians 1:15-19.
23 This will affect your daily thinking and conduct. As you pursue the Christian way, your conviction will deepen that soon God will destroy all wickedness, making way for ‘a new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness is to dwell.’ This, in turn, will increase your motivation to develop the Christian personality and to pursue the way of life that will enable you to find a place in that coming new order. (Ephesians 4:17, 22-24) The apostle Peter was inspired to write:
“Think what sort of people you ought to be, what devout and dedicated lives you should live! With this [new order] to look forward to, do your utmost to be found at peace with him, unblemished and above reproach in his sight.”—2 Peter 3:11, 14, New English Bible.
24 What a blessing when a person’s entire life reflects the fact that he is worshiping Jehovah God! Though today many are living just to please themselves and selfishly to get all the pleasures they can, you can live and worship the true God in his way. This is the best way of life.
[Study Questions]
Who comes first with most people, and why is that not wise? (1-4)
How were Noah and Abraham different from most persons today? (5, 6)
In the time of ancient Israel, how did God deal with persons? (7-9)
What change did God make in his dealings? (10-12)
How did God organize and direct Christians? (13-15)
What meaning should God’s way of dealing with Christians have for you? (16)
Love for God should move us to do what? (17-19)
Why is baptism an important step, and what does it symbolize? (20, 21)
Have you dedicated your life to God, and do you want to be baptized? What will this mean for you? (22-24) |
Watch! (kp)
2004 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/brochures-and-booklets/watch-kp | Where Is Your Life Heading?
• Many people are so wrapped up in the affairs of daily life that they give little thought to where they are heading.
• The Bible alerts us to wonderful events ahead. It also warns of a coming global upheaval in human institutions. For us to benefit and to avoid calamity, positive action is urgent.
• There are some people who know what the Bible says and try to apply it but who let the anxieties of life push them off course.
• Are you happy with the direction that your life is taking? When you plan activities, do you consider how these could affect your long-term goals in life?
[Box/Pictures on page 9]
What Is Most Important to You?
How would you rate the following? Number them.
Many of them have a proper place in life, but when you have to choose, what comes first? second? and so forth.
․․․ Entertainment/recreation
․․․ My job or my career
․․․ My health
․․․ Personal happiness
․․․ My mate
․․․ My parents
․․․ My children
․․․ A nice home, fine clothes
․․․ Being the best at whatever I do
․․․ Worship of God
[Box on page 10, 11]
Are Your Choices Leading You to Where You Really Want to Go?
CONSIDER THESE QUESTIONS
ENTERTAINMENT/RECREATION: Does my choice of recreation refresh me? Does it involve thrills that could endanger my health or even cripple me for life? Is it a form of “fun” that involves excitement for perhaps a few hours but that can bring long-term heartache? Even if the entertainment that I choose is wholesome, am I spending so much time at it that it crowds out more important things?
MY JOB OR MY CAREER: Does it serve as a means of support, or am I really a slave to it? Does it make demands that are ruining my health? Would I prefer to work overtime on my job or to spend time with my mate or my children? If my employer demands work that disturbs my conscience or that frequently crowds out spiritual interests, will I do that work in order to keep my job?
MY HEALTH: Do I take it for granted, or am I consistent about safeguarding it? Does it dominate my conversation? Does the way I treat it show concern for my family?
PERSONAL HAPPINESS: Is this my first consideration? Do I put it ahead of the happiness of my mate or my family? Is the way in which I seek it consistent with being a worshiper of the true God?
MY MATE: Do I view my mate as my companion simply when this happens to suit me? Do I treat my mate with honor, as one who is eninputd to personal dignity? Does belief in God influence the way I view my mate?
MY PARENTS: If still a minor, am I obedient to my parents—answering respectfully, doing assigned chores, coming home at whatever time they set, avoiding associations and activities that they warn against? If an adult, do I listen to my parents with respect, giving them suitable help when this is needed? Is the way I deal with them governed by my convenience or by the counsel of God’s Word?
MY CHILDREN: Do I feel a responsibility to teach my children proper moral values, or do I expect the schools to do that? Do I spend time with my children, or do I expect toys, TV, or a computer to keep them occupied? Do I discipline my children consistently when they ignore God’s reminders, or do I do it mainly when I am irritated?
A NICE HOME, FINE CLOTHES: What dictates the attention I give to my appearance and my possessions—the impression I hope to make on the neighbors? the welfare of my family? the fact that I am a worshiper of God?
BEING THE BEST AT WHATEVER I DO: Do I feel that it is important to do things well? Do I strive to be the best? Am I disturbed if someone else does something better?
WORSHIP OF GOD: Is having the approval of God more important to me than the approval of my mate, my children, my parents, or my employer? In order to maintain a comfortable life-style, would I be willing to push service to God into second place?
CONSIDER CAREFULLY THE BIBLE’S COUNSEL
What place does God occupy in your life?
Ecclesiastes 12:13: “Fear the true God and keep his commandments. For this is the whole obligation of man.”
ASK YOURSELF: Does my life show that I view things that way? Does obedience to God’s commandments determine how I care for responsibilities at home, at work, or at school? Or do other interests or the pressures of life determine whether I set aside time for God?
What sort of relationship with God do you have?
Proverbs 3:5, 6: “Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight.”
Matthew 4:10: “It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.”
ASK YOURSELF: Is that the way I feel about God? Do my everyday activities, as well as the way that I deal with crises, demonstrate such trust and devotion?
How important to you are reading and studying the Bible?
John 17:3: “This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.”
ASK YOURSELF: Does the place that I give to reading God’s Word and thinking deeply on it show that I really believe that?
How important to you is attendance at meetings of the Christian congregation?
Hebrews 10:24, 25: “Let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together, . . . and all the more so as you behold the day drawing near.”
Psalm 122:1: “I rejoiced when they were saying to me: ‘To the house of Jehovah let us go.’”
ASK YOURSELF: Does my pattern of life show appreciation for this direction found in God’s Word? During the past month, did I skip any Christian meetings because I let something else crowd them out?
Do you have a zealous share in talking to others about God and his purpose?
Matthew 24:14: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness . . . , and then the end will come.”
Matthew 28:19, 20: “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, . . . teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.”
Psalm 96:2: “Sing to Jehovah, bless his name. From day to day tell the good news of salvation by him.”
ASK YOURSELF: Does this activity really have the place in my life that it deserves? Does my share in it reflect conviction on my part as to the seriousness of the times in which we live? |
Imitate (ia)
2013 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/ia | Introduction
“Be imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”—HEBREWS 6:12.
1, 2. How did one traveling overseer evidently view faithful Bible characters, and why would such ones make wonderful friends?
“HE SPEAKS about Bible characters as if they were old friends of his.” After listening to a discourse by an elderly traveling overseer, a Christian woman made that observation. And rightly so, for the brother had spent decades studying God’s Word and teaching from it—so much so that the Bible’s men and women of faith did, indeed, seem like old friends whom he had known all his life.
2 Would not many of those Bible characters make wonderful friends? Are they that real to you? Imagine what it would be like to walk and talk with them, to spend time getting to know such men and women as Noah, Abraham, Ruth, Elijah, and Esther. Think of the influence they might have on your life—the precious words of advice and encouragement they might offer!—Read Proverbs 13:20.
3. (a) How can we benefit from learning about the Bible’s men and women of faith? (b) What questions will we consider?
3 Of course, at the time of the “resurrection of . . . the righteous,” that kind of rewarding relationship will be fully possible. (Acts 24:15) However, even right now we can benefit from learning about the Bible’s men and women of faith. How? The apostle Paul offers this practical answer: “Be imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (Heb. 6:12) As we embark on a study of the subject of men and women of faith, let us consider a few questions that Paul’s words bring to mind: Just what is faith, and why do we need it? How can we imitate faithful people of old?
Faith—What It Is and Why We Need It
4. What do people tend to assume about faith, and why are they mistaken?
4 Faith is an appealing quality, one that all the men and women we will study about in this publication valued highly. Many people today tend to undervalue faith, assuming that it means believing without any real proof or evidence. However, they are mistaken. Faith is not gullibility; it is not a mere feeling; it is more than belief. Gullibility is dangerous. A mere feeling may come and go, and even belief is insufficient when it comes to God, for “the demons believe and shudder.”—Jas. 2:19.
5, 6. (a) Our faith focuses on what two kinds of unseen things? (b) How solidly grounded should our faith be? Illustrate.
5 True faith towers over such things. Recall how the Bible defines it. (Read Hebrews 11:1.) Paul said that faith focuses on two kinds of things that we cannot see. One, it focuses on present realities that are “not beheld.” Our physical eyes cannot see the realities in the spirit realm—such as Jehovah God, his Son, or the Kingdom that now rules in heaven. Two, faith focuses on “things hoped for”—events that have not yet happened. We cannot now see the new world that God’s Kingdom will soon bring about. Does that mean, then, that our faith in such realities and the things we have hoped for is groundless?
6 Far from it! Paul explained that true faith is solidly grounded. When he called faith “the assured expectation,” he used an expression that may also be rendered “input deed.” Imagine that someone decided to give you a house. He might hand you the deed to the place and say, “Here is your new home.” Of course, he does not mean that you will live on that piece of paper; he means that the document is so legally binding that for all practical purposes, it is the house itself. Similarly, the evidence for our faith is so convincing, so strong, that it may be equated to our faith itself.
7. What does true faith involve?
7 Thus, true faith involves well-founded confidence and unshakable conviction that is clearly focused on Jehovah God. Faith causes us to see him as our loving Father and to trust that all his promises are sure to come true. But genuine faith involves more. Like a living thing, it must be nourished to survive. It must be expressed in actions, or it will die.—Jas. 2:26.
8. Why is faith so important?
8 Why is faith so important? Paul provided a compelling answer. (Read Hebrews 11:6.) We can neither approach Jehovah nor please him unless we have faith. So faith is essential if we are to fulfill the highest, noblest purpose of any intelligent creature: to draw close to and glorify our heavenly Father, Jehovah.
9. How has Jehovah shown that he is aware of our need for faith?
9 Jehovah knows how much we need faith, so he provides us with examples to teach us how to build and show faith. He blesses the Christian congregation with examples of faithful men who take the lead. His Word says: “Imitate their faith.” (Heb. 13:7) And he has given us more. Paul wrote about a “great . . . cloud of witnesses,” men and women of ancient times who left sterling examples of faith. (Heb. 12:1) Paul’s list of faithful ones, recorded in Hebrews chapter 11, is by no means complete. The Bible’s pages are rich with true stories about men and women, young and old, from all walks of life, who lived lives of faith and who have much to teach us in these faithless times.
How Can We Imitate the Faith of Others?
10. How might our personal study help us to imitate the faithful men and women in the Bible record?
10 You cannot imitate a person unless you first observe him closely. As you read through this publication, you will notice that much research has been done to help you observe these men and women of faith. Why not follow suit and do additional research of your own? In your personal study, dig into the Bible with the research tools you have at hand. As you meditate on what you study, try to picture the setting and background of Bible accounts. Try to see the sights, hear the sounds, smell the aromas, so to speak. More important, try to discern the feelings of the people involved. As you empathize with those faithful men and women, they will become more real to you, more familiar—some may even come to seem like dear old friends.
11, 12. (a) How might you come to feel closer to Abram and Sarai? (b) How might you benefit from the example of Hannah, Elijah, or Samuel?
11 When you truly come to know them, you will want to imitate them. For instance, imagine contemplating a new assignment. Through Jehovah’s organization, you are invited to expand your ministry in some way. Perhaps you are asked to move to a territory where there is an urgent need for more preachers, or maybe you are invited to try some form of preaching that you find unfamiliar or uncomfortable. As you contemplate the assignment and pray about it, would it help to meditate on the example of Abram? He and Sarai were willing to forgo the comforts of Ur and were richly blessed as a result. As you follow in their footsteps, you will surely feel that you now know them better than ever before.
12 Similarly, what if someone close to you were to treat you spitefully and you felt discouraged—even felt tempted to stay home from the meetings? If you contemplated Hannah’s example and the way she rose above Peninnah’s spitefulness, it would help you to make the right decision—and it might make Hannah seem more like a dear friend too. Likewise, if you are discouraged by feelings of worthlessness, you might feel closer to Elijah as you study his plight and the way Jehovah comforted him. And youths who are bombarded by pressures from immoral schoolmates may feel closer to Samuel after studying how he handled the corrupt influence of Eli’s sons at the tabernacle.
13. Would imitating the faith of a Bible character somehow make you less of an individual? Explain.
13 Does imitating the faith of such Bible characters somehow make you a mere imitation or less of an individual? Far from it! Remember, Jehovah’s Word encourages us to imitate people of faith. (1 Cor. 4:16; 11:1; 2 Thess. 3:7, 9) What is more, some of the people whom we will study herein were themselves imitators of faithful ones who went before them. For instance, we note in Chapter 17 of this book that in her speech, Mary evidently drew on Hannah’s words, clearly seeing her as an example. Did that make Mary’s faith any less strong? Hardly! Rather, Hannah’s example helped Mary to build faith so that she could make her own unique name with Jehovah God.
14, 15. What are some features of this publication, and how can we make good use of it?
14 This book has been designed to help you strengthen your faith. The chapters that follow are a compilation of articles from the “Imitate Their Faith” series published in The Watchtower between 2008 and 2013. However, some new material has been added. Questions are provided for discussion and application. Many colorful, detailed illustrations have been created for this volume, and existing ones have been enlarged and enhanced. Other helpful features, such as a time line and maps, have been included. Imitate Their Faith is a tool designed for personal, family, and congregation study. Many families might also enjoy simply reading the stories aloud together.
15 May this book help you to imitate the faith of Jehovah’s loyal servants from the past. And may it help you to grow in faith as you draw closer to your heavenly Father, Jehovah! |
From Our Readers | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101999010 | From Our Readers
Street Gangs I was moved by the articles on street gangs in the April 22, 1998, issue of Awake! Right now I am in a reformatory school. My mother is one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, but a while back I stopped going to meetings. Then I got involved with bad friends and took part in a series of violent thefts. That’s why my mother sent me this Awake! At first I thought, ‘This again!’ But as I looked at it, I got engrossed and read it all. By the time I finished reading it, my thinking had changed. I never realized that Awake! could help me so much. I want to make a new start and attend meetings again. I have come to feel that I never want to repeat my mistakes and that I want to serve Jehovah as long as I live.
M. S., Japan
I am a single parent of an 11-year-old boy and a 9-year-old girl, and we live in an area with many different gangs. I read this magazine and immediately discussed it with my children. With the help of the article, they were able to see that being in a gang is never a substitute for love or a secure family life.
B. S., United States
My heartfelt thanks for the articles. I often feel concerned about my teenage nephews, and the information you provided has proved to be extremely helpful.
I. M. M., Brazil
The articles were just in time because some of my classmates are forming a gang. Some are not sure if they really want to be part of one, since the leader made them write rude words on the wall regarding our principal. Thanks for helping the young in these hard times.
B. C. G., Mexico
Smothered by Friends I just want to say how much I appreciated the article “Young People Ask . . . How Can I Avoid Being Smothered by My Friend?” (April 22, 1998) Though I am an adult and married, I always enjoy these articles. This particular one so suited a situation my husband and I are presently experiencing that I read it five times before putting it down. It helped me to learn that even Jesus needed time for himself.
P. A., Trinidad
Because of small misunderstandings, my friend and I sometimes stop talking to each other, and this makes me feel so downhearted that I cannot concentrate. After reading the article several times, I realized that I am smothering my friend and not giving him time to do other things. I feel that this article was written just for me, as it showed me so many ways to improve in my relations with others.
R. S., India
Orthodontics On a recent visit to my dentist, I left a copy of the April 8, 1998, Awake!, containing the article on orthodontics. The dentist later expressed appreciation, saying that the article was informative and concise and written in a way that was easy to understand. He also said that he had given copies of the article to some patients to help them understand their treatment program.
T. P., England
Grace Marsh’s Life Story I want to express my gratitude for Grace Marsh’s experience in the Awake! (April 22, 1998) It was upbuilding and encouraging to read about her courage in continuing to preach despite opposition. It made me appreciate still more the freedom we have to preach as a result of the efforts of the brothers in the past.
C. F., United States |
Teacher (lr)
2003 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/lr | What Children Need From Parents
ALL parents participate in an event that is beyond full human understanding. They each contribute a part of themselves. As a result, what develops within the mother is a fully formed living person. It is not surprising, therefore, that when a baby is born, people speak of the event as “the miracle of birth.”
Of course, producing children is only the beginning of the responsibility of parents. At first, human babies are almost entirely dependent, but as they grow, they need more than physical attention. They need help to develop mentally, emotionally, morally, and spiritually.
To realize wholesome development, children especially need the love of parents. Although verbal expressions of love are important, actions need to back up the words. Yes, children need a good parental example. They need moral guidance, principles by which to live. And they need these from their tender years on. Heartbreaking things can and do happen when children do not receive help until it is too late.
The best principles that can be found anywhere are those found in the Bible. Instruction based on the Bible has unique advantages. Through such instruction, children come to realize that what they are being told is, not what some human says, but what their Creator, their heavenly Father, says. This gives the counsel strength that cannot be equaled.
The Bible encourages parents to work hard to impress right principles on the minds of their children. As children grow older, however, parents often find it difficult to talk with them about things that matter the most. This book, Learn From the Great Teacher, is designed to help prevent such a situation from developing. It will provide you and your children with spiritual material to read together. But more than that, it should stimulate conversation between young ones and those who read this book with them.
You will notice that the book calls for a response on the part of children. Many well-placed questions are provided in the printed material. When you come to these, you will see a dash (—). This is a reminder to pause and encourage the child to express himself. Children like to be involved. Without that involvement, a child will quickly lose interest.
More important, though, these questions will help you to learn what is on the child’s mind. True, the child may come out with answers that are not correct. But the printed material that follows each question is designed to help the child to develop wholesome patterns of thinking.
A special feature of the book is its more than 230 pictures. Most of these have captions that call for a response from the child, based on what he sees and has read. So review the pictures with the child. They can be a fine teaching aid that will drive home the lessons being taught.
When the child learns to read, encourage him to read the book to you as well as to himself. The more he reads it, the more its good counsel will be impressed on his mind and heart. But to strengthen the bonds of affection and respect between you and your child, by all means read the book together, and do it regularly.
In a way that seemed almost unimaginable a few decades ago, children are exposed to illicit sex, spiritism, and other degrading practices. So they need protection, which this book helps to provide in a dignified yet straightforward manner. Yet, children especially need to be directed to the Source of all wisdom, our heavenly Father, Jehovah God. This is what Jesus, the Great Teacher, always did. We sincerely hope that this book will help you and your family to mold your lives so as to be pleasing to Jehovah, to your eternal blessing. |
HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Gilead School—Its Global Scope | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502500204 | A class in progress during a 2017 Gilead School course
HOW YOUR DONATIONS ARE USED
Gilead School—Its Global Scope
DECEMBER 1, 2020
Each year, a number of special full-time servants from around the world are invited to attend the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead, held at the Watchtower Educational Center in Patterson, New York.a At this school, students learn how to become more effective in their various assignments in Jehovah’s organization. This training helps them to strengthen and stabilize the congregations and branch organization around the globe.
Gilead is a truly international school. For example, the 147th class, held in 2019, had 56 students, from 29 countries. The students who attend Gilead have been serving in some form of special full-time service as Bethelites, circuit overseers, missionaries, or special pioneers.
Preparations for the school begin long before the first classroom session. For instance, the World Headquarters Travel Department (WHQ Travel) purchases flights for those invited to attend the school. For the 147th class of Gilead, the average cost of getting each foreign student to and from Patterson was $1,075 (U.S.). Students from the Solomon Islands had to take four flights to get to Patterson and later another three to get back home—traveling a total of over 35,400 kilometers (22,000 mi)! Those flights cost $2,300 (U.S.) per student. To conserve costs, WHQ Travel uses a computer booking tool to find reasonably priced tickets. And even after securing a ticket, the computer program keeps searching for weeks and even months checking to see if the price drops. WHQ Travel also uses donated airline credits and mileage to obtain tickets.
Many of the students need visas to enter the United States. To that end, the World Headquarters Legal Department helps them to obtain student visas. The visa and registration fees cost an average of $510 (U.S.) per student.
How do we benefit from the training these students receive? Hendra Gunawan serves as an elder in Southeast Asia. He is in a congregation with a married couple who graduated from Gilead. He says: “Previously, our congregation had no regular pioneers. But after the graduates arrived, their zealous and willing spirit spread to others, who decided to start pioneering. Later, one sister in our congregation even attended the School for Kingdom Evangelizers!”
Sergio Panjaitan works alongside Gilead graduates at a Bethel in Southeast Asia. He says: “The training they received was not just a blessing for them; it has also become a blessing for us. They learned so much! But instead of trying to stand out because of it, they share what they learned. This creates a ripple effect of spiritual encouragement.”
How are the costs of this school covered? By donations to the worldwide work, many of which are made via one of the methods found on donate.jw.org. Thank you for your generous contributions, which support this global school.
a The curriculum of this school is developed and maintained by the Theocratic Schools Department, under the direction of the Teaching Committee of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The school is taught by instructors from that department as well as guest instructors, including members of the Governing Body. |
When the Rain Would Not Stop Falling | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101983010 | When the Rain Would Not Stop Falling
By “Awake!” correspondent in Madagascar
IN TROPICAL Madagascar there are only two seasons: wet and dry. Since the wet season runs from November through March, nobody was surprised in December 1981 when it started to rain. The farmers were relieved. They needed the rain for their rice fields.
However, the farmers’ smiles turned to worried frowns as the rains kept falling. In Antananarivo, the capital, it rained day and night for three weeks. And it was not normal rain. On one afternoon, after just 10 minutes of exceptionally heavy downpour, several areas of the city were cut off from one another by floods. As the rains kept coming, the rivers began to rise. This rainy season was becoming ominous and threatening. What was happening?
Madagascar was being affected by cyclones, violent windstorms not uncommon in the Indian Ocean where Madagascar is situated. Cyclones bring much of the rain that the rice farmers fervently hope for each year. But that year three powerful cyclones swept past, one after the other, dumping incredible amounts of water on the island. The situation was made worse by the breakdown of the ancient dike system, designed to hold the rivers within bounds during high water. The soil of the dikes was swept away, and water rushed out of the river into the city and onto the farmlands.
As the days went by, the rains kept coming. By the beginning of February, flood-related damage was very serious. Many crops were lost. Fields, plantations, houses and roads disappeared under the spreading floodwaters. In the capital the clay walls of many houses, in constant contact with water, softened and collapsed, ultimately leaving 71,000 in Antananarivo without homes. They were accommodated in schools, social centers, hospitals and churches, until they could go back to their houses—or build new ones.
The higher part of the city, built on hills, was not flooded. But still there was danger. The rain eroded the soil and washed away retaining walls, resulting in landslides. Also, the roads throughout the island suffered. It was hard to imagine that they had once been paved. And since the rain was not expected to stop before the end of March, the authorities did not bother to repair them. So automobile drivers had to be skillful at avoiding huge potholes, and pedestrians had to be alert to avoid being soaked in muddy water splashed up by passing vehicles.
Finally, toward the end of March, the rain eased off. Soon, sunny, tropical weather returned, and it was difficult to imagine that it had been raining—until stock was taken of the damage. Ninety-three persons had died in the floods. Nine hundred buildings had been destroyed in Antananarivo alone, and more than a thousand in the east coast city of Toamasina. The total homeless in the whole country was 117,000, out of a population of only 9,000,000. And the farmers lost their harvest.
It will take time for the inhabitants of Madagascar to forget the experience. Some families still grieve for their dead. Many others did not have a roof over their heads for months. Farmers had to wait another year for a harvest—hoping that the rains would be more manageable in the future.
It would make life happier for most of us if we could be sure that disasters such as the one that hit Madagascar would never happen again. As it happens, the Bible tells us that soon the time is coming when we will have that confidence. (Isaiah 11:9; 65:21, 22; Micah 4:4) Sincere Christians in Madagascar are busy sharing this good news with the inhabitants of that island as they struggle to recover from the time when the rain would not stop falling. |
Proclaimers (jv)
1993 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/jv | Chapter 20
Building Together on a Global Scale
THE feeling of genuine brotherhood among Jehovah’s Witnesses is manifest in many ways. Those who attend their meetings see evidence of it. At their conventions it is demonstrated on an enlarged scale. It is also clearly evident as they work together to provide suitable places of assembly for their congregations.
As the decade of the 1990’s began, there were upwards of 60,000 congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide. During the preceding decade, 1,759 new congregations had been added, on an average, each year. By the early 1990’s, that rate had increased to over 3,000 per year. Providing suitable places for them all to meet has been a monumental task.
Kingdom Halls
As was true of the first-century Christians, many congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses initially used private homes for most of their meetings. In Stockholm, Sweden, the few who first held regular meetings there used a carpentry shop, which they rented for use after the day’s work in the shop was done. Because of persecution, a small group in the province of La Coruña, Spain, held their first meetings in a small storehouse, or granary.
When more space was needed, in lands where there was freedom to do so, the local congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses would rent a meeting place. However, if this was a hall that was also used by other organizations, equipment had to be hauled in or set up for each meeting, and there was frequently the lingering smell of tobacco smoke. Where possible, the brothers would rent an unused store or upstairs room that would be used exclusively by the congregation. But, in time, in many places high rents and unavailability of suitable places made it necessary to work out other arrangements. In some instances buildings were purchased and renovated.
Before World War II, there were a few congregations that built meeting places specially designed for their use. Even as early as 1890, a group of Bible Students in the United States at Mount Lookout, West Virginia, built their own meeting place.a Widespread building of Kingdom Halls, however, did not get under way until the 1950’s.
The name Kingdom Hall was suggested in 1935 by J. F. Rutherford, who was then president of the Watch Tower Society. In connection with the Society’s branch facilities in Honolulu, Hawaii, he arranged for the brothers to construct a hall where meetings could be held. When James Harrub asked what Brother Rutherford was going to call the building, he replied: “Don’t you think we should call it ‘Kingdom Hall,’ since that is what we are doing, preaching the good news of the Kingdom?” Thereafter, where possible, halls regularly being used by the Witnesses gradually began to be identified by signs that said “Kingdom Hall.” Thus, when the London Tabernacle was renovated in 1937-38, it was renamed Kingdom Hall. In time, the principal local meeting place of congregations worldwide came to be known as the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
More Than One Way to Do It
Decisions about whether to rent or to build Kingdom Halls are made locally by the individual congregations. They also shoulder any construction and maintenance expenses. In order to conserve funds, the vast majority of congregations have endeavored to do as much of the building work as possible without resorting to commercial contractors.
The halls themselves may be built of brick, stone, wood, or other materials, depending upon cost as well as what is available in the area. In Katima Mulilo, Namibia, long grass was used for a thatched roof, and mud from anthills (which sets very hard) was molded for walls and floor. Witnesses in Segovia, Colombia, made their own cement building blocks. Unhewn lava from Mount Lassen was used in Colfax, California.
With meeting attendance often exceeding 200 in 1972, the congregation at Maseru, Lesotho, knew that they needed to build a suitable Kingdom Hall. Everyone helped with the project. Elderly brothers walked up to 20 miles [32 km] in order to have a share. Children rolled drums of water to the site. The sisters provided meals. They also used their feet to pound the ground, compacting it in preparation for the pouring of the concrete floor slab, all the while singing Kingdom songs and stamping to the rhythm of the music. Sandstone, available from nearby mountains at the cost of fetching it, was used for the walls. The result was a Kingdom Hall that could seat about 250.
At times, Witnesses from nearby congregations assisted with the building work. Thus, in 1985, when Jehovah’s Witnesses at Imbali, a black township in South Africa, built a hall that would comfortably seat 400, fellow Witnesses from nearby Pietermaritzburg and Durban came to help. Can you imagine how amazed the neighbors were when, during those days of racial unrest in South Africa, they saw scores of white, Colored, and Indian Witnesses pouring into the township and working shoulder to shoulder with their black African brothers? As the local mayor declared: “It can only be done with love.”
No matter how willing the spirit, congregations found that local circumstances limited what the brothers could do. Men in the congregations had families to support and could ordinarily work on such a project only on weekends and perhaps a little in the evenings. Many congregations had few, if any, who were skilled in the building trades. Nevertheless, a relatively simple, somewhat open structure suitable to the tropics might be put up in a few days or perhaps a few weeks. With the help of Witnesses in surrounding congregations, more substantial buildings might be completed in five or six months. In other cases it might require a year or two.
Yet, as they moved into the 1970’s, Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide were increasing at a rate of two to three new congregations per day. By the early 1990’s, the rate of increase was up to nine congregations per day. Could their compelling need for new Kingdom Halls be met?
Developing Quick-Construction Techniques
Early in the 1970’s, in the United States, over 50 Witnesses from nearby congregations pitched in to help construct a new Kingdom Hall in Carterville, Missouri, for the group that had been meeting in Webb City. On one weekend they erected the main framework and did considerable work on the roof. There was still much to be done, and it took months to complete the job; but an important part of it had been completed in a very short period.
During the next decade, as the brothers worked together on about 60 halls, obstacles were overcome, and more efficient methods were developed. In time, they realized that after work on the foundation was done, they might almost be able to complete an entire Kingdom Hall in a single weekend.
Several congregation overseers—all from the midwestern United States—began to work toward that goal. When congregations asked for help with their Kingdom Hall construction, one or more of these brothers would discuss the project with them and provide details concerning the preparation that had to be cared for locally before the job could be done. Among other things, construction permits had to be obtained, the foundation and the concrete floor slab had to be poured, electrical service had to be operational, underground plumbing had to be in place, and dependable arrangements had to be made for delivery of building materials. Then a date could be set for putting up the Kingdom Hall itself. The building was not going to be prefabricated; it would be built from the ground up right on the site.
Who would do the actual construction work? To the extent possible, it was done with voluntary, unpaid labor. Entire families often shared. Those organizing the project would contact Witnesses who were tradesmen and who had expressed a willingness to participate in these projects. Many of them eagerly looked forward to each new building project. Other Witnesses who learned about the projects wanted to have a part; hundreds from the surrounding area—and from more distant places—flocked to the building sites, anxious to offer their services in whatever way they could. Most of them were not professional builders, but they certainly gave evidence that they fit the description of those who would be supporters of Jehovah’s Messianic King as set out at Psalm 110:3, which says: “Your people will offer themselves willingly.”
On Thursday evening before the big push was to begin, those supervising the project met to work out final details. The next evening, workers were shown a slide presentation on procedure so that they would understand how the work was going to be done. Emphasis was placed on the importance of godly qualities. The brothers were encouraged to work together in love, to be kind, to show patience and consideration. Everyone was encouraged to work at a steady pace but not to rush and not to hesitate to take a few minutes to share an upbuilding experience with someone. Early the next morning, construction began.
At an appointed time early on Saturday morning, everyone would stop what he was doing to listen to a discussion of the Scripture text for the day. Prayer was offered, for it was well appreciated that success of the entire undertaking depended on Jehovah’s blessing.—Ps. 127:1.
When the work began, it moved swiftly. In an hour the walls were up. Roof trusses followed. Sheeting for the walls was nailed into place. The electricians began running wires. Air-conditioning and heating ducts were installed. Cabinets were built and put into position. Sometimes it rained all weekend, or the weather turned bitterly cold or was excessively hot, but the work went on. There was no competition, no rivalry among the tradesmen.
Frequently, before sundown on the second day, the Kingdom Hall was completed—nicely decorated inside, perhaps even landscaped on the outside. When it was more practical, jobs were scheduled to extend over three days, or perhaps two weekends. At the end of the project, many of the workers would remain, tired but very happy, to enjoy the first regular congregation meeting, a study of The Watchtower.
Doubtful that quality work could be done so fast, several people in Guymon, Oklahoma, U.S.A., called the city inspector. “I told them that if they wanted to see something done right, they ought to visit the hall!” said the inspector when later relating the incident to the Witnesses. “You people are even doing correctly what will be hidden and not seen!”
As the need for Kingdom Halls increased, the brothers who had developed many of the quick-construction methods trained others. Reports of what was being done spread to other lands. Could such construction methods be employed there too?
Quick Construction Goes International
Kingdom Hall building in Canada was lagging far behind the needs of the congregations. The Witnesses in Canada invited those who were organizing quick-construction projects in the United States to explain how they handled it. At first, the Canadians were rather doubtful that it could be done in Canada, but they decided to try. The first Kingdom Hall built in this manner in Canada went up at Elmira, Ontario, in 1982. By 1992, there were 306 Kingdom Halls in Canada that had been put up in this way.
The Witnesses in Northampton, England, thought they could do it too. Their project, in 1983, was the first in Europe. Brothers experienced in this type of construction traveled from the United States and Canada to oversee the project and to help local Witnesses learn how to do it. Other volunteers were on hand from as far afield as Japan, India, France, and Germany. They were there as volunteers, not for pay. How was it all possible? As the overseer of a team of Irish Witnesses that worked on such a project said, ‘It is successful because all the brothers and sisters pull together under the influence of Jehovah’s spirit.’
Even when local building regulations seem to make such projects impossible, the Witnesses have found that, frequently, when details are outlined for city officials, they are glad to cooperate.
After a quick-construction project in Norway, north of the Arctic Circle, the newspaper Finnmarken exclaimed: “Just fantastic. That is the only expression we can find that describes what Jehovah’s Witnesses did last weekend.” Similarly, when Witnesses on New Zealand’s North Island put up an attractive Kingdom Hall in two and a half days, the front-page headline on the local newspaper declared: “Project Close to a Miracle.” The article added: “Perhaps the most mind-boggling aspect of the exercise was the organisation and sheer quiet of the operation.”
The remoteness of location where the Kingdom Hall is needed does not prove to be an insurmountable barrier. In Belize a quick-construction project was done, even though it meant transporting every piece of material to an island 36 miles [60 km] from Belize City. When an air-conditioned Kingdom Hall was put up in Port Hedland, Western Australia, one weekend, it was with materials and a work force that practically all came from 1,000 miles [1,600 km] or more away. Travel expenses came out of the workers’ own pockets. Most of those who had a part in the project did not personally know the Witnesses in the Port Hedland Congregation, and very few of them would ever attend meetings there. But that did not deter them from expressing their love in this way.
Even where the number of Witnesses is small, this has not prevented the use of such methods for building halls. Some 800 Witnesses from Trinidad volunteered to travel to Tobago to help their 84 Christian brothers and sisters there to build a hall in Scarborough in 1985. The 17 Witnesses (most of them women and children) in Goose Bay, Labrador, definitely needed help if they were ever going to have a Kingdom Hall of their own. In 1985, Witnesses from other parts of Canada chartered three planes to take 450 of them to Goose Bay to do the job. After two days of hard work, they had a dedication program in the completed hall on Sunday evening.
This does not mean that all Kingdom Halls are now being put up with quick-construction methods, but ever-growing numbers of them are.
Regional Building Committees
By mid-1986 the rate at which new Kingdom Halls were needed had greatly accelerated. During the preceding year, 2,461 new congregations had been formed worldwide; 207 of these were in the United States. Some Kingdom Halls were being used by three, four, or even five congregations. As the Scriptures had foretold, Jehovah was truly speeding up the work of ingathering.—Isa. 60:22.
To assure the best possible use of personnel and to enable all who were building Kingdom Halls to benefit from experience that had been gained, the Society began to coordinate their activity. As a start, in 1987 the United States was divided up among 60 Regional Building Committees. There was plenty for all of them to do; some of them soon had projects lined up for a year or more. Those appointed to serve on these committees were men who, first of all, were spiritually qualified, elders in the congregations, exemplary in their exercise of the fruitage of God’s spirit. (Gal. 5:22, 23) Many of them also had experience in real estate, engineering, construction, business management, safety, and related fields.
Congregations were encouraged to consult with the Regional Building Committee before choosing a site for a new Kingdom Hall. Where there was more than one congregation in a city, they were also urged to consult with the circuit overseer(s), the city overseer, and elders from nearby congregations. Congregations that were planning major renovation or the building of a new Kingdom Hall were advised to benefit from the experience of the brothers on the Regional Building Committee for their area and from the guidelines that the Society had furnished them. Through that committee, arrangements would be coordinated for assembling the needed skilled personnel from among brothers and sisters in some 65 trades who had already volunteered to help on such projects.
As procedures were refined, it was possible to reduce the number of workers involved in any one project. Instead of having thousands at the construction site either watching or offering their services, there were seldom more than 200 on site at any given time. Instead of spending an entire weekend there, workers were on hand only when their particular skills were needed. Thus they had more time to spend with their families and for activity with their home congregations. When local brothers could do certain types of work in a reasonable time, it was often found to be more practical to bring in the quick-construction group only for those aspects of the work for which they were more urgently needed.
Although the entire operation moved at amazing speed, this was not the primary consideration. Of greater importance was the providing of quality construction of modest Kingdom Halls designed to meet local needs. Careful planning was done so as to accomplish this while keeping expenses to a minimum. Measures were taken to see that safety was given high priority—the safety of workers, neighbors, passersby, and future occupants of the Kingdom Hall.
As reports concerning this arrangement for building Kingdom Halls reached other lands, the branch offices of the Society that believed it would be advantageous in their areas were provided with needed details. By 1992, Regional Building Committees appointed by the Society were helping with Kingdom Hall construction in such countries as Argentina, Australia, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, and Spain. Building methods were adapted to local circumstances. When assistance from another branch was needed for Kingdom Hall construction, this was arranged through the Society’s headquarters office. In some parts of the world, new halls were being put up in days; elsewhere, in weeks or perhaps in a few months. With careful planning and coordinated effort, the time required to provide a new Kingdom Hall was definitely being reduced.
The building activities of Jehovah’s Witnesses have not been limited to Kingdom Halls. Larger facilities are needed when groups of congregations meet for annual circuit assemblies and special assembly days.
Filling the Need for Assembly Halls
Over the years, facilities of many kinds have been used for circuit assemblies. Jehovah’s Witnesses have rented such places as civic auditoriums, schools, theaters, armories, sports arenas, and fairgrounds. In a few localities, very fine facilities were available at a reasonable price. More often, much time and effort was required to clean the place, set up sound equipment, erect a platform, and truck in chairs. Sometimes there were last-minute cancellations. As the number of congregations grew, it became more and more difficult to find enough suitable places. What could be done?
Once again, the solution was for Jehovah’s Witnesses to have places of their own. This would involve renovating suitable structures and building new ones. The first of such Assembly Halls in the United States was a theater in Long Island City, New York, renovated and put to use by Jehovah’s Witnesses late in 1965.
At about the same time, Witnesses on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe were designing an Assembly Hall to meet their needs. They felt that it would be advantageous if they could have their circuit assemblies in many different locations. But most of the towns did not have facilities that were large enough. So the Witnesses built a portable structure made of steel pipes and aluminum roofing, something that would be adequate for 700 people and that could be erected wherever there was an available plot of land that was relatively flat. They had to enlarge the hall again and again, until it reached a capacity of 5,000. Just imagine moving, setting up, and dismantling 30 tons of material for every assembly! That Assembly Hall was built and taken down several times a year for 13 years, until land for the portable hall became hard to find and it was necessary to purchase land and erect a permanent Assembly Hall, which now serves for circuit assemblies and district conventions.
In quite a few places, Assembly Hall projects made use of existing buildings. In England, at Hays Bridge, Surrey, a 50-year-old school complex was purchased and renovated. It is nestled in 28 acres [11 ha] of beautiful countryside. Former movie theaters and an industrial warehouse were remodeled and put to use in Spain; an unused textile factory in Australia; a dance hall in Quebec, Canada; a bowling alley in Japan; a warehouse in the Republic of Korea. All of these were made over into attractive Assembly Halls that could serve well as large centers for Bible education.
Other Assembly Halls were completely new, having been constructed from the ground up. The unique octagonal design of the hall at Hellaby, South Yorkshire, England, along with the fact that much of the work was done with volunteer labor gave rise to an article in the journal of the Institution of Structural Engineers. The Assembly Hall at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, in Canada, was designed to seat 1,200; but when interior walls are pulled into place, the structure can be used as four side-by-side Kingdom Halls. Haiti’s Assembly Hall (prefabricated and shipped from the United States) was open on two sides so that those seated inside would constantly be cooled by the prevailing winds—a welcome relief from the hot Haitian sun. The hall in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, was designed in such a way that sections of the walls could be opened like doors in order to accommodate crowds larger than would fit inside.
The decision to build an Assembly Hall is not made by a small group of overseers who then expect everyone else to support it. Before any new Assembly Hall is built, the Society sees to it that a careful analysis is made as to the need for it and the amount of use that it will have. Consideration is given not just to local enthusiasm for the project but also to the overall needs of the field. It is discussed with all the congregations that will be involved, in order to ascertain the desire and ability of the brothers to support it.
Thus, when the work gets under way, Jehovah’s Witnesses in the area are wholeheartedly behind it. Each project is financed by the Witnesses themselves. The financial needs are explained, but contributions are voluntary and anonymous. Careful planning is done in advance, and the project benefits from experience already gained in building Kingdom Halls and, frequently, from Assembly Hall projects in other places. Where necessary, some aspects of the work may be let out to commercial contractors, but most of it is usually done by enthusiastic Witnesses. This may cut the cost in half.
With a work force made up of skilled professionals and others who volunteer their time and talents, the entire project usually moves along quickly. Some projects may require more than a year. But on Vancouver Island in Canada, in 1985, some 4,500 volunteers completed a 25,000-square-foot [2,300 sq m] Assembly Hall in just nine days. The structure also includes a 200-seat Kingdom Hall for use by local congregations. In New Caledonia, a curfew was imposed by the government in 1984 because of political unrest, yet up to 400 volunteers worked on the Assembly Hall at a time, and it was completed in just four months. Near Stockholm, Sweden, a beautiful, practical Assembly Hall, with 900 padded oak chairs, was built in seven months.
Sometimes persistent efforts in the courts have been necessary in order to obtain permits to build these Assembly Halls. That was true in Canada at Surrey, British Columbia. When the land was purchased, the zoning requirements allowed for the building of such a place of worship. But after building plans were submitted, in 1974, the Council for the District of Surrey passed a bylaw stipulating that churches and assembly halls could be built only in Zone P-3—a zone that did not exist! Yet, 79 churches had previously been built in the municipality without any trouble. The matter was taken to court. Repeated rulings were given in favor of Jehovah’s Witnesses. When hindrance of prejudiced officials was at last cleared aside, the volunteer workers pursued the project with such enthusiasm that they completed it in about seven months. As was true of Nehemiah in his efforts to rebuild the walls of ancient Jerusalem, they felt that the ‘hand of God was upon them’ to accomplish the work.—Neh. 2:18.
When Jehovah’s Witnesses in the United States purchased the Stanley Theater in Jersey City, New Jersey, the building was on the state’s register of historic places. Although the theater was in a deplorable state of disrepair, it had excellent potential for use as an Assembly Hall. Yet, when the Witnesses wanted to do needed repair work, city officials refused permits. The mayor did not want Jehovah’s Witnesses in that area; he had other plans for the property. Court action was needed in order to restrain officials from the unlawful use of their authority. The court ruled in favor of the Witnesses. Soon after that, local residents voted the mayor out of office. Work on the hall moved ahead quickly. The result was a beautiful Assembly Hall that seated over 4,000. It is a place that businessmen and residents of the city alike are proud of.
During the past 27 years, in many parts of the globe, attractive and practical Assembly Halls have been built by Jehovah’s Witnesses to serve as centers for Bible education. Such halls are now found in ever-increasing numbers in North and South America, Europe, Africa, and the Orient, as well as on many islands. In some lands—for example, Nigeria, Italy, and Denmark—Jehovah’s Witnesses have even built larger, permanent, open-air facilities that can be used for their district conventions.
Yet, Assembly Halls and Kingdom Halls are not the only building projects in which Jehovah’s Witnesses are involved in order to further the proclamation of God’s Kingdom.
Offices, Printeries, and Bethel Homes Worldwide
Around the globe in 1992, there were 99 branch offices of the Watch Tower Society, each of which served to coordinate the activities of Jehovah’s Witnesses in its part of the world field. Over one half of these branches were doing printing of various kinds to further the work of Bible education. Those who work at the branches are housed, for the most part, as a large family in homes called Bethel, meaning “House of God.” Because of expansion in the number of Jehovah’s Witnesses and their preaching activity, it has been necessary to enlarge these facilities and to build new ones.
So rapid has been the growth of the organization that there have frequently been 20 to 40 of such branch-expansion programs in progress at a time. This has required a vast international construction program.
Because of the enormous amount of construction work being done worldwide, the Watch Tower Society has its own Engineering and Drafting Department at its New York headquarters. Engineers with many years of experience have left their secular work and volunteered to assist full-time with building projects that are directly connected with Kingdom activity. Additionally, those who have experience have trained other men and women in the work of engineering, design, and drafting. By coordinating work through this department, experience gained in branch construction in any part of the world can benefit those working on projects in other lands.
In time, the great amount of work being done made it beneficial to open a Regional Engineering Office in Japan to assist with construction blueprints for projects in the Orient. Other Regional Engineering Offices operate in Europe and Australia, with personnel drawn from a variety of lands. These work in close cooperation with the headquarters office, and their services, along with use of computer technology, cut down on the drafting personnel needed at any given construction site.
Some projects are relatively modest in size. That was true of the branch office built in Tahiti in 1983. This included office space, storerooms, and accommodations for eight volunteer workers. It was also true of the four-story branch building erected on the Caribbean island of Martinique during the years 1982 to 1984. These structures might not seem extraordinary to big-city dwellers in other lands, but they attracted public attention. The newspaper France-Antilles declared that the branch building in Martinique was “an architectural masterpiece” that reflected a “great love for work well done.”
In contrast from the standpoint of size, the buildings that were finished in Canada in 1981 included a printery, or factory, with upwards of 100,000 square feet [9,300 sq m] of floor space and a residence building for 250 volunteers. At Cesario Lange, in Brazil, the Watch Tower complex completed that same year included eight buildings, with nearly 500,000 square feet [46,000 sq m] of floor space. It required 10,000 truckloads of cement, stone, and sand, as well as enough concrete pilings to reach twice the height of Mount Everest! In 1991, when a large new printery was completed in the Philippines, it was also necessary to provide an 11-story residence building.
To meet the needs of the growing number of Kingdom proclaimers in Nigeria, a large building project got under way in Igieduma in 1984. This was to include a factory, a spacious office building, four connected residence buildings, and other needed facilities. Plans were laid to have the factory completely prefabricated and then shipped from the United States. But then the brothers were confronted with seemingly impossible import deadlines. When these deadlines were met and everything arrived safely at the construction site, the Witnesses did not take the credit but gave thanks to Jehovah for his blessing.
Rapid Expansion Around the Globe
So rapid has been the growth of the work of Kingdom proclamation, however, that even after major expansion of branch facilities in a country, it has often been necessary to start building again within a relatively short time. Consider a few examples.
In Peru a fine new branch—with office space, 22 bedrooms as well as other basic facilities for Bethel family members, and a Kingdom Hall—was completed at the end of 1984. But response to the Kingdom message in that South American land was much greater than anticipated. Four years later it was necessary to duplicate the existing complex, this time using an antiseismic design.
A spacious new branch complex was completed in Colombia in 1979. It appeared that it would provide ample space for many years to come. However, within seven years the number of Witnesses in Colombia had nearly doubled, and the branch was now printing the magazines La Atalaya and ¡Despertad! not only for Colombia but also for four neighboring countries. They had to start building again in 1987—this time where there was more land for expansion.
During 1980, Jehovah’s Witnesses in Brazil devoted some 14,000,000 hours to public preaching of the Kingdom message. The figure soared to nearly 50,000,000 in 1989. More people were showing a desire to have their spiritual hunger satisfied. The extensive branch facilities dedicated in 1981 were no longer sufficient. Already by September 1988, excavation for a new factory was in progress. This one would provide 80 percent more floor space than there was in the existing factory, and of course, residence facilities to care for the enlarged Bethel family would also be needed.
At Selters/Taunus, Germany, the Watch Tower Society’s second-largest printing complex was dedicated in 1984. Five years later, because of increases in Germany as well as opportunities to expand the witness work in lands for which the branch there prints literature, plans were under way to enlarge the factory by over 85 percent and to add other support facilities.
The Japan branch had moved from Tokyo to large new facilities in Numazu in 1972. There was further major expansion in 1975. By 1978 another property had been obtained, at Ebina; and work on a factory more than three times as large as that at Numazu quickly got started. This was completed in 1982. It was still not enough; more buildings were added by 1989. Would it not have been possible to build just once and make it large enough? No. The number of Kingdom proclaimers in Japan had doubled again and again in a way that no human could have anticipated. From 14,199 in 1972, their ranks had soared to 137,941 in 1989, and a large proportion of them were devoting full time to the ministry.
A similar pattern is seen in other parts of the globe. Within a decade—and sometimes within a few years—after the building of large branches equipped for printing, it was necessary to undertake major expansion. That was true in Mexico, Canada, South Africa, and the Republic of Korea, among others.
Who does the actual construction work? How is it all accomplished?
Many Thousands Eager to Help
In Sweden, out of the 17,000 Witnesses in the country at the time of building their branch at Arboga, some 5,000 volunteered to help with the work. Most were simply willing helpers, but there were also enough highly skilled professionals to see that the work was done right. Their motivation? Love for Jehovah.
When an official at a surveyor’s office in Denmark heard that all the work on a new branch at Holbæk was going to be done by Jehovah’s Witnesses, he expressed misgivings. Nevertheless, among the Witnesses who volunteered to help, all the needed know-how was found. Yet, would they have been better off if commercial contractors had been hired to do the job? After the project was completed, experts from the town’s building department toured the premises and commented on the fine workmanship—something they rarely see on commercial jobs nowadays. As for the official who had earlier expressed misgivings, he smiled and said: “You see, at that time I didn’t know the kind of organization you people have.”
Population centers in Australia are widely scattered; so, most of the 3,000 who volunteered to work on the branch facilities at Ingleburn between 1978 and 1983 had to travel at least 1,000 miles [1,600 km]. However, bus travel for groups of volunteers was coordinated, and congregations en route hospitably offered to supply meals and association for the brothers at rest stops. Some of the brothers sold homes, closed businesses, took vacations, and made other sacrifices in order to share in the project. Teams of experienced tradesmen came in—some of them more than once—to pour concrete, hang ceilings, put up fences. Others donated materials.
The majority of volunteers on these projects were unskilled, but with a little training, some of them took on big responsibilities and did excellent work. They learned how to fabricate windows, operate tractors, mix concrete, and lay bricks. They enjoyed a definite advantage over non-Witnesses who do the same kind of work commercially. In what way? Those who were experienced were willing to share their knowledge. No one was afraid that someone else would take his job; there was plenty for everyone to do. And there was strong motivation to do high-quality work, because it was being done as an expression of love for God.
At all the construction sites, some Witnesses form the nucleus of the construction “family.” During work at Selters/Taunus, Germany, from 1979 to 1984, several hundred generally made up that nucleus of workers. Thousands of others joined them for varying periods of time, many on weekends. There was careful planning so that when volunteers arrived, there was plenty for them to do.
As long as people are imperfect, there will be problems, but those who work on these projects try to resolve these on the basis of Bible principles. They know that doing things in a Christian manner is more important than efficiency. As a reminder, at the construction site in Ebina, Japan, there were large signs with pictures of workers in hard hats, and on each of the hard hats was inscribed in Japanese characters one of the fruits of God’s spirit: love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control. (Gal. 5:22, 23) Those who visit the job sites can see and hear the difference. Expressing his own observations, a news reporter who toured the branch construction site in Brazil said: “There are no disorders or lack of cooperation . . . This Christian atmosphere makes it different here from that customarily seen in Brazilian civil construction.”
Constant Growth at World Headquarters
While the Watch Tower Society’s branches have been growing, it has also been necessary to expand the facilities of the world headquarters. There have been major additions to its factory and office quarters in Brooklyn and in other locations in New York State more than ten times since World War II. To house personnel, it has been necessary to build or purchase and renovate numerous buildings, both large and small. Further major expansion in Brooklyn was announced in August 1990 and in January 1991—even while north of New York City construction begun in 1989 was continuing on the extensive Watchtower Educational Center, designed to accommodate 1,200 persons, including resident staff and students.
Since 1972, there has been no letup in construction work at the world headquarters in Brooklyn and its closely associated facilities in other parts of New York and in New Jersey. In time, it became obvious that even though they numbered in the hundreds, the regular construction workers were unable to keep up with the work. So, in 1984 an ongoing temporary-worker program was instituted. Letters were sent out to the then 8,000 congregations in the United States to invite qualified brothers to come for a week or more to help out. (A similar program had already worked well in some of the branches, including Australia, where those able to stay two weeks were invited to volunteer.) Workers would be provided lodging and meals but would pay their own travel expenses and would receive no wages. Who would respond?
By 1992, well over 24,000 applications had been processed! At least 3,900 of these were for persons who were coming back for a 2nd or 3rd, even a 10th or 20th, time. Most of them were elders, ministerial servants, or pioneers—persons with fine spiritual qualifications. All of them were volunteering to do whatever was needed, whether it called for them to use their trade or not. The work was often heavy and dirty. But they counted it a privilege to contribute in this way to the advancement of Kingdom interests. Some felt that it helped them to better appreciate the spirit of self-sacrifice that characterizes the work done at the world headquarters. All of them felt richly rewarded as a result of being present for the Bethel family’s program of morning worship and weekly family Watchtower study.
International Volunteers
As the need for rapid expansion grew, an arrangement for international volunteers was initiated in 1985. It was by no means the start of international cooperation in building, but the arrangement was now carefully coordinated from headquarters. All who share are Witnesses who volunteer to help with construction work outside their own country. They are skilled workers, as well as marriage mates who go with their husbands to help in whatever way they can. Most of them pay for their own travel expenses; none get wages for what they do. Some of them go on a short-term basis, usually staying from two weeks to three months. Others are long-term volunteers, remaining for a year or more, perhaps until the project is completed. Over 3,000 of Jehovah’s Witnesses from 30 different countries had part in this during the first five years, and more were eager to share as their skills were needed. They count it a privilege to give of themselves and their means to advance the interests of God’s Kingdom in this way.
The international volunteers are provided with a place to stay and meals to eat. Comforts are often minimal. The local Witnesses greatly appreciate what their visiting brothers are doing, and where possible, they welcome them to share their homes, however humble these may be. Meals are most often eaten at the work site.
The brothers from abroad are not there to do the whole job. Their aim is to work along with the local construction team. And hundreds, even thousands, of others in the country may also come to help on weekends or for a week or more at a time. In Argentina, 259 volunteers from other countries worked along with several thousand local brothers, some of whom were on the job every day, others for a few weeks, and many more on weekends. In Colombia, over 830 international volunteers helped for varying periods of time. There were also upwards of 200 local volunteers who shared in the project full-time and, each weekend, another 250 or more who helped. A total of more than 3,600 different individuals took part.
Difference of language can present problems, but it does not prevent the international groups from working together. Sign language, facial expressions, a good sense of humor, and a desire to accomplish a job that will honor Jehovah help to get the work done.
Outstanding growth in the organization—consequently the need for larger branch facilities—is sometimes experienced in lands where the number of people who are skilled in the building trades is limited. But this is no hindrance among Jehovah’s Witnesses, who gladly help one another. They work together as part of a global family that is not divided by nationality, skin color, or language.
In Papua New Guinea, the volunteers who came from Australia and New Zealand each trained a Papua New Guinean in his trade, in harmony with the request of the Government Labour Department. In this way, while giving of themselves, local Witnesses learned trades that could help them to care for the needs of themselves and their families.
When a new branch was needed in El Salvador, the local brothers were joined by 326 volunteers from abroad. For the project in Ecuador, 270 Witnesses from 14 lands worked alongside their Ecuadoran brothers and sisters. Some international volunteers helped on several projects that were under way at the same time. They rotated between construction sites in Europe and Africa, according to the need for their trade skills.
By 1992, international volunteers had been sent out to 49 branch locations to assist the local building crews. In some instances those who received help from this program were able, in turn, to provide assistance to others. Thus, having benefited from the labors of about 60 long-term international servants who helped with the branch building project in the Philippines, as well as over 230 volunteers from abroad who helped for shorter periods, some of the Filipinos made themselves available to help build facilities in other parts of Southeast Asia.
Building work is being done by Jehovah’s Witnesses because of needs that exist now in connection with preaching the good news. With the help of Jehovah’s spirit, they want to give the greatest witness possible during the time that remains before Armageddon. They are convinced that God’s new world is very close at hand, and they have faith that they will survive as an organized people into that new world, under the rule of God’s Messianic Kingdom. It is also their hope that perhaps many of the fine facilities that they have built and dedicated to Jehovah will continue to be used after Armageddon as centers from which knowledge of the only true God can be diffused until it truly fills the earth.—Isa. 11:9.
[Footnote]
a It was known as the “New Light” Church because those who associated there felt that as a result of reading Watch Tower publications, they had new light on the Bible.
[Blurb on page 322]
Witnesses from nearby congregations helped with the work
[Blurb on page 323]
Construction work was done with voluntary, unpaid labor
[Blurb on page 324]
Emphasis was placed on spiritual qualities
[Blurb on page 326]
Quality construction, safety, minimum cost, speed
[Blurb on page 328]
A portable Assembly Hall!
[Blurb on page 331]
Resorting to the courts
[Blurb on page 332]
Large-scale international expansion
[Blurb on page 333]
Workers gave credit to Jehovah, not to themselves
[Blurb on page 334]
Growth at a rate that no human could have predicted
[Blurb on page 336]
They counted it a privilege to help with construction at headquarters
[Blurb on page 339]
They work as a global family, not divided by nationality, skin color, or language
[Box/Pictures on page 320, 321]
Working Together to Build Kingdom Halls Quickly
Thousands of new congregations are formed each year. In most instances, new Kingdom Halls are built by the Witnesses themselves. These pictures were taken during the building of a Kingdom Hall in Connecticut, U.S.A., in 1991
Friday, 7:40 a.m.
Friday, 12 noon
Saturday, 7:41 p.m.
Major work completed, Sunday, 6:10 p.m.
They look to Jehovah for his blessing, and they take time out to discuss counsel from his Word
All unpaid volunteers, glad to work side by side
[Box/Pictures on page 327]
Kingdom Halls in Various Lands
The meeting places used by Jehovah’s Witnesses are usually modest. They are clean, comfortable, attractive in their surroundings
Peru
Philippines
France
Republic of Korea
Japan
Papua New Guinea
Ireland
Colombia
Norway
Lesotho
[Box/Pictures on page 330]
Assembly Halls of Jehovah’s Witnesses
In order to accommodate their periodic assemblies, Jehovah’s Witnesses in some areas have found it practical to build their own Assembly Halls. Much of the construction work is done by local Witnesses. Here are just a few of these halls in use in the early 1990’s
Britain
Venezuela
Italy
Germany
Canada
Japan
[Box/Pictures on page 338]
International Construction Program Fills Urgent Needs
Rapid growth of the organization has required ongoing expansion of offices, factories, and Bethel homes around the globe
International volunteers give assistance to local Witnesses
Spain
Construction methods used make it possible for many volunteers with limited experience to do valuable work
Puerto Rico
Skilled workers gladly make their services available
New Zealand
Greece
Brazil
Use of durable materials helps to keep long-term maintenance costs down
Britain
High-quality work results from personal interest on the part of those who do it; this is an expression of their love for Jehovah
Canada
These projects are enjoyable occasions; many lasting friendships are made
Colombia
Sign in Japan reminded workers of safety measures, also of the need to show the fruits of God’s spirit
[Picture on page 318]
The first building that was called Kingdom Hall, in Hawaii
[Pictures on page 319]
Many early Kingdom Halls were rented buildings or were simply rooms above stores; a few were built by the Witnesses
[Pictures on page 329]
Two of the first Assembly Halls
New York City
Guadeloupe
[Pictures on page 337]
Newly arrived temporary construction workers at the world headquarters in New York
Each group is reminded that being a spiritual person and doing quality work take priority over doing the job fast |
Young People Ask, Volume 2 (yp2)
2008 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/yp2 | CHAPTER 4
How Far Is Too Far?
True or false . . .
It’s always wrong for two people who are dating to touch each other, under any circumstances.
□ True
□ False
A couple who refrain from sexual intercourse can still be guilty of fornication.
□ True
□ False
If a dating couple don’t take sexual liberties, they can’t really be in love.
□ True
□ False
NO DOUBT you’ve thought about this subject a lot. After all, if you’re dating someone, it can be difficult to know where to draw the line when expressing affection. Let’s address the three true-or-false statements above and see how God’s Word helps us to answer the question, “How far is too far?”
● It’s always wrong for two people who are dating to touch each other, under any circumstances.
False. The Bible doesn’t condemn legitimate, clean expressions of affection. For example, the Bible tells the story of a Shulammite girl and a shepherd boy who were in love. Their courtship was chaste. Yet, they evidently exchanged some displays of affection before they married. (Song of Solomon 1:2; 2:6; 8:5) Today some couples who are seriously contemplating marriage may likewise feel that some chaste expressions of affection are appropriate.a
However, a dating couple must exercise extreme caution. Kissing, embracing, or doing anything that causes arousal can lead to sexual misconduct. It’s all too easy, even for a couple with honorable intentions, to get carried away and engage in sexual immorality.—Colossians 3:5.
● A couple who refrain from sexual intercourse can still be guilty of fornication.
True. The original Greek word translated “fornication” (por·neiʹa) has a broad meaning. It describes all forms of sexual relations outside of marriage and focuses on the misuse of the sexual organs. Thus, fornication includes not only intercourse but also acts such as masturbating another person, as well as engaging in oral sex or anal sex.
Furthermore, the Bible condemns more than just fornication. The apostle Paul wrote: “The works of the flesh are manifest, and they are fornication, uncleanness, loose conduct.” He added: “Those who practice such things will not inherit God’s kingdom.”—Galatians 5:19-21.
What is “uncleanness”? The Greek word covers impurity of any kind, in speech or action. Surely it would be unclean to allow one’s hands to stray under another person’s clothing, to remove another’s clothing, or to caress another’s intimate areas, such as the breasts. In the Bible the caressing of the breasts is associated with the pleasures reserved for married couples.—Proverbs 5:18, 19.
Some youths brazenly defy godly standards. They deliberately go too far, or they greedily seek out numerous partners with whom they can practice sexual uncleanness. Such ones may be guilty of what the apostle Paul called “loose conduct.” The Greek word for “loose conduct” means ‘outrageous acts, excess, insolence, unbridled lust.’ Surely you want to avoid coming to be “past all moral sense” by giving yourself over to “loose conduct to work uncleanness of every sort with greediness.”—Ephesians 4:17-19.
● If a dating couple don’t take sexual liberties, they can’t really be in love.
False. Contrary to what some may think, taking improper sexual liberties doesn’t deepen a relationship. Rather, it tears down mutual respect and trust. Consider Laura’s experience. “One day my boyfriend came over when my mother wasn’t home, supposedly just to watch TV,” she says. “At first he just held my hand. Then all of a sudden, his hands started to wander. I was afraid to tell him to stop; I thought he would get upset and want to leave.”
What do you think? Did Laura’s boyfriend really care for her, or was he just seeking selfish gratification? Is someone who tries to draw you into unclean behavior really showing that he loves you?
When a boy pressures a girl into violating her Christian training and conscience, he breaks God’s law and undermines any claim that he genuinely loves her. Furthermore, a girl who willingly gives in allows herself to be exploited. Worse yet, she has committed an unclean act—perhaps even fornication.b—1 Corinthians 6:9, 10.
Set Clear Boundaries
If you’re dating, how can you avoid inappropriate displays of affection? The wise course is to set clear boundaries in advance. Proverbs 13:10 says: “With those consulting together there is wisdom.” So discuss with your partner what expressions of affection are appropriate. Waiting until you’re in some emotion-charged romantic setting before establishing ground rules is like waiting until your house is on fire before installing an alarm.
Granted, such a sensitive discussion can be difficult—even embarrassing—especially in the early stages of courtship. But establishing boundaries can do much to prevent serious problems from developing later on. Wise boundaries can be like smoke detectors that sound an alarm at the first hint of fire. Furthermore, your ability to communicate in these matters may also serve as an indicator of how much potential the relationship has. In fact, self-control, patience, and unselfishness are the foundation of a satisfying sexual relationship in marriage.—1 Corinthians 7:3, 4.
True, holding to godly standards isn’t easy. But you can trust Jehovah’s advice. After all, at Isaiah 48:17, he describes himself as “the One teaching you to benefit yourself, the One causing you to tread in the way in which you should walk.” Jehovah has your best interests at heart!
READ MORE ABOUT THIS TOPIC IN VOLUME 1, CHAPTER 24
IN OUR NEXT CHAPTERVirginity doesn’t make you abnormal. On the contrary, it’s the wise course. Find out why.
[Footnotes]
a In some parts of the world, public displays of affection between unmarried individuals are considered to be in poor taste and offensive. Christians take care not to behave in a way that could stumble others.—2 Corinthians 6:3.
b Of course, the issues raised in this paragraph apply to both genders.
KEY SCRIPTURE
“Love . . . does not behave indecently.”—1 Corinthians 13:4, 5.
TIP
Date in groups, or insist on having a chaperone. Avoid risky settings, such as being alone in a parked car or in a house or an apartment.
DID YOU KNOW . . . ?
If you’re engaged, you need to discuss some intimate matters. But explicit talk that’s intended to arouse sexual desire is a form of uncleanness—even if it’s carried on over the phone or via text messaging.
ACTION PLAN!
I can avoid being tempted to toy with immorality by ․․․․․
If the person I’m dating tries to pressure me into unclean conduct, I will ․․․․․
What I would like to ask my parent(s) about this subject is ․․․․․
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
● What limits would you set on physical contact with a member of the opposite sex?
● Explain how fornication, uncleanness, and loose conduct differ.
[Blurb on page 46]
“My fiancé and I have read together Bible-based articles on staying chaste. We appreciate the way they have helped us maintain a clean conscience.”—Leticia
[Box on page 44]
What if We’ve Gone Too Far?
What if you’ve fallen into improper conduct? Don’t deceive yourself into thinking you can solve the problem alone. “I’d pray, ‘Help us not to do it again,’” confessed one youth. “Sometimes it would work, but a few times it didn’t.” Therefore, talk to your parents. The Bible also gives this good advice: “Call the older men of the congregation.” (James 5:14) These Christian shepherds can give counsel, advice, and reproof so that you can get your relationship with God back on track.
[Pictures on page 47]
Would you wait until your house caught fire before you installed an alarm? Then don’t wait until your passions are aroused before you establish ground rules for conduct |
What Does It Mean to ‘Honor Your Father and Mother’? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502017166 | What Does It Mean to ‘Honor Your Father and Mother’?
The Bible’s answer
The commandment to “honor your father and your mother” appears often in the Bible. (Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16; Matthew 15:4; Ephesians 6:2, 3) It involves four key actions.
Appreciate them. You honor your father and mother when you are thankful for all they have done for you. You can show your appreciation by valuing their guidance. (Proverbs 7:1, 2; 23:26) The Bible encourages you to view your parents as your “glory,” that is, to be proud of them.—Proverbs 17:6.
Accept their authority. Especially while you are young, you honor your father and mother when you recognize the authority God has given them. Colossians 3:20 tells young ones: “Be obedient to your parents in everything, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.” Even young Jesus willingly obeyed his parents.—Luke 2:51.
Treat them with respect. (Leviticus 19:3; Hebrews 12:9) This often involves what you say and how you say it. True, some parents at times act in ways that make it hard to respect them. Even then, children can honor their parents by avoiding disrespectful speech and actions. (Proverbs 30:17) The Bible teaches that speaking abusively of one’s father or mother is a serious offense.—Matthew 15:4.
Provide for them. When your parents get old, they may need practical support. You can honor them by trying your best to make sure that they have what they need. (1 Timothy 5:4, 8) For instance, shortly before he died, Jesus arranged for the care of his mother.—John 19:25-27.
Misconceptions about honoring one’s father and mother
Misconception: To honor your father and mother, you must let them control your marriage.
Fact: The Bible teaches that the marriage bond takes priority over other family relationships. Genesis 2:24 says: “A man will leave his father and his mother and he will stick to his wife.” (Matthew 19:4, 5) Of course, married couples can benefit from the advice of their parents or in-laws. (Proverbs 23:22) However, a couple may rightly decide to set boundaries limiting the involvement of relatives in their marriage.—Matthew 19:6.
Misconception: Your father and mother have ultimate authority.
Fact: Although God gave parents authority within the family, all human authority has limits—it never overrules God’s authority. For instance, when a high court ordered Jesus’ disciples to disobey God, they replied: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.” (Acts 5:27-29) Likewise, children obey their parents “in union with the Lord,” that is, in all things that do not conflict with God’s laws.—Ephesians 6:1.
Misconception: Honoring your father and mother requires you to follow their religious beliefs.
Fact: The Bible encourages us to test what we are being taught to see whether it is the truth. (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1) An individual who does so may eventually choose a faith that differs from that of his parents. The Bible mentions a number of faithful servants of God who did not follow the religion of their parents, including Abraham, Ruth, and the apostle Paul.—Joshua 24:2, 14, 15; Ruth 1:15, 16; Galatians 1:14-16, 22-24.
Misconception: To honor your father and mother, you must share in traditional rites of ancestor worship.
Fact: The Bible says: “It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.” (Luke 4:8) A person who worships his ancestors is displeasing to God. Moreover, the Bible teaches that “the dead know nothing at all.” They are not aware of any homage rendered to them; neither can they help or harm the living.—Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10; Isaiah 8:19. |
Sing Praises (ssb)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/Ssb | Song 186
Our Godly Joy
(Philippians 4:4)
1. The spirit’s fruit of godly joy
We need if we’d endure.
To have this joy in full, it takes
A faith that’s strong and sure.
This joy is no mere passing mood;
It always is required.
That’s why we read, “Rejoice!” “Rejoice!”
In words by God inspired.
2. We’ve many reasons for our joy:
We know God and his Son;
We’re honored as their Witnesses;
With them we are at one.
There’s joy in knowing that some day
All men our God will praise,
That even those in Hades will
Return and walk God’s ways.
3. This joy to deepen we must serve
Our God outputedly,
Must carefully safeguard our hearts
And keep from malice free.
We also want to be alert
To praise God all day long,
Keep thinking on upbuilding things,
Avoiding all that’s wrong.
4. Though cramped and lowly be our lot
While walking in his light,
This godly joy is our reward
For serving him aright.
It marks us as Jehovah’s slaves
As we his Word declare.
To overflow with it, we must
This joy with others share. |
“Eternal Purpose” (po)
1974 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/po | Chapter 9
A Nation That Entered a Covenant with God
1. Nations today are too materialistic to form a treaty organization with whom?
IN INTERNATIONAL affairs it is customary for one state to enter a treaty with another state for mutual defense or peaceful relations or cultural exchanges or other considerations. A number of political states may enter an organization under a treaty, such as, today, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Warsaw Treaty Organization (or, Warsaw Pact), or the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization (SEATO). But what political state or nation today is in a covenant with God? Nations today are too materialistic to form a treaty organization with an invisible heavenly Being as a party to the treaty.
2. What questions do we want answered about a nation that entered a covenant with God?
2 Anciently, however, there was a real, live nation on earth that entered a covenant with the Most High God of heaven. This meant a covenant between an earthly party and a heavenly party, a visible party and an invisible party. Every covenant has a stated purpose. What was the purpose of that historic covenant between a nation on earth and the one living and true God in heaven? How was such a seemingly unbalanced covenant made? These are questions that we now want to get answered.
3. Who would be the proper one to arrange for the terms, mediator, conditions and time of such a covenant?
3 Being all-wise and all-powerful, the Most High God would be the proper One to offer or even to propose such a covenant with a nation of imperfect, sinful people. Under the circumstances, it would be fitting for Him to state the purpose of the covenant and to dictate its terms and to appoint a mediator to act between Him and men. He would set forth the conditions on which the covenant would continue and also choose the time for establishing such a covenant or compact. The time fixed by God long beforehand was in the sixteenth century before our Common Era (or B.C.E.).
4. On the occasion of making a formal covenant with Abraham over sacrifice, what time period did God foretell for his seed?
4 God had made a formal covenant over sacrifice with the forefather of this whole nation that was to be taken into a national covenant in due time. It was after Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of the Most High God, pronounced a blessing upon the militarily victorious Abraham that God brought Abraham into this formal covenant with Him over sacrifice. When giving Abraham strong assurance that the divine promise would be fulfilled upon Abraham’s descendants, God said to him: “You may know for sure that your seed will become an alien resident in a land not theirs, and they will have to serve them, and these will certainly afflict them for four hundred years. But the nation that they will serve I am judging, and after that they will go out with many goods. As for you, you will go to your forefathers in peace; you will be buried at a good old age. But in the fourth generation they will return here, because the error of the Amorites has not yet come to completion.”—Genesis 15:13-16.
5. The long time that was to pass before Abraham’s seed would occupy the Promised Land allowed for what to take place?
5 Thus the taking over of the land by the natural seed of Abraham was put off for more than four hundred years. This long period of time would allow for the chosen natural seed of Abraham to grow to a people of many members, numerous enough to displace the Amorite occupants of Canaanland who were going from bad to worse in the “error” of their pagan ways. Although Abraham’s natural seed would grow to a people of great size in a land foreign to Canaanland, yet God would hold the land in reserve for them until the “error” of the promised land’s inhabitants had become so bad that they deserved to be purged out of the land. That God would give the territory to Abraham’s natural seed at the time ripe for it, Jehovah now guaranteed with a formal covenant.
“On that day Jehovah concluded with Abram a covenant, saying: ‘To your seed I will give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates: the Kenites and the Kenizzites and the Kadmonites and the Hittites and the Perizzites and the Rephaim and the Amorites and the Canaanites and the Girgashites and the Jebusites.’”—Genesis 15:18-21.
6. Would the national covenant cancel out the Abrahamic Promise, and what purpose would it serve as regards Abraham’s descendants?
6 In contrast with that divine covenant with but one man, Abraham, the covenant that God had in view was to be with a great nation of descendants from Abraham through the chosen line of descent. That national covenant was to be added to the Abrahamic Promise, which became binding when Abraham crossed the Euphrates River to the north and entered the territory that was included within the boundaries stated in God’s formal covenant with Abraham over sacrifice. (Genesis 12:1-7) The making of the covenant with the nation of Abraham’s descendants did not cancel out the Abrahamic Promise but was merely added to it. Wisely so, for not all the fleshly descendants of Abraham would prove suitable to share in the Abrahamic Promise as regards its fulfillment for the blessing of all the nations and families of the ground. Hence, the added national covenant would serve well as an aid or means to prepare the worthy ones to receive and loyally follow the true Messiah, the promised “seed” of God’s heavenly “woman,” when God sent and anointed this one.
7. For what reasons would God not conclude the covenant with Abraham’s descendants before the end of those four hundred years?
7 The making of that additional national covenant would not take place before the passing of more than four hundred years from when God concluded this covenant with Abraham over sacrifice, because at that time Abraham did not have any offspring at all by his then barren wife, Sarah. Furthermore, God would not make a covenant with Abraham’s descendants when they were in servitude and being afflicted by a foreign nation. Especially so, when the making of the covenant called for that type of sacrifices that were detestable and objectionable to the nation afflicting them and enslaving them. (Exodus 8:25-27) First after God had judged adversely the oppressive nation and delivered his people and made them free to undertake a covenant with Him would God establish a covenant with them. This would be at the end of the foretold “four hundred years.” Thus we note that Jehovah God has marked off his own periods of time for the working out of his “eternal purpose” in connection with his Anointed One, Messiah.
8, 9. (a) What time period began at the weaning of Isaac, and how so? (b) The end of that time period was the time for what regarding Abraham’s natural seed?
8 Twenty-five years after Abraham entered the Promised Land, or at the age of one hundred years, he became father to his one and only son by his true wife, Sarah, this being, of course, by a divine miracle. This was in the land that did not yet belong to Abraham or to his son Isaac. It was when Isaac was weaned that affliction began upon the natural “seed” through whom the Messiah was to come. This was when Isaac’s nineteen-year-old half-brother Ishmael disrespectfully poked fun at the newly weaned Isaac. Such conduct showing jealousy could develop into a threat to the life of Abraham’s God-given heir, Isaac.—Genesis 16:11, 12.
9 According to time measurements, this beginning of the afflicting of the “seed” of Abraham in a land that was not theirs occurred when Abraham was one hundred and five years old and Isaac was five years old. That was in the year 1913 B.C.E. (Genesis 21:1-9; Galatians 4:29) Accordingly, the “four hundred years” of affliction upon the natural “seed” of Abraham would end in 1513 B.C.E. That would be the year for Abraham’s seed to go out from the land of the oppressive nation and start to return to the land of its forefathers, the Promised Land. That was the due time for God to establish the national covenant with Abraham’s “seed,” that he might bring them into the Promised Land as a nation in a binding covenant with Him. The time for this, at the end of the four hundred years, was also four hundred and thirty years after Abraham crossed the Euphrates River and the Abrahamic Promise took effect.—Exodus 12:40-42; Galatians 3:17-19.
ESTABLISHMENT OF A NATIONAL COVENANT
10. To what extent did Abraham’s natural seed grow in Egypt, but finally under what condition?
10 From when Abraham’s grandson Jacob moved with his household out of the land of Canaan, and down to the end of the four hundred years, Jacob’s descendants, the twelve tribes of Israel, found themselves in the land of Hamitic Egypt (not Arabic Egypt, as of today). As foretold by Jehovah God, affliction had come upon Abraham’s natural “seed” and had now grown very severe. The objective of this was to exterminate the people of God’s friend, Abraham. In spite of this, they had increased to become like the stars of the heavens and like the grains of sand on the seashore, innumerable, as God had promised. Finally, they were able to muster up “six hundred thousand able-bodied men on foot,” fit for military service. (Exodus 12:37) No, God had not forgotten his covenant with his friend Abraham. He also kept to his announced time schedule. So He was ready for due action at the due time.
11. Whom did God raise up to be a leader for Israel, and how had this one tried to show himself a leader?
11 Who should now be their visible leader? God did not choose the chieftain of the tribe of Judah as if that were obligatory because of the Kingdom blessing that Jacob had pronounced upon Judah. (Genesis 49:10; 1 Chronicles 5:1, 2) Instead, the Most High God, with his inherent right of choice, selected a fit man of the tribe of Levi, Moses the great-grandson of Levi. (Exodus 6:20; Numbers 26:58, 59) Forty years prior to the end of the four hundred years, Moses decided against the court life of Pharaoh of Egypt and threw in his lot with his Israelite brothers and offered himself to them as their leader to lead them out of slavery. “He was supposing his brothers would grasp that God was giving them salvation by his hand, but they did not grasp it.” God had then not sent Moses to deliver the enslaved people. Moses was obliged to flee from Pharaoh’s effort to kill him. He took refuge in the land of Midian and married and became a shepherd for his father-in-law.—Exodus 2:11 through 3:1; Acts 7:23-29.
12. When and where did Moses become Jehovah’s “anointed one,” and with what mission?
12 Forty years passed, and Moses became eighty years of age. Then while Moses was shepherding on the Sinai Peninsula, God’s angel made a miraculous manifestation to Moses at the foot of Mount Horeb, about two hundred miles southeast of the present-day Suez Canal. Here, at Horeb, Jehovah God spelled out his name, as it were, to Moses, saying: “‘I Shall Prove To Be What I Shall Prove To Be.’ . . . This is what you are to say to the sons of Israel, ‘I Shall Prove To Be has sent me to you.’” (Exodus 3:2-14) Thus God appointed Moses as His prophet and representative, and Moses could now correctly be called an “anointed one,” or “messiah,” the same as his forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. (Psalm 105:15; Acts 7:30-35; Hebrews 11:23-26) Jehovah indicated that Mount Horeb was where He would bring Moses’ people into a covenant with Him, for Jehovah said that Moses would bring them out of Egypt to this mountain, there to serve Him.—Exodus 3:12.
13. How was Pharaoh brought to the point of ordering the Israelites to leave Egypt?
13 Because of Pharaoh’s repeated refusals to let the Israelites go free, Jehovah brought a series of plagues upon him and his people. The tenth and last plague was the one that broke the stout heart of Pharaoh and his resistance. This plague laid low in death all the firstborn ones of the Egyptian families and of their domestic animals. The Israelites were spared from the death of their firstborn because they obeyed Jehovah God and celebrated the Passover meal, their first one, in their homes. Jehovah’s angel of judgment, beholding the blood of the Passover lamb splashed on the doorposts and upper crossbeam of their homes, passed them by, and death did not invade the family circle. Nahshon, the father of Salmon, of the tribe of Judah, was spared alive, also Nadab, the firstborn son of Moses’ older brother, Aaron. But Pharaoh’s firstborn son died. In grief and under insistence by the bereaved Egyptians, Pharaoh ordered the unharmed Israelites out of the country.—Exodus 5:1 to 12:51.
14. What time periods ended on that first Passover day, and what did God order with respect to that night?
14 That eventful Passover night of the year 1513 B.C.E. brought to an end simultaneously a number of marked periods of time. The four hundred years of the afflicting of Abraham’s natural seed in a land not theirs ended. Two hundred and fifteen years of residence in Egypt from the entry of the patriarch Jacob ended. Four hundred and thirty years counted from when Abraham crossed the Euphrates River and began dwelling in the Promised Land ended. No wonder we read: “And the dwelling of the sons of Israel, who had dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years. And it came about at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, it even came about on this very day that all the armies of Jehovah went out of the land of Egypt. It is a night for observance with regard to Jehovah for bringing them out of the land of Egypt. With regard to Jehovah this night is one for observance on the part of all the sons of Israel throughout their generations.”—Exodus 12:40-42.
15. How did God deliver the Israelites from the pursuing Egyptians, and what did they then sing?
15 As a piece of strategy, Jehovah by means of Moses led his liberated people to the shore of the upper western arm of the Red Sea. Imagining that the Israelites were trapped, Pharaoh and his charioteers and horsemen went in pursuit and closed in upon their escaped slaves. But Almighty God caused a passageway to open up and during the night the Israelites went through the dried seabed to the shores of the Sinai Peninsula. When the Egyptians were permitted to drive into the escape corridor, God brought back the waters of the Red Sea upon them and drowned them and their horses. God’s word had not failed, that He would judge that nation of oppressors of the natural “seed” of Abraham. (Genesis 15:13, 14) Safe on Sinai’s shores, the witnesses of the judgment of Jehovah sang: “Jehovah will rule as king to time indefinite, even forever. . . . Sing to Jehovah, for he has become highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has pitched into the sea.”—Exodus 15:1-21.
16. What did God propose to encamped Israel at Horeb, and what was the purpose thereof?
16 It marked a special day when the Israelites came, in the third lunar month (Sivan) after leaving Egypt, into the wilderness of Sinai and encamped at the base of the “mountain of the true God,” Horeb. That is where Jehovah told Moses that they were to serve him. (Exodus 3:1, 12; 19:1) The prophet Moses was now called upon to act as the mediator between God and the encamped people. Jehovah now proposed a covenant between Himself and the people and set forth the purpose of the covenant. To Moses, up on Mount Horeb, He said: “This is what you are to say to the house of Jacob and to tell the sons of Israel, ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, that I might carry you on wings of eagles and bring you to myself. And now if you will strictly obey my voice and will indeed keep my covenant, then you will certainly become my special property out of all other peoples, because the whole earth belongs to me. And you yourselves will become to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’”—Exodus 19:3-6.
17. What procedure shows whether Jehovah forced the covenant upon the saved Israelites?
17 The Most High God did not force this covenant upon the Israelites. He left them free to choose whether to enter a covenant with him or not, even though he had saved them from Egypt and the Red Sea. Become a “special property” to Jehovah? Become “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” to Him? Yes, that is what the Israelites then desired to do. Hence, when Moses told the representative men of the people about God’s proposed covenant, then, as we read, “all the people answered unanimously and said: ‘All that Jehovah has spoken we are willing to do.’” Moses now reported the decision of the people to Jehovah, who then proceeded with the establishing of the covenant as agreed to.—Exodus 19:7-9.
18. On the third day therefrom, what did God declare to Israel?
18 On the third day after that Jehovah, by means of his angel on Mount Sinai there in Horeb, declared to the assembled Israelites the Ten Words or Ten Commandments. These commandments we can read for ourselves in Exodus 20:2-17.
A GREATER MEDIATOR FORETOLD
19. (a) Because of the spectacle, what did the Israelites request of Moses? (b) What did Moses say in response?
19 The occasion was a spectacular one! “Now all the people were seeing the thunders and the lightning flashes and the sound of the horn and the mountain smoking. When the people got to see it, then they quivered and stood at a distance. And they began to say to Moses: ‘You speak with us, and let us listen; but let not God speak with us for fear we may die.’” (Exodus 20:18, 19) The response of God in compliance with this request of the frightened Israelites is set out more fully in Deuteronomy 18:14-19. There, after telling the Israelites that God had not given them magicians and diviners as go-betweens between Him and them, Moses continued on to say:
“But as for you, Jehovah your God has not given you anything like this. A prophet from your own midst, from your brothers, like me, is what Jehovah your God will raise up for you—to him you people should listen—in response to all that you asked of Jehovah your God in Horeb on the day of the congregation, saying, ‘Do not let me hear again the voice of Jehovah my God, and this great fire do not let me see anymore, that I may not die.’ At that Jehovah said to me, ‘They have done well in speaking what they did. A prophet I shall raise up for them from the midst of their brothers, like you; and I shall indeed put my words in his mouth, and he will certainly speak to them all that I shall command him. And it must occur that the man who will not listen to my words that he will speak in my name, I shall myself require an account from him.’”
20, 21. (a) Was it easy for Israel to believe there would be another prophet like Moses? (b) In what way was this future prophet to be like Moses, and on what scale?
20 A prophet like Moses, with whom God spoke, as it were “face to face”? It may have been hard for the Israelites to accept such an idea, when Moses himself told them what God had said. Yet, that is what Almighty God said that he would raise up for his people. ‘Like Moses’ would not mean merely equal to Moses. The promised prophet could be like Moses, and yet be greater than Moses.
21 From the Israelite prophets after Moses and all the way down to Malachi there was no prophet like Moses and none greater than Moses. (Deuteronomy 34:1-12) But what about the promised Anointed One, the Messiah, who would be the “seed” of God’s heavenly “woman”? (Genesis 3:15) God was evidently speaking about this one when, at Mount Sinai, he spoke to Moses about a future prophet like Moses. Like Moses, this Messianic “seed” would be a Mediator between God and men, but greater than Moses. Certainly the worshipers of the one living and true God need to have more done for them now than was done for ancient Israel by Moses. So Moses prefigured the Greater Prophet of Jehovah who was to come.
22. Why would the coming prophet like Moses be against using images in worshiping God?
22 At that time Jehovah God also said to Moses: “This is what you are to say to the sons of Israel, ‘You yourselves have seen that it was from the heavens I spoke with you. You must not make along with me gods of silver, and you must not make gods of gold for yourselves.’” (Exodus 20:22, 23) Beyond all denial, this is a command against using lifeless, speechless, man-made images in the worship of the God who has spoken from heaven itself. It strongly emphasizes what God said in the second of the Ten Commandments, as stated in Exodus 20:4-6. The Messianic Prophet like Moses would be against such use of religious images.
23. Why is that covenant with Israel commonly called the Law Covenant?
23 Before the establishing of the covenant by means of his mediator Moses, God gave him other laws in addition to the Ten Commandments. These were set out in Exodus, chapters twenty-one through twenty-three. They were written down in a scroll or “book,” which was on hand when the covenant was to be formally established. Since this covenant was specially marked by the giving of divine law for God’s chosen people to keep, it was a covenant of law and is commonly called the Law Covenant. Its law code or set of laws in arranged form is Scripturally spoken of as “the Law.”
24. How long after the Abrahamic covenant was the Law covenant made, and is the Abrahamic Promise still valid?
24 Since the Law of this covenant with Israel was introduced in the form of the Ten Commandments just about fifty or fifty-one days after the Passover night in Egypt, it could properly be said that the Law “has come into being four hundred and thirty years later [after the Abrahamic covenant of 1943 B.C.E.].” The giving of the Law to Israel after such a long interval did not invalidate the Abrahamic covenant, “so as to abolish the promise.” (Galatians 3:17) God’s promise to bless all the nations and families of the ground in Abraham’s “seed” still stands. It will not fail!
25. Upon whom was the Law covenant made binding, and by the application of what to it?
25 Let us be sure to note that the Law covenant with Israel was made valid, solemnly binding upon the parties to the covenant, by the applying of the blood of the sacrificial victims. The record in Exodus 24:6-8 tells us: “Then Moses [as the mediator] took half the blood and put it in bowls, and half the blood he sprinkled upon the altar. Finally he took the book of the covenant and read it in the ears of the people. Then they said: ‘All that Jehovah has spoken we are willing to do and be obedient.’ So Moses took the blood and sprinkled it upon the people and said: ‘Here is the blood of the covenant that Jehovah has concluded with you as respects all these words.’”—Note also Exodus 24:3.
26. What was represented by the applying of the blood to God’s altar, and what by the sprinkling of the people with the blood?
26 The altar that Moses had built at the base of Mount Sinai represented Jehovah God, to whom the sacrifices had been offered upon this altar. Hence, by the applying of half the blood of the animal victims to the altar, Jehovah God was representatively brought into the covenant and bound by it as a party to it. On the other hand, by the sprinkling of the other part of the sacrificial blood upon the people, they also were brought into the covenant as the other party thereto and were solemnly bound by it to fulfill those terms of it that applied to them. Thus by the blood the two parties, God and the nation of Israel, were united in a covenant.
27. What, in connection with the establishment of the Law covenant, proves that the Israelites did not walk into it ignorantly or under compulsion?
27 The nation of Israel did not walk into this covenant ignorantly or under pressure and compulsion. The day before the solemnizing of the covenant with blood they had had God’s words and decisions related to them and had accepted these. As Exodus 24:3 states: “Then Moses came and related to the people all the words of Jehovah and all the judicial decisions, and all the people answered with one voice and said: ‘All the words that Jehovah has spoken we are willing to do.’” The following day, after Moses read the “book of the covenant” in the hearing of all the people, they repeated their acceptance of God’s Law, after which they were sprinkled with the sacrificial blood. Now it was obligatory upon the whole nation of Israel to do what God had stated when proposing the covenant, saying: “Now if you will strictly obey my voice and will indeed keep my covenant, then . . . ”—Exodus 19:5, 6.
28. Which party to the Law covenant was put in question as to loyalty to its terms, and, to be holy, what was required?
28 Almighty God could be expected to be faithful to His part of this bilateral covenant, for He does not change. (Malachi 3:6) It was the Israelites who were put in question. Would they be loyal to God in carrying out what they expressed willingness to do? Would they be among the loyal ones that were to be gathered to Jehovah, in fulfillment of Psalm 50:4, 5: “He calls to the heavens above and to the earth so as to execute judgment on his people: ‘Gather to me my loyal ones, those concluding my covenant over sacrifice’”? (NW; NEB) Not as individuals, but as a whole people, as a nation, they had made this Law covenant over a set of sacrifices that were for all the people. Would they prove themselves to be “a holy nation”? To do this they must keep clear from this world.
29, 30. (a) Just by entering the Law covenant was Israel made a “kingdom of priests,” or what was the arrangement for priests? (b) What were fit males of the other families of the tribe of Levi made?
29 Just because of entering into this covenant with the Most High God they were not at once a “kingdom of priests.” They were by no means then a kingdom in which every male member was a priest to God in behalf of all the other nations of the earth. The prophecy of Isaiah 61:6 was not yet fulfilled toward them: “As for you, the priests of Jehovah you will be called; the ministers of our God you will be said to be. The resources of the nations you people will eat, and in their glory you will speak elatedly about yourselves.” Rather, according to the terms of the Law covenant, the qualified male members of only one family in Israel were made the priests, to serve in behalf of all the rest of the nation. This was the family of Moses’ older brother, Aaron, of the tribe of Levi. He was made God’s high priest, and his sons were made the underpriests. So they made up an Aaronic priesthood.
30 The fit male members of all the rest of the families of the tribe of Levi were made ministers to the Aaronic priesthood, to aid them in carrying on the religious services at the house of God, or tent of meeting, that was provided for in the Law covenant.—Exodus 27:20 through 28:4; Numbers 3:1-13.
31. Why were the Aaronic priests not also made kings in Israel?
31 Thus the tribe of Judah had no share in the priesthood of ancient Israel, because from this tribe was to come the Messianic “leader,” the one called “Shiloh” to whom “the obedience of the peoples will belong.” (Genesis 49:10; 1 Chronicles 5:2) So, in ancient Israel, the kingship and the priesthood were kept separate. Aaron and his sons were not made king-priests, thus being unlike Melchizedek.
32. What festivals were to be celebrated annually by Israel?
32 According to the Law covenant, three national festivals were to be celebrated by all the people at the tent or tabernacle of worship each year. “Three times in the year every male of yours should appear before Jehovah your God in the place that he will choose: in the festival of the unfermented cakes and in the festival of weeks and in the festival of booths, and none should appear before Jehovah empty-handed. The gift of each one’s hand should be in proportion to the blessing of Jehovah your God that he has given you.” (Deuteronomy 16:16, 17; Exodus 34:1, 22-24) The festival of the unleavened cakes was held in connection with the annual Passover supper that commemorated Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. The festival of weeks was held on the fiftieth day, that is, after the passing of seven weeks beginning Nisan 16; and the firstfruits of the wheat harvest were presented to Jehovah on that fiftieth (or, Pentecostal) day. The festival of booths (or, tabernacles) was also called the “festival of the ingathering” at the turn of the year. These annual festivals had their prescribed sacrifices to Jehovah.—Leviticus 23:4-21, 33-43.
33. When was the Day of Atonement held, and why did its sacrifices have to be repeated year after year?
33 Five days before the celebration of the festival of booths began, the annual “day of atonement” (Yom Kippur) was to be held, on the tenth day of the seventh lunar month as counted from the spring month of Nisan or Abib. That would be on Tishri 10. On this day an atonement would be made for the sins of the whole nation in covenant relationship with Jehovah, this being the one day of the year when the Aaronic high priest would go into the Most Holy of the tent of meeting and sprinkle the blood of the atonement victims (a bull and a goat) before the sacred ark of the covenant, which contained the written Law of Jehovah. (Leviticus 23:26-32; 16:2-34) Of course, the death and sprinkled blood of these subhuman animal victims could not really take away the sins of humans to whom such animals were put in subjection. It was for the very reason that the death and blood of those sacrificed animals did not actually take away the sins of the human kind that the Atonement Day sacrifices had to be repeated year after year.
34. What did the Law covenant show that God required for taking away human sin, and why could no Israelite offer what was required?
34 We can see the reason for this. In the Law covenant God plainly commanded: “If a fatal accident should occur, then you must give soul for soul, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, branding for branding, wound for wound, blow for blow.” (Exodus 21:23-25; Deuteronomy 19:21) In other words, like should go for like, something of equal value for something of equal value. So an uncondemned human life would have to go for a human life that had come under condemnation. This is why it is written in Psalm 49:6-10: “Those who are trusting in their means of maintenance, and who keep boasting about the abundance of their riches, not one of them can by any means redeem even a brother, nor give to God a ransom for him; (and the redemption price of their soul is so precious that it has ceased to time indefinite) that he should still live forever and not see the pit. For he sees that even the wise ones die.” There must be a corresponding ransom, and none of the sin-laden Israelites could provide that in order to redeem the perfect life that was forfeited by Adam.
35. What has happened to the Aaronic priesthood, and so where should the redemptive ransom sacrifice be looked for?
35 The Aaronic priesthood that offered mere animal sacrifices at the sacred house of God passed away nineteen centuries ago, in the year 70 C.E. when Jerusalem and its temple were destroyed by the Roman armies. There is nothing else to do but look to the Messianic King whom Jehovah God swore to make a “priest to time indefinite according to the manner of Melchizedek!” (Psalm 110:1-4) This one should be the “seed” of God’s heavenly “woman,” the seed whom God appoints and enables to bruise the head of the wicked one symbolized by that “serpent” in Eden. If this one were not to provide the redemptive ransom for all mankind, then there is no help for us humans, no outlook for eternal life in a righteous new order under Jehovah God. So, then, the animal sacrifices that were offered on Israel’s “day of atonement” down to the first century C.E. must be pictorial; they must picture prophetically the needed ransom sacrifice that was to be offered by the Messiah who becomes the Melchizedekian priest, the Bruiser of the serpent’s head.
36. Likewise, how must the festivals held under the Law covenant be viewed?
36 Likewise with those annual festivals that God’s covenant imposed upon ancient Israel. They were not mere meaningless occasions for national entertainment and relaxation. They had prophetic significance. Being happy occasions, they pictured the future happy provisions that God has made for mankind. The blessed meaning of them God makes known in his due time according to his “eternal purpose.”
A NATION WITH WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITIES
37. What opportunity did the Law covenant offer to Israelites?
37 However, could any Israelite gain eternal life for himself by keeping the Law of the covenant with God perfectly, without breaking even the slightest part of it? The Law covenant offered each Israelite the opportunity to prove that he could do so. In Leviticus 18:5 this opportunity is referred to, in these words: “You must keep my statutes and my judicial decisions, which if a man will do, he must also live by means of them. I am Jehovah.” So, if any Israelite kept the Law flawlessly and gained eternal life by his own works, he did not need the benefit of the sacrifices of the Law covenant. Neither would he need the blessing of the Abrahamic Promise. (Genesis 12:3; 22:18) Such a perfect Law keeper would establish his own righteousness and life merit.
38, 39. (a) What shows whether any of the Israelites gained life by keeping the Law perfectly? (b) Whose priestly services before God are therefore needed?
38 However, even the prophet Moses died. Even the high priest Aaron died. And every other Israelite from the establishment of the Law covenant down to the passing away of the Aaronic priesthood in the year 70 C.E., yes, down till today, has died. Even nineteen centuries since the destruction of Jerusalem’s temple by the Romans the orthodox Israelites of today go through a form of celebrating the Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur. This in itself is an admission of their need of cleansing from sin, yes, their inability to keep the Law perfectly and gain eternal life by their own righteous works. And if they could not do this under the Law covenant, how could any of the rest of us imperfect humans do so?
39 In view of what the Law covenant made plainly manifest, we all stand condemned before the God whose activity is perfect. (Deuteronomy 32:4) As the prophet Isaiah said more than seven hundred years after the Law covenant was made with Israel: “All our righteousnesses are as a polluted garment.” (Isaiah 64:5, JPS) We all need the services of the promised Melchizedekian Priest, who is to be a priest forever.
40. What did Moses do on Nisan 1, 1512 B.C.E., with regard to God’s worship, and what then happened?
40 Turn back now to the year of the establishment of that covenant between Jehovah God and Israel by means of the mediator Moses. That lunar year ended, and Nisan 1 of the calendar year 1512 B.C.E. arrived. On that day Moses obeyed God’s command and had the “tabernacle of the tent of meeting” set up for God’s worship thereat to begin. Then Moses clothed his older brother Aaron and Aaron’s sons with their official garments and anointed them with the holy anointing oil to serve as high priest and underpriests. “So Moses finished the work. And the cloud began to cover the tent of meeting, and Jehovah’s glory filled the tabernacle. And Moses was not able to go into the tent of meeting, because the cloud resided over it and Jehovah’s glory filled the tabernacle.”—Exodus 40:1-35.
41. Of what was that manifestation an evidence, and when was the installation of the priesthood completed?
41 There was the visible evidence that Jehovah had accepted this structure of worship and had sanctified it to His purpose. On the seventh day of that first month of Nisan (or, Abib) the installing and empowering of the Aaronic priesthood was completed, and thereafter they could officially supervise all features of divine worship at the sacred tabernacle.—Leviticus 8:1 through 9:24.
42. Besides being their God for worship, what else was Jehovah then to Israel, without need of a visible representative?
42 Jehovah was the God whom that nation of Israel was commanded and under obligation to worship. He was not alone their God. He was also their royal Ruler, their King, to whom they owed submission and loyalty. Disobedience to His laws and commandments would therefore be insubordination and disloyalty. Confirming that fact, in Deuteronomy 33:5 the prophet Moses refers to the nation of Israel as Jeshurun or “Upright One” because of its entering into the Law covenant and says: “And there was a king in Jeshurun, when the heads of the people were gathered, all the tribes of Israel together.” (Translation by The Jewish Publication Society of America) And, says the editorial footnote on that verse by the late Dr. J. H. Hertz, C. H.: “Thus began God’s Kingdom over Israel.” (Pentateuch and Haftorahs, Soncino Press, page 910) Jehovah was their invisible heavenly King. He needed no earthly visible human king to represent Him in Israel.—Genesis 36:31.
43, 44. How uniquely had ancient Israel been favored in comparison with all other earthly nations, and how could they therefore praise Jehovah?
43 How highly favored was this nation that was made up of the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Israel) and that had been brought into a covenant with the one living and true God! They had his true worship and enjoyed the prospect of becoming to Him a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”
44 Said the prophet Amos: “Hear this word that Jehovah has spoken concerning you, O sons of Israel, concerning the whole family that I brought up out of the land of Egypt, saying, ‘You people only have I known out of all the families of the ground.’” (Amos 3:1, 2) It was an accurate comparison that the psalmist expressed in one of the Hallelujah psalms, saying: “He is telling his word to Jacob, his regulations and his judicial decisions to Israel. He has not done that way to any other nation; and as for his judicial decisions, they have not known them. Praise Jah, you people!” (Psalm 147:19, 20) The favored nation indeed had good reason to praise Jehovah by keeping his covenant. Whether they did so was now to be shown during what might be called the Era of the Law Covenant that had now begun. |
Great Teacher (te)
1971 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/te | Chapter 43
Jesus Gives a Sign
TODAY we are going to talk about signs. It is good to know how to read signs. They can help us.
Some signs have words on them. They tell us where we can buy food. They may warn us not to cross the street when cars are coming. What signs have you seen?—
There are signs of another kind too. They may have no words. Some of them tell about changes in the weather. Clouds may cover the sun. Perhaps the wind starts to blow. Lightning flashes. There is thunder. When you hear and see these things, what do they mean?— Yes, there will probably be rain. It is not hard to read those signs, is it?—
One day Jesus’ apostles asked him for a sign. They had heard him say that people would not see him again until some future time. They wanted to know when that time would be. What sign would there be that the time had come?
The Great Teacher knew that his followers would need a sign. He was going to go back to heaven to be with God. When he would come again he would not be a human. He would be a spirit. And can you see a spirit?—
So, how would anyone know that he had come again?— Well, Jesus told them what to watch for. He told them about things that would happen right here on earth.
When Jesus was talking to them, they were close to Jerusalem. They could see it across the valley. And they could see its beautiful temple. So Jesus told them about things that would happen to Jerusalem and its temple. And those things did happen!
But Jesus also said that the same things would happen again later. This time they would happen to the whole world. And what would this mean?— It would mean that Christ had returned. It would mean that from heaven he had begun to rule in the kingdom of God. Soon he would destroy the wicked. Life would soon get much better here on earth.
Have we seen the sign that Jesus gave?— I have. Would you like to hear about it?—
As part of the sign, Jesus said: ‘You are going to hear of wars and reports of wars. Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom.’
I have seen that in my lifetime. Whole nations have fought against other nations to destroy them. The trouble really began in the year 1914. Now we hear news reports about war almost every day. Have you heard those reports on the radio or on television?—
Here is another part of the sign that Jesus gave. He said: ‘There will be food shortages in one place after another.’
Not everyone has enough food to eat. Did you know that?— I have heard that every day ten thousand people die because they do not have enough food. Lack of food also results in disease or pestilence. Jesus said that there would be food shortages and pestilence.
This is another part of the sign that he gave: ‘There will be earthquakes in one place after another.’
Do you know what an earthquake is?— It makes the ground shake under your feet. Houses fall down and people often get killed. Since the year 1914 there have been many more earthquakes every year than there were before. These are things that have happened in my lifetime.
Jesus said that another part of the sign would be ‘more and more lawlessness.’ That is happening too. That is why people almost everywhere lock the door on their houses. They are afraid that someone might try to break in. And in many places it is not safe to walk on the street alone at night. Never before has it been as bad as it is now.—Matthew 23:39–24:22.
Some people may say that these things have happened before. But never before have they happened in so much of the world at the same time. All this has special meaning.
Remember, Jesus said that these things would be a sign. Can you read that sign? What does it mean?—
Most people see only the trouble. It makes them unhappy. But if they knew what the sign meant, they would rejoice. Why?—
Jesus said: ‘As these things start to happen, lift your heads up, because your deliverance is getting near.’ That means that we should be happy. Because in just a short time God will put an end to all the troubles on this earth. Life will be a real pleasure then.
Don’t you agree that is good news?— If we really believe it, we won’t keep it to ourselves. Other people need to know about it too.
(There is much in the Bible that shows that the time for God’s kingdom has come. Read together these scriptures: Luke 21:28-36; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 2 Peter 3:3, 4, 13.) |
God’s Kingdom Has Approached (ka)
1973 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/ka | Chapter 1
The “Thousand Years”—Not a False Hope
1. What must be said on whether a man-made kingdom can endure for a thousand years?
TO ENDURE for a thousand years, a kingdom would really have to be good—strong. Such a royal government could not be planned, installed and maintained by a mere man or succession of men. No man-made kingdom in the hands of kings of a certain family line has ever lasted for even near a thousand years.
2. Why is royal rule by a single human monarch out of the question?
2 What, then, about a kingdom in the hands of a single continuing monarch for ten centuries? An impossibility! No man has ever lived that long. According to the oldest genealogical records, the man Methuselah in southwestern Asia lived the longest of any human creature on earth. But even he came short of a millennium by thirty-one years.a In our own modern times the life expectancy of a man has been set far from that extraordinary age. In the most advanced lands of the day it has been brought to a life-span of less than seventy years by the aid of medical science. Woman has been given an edge of around six years over man. So royal rule for a thousand years by just one man or woman, no matter how good the subjects might think their ruler to be, is out of the question.
3. What did the most recent “Thousand-Year Plan” envision for mankind?
3 Logically, then, we are not talking of a millennial kingdom from that human standpoint. We, as well as many millions of others yet alive, are able, as personal observers, to remember the most recent effort for a government a thousand years long. This “Thousand-Year Plan” was that of Adolf Hitler, Nazi dictator of Germany 1933-1945 C.E. Shortly after the United States was plunged into World War II, information on this Nazi plan was gleaned from seized Nazi documents and from German agents who had been taken into custody and from various other sources. This plan aimed at a Nazi world order that Hitler, if successful in World War II, would mercilessly enforce upon the world of mankind. It envisioned a virtual slave program, the workers for which would be recruited from non-German countries. This plan covered the thousand years to come.
4. What earlier empire did Hitler evidently have in mind, and how did a priest testify thereto?
4 The Nazi leader Hitler, who came from the land of the Hapsburg family of kings, Austria, evidently had in mind the Germanic Holy Roman Empire, which lasted from the year 962 to 1806. In fact, we have the words of a Roman Catholic priest to that effect. Speaking on the night of February 16, 1940, to a capacity audience in the Memorial Continental Hall in Washington, D.C., Dr. Edmund A. Walsh, the regent of the Foreign Service School of Georgetown University, outlined the German war aims as a “re-establishment of the Holy Roman Empire.” “Dr. Walsh said that he had heard Adolf Hitler say that the Holy Roman Empire, which was a Germanic empire, must be re-established.”—New York Times, February 17, 1940.
5. What did Hitler boast concerning the Nazi Reich, but how did his plan fare?
5 Boastfully the Nazi Fuehrer Hitler had said: “The National Socialist Reich [Empire] will endure a thousand years.” But his police chief, Heinrich Himmler, was even more confident and responded: “Ten thousand!” Once embarked on his egocentric plan, Hitler would be satisfied with nothing less than world rule or world ruin. In the book The Last Days of Hitler, the author, H. R. Trevor-Roper, says: “It was always understood that Hitler would remain true to his original programme Weltmacht oder Niedergang,—world-power or ruin. If world-power was unattainable, then (it was agreed by all who knew him) he would make the ruin as great as he could.” At this—and with good reason—some will be inclined to exclaim: “How like the Devil!” At any rate, there was no reestablishment of the Holy Roman Empire, as many people of Hitler’s religion had hoped—and the Nazi “Thousand-Year Plan” failed inside twelve years.
6. What earlier non-Germanic ruler learned a lesson that Hitler may not have, and who interpreted this ruler’s dream correctly?
6 The would-be world ruler Hitler may not have learned the lesson, but he ran smack up against the hard irremovable fact that a much earlier world ruler had to learn in the hard way. This was a non-German, non-Aryan man who ruled longer than Hitler, that is, for forty-three years (624-581 B.C.E.). He was the king of Babylon, and his name was a long one, Nebuchadnezzar. We may recognize him as the Semitic world conqueror who destroyed the Jewish city of Jerusalem in the year 607 B.C.E. and who deported whole populations just as Hitler did, dragging the surviving Jews, for the most part, into exile in distant Babylonian territories. Among the deported people was the Semitic prophet Daniel of the Jewish tribe of Judah. King Nebuchadnezzar had a strange dream, to which he attached great importance, and the slave, the prophet Daniel, was the only one able to interpret it. Daniel’s interpretation came true.
7. On what occasion did the dream begin to come true, and what lesson was the ruler to learn from his debasement?
7 A year after the dream, Nebuchadnezzar as head of the Babylonian World Power began to brag, glorying over his capital city Babylon on the Euphrates River. Hardly had he finished his boast, when he heard a voice out of the invisible—out of heaven—saying words that he had heard in his dream. In Nebuchadnezzar’s own account of this, which was preserved by the prophet Daniel, he writes: “To you it is being said, O Nebuchadnezzar the king, ‘The kingdom itself has gone away from you, and from mankind they are driving even you away, and with the beasts of the field your dwelling will be. Vegetation they will give even to you to eat just like bulls, and seven times themselves will pass over you, until you know that the Most High is Ruler in the kingdom of mankind, and that to the one whom he wants to he gives it.’”—Daniel 4:29-32.
8. Who was the one that smote the boastful king, and who healed him?
8 What followed immediately? It is understandable why what now happened was not preserved for us in the Babylonian historical records, or why any record thereof by a Babylonian chronicler was removed or destroyed. But the honest, true-to-fact prophet Daniel, who was personally implicated in the matter, was inspired to make a record of it, for our consultation more than two and a half millenniums later. The proud King Nebuchadnezzar was instantly smitten with madness—and it was not his most revered god, Marduk (or, Merodach), who smote him. It was the Almighty God who foretold this madness that smote the boastful king, the king who had destroyed the sacred temple at Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. And, just as predicted and ordained, “seven times” literally did pass over King Nebuchadnezzar while he was insanely chewing at grass like a bull out there in a nearby field. The mad king did not commit suicide, as Adolf Hitler did in 1945 just as his capital city Berlin was falling into the hands of the Red Communist armies of Russia. At the end of Nebuchadnezzar’s seven years of madness, the Divine Smiter of him healed him and restored his sanity.
9, 10. How does the account preserved by Daniel (4:34-37) show whether the king of Babylon learned his lesson well concerning God’s absolute rulership?
9 Did the king of Babylon learn his lesson? We can determine this from his own account, as preserved for us by the prophet Daniel. The account, given in the first person, reads:
10 “And at the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up to the heavens my eyes, and my own understanding began to return to me; and I blessed the Most High himself, and the One living to time indefinite I praised and glorified, because his rulership is a rulership to time indefinite and his kingdom is for generation after generation. And all the inhabitants of the earth are being considered as merely nothing, and he is doing according to his own will among the army of the heavens and the inhabitants of the earth. And there exists no one that can check his hand or that can say to him, ‘What have you been doing?’ . . . Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, am praising and exalting and glorifying the King of the heavens, because all his works are truth and his ways are justice, and because those who are walking in pride he is able to humiliate.”—Daniel 4:34-37.
11. Little did the king of Babylon know what with regard to those “seven times” during which he proved his unfitness to rule?
11 Nebuchadnezzar himself tells us that he was restored to the throne of the Babylonian World Power, the Third World Power in a succession of seven world powers spoken of in the Holy Bible. (Daniel 4:36) Little did he know that that period of “seven times” in which he proved his unfitness to rule were prophetic of a greater period of “seven times” of larger duration, “the times of the Gentiles.” Little did he know that during those larger “seven times” five world powers would dominate the earth—the Babylonian, the Medo-Persian, the Grecian, the Roman and the modern-time British-American. Little did Nebuchadnezzar know that those “seven times,” comprising all together 2,520 years, began in the year of his desolating of Jerusalem and its temple and would end in the year that would see the world of mankind embroiled in the first world war—1914 C.E. (Luke 21:24, AV; Daniel 4:16, 23, 25, 32) Yes, little did Nebuchadnezzar know that at the end of those “seven times” of Gentile domination in 1914 the “King of the heavens” would give the “kingdom of mankind” to the one whom he wanted to—His Messiah!—Daniel 9:25.
PREVIEW GIVEN BY DIVINE INSPIRATION
12. What do worldly politicians still think regarding the “kingdom of mankind,” but whose hand have they been unable to check as to human affairs?
12 The politicians of all the nations still think that the “kingdom of mankind” is their proper concern and is the proper field for their activity. Long ago King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon thought so. Quite recently Adolf Hitler, with his dream of a thousand-years-long political system, thought so. But the One concerning whom Nebuchadnezzar was finally obliged to admit, “His rulership is a rulership to time indefinite and his kingdom is for generation after generation,” this One still proves to be the “Ruler in the kingdom of mankind.” This kingdom over human affairs is still His rightful field of interest and operation. The worldly politicians, backed by the clergymen of Christendom, have been unable to “check his hand,” nor do they have the authority to say to him: “What have you been doing?” (Daniel 4:34, 35) He did not consult those politicians and their religious backers regarding the one to whom He should give the “kingdom of mankind” at the end of the “times of the Gentiles” in 1914 C.E. The politicians and their religious allies are not of that importance as consultants, whereas He is “the Most High himself, and the One living to time indefinite.”
13, 14. Upon the basis of whose word can any prediction for a thousand years to come be made confidently? And why?
13 Reasonably, then, upon the basis of whose word can any prediction be made regarding a thousand years to come? Man cannot foretell even what will be tomorrow. “You do not know what your life will be tomorrow,” said an observer of more than nineteen centuries ago. (James 4:14) But with “the Most High himself, and the One living to time indefinite,” this is different. What is time to Him?
14 To this One it was well said by a man who lived for just one hundred and twenty years: “A thousand years are in your eyes but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch [an ancient Jewish watch of four hours] during the night.” (Psalm 90:4 and superscription) By a mere dream of the night and by the prophet Daniel’s interpretation thereof to King Nebuchadnezzar, He was able to foretell what would happen in world history after a period of 2,520 years, ending in 1914 C.E. Could he not just as easily foretell with accuracy what will happen during a thousand years beginning with some point of time after 1914 C.E.? Most reasonably so! And what if He has already given us a description of such a thousand-year period? Then with that word as our basis, we can confidently speak of a thousand years to come.
15. What are the thousand years called by users of Latin or Greek root words, and what are believers therein called?
15 Those who use words drawn from the old Latin language would call that period of a thousand years a millennium, because the two roots of the word are the Latin mille, meaning “thousand,” and annus, meaning “year.” Over in Greece people would speak of it as a chiliastic period, because the Greek word chilia means “thousand.” So the believers in this particular period of a thousand years would be called chiliasts, as well as millennialists or millenarians. People of Christendom use those terms in a reproachful way.
16, 17. (a) What human experience with regard to 1000 C.E. shows we are not interested in the millennium because we are approaching 2000 C.E.? (b) Why is it well that man’s seventh millennium of existence should begin many years before 2000 C.E.?
16 Despite the reproach to which one exposes oneself from those who do not understand, there should be real interest in this approaching period of a thousand years. Information concerning it is recorded in the written word of “the Most High himself, and the One living to time indefinite.” Our own growing interest therein is not because we are approaching the year 2000 C.E., the end of the second millennium of our Common Era. That is not the significant thing. We remember what happened when mankind approached the year 1000 C.E., the end of the first millennium of our Common Era. Concerning this the New Catholic Encyclopedia says, under the subject “Millenarianism,” page 853: “As the year 1000 neared, millenarianism became more prevalent because many eschatologists believed that the 7th day of creation was to be realized in human history in A.D. 1000 and that there would follow a glorious 10-century reign of the Christ.”—Copyright 1967.
17 For one thing, the end of six thousand years of human existence on earth and the beginning of mankind’s seventh millennium of existence may come many years sooner than the year 2000 C.E. It is well that this is so. Today, with the world of mankind in such a deplorable condition and being threatened with destruction from so many angles, there are many students and investigators of these threats to human existence who express substantial doubts that mankind will be able to survive till the year 2000 C.E. They do not base their gloomy outlook for our future on any timetable in that most widespread sacred book, the Holy Bible. They base their outlook upon the hard facts of today and upon the now irreversible trend of things that involve all of us. These men who speak with authority give our human race far less than a thousand years to live on into the future. What reason have you, the reader, for not believing them?
18, 19. (a) Why is this information not confined to some secret eschatological society of initiates? (b) Over whose name is the Book of information written, and why?
18 To the very contrary of these gloomy prophets who speak from the purely human standpoint, “the Most High himself, and the One living to time indefinite,” cheeringly speaks of a thousand years yet ahead of mankind and then some, the grandest years in all human history. This hope-inspiring information is not the private possession of some secret eschatological society of special initiated ones who are in the “know.” The sources of this valuable information are openly accessible to hundreds of millions of people speaking 1,500 languages and dialects all around this globe. Wherever a person has a copy of the Holy Bible, this life-brightening information is available to him.
19 Although the Bible was written by men, mere imperfect men, as secretaries or amanuenses, that sacred Book does not in its own pages claim to be the word of man. It is the work of divine inspiration, and so it is written over the name of “the Most High himself, and the One living to time indefinite.” To this modern day of ours He takes the responsibility for what it says about the past and of the future before us. It is the Book of books!
20. In what Bible book do we find this information on the millennium, and who wrote it?
20 Where, then, in it do we find this information about those thousand years to come and the ages of eternity to follow? We find it in what is quite appropriately listed as the last book in the Holy Bible. It proves to be just what its name means, Revelation. Or, Unveiling, Apocalypse. O yes, it was written by a man, a man whom the Roman Empire branded as a criminal and put upon the penal island, Patmos, over there in the Aegean Sea and near the coast of Asia Minor, today Turkey. It is a real place, nothing mythical about it. As a young man this exiled prisoner had been a fisher at the Sea of Galilee in the then Roman Province of Galilee. He was John the son of Zebedee, and his fisherman brother was James. John tells us right at the start that he wrote Revelation, but under inspiration. But of what was it to be a revelation or an unveiling? As we read the answer, which should interest us of today, let us note to whom John assigns the responsibility for this book:
21. To whom does John at the start assign the responsibility for the Revelation?
21 “This is the revelation given by God to Jesus Christ. It was given to him so that he might show his servants what must shortly happen. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who, in telling all that he saw, has borne witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ. Happy is the man who reads, and happy those who listen to the words of this prophecy and heed what is written in it. For the hour of fulfillment is near.”—Revelation 1:1-3, New English Bible (1970).
22. For us today, why is there a thrill in the words “For the hour of fulfillment is near”?
22 In those words, “For the hour of fulfillment is near,” written almost nineteen centuries ago, is there a thrill for us today in this twentieth century C.E.? Certainly, measured in terms of time, “what must shortly happen” would by now, after nearly nineteen hundred years, not be too soon in happening, especially the beginning of the foretold “thousand years.” We can fix better on the time when we read John’s account of the thousand years and what immediately leads up to them. Let us read from Revelation 19:11 on:
23. What features distinguish the rider of the white horse?
23 “Then I saw heaven wide open, and there before me was a white horse; and its rider’s name was Faithful and True, for he is just in judgement and just in war. His eyes flamed like fire, and on his head were many diadems. Written upon him was a name known to none but himself, and he was robed in a garment drenched in blood. He was called the Word of God, and the armies of heaven followed him on white horses, clothed in fine linen, clean and shining. From his mouth there went a sharp sword with which to smite the nations; for he it is who shall rule them with an iron rod, and tread the winepress of the wrath and retribution of God the sovereign Lord. And on his robe and on his thigh there was written the name: ‘King of kings and Lord of lords.’
24. (a) What invitation was given to the birds flying in midheaven? (b) What happened to those taking part in the battle?
24 “Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried aloud to all the birds flying in midheaven: ‘Come and gather for God’s great supper, to eat the flesh of kings and commanders and fighting men, the flesh of horses and their riders, the flesh of all men, slave and free, great and small!’ Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies mustered to do battle with the Rider and his army. The beast was taken prisoner, and so was the false prophet who had worked miracles in its presence and deluded those that had received the mark of the beast and worshipped its image. The two of them were thrown alive into the lake of fire with its sulphurous flames. The rest were killed by the sword which went out of the Rider’s mouth; and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.
25. What is then done to Satan the Devil, to last for how long?
25 “Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven with the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hands. He seized the dragon, that serpent of old, the Devil or Satan, and chained him up for a thousand years; he threw him into the abyss, shutting and sealing it over him, so that he might seduce the nations no more till the thousand years were over. After that he must be let loose for a short while.
26. Who sit upon the thrones seen in heaven, and what do they do?
26 “Then I saw thrones, and upon them sat those to whom judgement was committed. I could see the souls of those who had been beheaded for the sake of God’s word and their testimony to Jesus, those who had not worshipped the beast and its image or received its mark on forehead or hand. These came to life again and reigned with Christ for a thousand years, though the rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were over. This is the first resurrection. Happy indeed, and one of God’s own people, is the man who shares in this first resurrection! Upon such the second death has no claim; but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him for the thousand years.
27. On earth, what followed the loosing of Satan, and what happened to him?
27 “When the thousand years are over, Satan will be let loose from his dungeon; and he will come out to seduce the nations in the four quarters of the earth and to muster them for battle, yes, the hosts of Gog and Magog, countless as the sands of the sea. So they marched over the breadth of the land and laid siege to the camp of God’s people and the city that he loves. But fire came down on them from heaven and consumed them; and the Devil, their seducer, was flung into the lake of fire and sulphur, where the beast and the false prophet had been flung, there to be tormented day and night for ever.”—Revelation 19:11 through 20:10, New English Bible.
28. (a) So after what events do the thousand years begin? (b) Why, then, have those thousand years manifestly yet to begin?
28 We notice the use of the expression “thousand years” six times in that account. We notice also that those thousand years begin after a battle between the “King of kings” and the “kings of the earth” along with the “beast” and the “false prophet,” and then the chaining of Satan the Devil and flinging of him into the abyss. Those events are part of “what must shortly happen.” Up till now the world has had nothing to compare with such events. Quite manifestly, then, those “thousand years” have yet to begin. They do not mean some indefinitely long time period, a period that we cannot accurately measure. They are a literal thousand years.
29. What time length for those thousand years fits harmoniously with the proved timetable of God?
29 Students who argue that those thousand years stand for an indefinite time length say that they began on the festival day of Pentecost of 33 C.E., when God poured out his holy spirit upon his newly formed Christian congregation at Jerusalem. But this argument leads into difficulties and to attempted explanations that are contrary to what actually happened to spirit-begotten Christians all during the more than one thousand nine hundred and forty years since that day of Pentecost when the Christian congregation came to life spiritually until now. A literal millennium fits in harmoniously with the proved timetable of God.
30. Why should we not be able to refrain from examining in detail the prophetic picture of those thousand years?
30 What those thousand years usher in upon our earth is something vitally necessary to the endless life and happiness of the world of mankind. How, then, can we reasonably hold back from at once examining closely the prophetic picture of the marvelous millennium that the apostle John so beautifully drew for us?
[Footnotes]
a See Genesis 5:25-27, in The Holy Bible. |
Page Thirty-Two | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2011013 | Page Thirty-Two
Does it really matter whether there was a garden of Eden?
SEE PAGES 9-11
Did God know in advance that Adam and Eve would sin?
SEE PAGES 13-15.
How can you know if your sins can be forgiven by God?
SEE PAGE 18.
Is God concerned about you as an individual?
SEE PAGES 20-23. |
Pewter—For You? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101979007 | Pewter—For You?
Both the high price of silverware and the current nostalgia over the past have in some areas sparked a growing interest in pewter tableware. But, you may wonder, just what is pewter anyway?
Basically, it is a metal alloy in which tin is the major component. History says that it may have been used more than 1,000 years before the Common Era. But from the 1300’s C.E. to the 1800’s it was very widely used in Europe and England, for it was a less expensive alternative for silver or gold utensils. It could be cast or hammered into attractive mugs, plates, spoons and forks. These did not “rust,” and they retained a nice appearance. In that period pewter usually was composed of 90-percent tin and 10-percent lead, though sometimes a little copper was added for hardness. Poorer quality pewter might have up to 40-percent lead, making it much softer and more easily dented.
In more recent times lead has been eliminated from pewter. The lead tended to cause some tarnishing, and it could combine with certain foods to form toxic substances that might even produce lead poisoning. Antimony and copper are now combined with the tin instead of lead. So if you buy pewter of modern origin, likely it will be an alloy of tin, antimony and copper. Take care, though, that if you pay for pewter, pewter is what you get, not an imitation made out of aluminum.
If you have real pewter objects, they may look somewhat like dull silver. Some pewter, though, does take and hold a high polish. You should wash your pewter dishes and tableware as soon after use as possible. Use hot soapy water (never in a dishwasher) and rinse well. Do not leave pewter objects to dry in the air, for that may cause water spots that are hard to remove. Rather, dry them with a soft cloth. That will help them to retain their warm, pleasant appearance, one of the attractive features of pewter. |
Where Puppets Perform Operas | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102008003 | Where Puppets Perform Operas
BY AWAKE! WRITER IN AUSTRIA
“YES, the music was beautiful, but the puppetry technique was amazing. The marionettes are able to convey even subtle gestures beyond anything [I have] seen in any prior puppet or marionette performances!”
Is the speaker describing a puppet show for young children? No. Believe it or not, those are the enthusiastic words of an adult visitor to the opera. Where is this outstanding opera performed? At a most extraordinary opera house in Salzburg, Austria, the city that was home to the famous composer Mozart.
But have you ever heard of wooden marionettes that are between two and three feet [from a half meter to a meter] tall performing operas? The puppets of the Salzburg Marionette Theatre do just that. When they start dancing onstage, they inevitably enchant the audience, transporting them into another world—one of fantasy and captivating music.
A Fusion of Reality and Fantasy
As the overture plays and the curtain rises for the first act, the audience is sometimes taken aback by what they see. Are those really wooden marionettes crossing the stage and gesticulating as if they were singing arias? And what about all those thin threads above the heads of the puppets? Some visitors may not be able to contain their disappointment, thinking, ‘Everything is too visible—we can see it all!’ What is more, the orchestra pit with its musicians is missing. The idea of simply playing prerecorded opera music seems to be bordering on bad taste. The inveterate opera visitor might well think indignantly, ‘How awful!’ But wait a minute! Slowly, almost imperceptibly, the audience undergoes a transformation.
Once the audience overcomes its initial skepticism, the marionettes begin to exercise their captivating charm. A fascinating fusion of reality and fantasy takes place. The silk threads that give life to the puppets are no longer noticed. The spectators are thrilled not only by the performance but also by the unusual idea of having marionettes onstage in a small opera house. Soon the idea no longer seems absurd, and the audience quickly forgets that they are watching lifeless marionettes. Yes, the puppets have the wondrous ability to thrill even skeptical spectators, whisking them off into the puppets’ own little world.
Onstage and Backstage
The action backstage is almost as fascinating as that onstage. The real artists are the puppeteers behind the stage—or, better stated, above the stage—where they work from a bridge. While the puppeteers twist and turn their hands as if speaking a kind of sign language, the marionettes sing, cry, fight duels, or curtsy—just the way real opera singers would.
The New York Times once explained what makes this art so fascinating: “Backstage, the humans are free to take on any role of any age, of either sex; they must have only one quality, and that one in great measure: skill.” And the skill with which the Salzburg puppeteers bring their marionettes to life is truly incredible.
Puppets Instead of Lifeless Figures
The Salzburg Marionette Theatre has been a success for over 90 years—since 1913, when the company performed one of Mozart’s operas for the first time. The founder of the theater was Anton Aicher, a sculptor. Aicher served his apprenticeship in Munich and then made marionettes that could perform exceptional true-to-life movements. He soon noticed that working with marionettes was much more enjoyable than carving motionless altar figures.
It did not take long before the rest of Aicher’s family was enthralled by this kind of entertainment. His family eagerly helped to sew the clothes for the marionettes and assisted with the musical and speaking parts. So great was their success that the repertoire was soon enlarged. And from 1927 on, guest performances were given in other countries. These days the marionettes appear regularly in several countries, such as Japan and the United States. The public in all cultures appreciate marionette entertainment.
Entertainment for You?
Opera has been defined as “a drama set to mus[ic] to be sung with instr[umental] accomp[animent] by singers usually in costume.” (The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music) Opera librettos, or texts, have been based on mythology, history, Biblical accounts, and fiction. They can be tragic, romantic, or comic. Those performed in this marionette theater are usually in German or Italian. Therefore, it is wise to check a translation of the synopsis to determine if you would enjoy the work.
How can a Christian decide if a certain opera is worthy of his attention? Should he judge only by the fame of the singers? Or by the beauty of the music? Or by the story line that is the basis for the libretto?
Surely, as with all entertainment, the best way for a Christian to decide whether to listen to or watch an opera is to compare the synopsis with the criteria that the apostle Paul expressed: “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 virtue there is and whatever praiseworthy thing there is, continue considering these things.”—Philippians 4:8.
[Map on page 8]
(For fully formatted text, see publication)
AUSTRIA
VIENNA
Salzburg
[Picture on page 8]
A full cast of marionettes are ready to appear in a variety of operas
[Picture on page 9]
The Salzburg Marionette Theatre
[Picture on page 10]
Anton Aicher, the founder
[Credit Line]
By courtesy of the Salzburg Marionette Theatre
[Picture Credit Line on page 8]
All photos on pages 8 and 9: By courtesy of the Salzburg Marionette Theatre |
Proclaimers (jv)
1993 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/jv | Chapter 23
Missionaries Push Worldwide Expansion
ZEALOUS activity of missionaries who are willing to serve wherever they are needed has been an important factor in the global proclamation of God’s Kingdom.
Long before the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society established a school for the purpose, missionaries were being sent to other lands. The Society’s first president, C. T. Russell, recognized the need for qualified people to initiate and take the lead in preaching the good news in foreign fields. He sent out men for that purpose—Adolf Weber to Europe, E. J. Coward to the Caribbean area, Robert Hollister to the Orient, and Joseph Booth to southern Africa. Sadly, Booth proved to be more interested in his own schemes; so, in 1910, William Johnston was sent from Scotland to Nyasaland (now Malawi), where Booth’s adverse influence had been especially felt. Thereafter, Brother Johnston was assigned to set up a branch office for the Watch Tower Society in Durban, South Africa, and later he served as branch overseer in Australia.
After the first world war, J. F. Rutherford sent out even more missionaries—for example, Thomas Walder and George Phillips from Britain to South Africa, W. R. Brown from an assignment in Trinidad to West Africa, George Young from Canada to South America and to Europe, Juan Muñiz first to Spain and then to Argentina, George Wright and Edwin Skinner to India, followed by Claude Goodman, Ron Tippin, and more. They were real pioneers, reaching out to areas where little or no preaching of the good news had been done and laying a solid foundation for future organizational growth.
There were others, too, whose missionary spirit moved them to undertake preaching outside their own country. Among them were Kate Goas and her daughter Marion, who devoted years to zealous service in Colombia and Venezuela. Another was Joseph Dos Santos, who left Hawaii on a preaching trip that led to 15 years of ministry in the Philippines. There was also Frank Rice, who traveled by cargo ship from Australia to open up the preaching of the good news on the island of Java (now in Indonesia).
However, in 1942 plans took shape for a school with a course specially designed to train both men and women who were willing to undertake such missionary service wherever they were needed in the global field.
Gilead School
In the midst of world war, it may have seemed impractical from a human standpoint to plan for expansion of Kingdom-preaching activities in foreign fields. Yet, in September 1942, with reliance on Jehovah, the directors of two of the principal legal corporations used by Jehovah’s Witnesses approved the proposal by N. H. Knorr for establishment of a school designed to train missionaries and others for specialized service. It was to be called the Watchtower Bible College of Gilead. Later that name was changed to the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead. No tuition was to be charged, and students would be housed and fed at the expense of the Society for the period of their training.
Among those who were invited to help outline the course of study was Albert D. Schroeder, who had already gained much experience in the Service Department at the Society’s headquarters in Brooklyn and as the Society’s branch overseer in Britain. His positive outlook, the way in which he gave of himself, and his warm interest in the students endeared him to those he taught during the 17 years that he served as registrar and as an instructor in the school. In 1974 he became a member of the Governing Body, and the following year he was assigned to serve on its Teaching Committee.
Brother Schroeder and his fellow instructors (Maxwell Friend, Eduardo Keller, and Victor Blackwell) outlined a five-month study course that emphasized study of the Bible itself and theocratic organization, also Bible doctrines, public speaking, field ministry, missionary service, religious history, divine law, how to deal with government officials, international law, keeping records, and a foreign language. Modifications in the curriculum have taken place over the years, but study of the Bible itself and the importance of the evangelizing work have always held first place. The aim of the course is to strengthen the faith of the students, to help them to develop the spiritual qualities needed to meet successfully the challenges of missionary service. Emphasis has been placed on the importance of total reliance on Jehovah and loyalty to him. (Ps. 146:1-6; Prov. 3:5, 6; Eph. 4:24) Students are not given pat answers to everything but are trained in research and are helped to appreciate why Jehovah’s Witnesses believe as they do and why they adhere to certain ways of doing things. They learn to discern principles with which they can work. Thus a foundation is laid for further growth.
Invitations to prospective students for the first class were sent out on December 14, 1942. It was mid-winter when the 100 students making up that class enrolled at the school facilities located in upstate New York, at South Lansing. They were willing, eager, and somewhat nervous. Although class studies were the immediate concern, they could not help but wonder where in the world field they would be sent after graduation.
In a discourse to that first class on February 1, 1943, the opening day of school, Brother Knorr said: “You are being given further preparation for work similar to that of the apostle Paul, Mark, Timothy, and others who traveled to all parts of the Roman Empire proclaiming the message of the Kingdom. They had to be fortified with the Word of God. They had to have a clear knowledge of His purposes. In many places they had to stand alone against the high and mighty of this world. Your portion may be the same; and God will be your strength thereunto.
“There are many places where the witness concerning the Kingdom has not been given to a great extent. The people living in these places are in darkness, held there by religion. In some of these countries where there are a few Witnesses it is noted that the people of good-will hear readily and would associate themselves with the Lord’s organization, if instructed properly. There must be hundreds and thousands more that could be reached if there were more laborers in the field. By the Lord’s grace, there will be more.
“It is NOT the purpose of this college to equip you to be ordained ministers. You are ministers already and have been active in the ministry for years. . . . The course of study at the college is for the exclusive purpose of preparing you to be more able ministers in the territories to which you go. . . .
“Your principal work is that of preaching the gospel of the Kingdom from house to house as did Jesus and the apostles. When you shall have found a hearing ear, arrange for a back-call, start a home study, and organize a company [congregation] of all suchlike ones in a city or town. Not only will it be your good pleasure to organize a company, but you must help them to understand the Word, strengthen them, address them from time to time, aid them in their service meetings and their organization. When they are strong and can go on their own and take over the territory, you can depart to some other city to proclaim the Kingdom. From time to time it may be necessary for you to return to build them up in the most holy faith and straighten them out in the doctrine; so your work will be that of looking after the Lord’s ‘other sheep’, and not forsaking them. (John 10:16) Your real work is to help the people of good-will. You will have to use initiative, but looking to God’s guidance.”a
Five months later the members of that first class completed their specialized training. Visas were obtained, travel arrangements were made, and they began to move out to nine Latin-American lands. Three months after their graduation, the first Gilead-trained missionaries to leave the United States were on their way to Cuba. By 1992, over 6,500 students from more than 110 countries had been trained and had thereafter served in well over 200 lands and island groups.
Right down to the time of his death 34 years after the inauguration of Gilead School, Brother Knorr demonstrated keen personal interest in the work of the missionaries. Each school term, he would visit the current class a number of times if at all possible, giving lectures and taking along with him other members of the headquarters staff to speak to the students. After the graduates of Gilead began their service abroad, he personally visited the missionary groups, helped them to work out problems, and gave them needed encouragement. As the number of missionary groups multiplied, he arranged for other well-qualified brothers to make such visits too, so that all the missionaries, no matter where they were serving, would receive regular personal attention.
These Missionaries Were Different
Christendom’s missionaries have established hospitals, refugee centers, and orphanages to care for people’s material needs. Casting themselves in the role of champions of poor people, they have also stirred up revolution and participated in guerrilla warfare. In contrast, missionary graduates of Gilead School teach people the Bible. Instead of setting up churches and expecting people to come to them, they call from house to house to find and teach those who are hungering and thirsting for righteousness.
Adhering closely to God’s Word, Witness missionaries show people why the true and lasting solution to mankind’s problems is God’s Kingdom. (Matt. 24:14; Luke 4:43) The contrast between this work and that of Christendom’s missionaries was emphasized to Peter Vanderhaegen in 1951 when en route to his assignment in Indonesia. The only other passenger aboard the cargo ship was a Baptist missionary. Although Brother Vanderhaegen tried to talk to him about the good news of God’s Kingdom, the Baptist made it clear that his consuming interest was in supporting the efforts of Chiang Kai-shek in Taiwan to return to power on the mainland.
Nevertheless, many other people have come to appreciate the value of what is stated in God’s Word. In Barranquilla, Colombia, when Olaf Olson witnessed to Antonio Carvajalino, who had been a strong supporter of a particular political movement, Brother Olson did not take sides with him, nor did he advocate some other political ideology. Instead, he offered to study the Bible free of charge with Antonio and his sisters. Soon Antonio realized that God’s Kingdom really is the only hope for the poor people of Colombia and the rest of the world. (Ps. 72:1-4, 12-14; Dan. 2:44) Antonio and his sisters became zealous servants of God.
The fact that Witness missionaries are separate and distinct from Christendom’s religious system was highlighted in another way in an incident in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). When Donald Morrison called at the home of one of Christendom’s missionaries there, the missionary complained that the Witnesses were not respecting boundaries that had been set. What boundaries? Well, the religions of Christendom had divided up the country into areas in which each would operate without interference from the others. Jehovah’s Witnesses could not go along with such an arrangement. Jesus had said that the Kingdom message was to be preached in all the inhabited earth. Christendom definitely was not doing it. The Gilead-trained missionaries were determined to do a thorough job of it, in obedience to Christ.
These missionaries were sent out, not to be served, but to serve. It was evident in many ways that this really is what they endeavored to do. It is not wrong to accept material provisions that are offered freely (and not as a result of solicitation) in appreciation for spiritual help. But to reach the hearts of the people in Alaska, John Errichetti and Hermon Woodard found that it was beneficial to take at least some time to work with their hands to provide for their physical needs, as the apostle Paul had done. (1 Cor. 9:11, 12; 2 Thess. 3:7, 8) Their primary activity was preaching the good news. But when they received hospitality, they also helped with jobs that needed to be done—for example, tarring a man’s roof because they realized that he needed help. And when they traveled from place to place by boat, they gave a hand with the unloading of freight. People quickly realized that these missionaries were not at all like the clergy of Christendom.
In some places it was necessary for Witness missionaries to take up secular work for a time just to get established in a country so that they could carry on their ministry there. Thus, when Jesse Cantwell went to Colombia, he taught English in the medical department of a university until the political situation changed and religious restrictions ended. After that he was able to use his experience full-time in the ministry as a traveling overseer for Jehovah’s Witnesses.
In many places, the missionaries had to start off with tourist visas that allowed them to be in a country for a month or perhaps several months. Then they had to leave and enter again. But they persisted, repeating the process over and over until needed residence papers could be obtained. Their hearts were set on helping people in the countries to which they had been assigned.
These missionaries did not view themselves as superior to the local people. As a traveling overseer, John Cutforth, who was originally a schoolteacher in Canada, visited congregations as well as isolated Witnesses in Papua New Guinea. He sat on the floor with them, ate with them, and accepted invitations to sleep on a mat on the floor in their homes. He enjoyed fellowship with them as they walked together in the field ministry. But this was amazing to non-Witnesses who observed it, for European pastors of Christendom’s missions had a reputation of keeping aloof from the local people, mixing with their parishioners only briefly at some of their meetings, but never eating with them.
The people among whom these Witnesses served sensed the loving interest of the missionaries and of the organization that had sent them out. In response to a letter from João Mancoca, a humble African confined in a penal colony in Portuguese West Africa (now Angola), a Watch Tower missionary was sent to provide spiritual help. Looking back on that visit, Mancoca later said: “I had no more doubt that this was the true organization which has God’s support. I had never thought or believed that any other religious organization would do such a thing: without payment, send a missionary from far to visit an insignificant person just because he wrote a letter.”
Living Conditions and Customs
Frequently the living conditions in lands to which missionaries were sent were not as materially advanced as those in the places from which they had come. When Robert Kirk landed in Burma (now Myanmar) early in 1947, the effects of war were still in evidence, and few homes had electric lights. In many lands, the missionaries found that laundry was done piece by piece with a washboard or on rocks at a river instead of with an electric washing machine. But they had come to teach people Bible truth, so they adjusted to local conditions and got busy in the ministry.
In the early days, it was often the case that no one was waiting to welcome the missionaries. It was up to them to find a place to live. When Charles Eisenhower, along with 11 others, arrived in Cuba in 1943, they slept on the floor the first night. The next day they bought beds and made closets and dressers from apple boxes. Using whatever contributions they received from literature placements, along with the modest allowance that was provided by the Watch Tower Society for special pioneers, each group of missionaries looked to Jehovah to bless their efforts to pay the rent, obtain food, and meet other necessary expenses.
Preparation of meals sometimes required a change in thinking. Where there was no refrigeration, daily trips to the market were necessary. In many lands cooking was done over charcoal or wood fires instead of on a gas or an electric stove. George and Willa Mae Watkins, assigned to Liberia, found that their stove consisted of nothing more than three rocks used to support an iron kettle.
What about water? Looking at her new home in India, Ruth McKay said: ‘Here is a home like none I’ve ever seen. The kitchen has no sink, just a tap in the corner wall with a raised strip of concrete to prevent the water from running all over the floor. It is not a 24-hour flow of water, but water has to be stored for times when the supply is cut off.’
Because they were not accustomed to local conditions, some of the missionaries were plagued with illness during the early months in their assignment. Russell Yeatts had one spell of dysentery after another when he arrived in Curaçao in 1946. But a local brother had offered such a fervent prayer of thanks to Jehovah for the missionaries that they just could not think of leaving. Upon arriving in Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso), Brian and Elke Wise found themselves in a harsh climate that takes its toll on one’s health. They had to learn to cope with daytime temperatures of 109° F. [43° C.] During their first year, the intense heat along with malaria caused Elke to be sick for weeks at a time. The next year, Brian was confined to bed for five months with a severe case of hepatitis. But they soon found that they had as many good Bible studies as they could handle—and then some. Love for those people helped them to persevere; so did the fact that they viewed their assignment as a privilege and as good training for whatever Jehovah had in store for them in the future.
As the years passed, more of the missionaries were welcomed to their assignments by those who had gone before them or by local Witnesses. Some were assigned to lands where the principal cities were quite modern. Starting in 1946, the Watch Tower Society also endeavored to provide a suitable home and basic furniture for each missionary group as well as funds for food, thus freeing them of this concern and enabling them to direct more of their attention to the preaching work.
In a number of places, travel was an experience that tested their endurance. After it rained, more than one missionary sister in Papua New Guinea found herself carrying supplies in a backpack while walking through the bush on a slippery footpath that was so muddy that it sometimes pulled off her shoes. In South America, not a few missionaries have had hair-raising bus rides on narrow roads high in the Andes Mountains. It is an experience not soon forgotten when your bus, on the outer edge of the road, passes another large vehicle going in the opposite direction on a curve without a guardrail and you feel the bus start to tip over the precipice!
Political revolutions seemed to be a regular part of life in certain places, but the Witness missionaries kept in mind Jesus’ statement that his disciples would be “no part of the world”; so they were neutral as to such conflicts. (John 15:19) They learned to suppress any curiosity that would expose them to needless danger. Frequently, the best thing was simply to stay off the streets until the situation had cooled down. Nine missionaries in Vietnam were living right in the heart of Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) when war engulfed that city. They could see bombs being dropped, fires throughout the city, and thousands of people fleeing for their lives. But appreciating that Jehovah had sent them to extend life-giving knowledge to truth-hungry people, they looked to him for protection.
Even when there was relative peace, it was difficult for the missionaries to carry on their ministry in some sections of Asian cities. Just the appearance of a foreigner in the narrow streets of a poor section of Lahore, Pakistan, was enough to attract a crowd of unwashed, unkempt children of all ages. Shouting and jostling one another, they would follow the missionary from house to house, often barging into the homes in the wake of the publisher. Soon the whole street had been told the price of the magazines and that the stranger was ‘making Christians.’ Under such circumstances, it was usually necessary to leave the area. The departure was frequently made to the accompaniment of screaming, hand-clapping, and, at times, a shower of stones.
Local customs frequently required some adjustments on the part of the missionaries. In Japan they learned to leave their shoes on the porch when entering a house. And they had to become accustomed, if possible, to sitting on the floor before a low table at Bible studies. In some parts of Africa, they learned that using the left hand to offer something to another person was viewed as an insult. And they found that in that part of the world, it was bad manners to try to explain the reason for their visit before engaging in some light conversation—inquiring mutually about health and answering questions as to where one is from, how many children one has, and so forth. In Brazil missionaries found that instead of knocking on doors, they usually needed to clap their hands at the front gate in order to summon the householder.
However, in Lebanon the missionaries were confronted with customs of another sort. Few brothers brought their wives and daughters to meetings. The women who did attend always sat in the back, never in among the men. The missionaries, unaware of the custom, caused no little disturbance at their first meeting. A married couple sat toward the front, and the single missionary girls sat wherever there was an empty seat. But after the meeting a discussion of Christian principles helped to clear the air. (Compare Deuteronomy 31:12; Galatians 3:28.) The segregation stopped. More wives and daughters attended the meetings. They also joined the missionary sisters in the house-to-house ministry.
The Challenge of a New Language
The small group of missionaries that arrived in Martinique in 1949 had very little knowledge of French, but they knew that the people needed the Kingdom message. With real faith they started out from door to door, trying to read a few verses from the Bible or an excerpt from a publication they were offering. With patience their French gradually improved.
Although it was their desire to help the local Witnesses and other interested ones, the missionaries themselves were often the ones that needed help first—with the language. Those who were sent to Togo found that the grammar of Ewe, the principal native tongue, was quite different from that of European languages, also that the voice pitch in which a word is stated may change the meaning. Thus, the two-letter word to, when spoken in a raised pitch, can mean ear, mountain, father-in-law, or tribe; with a low pitch, it means buffalo. Missionaries taking up service in Vietnam were confronted with a language that employed six variations of tone on any given word, each tone resulting in a different meaning.
Edna Waterfall, assigned to Peru, did not soon forget the first house at which she tried to witness in Spanish. In a cold sweat, she stumbled through her memorized presentation, offered literature, and arranged for a Bible study with an elderly lady. Then the woman said in perfect English: “All right, that is all very fine. I will study with you and we will do it all in Spanish to help you learn Spanish.” Shocked, Edna replied: “You know English? And you let me do all of that in my wobbly Spanish?” “It was good for you,” the woman answered. And, indeed, it was! As Edna soon came to appreciate, actually speaking a language is an important part of learning it.
In Italy, when George Fredianelli tried to speak the language, he found that what he thought were Italian expressions (but were actually Italianized English words) were not being understood. To cope with the problem, he decided to write out his talks for congregations in full and deliver them from a manuscript. But many in his audience would fall asleep. So he discarded the manuscript, spoke extemporaneously, and asked the audience to help him when he got stuck. This kept them awake, and it helped him to progress.
To give the missionaries a start with their new language, the Gilead study course for the early classes included such languages as Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Arabic, and Urdu. Over the years, upwards of 30 languages were taught. But since the graduates of a given class did not all go to places where the same language was spoken, these language classes were later replaced with arrangements for an intensive period of supervised language study on arrival in their assignments. For the first month, newcomers totally immersed themselves in language study for 11 hours a day; and the following month, half their time was spent in language study at home, and the other half was devoted to using that knowledge in the field ministry.
It was observed, however, that actual use of the language in the field ministry was a principal key to progress; so an adjustment was made. During the first three months in their assignment, new missionaries who did not know the local language would spend four hours a day with a qualified teacher, and right from the start, by witnessing to local people about God’s Kingdom, they would apply what they were learning.
Many missionary groups worked as teams to improve their grasp of the language. They would discuss a few, or as many as 20, new words each day at breakfast and then endeavor to use these in their field ministry.
Learning the local language has been an important factor in their winning the confidence of people. In some places, there is a measure of distrust of foreigners. Hugh and Carol Cormican have served singly or as a married couple in five African countries. They are well aware of the distrust that often exists between Africans and Europeans. But they say: “Speaking in the local language quickly dispels this feeling. Further, others who are not inclined to listen to the good news from their fellow countrymen will readily listen to us, take literature, and study, because we have made the effort to speak to them in their own language.” In order to do that, Brother Cormican learned five languages, apart from English, and Sister Cormican learned six.
Of course, there can be problems when trying to learn a new language. In Puerto Rico a brother who was offering to play a recorded Bible message for householders would close up his phonograph and go to the next door when the person replied, “¡Como no!” To him, that sounded like “No,” and it took a while before he learned that the expression means “Why not!” On the other hand, missionaries sometimes did not understand when the householder said he was not interested, so they kept right on witnessing. A few sympathetic householders benefited as a result.
There were humorous situations too. Leslie Franks, in Singapore, learned that he had to be careful not to talk about a coconut (kelapa) when he meant a head (kepala), and grass (rumput) when he meant hair (rambut). A missionary in Samoa, because of mispronunciation, asked a native, “How is your beard?” (he did not have one), when what was intended was a polite inquiry about the man’s wife. In Ecuador, when a bus driver started abruptly, Zola Hoffman, who was standing up in the bus, was thrown off balance and landed in a man’s lap. Embarrassed, she tried to apologize. But what came out was, “Con su permiso” (With your permission). When the man good-naturedly replied, “Go right ahead, Lady,” the other passengers burst into laughter.
Nevertheless, good results in the ministry were forthcoming because the missionaries tried. Lois Dyer, who arrived in Japan in 1950, recalls the advice given by Brother Knorr: “Do the best you can, and, even though you make mistakes, do something!” She did, and so did many others. During the next 42 years, the missionaries sent to Japan saw the number of Kingdom proclaimers there increase from just a handful to over 170,000, and the growth has kept right on. What a rich reward because, after having looked to Jehovah for direction, they were willing to try!
Opening New Fields, Developing Others
In scores of lands and island groups, it was the Gilead-trained missionaries who either began the work of Kingdom preaching or gave it needed impetus after a limited amount of witnessing had been done by others. They were evidently the first of Jehovah’s Witnesses to preach the good news in Somalia, Sudan, Laos, and numerous island groups around the globe.
Some earlier preaching had been done in such places as Bolivia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Liberia, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Japan, and Vietnam. But there were none of Jehovah’s Witnesses reporting activity in these countries when the first missionary graduates of Gilead School arrived. Where possible, the missionaries undertook a systematic coverage of the country, concentrating first on the larger cities. They did not simply place literature and move on, as had the colporteurs of the past. They patiently called back on interested ones, conducted Bible studies with them, and trained them in the field ministry.
Other lands had only about ten Kingdom proclaimers (and, in many instances, fewer) before the arrival of the missionary graduates of Gilead School. Included among these were Colombia, Guatemala, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Burundi, Ivory Coast (now Côte d’Ivoire), Kenya, Mauritius, Senegal, South-West Africa (now Namibia), Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), China, and Singapore, along with many island groups. The missionaries set a zealous example in the ministry, helped local Witnesses to improve their abilities, organized congregations, and assisted brothers to qualify to take the lead. In many instances they also opened up the preaching work in areas that had not been touched before.
With this help the number of Witnesses began to grow. In most of these countries, there are now thousands of active Witnesses of Jehovah. In some of them, there are tens of thousands, or even more than a hundred thousand, praisers of Jehovah.
Some People Were Eager to Hear
In some areas missionaries found many people who were willing and eager to learn. When Ted and Doris Klein, graduates of Gilead’s first class, arrived in the Virgin Islands in 1947, there were so many people who wanted to study the Bible that they frequently did not conclude their day of service until midnight. For the first public lecture that Brother Klein gave in the Market Square of Charlotte Amalie, there were a thousand in attendance.
Joseph McGrath and Cyril Charles were sent to the Amis territory in Taiwan in 1949. They found themselves living in houses with thatched roofs and dirt floors. But they were there to help people. Some of the Amis tribesmen had obtained Watch Tower literature, had been delighted by what they read, and had shared the good news with others. Now the missionaries were there to help them to grow spiritually. They were told that 600 persons were interested in the truth, but a total of 1,600 attended the meetings they held as they moved from village to village. These humble people were willing to learn, but they lacked accurate knowledge of many things. Patiently the brothers began to teach them, taking one subject at a time, often devoting eight or more hours to a question-and-answer discussion of a subject at each village. Training was also provided for the 140 who expressed a desire to share in witnessing from house to house. What a joyful experience that was for the missionaries! But much still needed to be done if there was to be solid spiritual growth.
About 12 years later, Harvey and Kathleen Logan, Gilead-trained missionaries who had been serving in Japan, were assigned to provide further assistance to the Amis brothers. Brother Logan spent much time helping them to understand basic Bible doctrine and principles as well as organizational matters. Sister Logan worked with the Amis sisters in the field service each day, after which she endeavored to study basic Bible truths with them. Then, in 1963, the Watch Tower Society arranged for delegates from 28 lands to assemble with the local Witnesses there in the village of Shou Feng, in connection with an around-the-world convention. All this began to lay a solid foundation for further growth.
In 1948, two missionaries, Harry Arnott and Ian Fergusson, arrived in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). There were already 252 congregations of native African Witnesses at that time, but now attention was also given to the Europeans who had moved there in connection with copper-mining operations. The response was exciting. Much literature was placed; those with whom Bible studies were conducted progressed rapidly. That year saw a 61-percent increase in the number of Witnesses active in the field ministry.
In many places it was not unusual for the missionaries to have waiting lists of people who wanted Bible studies. Sometimes relatives, neighbors, and other friends would also be present when studies were conducted. Even before people were able to have their own personal Bible study, they might be regularly attending meetings at the Kingdom Hall.
However, in other lands, though great effort was put forth by the missionaries, the harvest was very limited. As early as 1953, Watch Tower missionaries were sent to East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), where the population, which now exceeds 115,000,000, is predominantly Muslim and Hindu. Much effort was put forth to help the people. Yet, by 1992, there were only 42 worshipers of Jehovah in that land. However, in the eyes of the missionaries who serve in such areas, each one who takes up true worship is especially precious—because they are so rare.
Loving Help to Fellow Witnesses
The basic work of the missionaries is evangelizing, preaching the good news of God’s Kingdom. But as they have personally engaged in this activity, they have also been able to provide much help to local Witnesses. The missionaries have invited them along in the field ministry and have shared with them suggestions on how to deal with difficult situations. By observing the missionaries, local Witnesses have often learned how to carry on their ministry in a more organized manner and how to be more effective teachers. In turn, the missionaries have been helped by local Witnesses to adjust to local customs.
On his arrival in Portugal in 1948, John Cooke took steps to organize systematic house-to-house work. Though they were willing, many of the local Witnesses needed training. He later said: “I shall never forget one of my very first outings in the ministry with the sisters in Almada. Yes, six of them went to the same house together. You can just imagine a group of six women standing around a door while one of them gave a sermon! But bit by bit things began to take shape and started to move.”
The courageous example of missionaries helped Witnesses in the Leeward Islands to be bold, not intimidated by opposers who tried to interfere with the work. The faith shown by a missionary helped brothers in Spain to get started in the house-to-house ministry, in spite of the Catholic Fascist dictatorship under which they lived at the time. Missionaries serving in Japan after World War II set an example in tactfulness—not harping on the failure of the national religion, after the Japanese emperor had renounced his divinity, but rather presenting persuasive evidence for belief in the Creator.
Local Witnesses observed the missionaries and were often deeply affected in ways that the missionaries may not have realized at the time. In Trinidad, incidents that showed the humility of the missionaries, their willingness to put up with difficult conditions, and their hard work in Jehovah’s service despite the hot weather are still talked about many years later. Witnesses in Korea were deeply impressed by the self-sacrificing spirit of missionaries who for ten years did not leave the country to visit their families because the government would not issue reentry permits except in a few emergency “humanitarian” cases.
During and after their initial Gilead schooling, most of the missionaries had a closeup view of the operation of the headquarters of Jehovah’s visible organization. They often had considerable opportunity to associate with members of the Governing Body. Later, in their missionary assignments, they were able to convey to local Witnesses and newly interested persons eyewitness reports as to the way the organization functions as well as the appreciation that they themselves had for it. The depth of appreciation that they imparted regarding the theocratic operation of the organization was often an important factor in the growth that was experienced.
In many of the places to which the missionaries were sent, there were no congregation meetings when they arrived. So they made the needed arrangements, conducted the meetings, and handled most of the meeting parts until others qualified to share in these privileges. Constantly they were training other brothers so that they could qualify to take over the responsibility. (2 Tim. 2:2) The first meeting place was usually the missionary home. Later on, arrangements were made for Kingdom Halls.
Where congregations already existed, the missionaries contributed toward making the meetings more interesting and instructive. Their well-prepared comments were appreciated and soon set a pattern that others tried to imitate. Using their Gilead training, the brothers set a fine example in public speaking and teaching, and they gladly spent time with local brothers to help them to learn the art. In lands where people were traditionally easygoing and not particularly time conscious, the missionaries also patiently helped them to appreciate the value of starting meetings on time and encouraged everyone to be there on time.
Conditions that they found in some places indicated that help was needed in order to build up appreciation for the importance of adhering to Jehovah’s righteous standards. In Botswana, for example, they found that some of the sisters still put strings or beads on their babies as protection against harm, not fully appreciating that this custom was rooted in superstition and witchcraft. In Portugal they found circumstances that were causing disunity. With patience, loving help, and firmness when necessary, improved spiritual health became evident.
Missionaries assigned to positions of oversight in Finland devoted much time and effort to training local brothers to reason on problems in the light of Bible principles and thus to come to a conclusion that is in agreement with God’s own thinking. In Argentina they also helped the brothers to learn the value of a schedule, how to keep records, the importance of files. In Germany they helped loyal brothers who were in some respects quite rigid in their views, as a result of their fight for survival in the concentration camps, to imitate more fully the mild-tempered ways of Jesus Christ as they shepherded the flock of God.—Matt. 11:28-30; Acts 20:28.
The work of some of the missionaries involved dealing with government officials, answering their questions, and making application for legal recognition of the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses. For example, over a period of nearly four years, Brother Joly, who was assigned to Cameroon with his wife, made repeated efforts to obtain legal recognition. He spoke to French and African officials often. Finally, after a change of government, legal recognition was granted. By this time the Witnesses had been active in Cameroon for 27 years and already numbered more than 6,000.
Meeting the Challenges of Traveling Service
Some of the missionaries have been assigned to serve as traveling overseers. There was a special need in Australia, where some of the efforts of the brothers had been unwisely diverted from Kingdom interests to secular pursuits during World War II. In time, this was set straight, and during a visit by Brother Knorr in 1947, emphasis was given to the importance of keeping the work of Kingdom preaching to the fore. Thereafter, the enthusiasm, fine example, and teaching methods of Gilead graduates who served as circuit and district overseers further helped to cultivate a genuine spiritual atmosphere among the Witnesses there.
Sharing in such traveling service has often required a willingness to expend great effort and face danger. Wallace Liverance found that the only way to reach a family of isolated publishers in Volcán, Bolivia, was to walk 55 miles [90 km] round-trip across rocky, barren terrain in the scorching sun at a height of about 11,000 feet [3,400 m], while carrying his sleeping bag, food, and water, as well as literature. To serve congregations in the Philippines, Neal Callaway frequently rode on overcrowded rural buses on which space was shared not only with people but also with animals and produce. Richard Cotterill began his work as a traveling overseer in India at a time when thousands of people were being killed because of religious hatred. When he was scheduled to serve the brothers in a riot area, the railroad booking clerk tried to dissuade him. It proved to be a nightmare journey for most of the passengers, but Brother Cotterill had deep love for his brothers, regardless of where they lived or what language they spoke. With confidence in Jehovah, he reasoned: “If Jehovah wills, I shall try to get there.”—Jas. 4:15.
Encouraging Others to Share in Full-Time Service
As a result of the zealous spirit displayed by the missionaries, many whom they have taught have imitated their example by getting into the full-time service. In Japan, where 168 missionaries have served, there were 75,956 pioneers in 1992; over 40 percent of the publishers in Japan were in some branch of full-time service. In the Republic of Korea, the ratio was similar.
From lands where the ratio of Witnesses to the population is quite favorable, many full-time ministers have been invited to receive training at Gilead School and have then been sent out to serve in other places. Large numbers of the missionaries have come from the United States and Canada; about 400 from Britain; over 240 from Germany; upwards of 150 from Australia; more than 100 from Sweden; in addition to sizable numbers from Denmark, Finland, Hawaii, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and others. Some countries that were themselves helped by missionaries later also provided prospective missionaries for service in other lands.
Filling Needs in a Growing Organization
As the organization has grown, the missionaries themselves have taken on further responsibilities. A considerable number of them have served as elders or ministerial servants in congregations that they helped to develop. In many lands they were the first circuit and district overseers. As further development has made it advantageous for the Society to establish new branch offices, a number of missionaries have been entrusted with responsibility in connection with branch operation. In some cases those who have come to know the language well have been asked to help with translating and proofreading Bible literature.
They have especially felt rewarded, however, when those with whom they had studied God’s Word, or brothers to whose spiritual growth they had made some contribution, became qualified to take on such responsibilities. Thus a couple in Peru were delighted to see some with whom they had studied serve as special pioneers, helping to strengthen new congregations and open up new territory. From a study conducted by a missionary with a family in Sri Lanka came one of the members of the Branch Committee for that country. Many others of the missionaries have had similar joys.
They have also faced opposition.
In the Face of Opposition
Jesus told his followers that they would be persecuted, even as he had been. (John 15:20) Since the missionaries usually came from abroad, often when intense persecution broke out in a country, this meant deportation.
In 1967, Sona Haidostian and her parents were arrested in Aleppo, Syria. They were held in prison for five months and were then expelled from the country without their belongings. Margarita Königer, from Germany, was assigned to Madagascar; but deportations, one after another, led to new assignments, in Kenya, Dahomey (Benin), and Upper Volta (Burkina Faso). Domenick Piccone and his wife, Elsa, were expelled from Spain in 1957 because of their preaching, then from Portugal in 1962, and from Morocco in 1969. However, in each country while seeking to forestall expulsion orders, good was accomplished. A witness was given to officials. In Morocco, for example, they had opportunity to witness to officials in the Sécurité Nationale, a Supreme Court judge, the police chief of Tangier, and the U.S. consuls in Tangier and Rabat.
Expulsion of the missionaries has not resulted in putting an end to the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses, as some officials expected. Seeds of truth already sown often continue to grow. For example, four missionaries carried on their ministry for only a few months in Burundi before the government forced them to leave in 1964. But one of them kept up correspondence with an interested person, who wrote to say that he was studying the Bible with 26 persons. A Tanzanian Witness who had recently moved to Burundi also kept busy preaching. Gradually their numbers grew until hundreds were sharing the Kingdom message with still others.
Elsewhere, before ordering deportation, officials resorted to brute force to try to make everyone submit to their demands. At Gbarnga, Liberia, in 1963, soldiers rounded up 400 men, women, and children who were attending a Christian convention there. The soldiers marched them to the army compound, threatened them, beat them, and demanded that everyone—regardless of nationality or religious belief—salute the Liberian flag. Among those in the group was Milton Henschel, from the United States. There were also some missionaries, including John Charuk from Canada. One of the Gilead graduates compromised, as he had done on an earlier occasion (though he had not made that known), and this no doubt contributed to compromise on the part of others who were at that assembly. It became evident who truly feared God and who were ensnared by fear of man. (Prov. 29:25) Following this, the government ordered all the Witness missionaries from abroad to leave the country, although later that same year an executive order from the president permitted them to return.
Frequently, the action taken against the missionaries by government officials has been as a result of clergy pressure. Sometimes that pressure was exerted in a clandestine manner. At other times, everyone knew who was whipping up the opposition. George Koivisto will never forget his first morning in field service in Medellín, Colombia. Suddenly a howling mob of schoolchildren appeared, hurling stones and clumps of clay. The householder, who had never seen him before, hustled him inside and closed the wooden shutters, all the time apologizing for the behavior of the mob outside. When the police arrived, some blamed the schoolteacher for letting out the students. But another voice cried out: “Not so! It was the priest! He announced over the loudspeakers to let the students out to ‘throw stones at the Protestantes.’”
Godly courage coupled with love for the sheep was needed. Elfriede Löhr and Ilse Unterdörfer were assigned to the valley of Gastein in Austria. In a short time, much Bible literature was placed with people who were hungry for spiritual food. But then the clergy reacted. They urged schoolchildren to shout at the missionaries in the streets and to run ahead of them to warn householders not to listen. The people grew afraid. But with loving perseverance, a few good studies were started. When a public Bible lecture was arranged, the curate stood challengingly right in front of the meeting place. But when the missionaries went out into the street to welcome the people, the curate disappeared. He summoned a policeman and then returned, hoping to disrupt the meeting. But his efforts failed. In time a fine congregation was formed there.
In towns near Ibarra, Ecuador, Unn Raunholm and Julia Parsons faced priest-inspired mobs again and again. Because the priest caused an uproar every time the missionaries showed up in San Antonio, the sisters decided to concentrate on another town, called Atuntaqui. But one day the local sheriff there excitedly urged Sister Raunholm to leave town quickly. “The priest is organizing a demonstration against you, and I do not have enough men to defend you,” he declared. She vividly recalls: “The crowd was coming after us! The Vatican flag of white and yellow was waved before the group while the priest shouted slogans like ‘Long live the Catholic Church!’ ‘Down with the Protestants!’ ‘Long live the virginity of the Virgin!’ ‘Long live the confession!’ Each time, the crowd would echo the slogans word for word after the priest.” Just then a couple of men invited the Witnesses into the local Workers’ House for safety. There the missionaries busily witnessed to curious people who came in to see what was going on. They placed every bit of literature they had.
Courses Designed to Fill Special Needs
During the years since the first missionaries were sent out from Gilead School, the organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses has experienced growth at an astounding rate. In 1943, when the school opened, there were only 129,070 Witnesses in 54 lands (but 103 lands according to the way the map was divided in the early 1990’s). By 1992, there were 4,472,787 Witnesses in 229 countries and island groups worldwide. As this growth has taken place, the needs of the organization have changed. Branch offices that at one time cared for less than a hundred Witnesses grouped in a few congregations are now supervising the activity of tens of thousands of Witnesses, and many of these branches have found it necessary to print literature locally in order to equip those sharing in the evangelizing work.
To meet the changing needs, 18 years after the opening of Gilead School, a ten-month course of training at the Society’s world headquarters was provided especially for brothers who were carrying heavy loads of responsibility in the branch offices of the Watch Tower Society. Some of them had previously attended the five-month missionary course at Gilead; others had not. All of them could benefit from specialized training for their work. Discussions of how to handle various situations and meet organizational needs in harmony with Bible principles had a unifying effect. Their course featured a verse-by-verse analytical study of the entire Bible. It also provided a review of the history of religion; training in the details involved in operating a branch office, a Bethel Home, and a printery; and instructions on supervising field ministry, organizing new congregations, and opening up new fields. These courses (including a final one that was reduced to eight months) were conducted at the world headquarters, in Brooklyn, New York, from 1961 to 1965. Many of the graduates were sent back to the countries where they had been serving; some were assigned to other lands where they could make valuable contributions to the work.
As of February 1, 1976, a new arrangement was put into operation in the branch offices of the Society in order to gear up for further expansion anticipated in harmony with Bible prophecy. (Isa. 60:8, 22) Instead of having just one branch overseer, along with his assistant, to provide supervision for each branch, the Governing Body appointed three or more qualified brothers to serve on each Branch Committee. Larger branches might have as many as seven on the committee. To provide training for all these brothers, a special five-week Gilead course in Brooklyn, New York, was arranged. Fourteen classes made up of Branch Committee members from all parts of the world were given this specialized training at the world headquarters from late 1977 to 1980. It was an excellent opportunity to unify and refine operations.
Gilead School continued to train those who had years of experience in the full-time ministry and were willing and able to be sent abroad, but more could be used. To expedite the training, schools were put into operation in other countries as an extension of Gilead so that students would not have to learn English before qualifying to attend. In 1980-81, the Gilead Cultural School of Mexico provided training for Spanish-speaking students who helped to fill an immediate need for qualified workers in Central and South America. In 1981-82, 1984, and again in 1992, classes of a Gilead Extension School were also conducted in Germany. From there the graduates were sent to Africa, Eastern Europe, South America, and various island nations. Further classes were held in India in 1983.
As zealous local Witnesses have joined with the missionaries in expanding the Kingdom witness, the number of Jehovah’s Witnesses has increased rapidly, and this has led to the formation of more congregations. Between 1980 and 1987, the number of congregations worldwide increased by 27 percent, to a total of 54,911. In some areas, though many were attending meetings and sharing in the field ministry, most of the brothers were quite new. There was an urgent need for experienced Christian men to serve as spiritual shepherds and teachers, as well as to take the lead in the evangelizing work. To help meet this need, in 1987 the Governing Body put into operation the Ministerial Training School as a segment of the Gilead School program of Bible education. The eight-week course includes an intense study of the Bible as well as personal attention to each student’s spiritual development. Organizational and judicial matters, along with the responsibilities of elders and ministerial servants, are considered, and specialized training is provided in public speaking. Without interfering with the regular classes for training missionaries, this school has used other facilities, convening in various lands. Graduates are now filling vital needs in many countries.
Thus the expanded training provided by the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead has kept pace with the changing needs of the rapidly growing international organization.
“Here I Am! Send Me”
The spirit shown by the missionaries is like that of the prophet Isaiah. When Jehovah alerted him to an opportunity for special service, he responded: “Here I am! Send me.” (Isa. 6:8) This willingness of spirit has moved thousands of young men and women to leave behind familiar surroundings and relatives to serve for the furtherance of God’s will wherever they are needed.
Family circumstances have brought changes to the lives of many missionaries. A number who had children after becoming missionaries were able to stay in the land to which they were assigned, doing needed secular work and working with the congregations. Some, after years of service, had to return to their homeland in order to care for aging parents, or for other reasons. But they counted it a privilege to share in missionary service as long as they could.
Others have been able to make missionary service their life’s work. To do it, they have all had to come to grips with challenging circumstances. Olaf Olson, who has enjoyed a long missionary career in Colombia, acknowledged: “The first year was the hardest.” That was largely because of inability to express himself adequately in his new language. He added: “If I had kept thinking about the country I had left, I would not have been happy, but I made up my mind to live both bodily and mentally in Colombia, to make friends with the brothers and sisters in the truth there, to keep my life filled with the ministry, and my assignment soon became home to me.”
Their persevering in their assignments was not because they necessarily found their physical surroundings to be ideal. Norman Barber, who served in Burma (now Myanmar) and India, from 1947 until his death in 1986, expressed himself in this way: “If a person rejoices to be used by Jehovah, then one place is as good as another. . . . Frankly speaking, tropical weather is not my idea of the ideal weather in which to live. Neither is the way tropical people live the way I would personally choose to live. But there are more important things to take into consideration than such trivial matters. Being able to render aid to people who are really spiritually poor is a privilege beyond human powers to express.”
Many more share that view, and this self-sacrificing spirit has contributed greatly to fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy that this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth, for a witness to all nations, before the end comes.—Matt. 24:14.
[Footnote]
a The Watchtower, February 15, 1943, pp. 60-4.
[Blurb on page 523]
Emphasis on the importance of total reliance on Jehovah and loyalty to him
[Blurb on page 534]
A good sense of humor helped!
[Blurb on page 539]
Patience, loving help, and firmness when necessary
[Blurb on page 546]
‘Rendering aid to people who are really spiritually poor is a privilege beyond human powers to express’
[Box on page 533]
Gilead Classes
1943-60: School at South Lansing, New York. In 35 classes, 3,639 students from 95 lands graduated, most being assigned to missionary service. Circuit and district overseers serving in the United States were also included in the classes.
1961-65: School in Brooklyn, New York. In 5 classes, 514 students graduated and were sent to lands where the Watch Tower Society had branch offices; most of the graduates were entrusted with administrative assignments. Four of these classes had 10-month courses; one, an 8-month course.
1965-88: School in Brooklyn, New York. In 45 classes, each with a 20-week course, another 2,198 students were trained, most of these for missionary service.
1977-80: School in Brooklyn, New York. Five-week Gilead course for Branch Committee members. Fourteen classes were held.
1980-81: Gilead Cultural School of Mexico; 10-week course; three classes; 72 Spanish-speaking graduates prepared for service in Latin America.
1981-82, 1984, 1992: Gilead Extension School in Germany; 10-week course; four classes; 98 German-speaking students from European lands.
1983: Classes in India; 10-week course, conducted in English; 3 groups; 70 students.
1987- : Ministerial Training School, with an 8-week course, held in key locations in various parts of the world. As of 1992, graduates had already been serving in more than 35 lands outside the country of their origin.
1988- : School at Wallkill, New York. Twenty-week course in preparation for missionary service is currently conducted there. It is planned that the school will be moved to the Watchtower Educational Center at Patterson, New York, when this is completed.
[Box on page 538]
International Student Body
Students who have attended Gilead School have represented scores of nationalities and have come to the school from over 110 lands.
The first international group was the sixth class, in 1945-46.
Application was made to the U.S. government for foreign students to be admitted under nonimmigration student visa provisions. In response, the U.S. Office of Education gave recognition to Gilead School as offering education comparable to professional colleges and educational institutions. Thus, since 1953, U.S. consuls throughout the world have had the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead on their list of approved educational institutions. As of April 30, 1954, this school appeared in the publication eninputd “Educational Institutions Approved by the Attorney General.”
[Pictures on page 522]
Students of the first class of Gilead School
[Picture on page 524]
Albert Schroeder discussing features of the tabernacle with Gilead students
[Picture on page 525]
Maxwell Friend lecturing in the Gilead School amphitheater
[Pictures on page 526]
Gilead graduations were spiritual highlights
. . . some at large conventions (New York, 1950)
. . . some on the school campus (where N. H. Knorr is shown speaking in front of the school library, in 1956)
[Pictures on page 527]
Gilead School campus at South Lansing, New York, as it appeared during the 1950’s
[Picture on page 528]
Hermon Woodard (left) and John Errichetti (right) serving in Alaska
[Picture on page 529]
John Cutforth using visual aids to teach in Papua New Guinea
[Picture on page 530]
Missionaries in Ireland, with district overseer, in 1950
[Picture on page 530]
Graduates en route to missionary assignments in the Orient in 1947
[Picture on page 530]
Some missionaries and fellow workers in Japan in 1969
[Pictures on page 530]
Missionaries in Brazil in 1956
. . . in Uruguay in 1954
. . . in Italy in 1950
[Picture on page 530]
First four Gilead-trained missionaries sent to Jamaica
[Picture on page 530]
First missionary home in Salisbury (now Harare, Zimbabwe), in 1950
[Picture on page 530]
Malcolm Vigo (Gilead, 1956-57) with his wife Linda Louise; together they have served in Malawi, Kenya, and Nigeria
[Picture on page 530]
Robert Tracy (left) and Jesse Cantwell (right) with their wives—missionaries in traveling work in Colombia in 1960
[Picture on page 532]
Language class in missionary home in Côte d’Ivoire
[Picture on page 535]
Ted and Doris Klein, who found many people eager to hear Bible truth in the U.S. Virgin Islands in 1947
[Picture on page 536]
Harvey Logan (center front) with Amis Witnesses in front of Kingdom Hall, in the 1960’s
[Picture on page 540]
Victor White, Gilead-trained district overseer, speaking in the Philippines in 1949
[Picture on page 542]
Margarita Königer, in Burkina Faso, conducting a home Bible study
[Picture on page 543]
Unn Raunholm, a missionary since 1958, had to face priest-led mobs in Ecuador
[Pictures on page 545]
Ministerial Training School
First class, Coraopolis, Pa., U.S.A., in 1987 (above)
Third class in Britain, at Manchester, in 1991 (right) |
Youth (yy)
1976 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/yy | Chapter 20
Can You Succeed in Marriage?
1-4. (a) Why is there good reason to be seriously concerned about one’s prospects for a successful marriage? (b) To succeed in marriage, what must be recognized about its origin? Why? (Genesis 2:21-24; Matthew 19:4-6)
IF THE time comes when you want to get married, it is natural that you should want your marriage to be successful. Judging from the skyrocketing divorce rate, it might seem your prospects aren’t very good. In some places the number of divorces are approaching the number of marriages! If you marry, how can you prevent problems from wrecking your marital happiness?
2 Consideration of the origin of marriage will shed much light for you upon both the problems and the solution. Many believe that marriage is of human origin, that in some way it was worked out in the distant past by men. But this idea is at the very root of today’s disastrous family breakdown. Why? Because it shoves aside as unimportant the very finest counsel on marital problems.
3 Marriage is really of a higher origin. Almighty God himself created the first man and woman, gave them powers of reproduction and joined them together in marriage. God also provided instructions—recorded in the Bible—on how to make a success of marriage. Following these instructions closely is what will bring you happiness when you get married.
4 Some persons may object, saying that people have long had the Bible and yet their marriages have been failures. The increased divorce rate, they say, is because fewer couples are willing to put up with unhappy marriages. There is some truth in this argument. Millions of unhappy couples do possess the Bible. But have they read it? More importantly, have they applied its principles in their lives? The simple fact is, the Bible’s advice has already helped hundreds of thousands of couples to handle their family problems successfully. If you want a happy marriage, it can help you too.
ENJOYABLE SEX IN MARRIAGE
5-10. (a) What unrealistic view as to sexual pleasure do many people have? (b) How can the applying of Bible counsel about unselfish giving help a couple to find outputment in this aspect of married life?
5 You have probably heard it said that sex is at the root of many marriage problems, and this is true. This is often due to unrealistic views sponsored by the news media. Popular books, magazines and movies depict couples who “fall in love” and live “happily ever after.” Literature also highlights sexual pleasures, often raising expectations beyond what realization fulfills. To illustrate, one young wife explained: “I guess I wanted sex to be some psychedelic jackpot that made the whole world light up like a pinball machine. I mean, it was all right but I kept thinking, ‘Is that all there is? Is that all there really is?’”
6 Though, as a youth, you likely are not married, do you see the problem of this young wife? Her overriding concern was her own sexual enjoyment, and she was not satisfied. This is the complaint of many women—that their husbands don’t satisfy them sexually. In such case, what can a wife do? Does the Bible say anything helpful? Note the straightforward encouragement it provides: “Let the husband render to his wife her due; but let the wife also do likewise to her husband. Do not be depriving each other of it, except by mutual consent.”—1 Corinthians 7:3, 5.
7 According to this Bible counsel, if you get married, you should be concerned primarily with pleasing whom? Should it be your own self, as was the primary interest of the above-mentioned wife? No, but, rather, your mate. The underlying principle here in the Bible is of giving. The welfare and pleasure of your marriage mate, not yourself, is properly paramount. This is in harmony with the further Bible principles: “Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person.” “Love . . . does not look for its own interests.”—1 Corinthians 10:24; 13:4, 5.
8 But you may ask: “When I get married, how can seeking to please my wife or my husband increase my satisfaction?” Well, enjoyment of marital intercourse is largely dependent upon the mind and heart. Thus, if you view sexual relations as an opportunity to display deep love for your husband, you will more frequently, as a side result, find that you will enjoy the relations to a higher degree. When a wife’s mind is not principally on her own sensations, she often relaxes, and the personal pleasure she really desires in the marriage act can be realized as a natural consequence.
9 The greatest teacher to walk the earth, Jesus Christ, indicated that giving of oneself will, in turn, bring a person satisfaction. He said: “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” This principle has time and again proved true in connection with intimate marriage relations.—Acts 20:35.
10 There is another reason why applying Bible counsel is likely to work toward your own satisfaction when you get married. It will do more than anything else to move your husband to act unselfishly toward you, being more considerate of your needs and desires. It has happened this way in many marriages. The one taking the initiative in giving receives back in kind. Thus the Bible urges the showing of unselfishness and love in paying the marriage dues. Remember this, and it will contribute to a happy relationship if you get married.
11-15. (a) What does a prospective husband need to realize about a wife’s need for loving attention? (b) What does the Bible say as to the husband’s responsibility in this regard?
11 Perhaps you have heard that husbands frequently complain that their wives are too “cold” to be adequate sex partners. Do you know where the trouble often lies? The Bible states: “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.” (Ephesians 5:28, 29) Yes, the trouble often lies in the husband’s failure to heed what the Bible here says.
12 Do women really need to be loved by their husbands? Indeed they do. Marriage counselors often emphasize this. It is a basic truth: For wives to be genuinely happy they need to feel that they are loved. So if you should marry, remember that the key to warm marital intimacy is for you to fill this need of your wife to be loved. The Bible urges husbands: “Let each one of you individually so love his wife as he does himself.”—Ephesians 5:33.
13 However, it may be that you will feel that supporting your wife materially will be evidence enough of your love. But if expressions of affection are withheld, what will be the effect on her? The following letter from a wife may give you some idea. She wrote: “Here is my problem: I am so hungry . . . for a little sweet talk, a compliment, the feel of his arm around my waist while I’m cooking—or a chance to sit in his lap. I’d trade all the material things I have for one affectionate squeeze.”
14 Yes, wives need to be shown love. They blossom out when they receive it, becoming more outputed and often even more physically attractive. They were created with this need for love. That is why God urges husbands to love their wives. Failure to heed this counsel is a principal cause of the unhappiness found in so many marriages today. Why so?
15 Because a wife starved for her husband’s tenderness and affection is likely to feel insecure and lack confidence regarding her femininity. Even resentment toward her husband may develop, including perhaps a subconscious desire to get even with him for his neglect of her.
16-18. (a) What misconception do some men have about how women like to be treated? (b) What is the meaning of the counsel at 1 Peter 3:7?
16 You may feel, however, that it would be unmanly to treat with love and tenderness the woman you marry. You may even have heard it said that women really like it when they are treated in a rough way. But this is not true. In fact, sex relations for a wife may be unsatisfying, and even unpleasant, if her husband fails to appreciate that she was designed by God to respond to a kind, considerate man, not a harsh, demanding one.
17 The Creator realized that husbands, confronted as they are with so many erroneous ideas, need instruction on how to love their wives. That is why he encourages them to be tender and considerate, saying: “You husbands, continue dwelling in like manner with [your wives] according to knowledge, assigning them honor as to a weaker vessel, the feminine one.”—1 Peter 3:7.
18 When it comes to sexual relations, it is especially important that a husband heed this instruction. He should act in accord with knowledge of how God made women. They usually are not as strong physically as men, and emotionally they are generally more delicate and sentimental than men. So God tells husbands to give wives honor as to a weaker vessel, to be respectful of their emotional makeup, limitations and vicissitudes.
SOLVING OTHER PROBLEMS
19. What else about a woman’s makeup must a man take into account if they are to be happy together? (Colossians 3:12-14)
19 Actually, sex is only a small part of marriage in which God’s instructions need to be applied. When you get married, you will need to realize that your wife’s biological cycle may, at times, affect her adversely in physical, mental and emotional ways. She may then do and say things that she would not ordinarily. You will need to take this into consideration, and not be overly sensitive if occasionally she speaks sharply or acts rashly, but continue to treat her with kindness.
20-24. (a) God created woman with qualities that equip her for what role in marriage? (b) How can a wife show that she really does respect her husband’s headship? (c) What is required of the husband in order to be a truly loving family head?
20 Yet much more is involved. Successful marriage requires cooperation and communication, and to achieve this an understanding of God’s Word will help you. It shows that man and woman were created with somewhat different qualities and responsibilities, with the purpose that their union contribute to mutual happiness. After creating man, the Creator said: “I am going to make a helper for him, as a complement of him.”—Genesis 2:18.
21 The two were thus created to go together; their qualities balanced or complemented one another. Each was created with a need that the other filled. Thus woman was made as a helper to her husband, and in keeping with that role the Bible urges: “Let wives be in subjection to their husbands . . . because a husband is head of his wife.” The Bible also says: “The wife should have deep respect for her husband.” (Ephesians 5:22, 23, 33) This is practical, for if there is no head in the family who receives the respect of his wife, there are usually discord and confusion.
22 Today female aggressiveness and competition with men have become common, and these qualities are noted by marriage counselors to be a source of family problems. So when you get married, you will be wise if you apply Bible counsel. If your husband fails to take the lead as he should, you will want to ask yourself: Can I do more to encourage him to fill his proper role in the family? Do I ask for his suggestions and guidance? Do I indicate that I am looking to him for leadership? Do I avoid belittling what he does? When in small ways he manifests willingness to make decisions or to take the lead in family affairs, do I express appreciation for this?
23 But the man, in particular, is in position to make the marriage succeed by applying Bible counsel. Keep that in mind if you get married. Although you will then, as the husband, be head of the family, that does not make you a dictator. No, for God’s Word commands husbands to love their wives, “just as the Christ also loved the [Christian] congregation and delivered up himself for it.” (Ephesians 5:25) So, applying Bible counsel, you will lovingly and willingly make sacrifices for the woman you marry. Before making decisions you will do well to consider her opinions, her likes and dislikes, even giving her preference when there is no issue at stake. In this way you will show her love and honor, as the Bible commands.
24 By thus heeding God’s counsel, you will enjoy peace and harmony in your marriage, whenever the time for that may come. It will be a real success, resulting in the fulfillment and satisfaction that our Creator purposed for this grand arrangement to bring to humankind.
[Picture on page 161]
For a wife to be happy she needs to feel she is loved
[Picture on page 164]
Really paying attention when your mate speaks is vital to a happy marriage |
YOUNG PEOPLE ASK
What if I Have a Health Problem? (Part 2) | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502013139 | YOUNG PEOPLE ASK
What if I Have a Health Problem? (Part 2)
Health problems come in many forms.
Some people have symptoms that are evident on the outside, while others have effects that are felt only on the inside.
Some health problems “visit” only on occasion, while others “move in” and present challenges every day.
Some can be cured or at least managed, while others are degenerative—perhaps even threatening a person’s life.
Young people face all the types of health challenges noted here. In this article, you will meet four who have such challenges. If you suffer from a health problem, you may be encouraged by their comments.
GUÉNAELLE
ZACHARY
ANAÏS
JULIANA
GUÉNAELLE
The hardest thing for me is to accept my limits. I want to do so many things, but each day I have to adapt to my condition.
I have a motor-neuromuscular disorder that prevents my brain from correctly passing information to my body. Different parts of my body, from head to toe, will sometimes tremble or become paralyzed. I have difficulty with basic tasks, such as moving, speaking, reading, writing, and understanding others. When things are especially hard, the elders from my congregation pray with me. When they do that, I feel calmer right away.
Whatever trials I face, I feel that Jehovah God is always there to sustain me. I do not want my illness to prevent me from serving him fully. I make it a priority to help others to learn of the Bible’s promise that soon Jehovah God will make the earth a paradise, where suffering will be no more.—Revelation 21:1-4.
To think about: In what ways can you, like Guénaelle, show your compassion for others?—1 Corinthians 10:24.
ZACHARY
When I was 16, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. The doctors told me I had only eight months to live. I have been battling for my life ever since.
Because of the placement of the tumors, I am now a right-side hemiplegic. Since I am unable to walk, someone always needs to be at home to help me get around.
The progression of my disease has made it difficult for me to communicate clearly. I used to be a very active person who enjoyed waterskiing, basketball, and volleyball. As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, I was active in the Christian ministry. I don’t think most people understand what it’s like to lose the ability to do the things you love so much.
I find the words recorded at Isaiah 57:15 encouraging because they assure me that Jehovah God is there for those who are ‘crushed in spirit’ and that he cares for me. Also Isaiah 35:6 contains the promise from Jehovah that I will be able to walk again and serve him in perfect health.
Even though at times it can be very difficult to deal with my illness, I am assured that I have Jehovah’s backing. By means of prayer, I always have someone to talk to when I’m feeling down or fear for my life. Nothing can separate me from Jehovah’s love.—Romans 8:39.
Zachary fell asleep in death at the age of 18, two months after he was interviewed. His faith in God’s promise of a resurrection to a paradise earth remained strong to the end.
To think about: How can prayer help you, like Zachary, to remain in God’s love?
ANAÏS
When I was just a few days old, I had a brain hemorrhage that left me with a disability affecting my entire body, especially my legs.
Today, I can go short distances with a walking frame, but I usually need a wheelchair to get around. I also have spasms that make it difficult to perform precise tasks, such as handwriting.
Besides the stress of my condition, my treatment has been challenging. I’ve had physiotherapy sessions several times a week for as long as I can remember. I had my first major surgery when I was five years old, and I’ve had three more since then. The last two procedures were particularly difficult because I was away from home for three months while I recuperated.
My family have been a big help. We laugh together, which really helps when I’m down. My mother and my sisters help me to look nice, since I can’t do this alone. I regret not being able to wear high heels. But I did manage to do it once as a child by crawling with shoes on my hands, and we all had a good laugh over that!
I try not to let my situation define me. I study languages. I swim, which helps make up for my not being able to surf or snowboard. As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, I like to go out in the ministry to share my faith with others. It seems that people are very attentive when I speak to them.
My parents taught me early on that my condition is only temporary. Since then, I’ve built my own faith in Jehovah and his promise to end all suffering, including mine. This gives me the strength to move forward.—Revelation 21:3, 4.
To think about: In what ways can you, like Anaïs, not let your health problem “define” you?
JULIANA
I have a painful autoimmune disorder that can affect the heart, lungs, and blood. It has already affected my kidneys.
I was ten years old when I was diagnosed with lupus, a disease that has caused me pain, fatigue, and mood swings. At times, I feel worthless.
When I was 13, one of Jehovah’s Witnesses called at our home. She read me Isaiah 41:10, in which Jehovah God says: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you. . . . I will really keep fast hold of you with my right hand of righteousness.” That’s when I began studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses. Today, some eight years later, I serve God wholeheartedly, and I’m determined not to let my illness control my life. I feel that Jehovah has given me “power beyond what is normal,” so that I can keep a positive attitude.—2 Corinthians 4:7.
To think about: How can Isaiah 41:10 help you to keep a positive attitude, just as it helped Juliana? |
Trapped in a Loveless Marriage | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102001001 | Trapped in a Loveless Marriage
“In a high-divorce society, not only are more unhappy marriages likely to end in divorce, but in addition, more marriages are likely to become unhappy.”—COUNCIL ON FAMILIES IN AMERICA.
IT HAS been said that much of life’s happiness and much of its misery emanate from the same source—one’s marriage. Indeed, few things in life have the potential to provide as much ecstasy—or as much anguish. As the accompanying box indicates, many couples are having more than their share of the latter.
But divorce statistics reveal only part of the problem. For each marriage that sinks, countless others remain afloat but are stuck in stagnant waters. “We used to be a happy family, but the last 12 years have been horrible,” confided a woman married for more than 30 years. “My husband is not interested in my feelings. He is truly my worst emotional enemy.” Similarly, a husband of nearly 25 years lamented: “My wife has told me that she doesn’t love me anymore. She says that if we can just exist as roommates and each go our separate ways when it comes to leisure time, the situation can be tolerated.”
Of course, some in such dire straits terminate their marriage. For many, however, divorce is out of the question. Why? According to Dr. Karen Kayser, factors such as children, community stigma, finances, friends, relatives, and religious beliefs might keep a couple together, even in a loveless state. “Unlikely to divorce legally,” she says, “these spouses choose to remain with a partner from whom they are emotionally divorced.”
Must a couple whose relationship has cooled resign themselves to a life of dissatisfaction? Is a loveless marriage the only alternative to divorce? Experience proves that many troubled marriages can be saved—not only from the agony of breakup but also from the misery of lovelessness.
[Box on page 3]
DIVORCE AROUND THE WORLD
• Australia: The divorce rate has nearly quadrupled since the early 1960’s.
• Britain: According to predictions, 4 out of 10 marriages will end in divorce.
• Canada and Japan: Divorce affects about a third of marriages.
• United States: Since 1970, couples getting married have no more than a 50-50 chance of staying together.
• Zimbabwe: Divorce ends about 2 out of every 5 marriages. |
Sing Praises (ssb)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/Ssb | Song 39
God’s Warriors Are Advancing
(1 Timothy 6:12)
1. God’s warriors are advancing;
Their ev’ry pow’r they bend
To honor him, Jehovah,
And his great name defend.
What though the great red dragon
Assails God’s army small?
The shadow of his own hand
Securely guards them all.
2. Aggressive is our warfare
In this Jehovah’s day.
We speak God’s Word with boldness.
Why should we feel dismay?
His Son, as our Commander,
Now battles for the right.
He takes the grand offensive;
Let’s join him in the fight.
3. With God we are advancing;
He surely will prevail.
So, till his vindication,
O may our zeal ne’er fail!
Since victory is certain,
His promised full reward
Awaits the tried and faithful,
Who lay not down the sword. |
Worship God (wt)
2002 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/wt | Chapter Eight
‘Wrestling Against Wicked Spirit Forces’
1. Why is the activity of wicked spirits of particular interest to us?
MANY people scoff at the idea that there are wicked spirits. But it is no laughing matter. Whether people believe it or not, wicked spirits do exist, and they try to exert pressure on everyone. Worshipers of Jehovah are not exempt. In fact, they are the primary target. The apostle Paul alerts us to that fact, saying: “We have a wrestling, not against blood and flesh, but against the [invisible] governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12) In our day the pressure exerted by wicked spirit forces has reached an all-time high because Satan has been cast out of heaven and is furious, knowing that his time is short.—Revelation 12:12.
2. How is it possible for us to win in the struggle against superhuman spirits?
2 Is it possible to win a struggle against superhuman spirit forces? Yes, but only by complete reliance on Jehovah. We must listen to him and obey his Word. By so doing, we can be spared much of the physical, moral, and emotional damage experienced by those under satanic control.—James 4:7.
World Rulers in Heavenly Places
3. Whom does Satan viciously oppose, and how?
3 Jehovah vividly describes for us the world situation as he sees it from his vantage point in the heavens. He gave the apostle John a vision in which Satan was depicted as “a great fiery-colored dragon.” He was poised to devour, if possible, God’s Messianic Kingdom as soon as it was brought to birth in heaven in 1914. Failing in that, Satan unleashed a flood of vicious opposition against the earthly representatives of that Kingdom. (Revelation 12:3, 4, 13, 17) How would Satan wage this warfare? Through his own human representatives.
4. Who is the source of the power of human governments, and how do we know that?
4 John was next shown a wild beast with seven heads and ten horns, a beast having authority “over every tribe and people and tongue and nation.” That beast represents the entire global political system. John was informed that “the dragon [Satan the Devil] gave to the beast its power and its throne and great authority.” (Revelation 13:1, 2, 7) Yes, Satan is the source of the power and authority of human governments. Thus, as the apostle Paul wrote, the true “world rulers” are “wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places,” who control human governments. All who would worship Jehovah need to grasp the full significance of that.—Luke 4:5, 6.
5. To what are political rulers now being gathered?
5 Although many political rulers profess to be religious, none of the nations submit to Jehovah’s rulership or to that of his appointed King, Jesus Christ. All struggle fiercely to hold on to their own power. Today, as the account in Revelation shows, “expressions inspired by demons” are gathering the world’s rulers to “the war of the great day of God the Almighty” at Armageddon.—Revelation 16:13, 14, 16; 19:17-19.
6. Why is care needed in order to avoid being maneuvered into giving support to the satanic system?
6 Every day, people’s lives are touched by political, social, economic, and religious conflicts that tear the human family apart. In these conflicts, it is common for people to take sides—verbally or otherwise—with the nation, tribe, language group, or social class of which they are a part. Even when people are not directly involved in some conflict, they often find themselves favoring one side over another. But regardless of which person or cause they endorse, to whom are they really giving support? The Bible plainly states: “The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19) How, then, can a person avoid being misled with the rest of mankind? Only by giving his full support to God’s Kingdom and by maintaining complete neutrality as to conflicts of the world.—John 17:15, 16.
Sly Devices of the Wicked One
7. How is Satan’s cleverness shown in his use of false religion?
7 In all periods of history, Satan has used verbal and physical persecution to turn individuals away from true worship. He has also employed more subtle means—cunning acts and sly devices. He has cleverly kept a large proportion of mankind in darkness by means of false religion, making them think that they are serving God. Lacking in accurate knowledge of God and in love for truth, they may be attracted by mystical and emotional religious services or be impressed by powerful works. (2 Thessalonians 2:9, 10) But we are warned that even from among those who once shared in true worship, “some will fall away . . . , paying attention to misleading inspired utterances and teachings of demons.” (1 Timothy 4:1) How could that happen?
8. How can Satan lure us into false religion even if we are worshiping Jehovah?
8 Slyly, the Devil plays on our weaknesses. Does fear of man still have a hold on us? If so, we may give in to pressure from relatives or neighbors to share in practices that are of false religious origin. Are we proud? If so, we may take offense when counseled or when others do not accept ideas that we advocate. (Proverbs 15:10; 29:25; 1 Timothy 6:3, 4) Instead of adjusting our viewpoint to conform to the example of Christ, we may incline toward those who ‘tickle our ears’ by saying that just reading the Bible and living a good life are enough. (2 Timothy 4:3) Whether we actually join another religious group or simply hold to our own brand of religion is not important to Satan, just as long as we do not worship Jehovah in the way that God directs through his Word and his organization.
9. How does Satan cunningly use sex to accomplish his aims?
9 Satan also cunningly entices people to satisfy normal desires in wrong ways. He has done this with the desire for sexual intimacies. Rejecting Bible morality, many in the world view sexual relations between unmarried people as legitimate pleasure or as a way of proving that they are adults. And what about those who are married? Many commit adultery. And even when there is no infidelity in their marriage, numerous individuals seek a divorce or separation so that they can take up living with someone else. Satan’s subtle approach aims to influence people to live for pleasure now, inducing them to ignore the long-range effects not only on themselves and others but especially on their relationship with Jehovah and his Son.—1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; Galatians 6:7, 8.
10. By what means does Satan try to subvert our attitude toward immorality and violence?
10 Another natural desire is for recreation. When wholesome, it can be physically, mentally, and emotionally refreshing. But how do we react when Satan cleverly uses occasions of relaxation to try to alienate our thinking from God’s? We know, for example, that Jehovah hates sexual immorality and violence. When movies, television programs, or theater performances feature those things, do we passively sit and take it all in? Keep in mind, too, that Satan will see to it that such things become more debased as the time for his destruction nears, since “wicked men and impostors will advance from bad to worse, misleading and being misled.” (2 Timothy 3:13) So we constantly need to be on guard against Satan’s designs.—Genesis 6:13; Psalm 11:5; Romans 1:24-32.
11. In what ways might even a person who knows the truth about spiritism be ensnared if he is not alert?
11 We are also aware that those who indulge in any form of spiritism—practicing divination, employing witchcraft, or trying to communicate with the dead—are detestable to Jehovah. (Deuteronomy 18:10-12) Bearing that in mind, we would not think of consulting spirit mediums, and we would certainly not welcome them into our home to practice their demonic arts. But would we listen to them if they appeared on our television screen or on the Internet? Although we would never accept treatment from a witch doctor, might we tie a string around the wrist of our newborn, with the thought that it might somehow protect the child from harm? Knowing that the Bible condemns binding others with a spell, would we allow a hypnotist to take control of our mind?—Galatians 5:19-21.
12. (a) How is music used to get us to think about ideas that we know are wrong? (b) How might a person’s clothing, hairstyle, or manner of speech indicate admiration for those whose life-style Jehovah disapproves? (c) What is required on our part if we are to avoid falling victim to Satan’s sly devices?
12 The Bible says that fornication and uncleanness of every sort should not (with unclean motives) even be mentioned among us. (Ephesians 5:3-5) But what if such themes are accompanied by music that has a pleasing melody, a catchy rhythm, or a persistent beat? Will we start to repeat lyrics that glorify sex without marriage, the use of drugs for pleasure, and other sinful acts? Or while we know that we should not imitate the way of life of people who indulge in such things, do we tend to identify ourselves with them by imitating the way they dress, their hairstyles, or their way of speaking? How insidious the methods are that Satan uses to entice humans to conform to his own corrupted way of thinking! (2 Corinthians 4:3, 4) To keep from falling victim to his sly devices, we must avoid drifting along with the world. We need to keep in mind who “the world rulers of this darkness” are and earnestly wrestle against their influence.—1 Peter 5:8.
Equipped to Be Conquerors
13. How is it possible for any of us, with our imperfections, to conquer the world that Satan rules?
13 Before his death, Jesus said to his apostles: “Take courage! I have conquered the world.” (John 16:33) They too could be conquerors. Some 60 years later, the apostle John wrote: “Who is the one that conquers the world but he who has faith that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:5) Such faith is shown by our obeying Jesus’ commands and relying on God’s Word, even as Jesus did. What else is required? That we stay close to the congregation of which he is Head. When we fall short, we must earnestly repent and seek God’s forgiveness on the basis of Jesus’ sacrifice. In this way, despite our imperfections and mistakes, we too can be conquerors.—Psalm 130:3, 4.
14. Read Ephesians 6:13-17, and use the questions and scriptures provided in this paragraph as a basis for discussing benefits from each part of the spiritual armor.
14 To succeed, we need to put on “the complete suit of armor from God,” neglecting no part of it. Please open your Bible to Ephesians 6:13-17, and read its description of that armor. Then, by answering the questions below, consider how you can benefit from the protection afforded by each piece of armor.
“Loins girded about with truth”
Even though we may know the truth, how do regular study, meditation on Bible truth, and meeting attendance protect us? (1 Corinthians 10:12, 13; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Philippians 4:8, 9)
“Breastplate of righteousness”
Whose standard of righteousness is this? (Revelation 15:3)
Illustrate how failure to follow Jehovah’s righteous ways exposes one to spiritual harm. (Deuteronomy 7:3, 4; 1 Samuel 15:22, 23)
“Feet shod with the equipment of the good news of peace”
How is it a safeguard for us to keep our feet busy taking us to talk to people about God’s provisions for peace? (Psalm 73:2, 3; Romans 10:15; 1 Timothy 5:13)
“Large shield of faith”
If we have faith that is firmly founded, how will we react in the face of efforts that are meant to cause us to doubt or fear? (2 Kings 6:15-17; 2 Timothy 1:12)
“Helmet of salvation”
How does the hope of salvation help one to avoid being ensnared by excessive concern with material possessions? (1 Timothy 6:7-10, 19)
“Sword of the spirit”
On what should we always rely when fighting off onslaughts against our spirituality or that of others? (Psalm 119:98; Proverbs 3:5, 6; Matthew 4:3, 4)
What else is vital to success in spiritual warfare? How often is it to be employed? In behalf of whom? (Ephesians 6:18, 19)
15. How can we take the offensive in the spiritual fight?
15 As soldiers of Christ, we are part of a large army engaging in spiritual warfare. If we keep alert and make good use of the full suit of armor from God, we will not become casualties in this war. Instead, we will be a strengthening help to fellow servants of God. We will be ready and eager to take the offensive, spreading the good news of God’s Messianic Kingdom, the heavenly government that Satan so violently opposes.
Review Discussion
• Why do worshipers of Jehovah maintain complete neutrality as to the world’s conflicts?
• What are some of the sly devices used by Satan to bring Christians to spiritual ruin?
• How does the spiritual armor provided by God safeguard us in our spiritual warfare?
[Pictures on page 76]
The nations are being gathered to Armageddon |
Knowledge (kl)
1995 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/kl | Chapter 8
Why Does God Permit Suffering?
1, 2. How do people often react to human suffering?
WHEN disasters strike, destroying property and claiming lives, many cannot understand why such terrible things happen. Others are troubled by the extent, cruelty, and wantonness of crime and violence. You too may have wondered, ‘Why does God permit suffering?’
2 Because they have found no satisfactory answer to this question, many have lost faith in God. They feel that he is not interested in mankind. Others who accept suffering as a fact of life become embittered and blame God for all the evil in human society. If you have had such feelings, doubtless you will be very interested in the Bible’s statements on these matters.
SUFFERING NOT FROM GOD
3, 4. Why can we be sure that evil and suffering are not from Jehovah?
3 The Bible assures us that the suffering we see around us is not caused by Jehovah God. For instance, the Christian disciple James wrote: “When under trial, let no one say: ‘I am being tried by God.’ For with evil things God cannot be tried nor does he himself try anyone.” (James 1:13) That being so, God could not have caused the numerous hardships plaguing mankind. He does not bring trials upon people to make them fit for life in heaven, nor does he make people suffer for evil deeds they supposedly committed in a past life.—Romans 6:7.
4 In addition, even though many terrible things have been done in the name of God or of Christ, there is nothing in the Bible to suggest that either of them has ever approved of such actions. God and Christ have nothing to do with those who claim to serve them but who cheat and swindle, kill and plunder, and do many other things that cause human suffering. In fact, “the way of the wicked one is something detestable to Jehovah.” God “is far away from the wicked ones.”—Proverbs 15:9, 29.
5. What are some of Jehovah’s qualities, and how does he feel about his creatures?
5 The Bible describes Jehovah as being “very tender in affection and merciful.” (James 5:11) It proclaims that “Jehovah is a lover of justice.” (Psalm 37:28; Isaiah 61:8) He is not vindictive. He compassionately cares for his creatures and gives all of them what is best for their well-being. (Acts 14:16, 17) Jehovah has done that from the very origin of life on the earth.
A PERFECT BEGINNING
6. How do some legends allude to mankind’s early history?
6 All of us are accustomed to seeing and feeling pain and suffering. It may therefore be hard to imagine a time without suffering, but that was how things were at the beginning of human history. Even the legends of some nations allude to such a happy start. In Greek mythology, the first of the “Five Ages of Man” was called the “Golden Age.” In it humans lived happy lives, free from toil, pain, and the ravages of old age. The Chinese say that during the reign of the mythological Yellow Emperor (Huang-Ti), people lived in peace, enjoying harmony even with the elements and the wild beasts. Persians, Egyptians, Tibetans, Peruvians, and Mexicans all have legends about a time of happiness and perfection at the beginning of mankind’s history.
7. Why did God create the earth and humankind?
7 The myths of the nations merely echo the oldest written record of human history, the Bible. It informs us that God placed the first human pair, Adam and Eve, in a paradise called the garden of Eden and commanded them: “Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth and subdue it.” (Genesis 1:28) Our first parents enjoyed perfection and had the prospect of seeing the whole earth become a paradise occupied by a perfect human family living in lasting peace and happiness. That was God’s purpose in creating the earth and humankind.—Isaiah 45:18.
A MALICIOUS CHALLENGE
8. Adam and Eve were expected to obey what command, but what happened?
8 To remain in God’s favor, Adam and Eve would have to refrain from eating from “the tree of the knowledge of good and bad.” (Genesis 2:16, 17) If they had obeyed Jehovah’s law, there would have been no suffering to mar human life. By obeying God’s command, they would have demonstrated their love for Jehovah and their loyalty to him. (1 John 5:3) But as we learned in Chapter 6, things did not turn out that way. Urged by Satan, Eve ate fruit from that tree. Later, Adam also partook of the forbidden fruit.
9. What issue involving Jehovah did Satan raise?
9 Do you see the seriousness of what happened? Satan was attacking Jehovah’s position as the Most High. By saying, “You positively will not die,” the Devil contradicted God’s words, “You will positively die.” Satan’s further words implied that Jehovah was keeping Adam and Eve ignorant of the possibility of becoming like God, thus not needing Him to decide what was good and bad. Satan’s challenge therefore brought into question the right and validity of Jehovah’s position as the Universal Sovereign.—Genesis 2:17; 3:1-6.
10. What insinuations did Satan make regarding humans?
10 Satan the Devil also insinuated that people would remain obedient to Jehovah only as long as obeying God was to their advantage. In other words, human integrity was brought into question. Satan charged that no human would voluntarily remain loyal to God. This malicious claim by Satan is clearly revealed in the Bible’s account about Job, a faithful servant of Jehovah who underwent a great test sometime before 1600 B.C.E. When you read the first two chapters of the book of Job, you can gain insight into the reason for human suffering and why God permits it.
11. What kind of man was Job, but what charge did Satan make?
11 Job, “a man blameless and upright,” came under Satan’s attack. First, Satan imputed bad motives to Job by raising the question, “Is it for nothing that Job has feared God?” Then, the Devil cunningly maligned both God and Job by charging that Jehovah had bought Job’s loyalty by protecting and blessing him. “But, for a change,” Satan challenged Jehovah, “thrust out your hand, please, and touch everything he has and see whether he will not curse you to your very face.”—Job 1:8-11.
12. (a) What questions could be answered only if God permitted Satan to test Job? (b) In what did Job’s test result?
12 Was Job serving Jehovah simply because of all the good that he received from God? Could Job’s integrity stand up under test? In turn, did Jehovah have enough confidence in his servant to allow him to be tested? These questions could be answered if Jehovah would permit Satan to bring upon Job the severest of tests. Job’s faithful course under the test allowed by God, as narrated in the book of Job, proved to be a thorough vindication of Jehovah’s righteousness and man’s integrity.—Job 42:1, 2, 12.
13. How are we involved in what happened in Eden and to Job?
13 What happened in the garden of Eden and to the man Job, however, has a deeper implication. The issues Satan raised involve all mankind, including us today. God’s name was maligned, and his sovereignty was challenged. The uprightness of God’s creation, man, was called into question. These issues had to be settled.
HOW TO SETTLE THE ISSUES
14. When confronted with a malicious challenge, what might an accused person do?
14 For the sake of illustration, let us say that you are a loving parent with several children in a happy family. Suppose one of your neighbors spreads lies, accusing you of being a bad parent. What if the neighbor says that your children do not love you, that they stay with you only because they do not know any better, and that they would leave if someone showed them the way. ‘Preposterous!’ you might say. Yes, but how would you prove it? Some parents might react in rage. Besides creating more problems, such a violent response would lend support to the lies. A satisfying way to deal with such a problem would be to allow opportunity for your accuser to prove his claim and for your children to testify that they sincerely love you.
15. How did Jehovah choose to deal with Satan’s challenge?
15 Jehovah is like the loving parent. Adam and Eve may be compared to the children, and Satan fits the role of the lying neighbor. God wisely did not destroy Satan, Adam, and Eve immediately but permitted these wrongdoers to continue living for a while. This allowed our first parents time to start the human family, and it has given the Devil a chance to prove whether his claim was true so that the issues could be settled. From the start, however, God knew that some humans would be loyal to him and would thus prove Satan a liar. How thankful we are that Jehovah has continued to bless and help those who love him!—2 Chronicles 16:9; Proverbs 15:3.
WHAT HAS BEEN PROVED?
16. How has the world come to be in Satan’s power?
16 During nearly all human history, Satan has had a free hand to work out his schemes of domination over mankind. Among other things, he has wielded influence over the political powers and has promoted religions that subtly direct worship to him rather than to Jehovah. Thus the Devil has become “the god of this system of things,” and he is called “the ruler of this world.” (2 Corinthians 4:4; John 12:31) Indeed, “the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19) Does this mean that Satan has proved his claim that he could draw all mankind away from Jehovah God? Certainly not! While permitting Satan to remain in existence, Jehovah has proceeded to carry out his own purpose. What, then, does the Bible reveal concerning God’s permission of wickedness?
17. What should we keep in mind regarding the cause of wickedness and suffering?
17 Wickedness and suffering are not caused by Jehovah. Since Satan is the ruler of this world and the god of this system of things, he and those on his side are responsible for the present condition of human society and all the misery that mankind has suffered. No one can rightly say that God is the cause of such hardship.—Romans 9:14.
18. What has Jehovah’s permitting wickedness and suffering proved regarding the idea of independence from God?
18 Jehovah’s permitting wickedness and suffering has proved that independence from God has not brought about a better world. Undeniably, history has been marked by one disaster after another. The reason for this is that humans have chosen to pursue their own independent course and have shown no real regard for God’s word and will. When Jehovah’s ancient people and their leaders unfaithfully pursued “the popular course” and rejected his word, the results were disastrous. Through his prophet Jeremiah, God told them: “The wise ones have become ashamed. They have become terrified and will be caught. Look! They have rejected the very word of Jehovah, and what wisdom do they have?” (Jeremiah 8:5, 6, 9) Having failed to follow Jehovah’s standards, mankind in general has become like a ship without a rudder, tossed about in a turbulent sea.
19. What proof is there that Satan cannot turn all humans against God?
19 God’s permission of wickedness and suffering has also proved that Satan has not been able to turn all mankind away from Jehovah. History shows that there have always been individuals who have remained faithful to God no matter what temptations or adversities were brought upon them. Over the centuries, Jehovah’s power has been manifested in behalf of his servants, and his name has been declared in all the earth. (Exodus 9:16; 1 Samuel 12:22) Hebrews chapter 11 tells us about a long line of faithful ones, including Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Moses. Hebrews 12:1 calls them ‘a great cloud of witnesses.’ They were examples of unwavering faith in Jehovah. In modern times too, many have given their lives in unbreakable integrity to God. By their faith and love, such individuals prove conclusively that Satan cannot turn all humans against God.
20. Jehovah’s allowing wickedness and suffering to continue has proved what with respect to God and mankind?
20 Finally, Jehovah’s allowing wickedness and suffering to continue has provided proof that only Jehovah, the Creator, has the ability and the right to rule over mankind for their eternal blessing and happiness. For centuries, mankind has tried many forms of government. But what has been the result? The complex problems and crises facing the nations today are ample evidence that truly, as the Bible points out, “man has dominated man to his injury.” (Ecclesiastes 8:9) Only Jehovah can come to our rescue and fulfill his original purpose. How will he do this, and when?
21. What will be done to Satan, and who will be used to accomplish this?
21 Right after Adam and Eve fell victim to Satan’s scheme, God announced His purpose regarding a means of salvation. This is what Jehovah proclaimed regarding Satan: “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 3:15) That proclamation guaranteed that the Devil would not be allowed to do his evil deeds forever. As the King of the Messianic Kingdom, the promised Seed, Jesus Christ, will ‘bruise Satan in the head.’ Yes, “shortly,” Jesus will crush the rebel Satan!—Romans 16:20.
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
22. (a) What questions must you face? (b) Though Satan vents his wrath on those faithful to God, of what can they be certain?
22 Knowing the issues involved, on whose side will you stand? Will you prove by your actions that you are a loyal supporter of Jehovah? Since Satan knows that his time is short, he will do all he can to vent his wrath on those who want to keep integrity to God. (Revelation 12:12) But you can look to God for help because “Jehovah knows how to deliver people of godly devotion out of trial.” (2 Peter 2:9) He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, and he will make the way out so that you are able to endure temptations.—1 Corinthians 10:13.
23. To what can we confidently look forward?
23 Confidently, let us look forward to the time when the King Jesus Christ will take action against Satan and all who follow him. (Revelation 20:1-3) Jesus will do away with all those who share responsibility for the woes and turmoil that mankind has suffered. Until that time, one especially painful form of suffering is the loss of our loved ones in death. Read the next chapter to find out what happens to them.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
How do we know that Jehovah does not cause human suffering?
What issues were raised by Satan in Eden and made clear in Job’s day?
God’s permission of suffering has proved what? |
Living With Chronic Illness—Can the Bible Help? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502013105 | Living With Chronic Illness—Can the Bible Help?
The Bible’s answer
Yes. God cares about his servants who are sick. Regarding a faithful servant, the Bible says: “Jehovah himself will sustain him upon a divan of illness.” (Psalm 41:3) If you are living with chronic illness, the following three steps can help you to cope:
Pray for strength to endure. You can receive “the peace of God that excels all thought,” which can reduce your anxiety and sustain you.—Philippians 4:6, 7.
Be positive. The Bible says: “Being cheerful keeps you healthy. It is slow death to be gloomy all the time.” (Proverbs 17:22, Good News Translation) Cultivate your sense of humor, since this not only can lighten dark times but also can benefit your health.
Build your hope in the future. A sound hope can help you have joy despite chronic ailments. (Romans 12:12) The Bible foretells a time when “no resident will say: ‘I am sick.’” (Isaiah 33:24) God will then cure chronic illnesses that are beyond the power of modern science to solve. For example, the Bible describes the reversal of the aging process this way: “Let his flesh become fresher than in youth; let him return to the days of his youthful vigor.”—Job 33:25.
Note: While acknowledging the help that God provides, Jehovah’s Witnesses also seek medical treatment for chronic illness. (Mark 2:17) We do not, however, endorse any specific medical approach; we feel that each person should make his own health decisions. |
Revelation Climax (re)
1988 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/re | Chapter 5
John Beholds the Glorified Jesus
Vision 1—Revelation 1:10–3:22
Subject: Jesus inspects spiritual Israel on earth and gives warm encouragement
Time of fulfillment: This feature of the Lord’s day extends from 1914 until the last of the faithful anointed ones dies and is resurrected
1. How is the first vision presented, and how did John indicate the time of its real application?
THE first vision in the book of Revelation begins with chapter 1, verse 10. This vision, like the others in Revelation, is introduced by a declaration that John hears or sees something extraordinary. (Revelation 1:10, 12; 4:1; 6:1) This first vision is presented in a first-century framework in which messages are addressed to seven congregations contemporary with John. But John indicates the time of its real application when he says: “By inspiration I came to be in the Lord’s day.” (Revelation 1:10a) When is this “day”? Do the dramatic events of these tempestuous times have any connection with it? If so, we should pay close attention to the prophecy, as affecting our very lives—even our survival.—1 Thessalonians 5:20, 21.
In the Lord’s Day
2. When does the Lord’s day begin, and when does it end?
2 In what time frame does this place the fulfillment of Revelation? Well, what is the Lord’s day? The apostle Paul refers to it as a time of judgment and of fulfillment of divine promises. (1 Corinthians 1:8; 2 Corinthians 1:14; Philippians 1:6, 10; 2:16) With the arrival of that “day,” Jehovah’s grand purposes move progressively and triumphantly toward their climax. That “day” begins with the crowning of Jesus as heavenly King. Even after Jesus executes judgment on Satan’s world, the Lord’s day continues, with the restoration of Paradise and the perfecting of mankind, until Jesus finally “hands over the kingdom to his God and Father.”—1 Corinthians 15:24-26; Revelation 6:1, 2.
3. (a) How does Daniel’s prophecy of the “seven times” help us see when the Lord’s day begins? (b) What events on earth confirm the year 1914 as the beginning of the Lord’s day?
3 The fulfillment of other Bible prophecies helps us to see when the Lord’s day begins. For example, Daniel described a chopping down of rulership in the line of King David; after “seven times” it would be known “that the Most High is Ruler in the kingdom of mankind, and that to the one whom he wants to he gives it.” (Daniel 4:23, 24, 31, 32) The major fulfillment of that prophecy started with the desolating of the kingdom of Judah, which is indicated by Bible evidence to have been completed by October 607 B.C.E. Revelation 12:6, 14 shows that 3 1/2 times amounts to 1,260 days; hence, seven times (twice that number) must be 2,520 days. Reckoning “a day for a year,” we arrive at 2,520 years as the duration of the “seven times.” (Ezekiel 4:6) Therefore, Christ Jesus began his heavenly rule in the latter part of 1914. The erupting of the first world war in that year marked “a beginning of pangs of distress” that have continued to plague mankind. Since 1914, how remarkably events in this bloodstained earth have confirmed that year to be the start of the “day” of Jesus’ presence!—Matthew 24:3-14.a
4. (a) What do the words of Revelation itself indicate as to when the first vision is fulfilled? (b) When does the fulfillment of the first vision end?
4 Hence, this first vision and the counsel it contains are for the Lord’s day, from 1914 onward. This timing is supported by the fact that, later in Revelation, the record describes the execution of God’s true and righteous judgments—events in which the Lord Jesus plays an outstanding part. (Revelation 11:18; 16:15; 17:1; 19:2, 11) If the fulfillment of the first vision began in 1914, when does it end? As the messages themselves show, the organization addressed is God’s congregation of anointed ones on earth. The fulfillment of this first vision ends, then, when the last faithful member of that anointed congregation dies and is raised to heavenly life. Nevertheless, the Lord’s Day, with blessings to the earthly other sheep, continues till the end of Jesus Christ’s Millennial Rule.—John 10:16; Revelation 20:4, 5.
5. (a) What does a voice call on John to do? (b) Why was the location of “the seven congregations” favorable for sending a scroll to them?
5 In this first vision, before John sees anything, he hears something: “And I heard behind me a strong voice like that of a trumpet, saying: ‘What you see write in a scroll and send it to the seven congregations, in Ephesus and in Smyrna and in Pergamum and in Thyatira and in Sardis and in Philadelphia and in Laodicea.’” (Revelation 1:10b, 11) Authoritative and commanding as a trumpet call, a voice calls on John to write to “the seven congregations.” He is to receive a series of messages and to publish the things he will see and hear. Notice that the congregations mentioned here actually existed in John’s day. All of them were situated in Asia Minor, right across the sea from Patmos. They were easily accessible to one another by means of the excellent Roman roads that existed in the area. A messenger would have had no trouble carrying the scroll from one congregation to the next. These seven congregations would resemble a section of a modern-day circuit of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
6. (a) What is meant by “the things that are”? (b) Why can we be certain that conditions in the congregation of anointed Christians today must be similar to those in John’s day?
6 Most of the prophecies in Revelation were to be fulfilled after John’s time. They referred to “the things that will take place after these.” But the counsel to the seven congregations deals with “things that are,” situations that really existed in the seven congregations at that time. The messages were valuable aids to faithful appointed elders in those seven congregations, as well as in all other congregations of anointed Christians of the time.b Since the vision has its prime application in the Lord’s day, what Jesus says serves notice that similar conditions are to be expected in the congregation of anointed Christians of our own day.—Revelation 1:10, 19.
7. Whom does John see in this first vision, and why is it so important and thrilling to us today?
7 In this first vision, John sees the radiant Lord Jesus Christ in His heavenly glory. What could be more fitting for a book of prophecies relating to the great day of this Lord commissioned by heaven? And what could be more important to us, who are now living in that time period and giving careful heed to his every command? Moreover, how thrilling it is for supporters of Jehovah’s sovereignty to be assured that the Messianic Seed, having endured all the tests and persecutions brought by Satan and having suffered an agonizing death when His “heel” was bruised almost 2,000 years ago, is now alive in heaven, empowered to bring God’s grand purpose to its triumphant completion!—Genesis 3:15.
8. For what action is Jesus now poised?
8 It is evident that Jesus is now poised to go into action as enthroned King. He has been appointed as Jehovah’s Chief Executioner to carry out Jehovah’s final judgments against this old, wicked system of things and its diabolic god, Satan. He is also on hand to judge those of his congregation of anointed ones and the great crowd of their associates, as well as to judge the world.—Revelation 7:4, 9; Acts 17:31.
9. (a) How does John describe the glorified Jesus Christ amid the golden lampstands? (b) What is indicated by the templelike setting and the garment that Jesus wears? (c) What is signified by his golden girdle?
9 John turns at the sound of the loud voice, and here is what he sees: “I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me, and, having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands.” (Revelation 1:12) Later, John learns what these seven lampstands symbolize. But it is the person in the midst of the lampstands that catches his eye. There was “in the midst of the lampstands someone like a son of man, clothed with a garment that reached down to the feet, and girded at the breasts with a golden girdle.” (Revelation 1:13) Jesus, the “son of man,” here presents himself before the awestruck witness, John, as a magnificent, glowing figure. He appears in brilliant glory among flaming golden lampstands. This templelike setting impresses on John the fact that Jesus is present in the role of Jehovah’s great High Priest, with judgment powers. (Hebrews 4:14; 7:21-25) His long, impressive garment conforms to his priestly office. Like the Jewish high priests of old, he wears a girdle—a golden girdle over his breast where it covers his heart. This signifies that he will wholeheartedly carry out his divine commission received from Jehovah God.—Exodus 28:8, 30; Hebrews 8:1, 2.
10. (a) What is indicated by Jesus’ snow-white hair and fiery eyes? (b) What is the significance of Jesus’ feet being like glowing copper?
10 John’s description continues: “Moreover, his head and his hair were white as white wool, as snow, and his eyes as a fiery flame.” (Revelation 1:14) His snow-white hair indicates wisdom due to length of life. (Compare Proverbs 16:31.) And his fiery eyes show that he is sharp, alert, as he searches, tests, or expresses indignation. Even Jesus’ feet catch John’s attention: “And his feet were like fine copper when glowing in a furnace; and his voice was as the sound of many waters.” (Revelation 1:15) In the vision, Jesus’ feet are like copper, glowing, bright—properly so for one who walks zealously and with a fine standing in the presence of Jehovah God. Moreover, while in the Bible divine things are often pictured by gold, so things human are sometimes represented by copper.c So Jesus’ glowing feet like fine copper remind us of how “comely” his feet were when he walked the earth preaching the good news.—Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:15.
11. (a) Of what do Jesus’ glorious feet remind us? (b) What is indicated by the fact that Jesus’ voice “was as the sound of many waters”?
11 Indeed, as a perfect human, Jesus had a radiance that was apparent to angels and men. (John 1:14) His glorious feet also remind us that he is treading holy ground in Jehovah’s organization, in which he is High Priest. (Compare Exodus 3:5.) Further, his voice resounds thunderously like a huge cascading waterfall. It is impressive, awe inspiring, as is fitting for the one officially called the Word of God, the one who comes “to judge the inhabited earth in righteousness.”—Acts 17:31; John 1:1.
12. What is the significance of the “sharp, long two-edged sword”?
12 “And he had in his right hand seven stars, and out of his mouth a sharp, long two-edged sword was protruding, and his countenance was as the sun when it shines in its power. And when I saw him, I fell as dead at his feet.” (Revelation 1:16, 17a) Jesus himself explains the meaning of the seven stars a little later. But notice what is coming out of his mouth: “a sharp, long two-edged sword.” What a fitting feature! For Jesus is the one appointed to pronounce Jehovah’s final judgments against His enemies. Decisive utterances from his mouth result in the execution of all wicked ones.—Revelation 19:13, 15.
13. (a) Jesus’ bright, shining countenance reminds us of what? (b) What overall impression do we get from John’s description of Jesus?
13 Jesus’ bright, shining countenance reminds us that Moses’ face emitted shining rays after Jehovah had communed with him on Mount Sinai. (Exodus 34:29, 30) Remember, too, that when Jesus was transfigured before three of his apostles almost 2,000 years ago, “his face shone as the sun, and his outer garments became brilliant as the light.” (Matthew 17:2) Now, in a visionary representation of Jesus during the Lord’s day, his face similarly reflects the radiant splendor of one who has been in Jehovah’s presence. (2 Corinthians 3:18) In fact, the overall impression conveyed by John’s vision is that of an effulgence of glory. From the snow-white hair, the flaming eyes, and the shining countenance down to the glowing feet, it is a superlative vision of the One who now dwells “in unapproachable light.” (1 Timothy 6:16) The realism of this spectacle is so vivid! How did the overawed John react? The apostle tells us: “And when I saw him, I fell as dead at his feet.”—Revelation 1:17.
14. How should we be affected when reading of John’s vision of the glorified Jesus?
14 Today, the colorful, detailed description of John’s vision fills God’s people with heartfelt appreciation. Already, we have passed through more than 90 years of the Lord’s day, during which the vision continues to have its thrilling fulfillment. Jesus’ Kingdom rule is to us a living, present reality, not a future hope. Hence, it is proper for us as loyal subjects of the Kingdom to look further with wonder at what John describes in this first vision and to listen obediently to the words of the glorified Jesus Christ.
[Footnotes]
a For a detailed explanation, see the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? pages 88-92, 215-18, published by Jehovah’s Witnesses.
b In the first century, when a congregation received a letter from an apostle, it was customary to circulate the letter to other congregations so that all could benefit from the counsel.—Compare Colossians 4:16.
c The interior decorations and furnishings of Solomon’s temple were made of gold or overlaid with it, whereas copper was used in equipping the courtyard.—1 Kings 6:19-23, 28-35; 7:15, 16, 27, 30, 38-50; 8:64.
[Pictures on page 23]
Archaeological remains of the cities where the seven congregations were located confirm the Bible record. It was here that first-century Christians received Jesus’ encouraging messages that today stimulate the worldwide congregation
PERGAMUM
SMYRNA
THYATIRA
SARDIS
EPHESUS
PHILADELPHIA
LAODICEA |
Choosing (bw)
1979 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/bw | Chapter 5
The Perfect Example—Christ
1. What is needed for us to want to imitate Jesus Christ?
FOR us to be moved to follow someone wholeheartedly, we must believe that his example deserves to be imitated. The higher our esteem and the greater our affection for that person, the more intense will be our desire to be like him. So the extent to which we copy Jesus Christ as our model largely depends on our having deep love and appreciation for him. What will help us to grow in our affection for the Son of God?
2, 3. (a) What shows that our coming to know Jesus Christ is not dependent on our literally seeing him? (b) Why did many Jews who actually saw the Son of God not come to appreciate him?
2 Like many who became Christians after Jesus’ death in the first century, we have not personally seen the Son of God. (1 Peter 1:8) But our not beholding him with our literal eyes is no barrier to our coming to love him to an ever greater degree. Many who actually saw Jesus Christ in the flesh did not come to know him. They judged him by what they thought the Messiah should be like, and were stumbled. For example, people from his home territory said: “Where did this man get this wisdom and these powerful works? Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary, and his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us? Where, then, did this man get all these things?”—Matthew 13:54-57.
3 Truly, the eyes and ears of those who expressed themselves in this faithless way did not convey accurate information to their minds and hearts. Because they judged him by outward appearances, as being from the family of a lowly carpenter, they failed to recognize Jesus as the promised Messiah, the Son of God. The significance of Jesus’ miracles was obscured in their minds. They saw his fine qualities but misjudged them.
4. How can we come to know the Son of God better, and what are some things that we can learn from this source?
4 We, on the other hand, can come to know and love Jesus Christ to a greater extent by carefully and prayerfully considering what the Scriptures tell us about him. (Compare 1 John 1:1-4.) The Bible presents a most heartwarming picture of the Son of God. Though perfect, Jesus Christ was never hypercritical or overbearing in his dealings with suffering humans. (Matthew 9:10-13) His superior wisdom did not make others feel ignorant or uncomfortable in his presence, for he was “mild-tempered and lowly in heart.” (Matthew 11:29) Even children were at ease with him. (Matthew 19:13-15) Jesus Christ took into consideration the limitations of his disciples and patiently repeated vital lessons. (John 16:12) When seeing the sick and the spiritually needy, he was moved with pity and gladly came to their aid. (Matthew 9:36; Mark 6:34) His interest in the poor is shown by the fact that he and the apostles had a common fund from which they could draw to assist the needy. (John 12:4-6; 13:29) Eagerly God’s Son expended himself fully in behalf of others, and courageously exposed hypocrisy and error. (Matthew 23:2-35) Finally, in proof of his great love for humankind, he gave up his life. (John 15:13) What a superb example of courage, humility and love the Son of God set for us!
JEHOVAH’S ESTIMATION OF HIS SON
5. What important knowledge about Jesus Christ cannot be obtained by the physical senses of sight, hearing and touch?
5 Furthermore, only the Scriptures teach us how Jehovah God regards his Son. Such knowledge about Jesus Christ could not be obtained merely by the physical senses of sight, hearing and touch. Take, for instance, the apostle Peter’s words to his fellow believers about the honorable position of God’s Son and the benefits that result from coming to him. The apostle wrote:
“Coming to him as to a living stone, rejected, it is true, by men, but chosen, precious, with God, you yourselves also as living stones are being built up a spiritual house for the purpose of a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it is contained in Scripture: ‘Look! I am laying in Zion a stone, chosen, a foundation cornerstone, precious; and no one exercising faith in it will by any means come to disappointment.’” (1 Peter 2:4-6)
What did this mean to first-century Christians?
6. (a) In the first century, how did believers come to the Son of God “as to a living stone”? (b) Why is Jesus rightly called a “living stone”?
6 By acknowledging Jesus Christ as their Lord and the one through whom they could gain salvation, they came to him “as to a living stone.” The expression “living stone” is very fitting. Jesus Christ is not like an ordinary, cold, inanimate stone from which no life-sustaining substance can be drawn. The Son of God is like the rock-mass from which the Israelites received a miraculous supply of water in the wilderness. According to the inspired apostle Paul, “that rock-mass meant the Christ.” It was a symbol or a pictorial type of the Son of God. (1 Corinthians 10:4) Jesus himself said:
“If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.” (John 7:37) “Whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty at all, but the water that I will give him will become in him a fountain of water bubbling up to impart everlasting life.” (John 4:14)
Thus the Son of God indicated that his teaching, if taken in like refreshing water, would lead to salvation—to life without end. Moreover, Jesus Christ has also been granted life-giving power. Therefore, like his Father, he can impart life to others on the basis of his propitiatory sacrifice, raising them from the dead.—John 5:28, 29.
7. How was Jesus Christ rejected as a “living stone”?
7 As Peter pointed out, Jesus was “rejected, it is true, by men.” Especially the proud religious leaders saw nothing in the Son of God that they regarded as worthy of imitation. They did not appreciate his exemplary compassion and love for humankind. When Jesus gave spiritual help to persons known to be sinners, the religious leaders objected: “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” (Luke 15:2) They witnessed how the Son compassionately made use of the sabbath to open the eyes of the blind, to heal the sick and to free the crippled from their affliction. But instead of rejoicing and praising God, the religious leaders were filled with rage and plotted to kill him. (Matthew 12:9-14; Mark 3:1-6; Luke 6:7-11; 14:1-6) They told a blind man whose sight had been restored: “This is not a man from God, because he does not observe the Sabbath.” (John 9:16) Finally, the Jewish supreme court, the Sanhedrin, sentenced Jesus to death on the false charge of blasphemy. (Matthew 26:63-66) With a view to carrying out the penalty, the Jewish rulers changed the charge against Jesus from blasphemy to sedition. At their instigation, the Roman governor, Pilate, ordered the execution of him on a stake like the worst kind of political criminal.—Luke 23:1-24.
8. What is Jehovah’s estimation of his Son?
8 The action of men in rejecting Jesus Christ as a foundation did not alter Jehovah God’s own estimation of his Son. Since the Most High foreordained him as the one through whom the human race would be redeemed and as the “living stone” on whom the Christian congregation would be built, Jesus, as Peter states, was a “chosen” one and continued to be such. There was never any doubt in the mind of the Father about the Son’s carrying out the divine purpose without a single flaw. Jehovah knew that his Son was perfect in devotion and affection. On earth, Jesus Christ proved his deep love for his Father by doing his Father’s will perfectly while undergoing great suffering. The Son’s faithfulness under severe testing made him very precious in the eyes of the Most High. So the Christian congregation is blessed by having as its foundation the one whom Jehovah God regards as his most highly valued Son. (Ephesians 2:20-22) And devoted members of this congregation strive hard to imitate the faithful course of Jesus Christ.
9. Why could first-century believers be sure that their faith would not come to disappointment?
9 Those to whom the apostle Peter wrote shared God’s view of his Son. As the apostle stated: “It is to you, therefore, that he is precious, because you are believers.” (1 Peter 2:7a) They recognized that Jesus Christ was the extremely valuable foundation cornerstone that the Father had laid in heavenly Zion, fulfilling the words of Psalm 118:22 and Isaiah 8:14; 28:16. Because of being in harmony with Jehovah’s evaluation of his Son and putting their faith in him as the foundation cornerstone, first-century believers could rest assured that they would not experience disappointment, a shattering of their hopes. No one can damage the costly, precious foundation that is firmly established in the heavens and thus cause loss to those whose hopes are intimately bound up with it. As long as believers remained in union with Christ, the congregation’s unshakable foundation, they were certain of receiving the object of their faith, namely, life without end. The unbelievers, however, would experience great loss. The apostle Peter continued:
“But to those not believing, ‘the identical stone that the builders rejected has become the head of the corner,’ and ‘a stone of stumbling and a rock-mass of offense.’ These are stumbling because they are disobedient to the word. To this very end they were also appointed.”—1 Peter 2:7b, 8.
10. How did Jesus Christ become “a stone of stumbling and a rock-mass of offense”?
10 Because the prominent Jewish religious leaders refused to accept the Son of God as their ideal and to build their hopes for everlasting life on him, they lost out on the grand privilege of being Kingdom heirs. Jesus Christ had warned them: “The [repentant] tax collectors and the [repentant] harlots are going ahead of you into the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 21:31) The course taken by those religious leaders did not prevent Jesus from becoming “the head of the corner,” the crowning stone of “a spiritual house.” Moreover, in treating Jesus Christ as a stone that was unsuitable for their building work, these men were at the same time still forced to reckon with him as a stone that stood in their way. They could not ignore God’s Son even after his death and resurrection, for his faithful disciples boldly continued witnessing about him. (Acts 5:28) Thus Jesus Christ became a rock over which all who persist in unbelief stumble to a calamitous fall. Just as those who show themselves to be genuine believers are appointed to salvation, so the ones who prove themselves to be unbelievers are appointed to experience loss. The Son of God even said with reference to himself: “Everyone falling upon that stone will be shattered. As for anyone upon whom it falls, it will pulverize him.”—Luke 20:18.
RESULTS FROM ‘COMING TO THE LIVING STONE’
11. How did first-century believers come to be like “living stones”?
11 First-century believers, by accepting Jesus Christ as the divinely chosen, precious “living stone,” came to be like “living stones.” In what way? They ceased to be ‘dead in trespasses and sins,’ enjoying instead a “newness of life” as sons of God. (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:13) Through Christ, the “living stone,” life benefits were imparted to them. However, they were not to lie about as lifeless building stones and serve no useful purpose. No, they were to form a harmonious building. To form a unified structure, they needed to manifest the same kind of self-sacrificing love toward one another that their Exemplar had manifested toward them. (John 13:34) They were also to be workers, as was Jesus Christ on earth. The Son of God was fully absorbed in doing his Father’s will, responding to the needs of others and helping them to start on the way to everlasting life.—John 4:34.
12. Into what are the “living stones” built up, and so what is their responsibility?
12 The words of the apostle Peter forcefully emphasize that Christians who are being built up by God into a spiritual house, a sanctuary or temple, have important work to do. (Compare 1 Corinthians 3:5-17; 6:19.) Note that Peter says: “You yourselves also as living stones are being built up a spiritual house for the purpose of a holy priesthood.” Yes, this temple of “living stones” is also a “holy priesthood.” Every spirit-begotten Christian, therefore, is a priest, serving loyally under the great High Priest Jesus Christ. Such a Christian does not need any man or a body of men to officiate for him in a priestly capacity. As a priest, his work is “to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5) But what are these sacrifices?
13-15. What are the “spiritual sacrifices,” and how can this be proved Scripturally?
13 Peter says that they are “spiritual,” hence not animal or grain offerings presented on some material altar. The time for making material sacrifices of this nature came to an end when the Son of God offered himself up as an acceptable sin-atoning sacrifice.—Hebrews 10:11, 12.
14 Even in the Hebrew Scriptures we find indications as to the nature of acceptable “spiritual sacrifices,” as in the following passages: “Offer thanksgiving as your sacrifice to God.” (Psalm 50:14) “Let them offer the sacrifices of thanksgiving and declare his works with a joyful cry.” (Psalm 107:22) “May my prayer be prepared as incense before you, the raising up of my palms as the evening grain offering.” (Psalm 141:2) “We will offer in return the young bulls of our lips.” (Hosea 14:2) Thus the “spiritual sacrifices” would include such things as prayer, praise and thanksgiving.
15 The Christian Greek Scriptures provide us with yet more detail. We are told: “Through him [Christ] let us always offer to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which make public declaration to his name. Moreover, do not forget the doing of good and the sharing of things with others, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” (Hebrews 13:15, 16) In Philippians 2:17, the apostle Paul speaks of “the sacrifice and public service to which faith has led you,” and upon which he himself was “being poured out like a drink offering.” These passages emphasize the importance of being actively concerned about the spiritual and physical welfare of others, being willing to expend time, energies and assets in their behalf. Such a concern is manifest by sharing God’s message with fellow humans and coming to the aid of persons in physical need, as did their Exemplar, Jesus Christ. Think of it, the Most High views what his servants do to promote the welfare of their fellow humans as a pleasing sacrifice of praise.
16, 17. What sound reasons are there for offering such “spiritual sacrifices” and declaring God’s “excellencies”?
16 Because of the grand things that Jehovah God had done for them through the Son, first-century believers had good reason to feel compelled “to offer up spiritual sacrifices.” At one time they were in great “darkness” and without hope. While a part of the world, they were under the domination of its “ruler,” Satan, the “authority of the darkness.” (John 14:30; Colossians 1:13) The non-Jewish peoples were virtually in total ignorance respecting the true God and his purposes. They had no standing before him. The apostle Peter called attention to this fact when he said: “You were once not a people, but are now God’s people; you were those who had not been shown mercy, but are now those who have been shown mercy.” (1 Peter 2:10) Yes, by accepting Jesus Christ, both Jews and non-Jews became “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special possession.” (1 Peter 2:9) They were “chosen” by God as his people, called to be king-priests in association with Jesus Christ, constituting a nation set aside for a holy or sacred purpose, and were obtained as the Most High’s own property with the priceless blood of his Son. (Compare Exodus 19:5, 6; Revelation 5:9, 10.) What an outstanding display of mercy this was to the spiritual Israelites! Members of this “holy nation” enjoyed divine enlightenment and the light of divine favor. That contrasted sharply with the time when they were in “darkness,” alienated from the Most High and ignorant of his will and purpose.
17 In view of their being granted Jehovah’s recognition and unmerited favor, these disciples of Jesus Christ were moved to declare to all what the Most High had done for them by means of his Son. They simply could not stop speaking to others about the “excellencies,” the marvelous deeds, of their heavenly Father.
18. What application should we personally make of what we have considered in this chapter, and why?
18 Today all true disciples of Jesus Christ, including those of the “great crowd” who come into association with that “holy nation,” should likewise feel impelled to live upright lives and to be active in helping others to gain divine approval. (Revelation 7:9-15) It should be our heart’s desire to expend ourselves in efforts to aid persons who are in spiritual need. Our thus imitating the Son of God will do much to enrich our lives. What joy we can experience from contributing to the happiness, comfort and strengthening of our fellowmen! (Acts 20:35) In turn, we gain the affection and appreciation of those in whose behalf we unselfishly give of our time, energies and assets. While some may fail to show gratitude, we still have the deep inner satisfaction of having pleased our heavenly Father. And because of doing his will, we can rest assured of his aid and guidance. (1 John 3:22) May we continue reaping bountiful blessings from copying the example of the One who is most precious in the eyes of Jehovah God. |
Young People Ask, Volume 2 (yp2)
2008 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/yp2 | CHAPTER 9
How Can I Deal With Loneliness?
It’s a beautiful day, and you have no plans. All your friends do, though. They’re out having a good time. Once again, you’ve been left out! Being among the uninvited is bad enough, but what it implies is even worse. ‘Maybe there’s something wrong with me,’ you say to yourself. ‘Why doesn’t anyone want my company?’
PERHAPS, more than once, you’ve been in the situation described on the opposite page. You may feel as if a wide chasm separates you from your peers. You stammer every time you try to start a conversation with them. When you do have an opportunity to socialize, shyness rears its head. Why is simple socializing so difficult?
Rather than remain stuck on your side of the chasm, you can build some bridges. Let’s see how.
● Chasm 1: A negative view of yourself. Some youths relentlessly put themselves down. They’re convinced that no one likes them and that they have nothing worthwhile to add to a conversation. Is that the way you feel about yourself? If so, a negative self-image will only widen the chasm that separates you from your peers.
The bridge: Focus on your assets. (2 Corinthians 11:6) Ask yourself, ‘What are my strengths?’ Think of some talents or positive qualities that you possess and list them below.
․․․․․
No doubt you have flaws, and it’s good to be aware of these. (1 Corinthians 10:12) But you also have much to offer. Recognizing your assets will give you the confidence you need to break free from a negative self-image.
● Chasm 2: Shyness. You’d love to start a conversation, but when the opportunity arises, you just can’t seem to open your mouth. “I’m in a permanent state of shyness,” laments 19-year-old Elizabeth. “I find it extremely hard to approach people at Christian meetings, and I really admire those who can do it!” If you’re like Elizabeth, you may feel as if this chasm is impossible to cross.
The bridge: Take a genuine interest in others. Don’t worry—you don’t have to turn into an extrovert. Start by showing interest in just one person. “Simply asking others how they are doing or asking them about their work helps you to get to know them better,” says a youth named Jorge.
Here’s a tip: Don’t limit yourself to people of your own age. Some of the warmest friendships recorded in the Bible were between people with considerable age differences, such as Ruth and Naomi, David and Jonathan, and Timothy and Paul. (Ruth 1:16, 17; 1 Samuel 18:1; 1 Corinthians 4:17) Remember, too, that conversation is an interchange, not a solo performance. People appreciate good listeners. So if you tend to be shy, remember—you don’t have to carry the whole conversation!
Write down the names of two adults you would like to get to know better.
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Why not approach one of the people you listed above and strike up a conversation? The more you reach out to “the whole association of brothers,” the less lonely you’ll feel.—1 Peter 2:17.
● Chasm 3: Disagreeable behavior. The know-it-all is always ready with an insult, a wisecrack, or a put-down. Then there’s the person who just loves to argue and force his opinions on everyone. Being “righteous overmuch,” he quickly condemns anyone who doesn’t live up to his personal standards. (Ecclesiastes 7:16) In all likelihood, you can’t stand being around people like that! Could it be, though, that a chasm has formed because you act that way? The Bible says: “The foolish one speaks many words,” and also “in the abundance of words there does not fail to be transgression.”—Ecclesiastes 10:14; Proverbs 10:19.
The bridge: Cultivate “fellow feeling.” (1 Peter 3:8) Even if you don’t agree with another’s view, patiently allow that one to talk. Dwell on points that you agree on. If you feel you must express disagreement on some issue, do so in a mild and tactful way.
Speak to others the way you would want to be spoken to. The Bible’s advice is to “keep doing all things free from murmurings and arguments.” (Philippians 2:14) Needless bickering or teasing, as well as insulting others or self-righteously condemning them, simply alienates people. They will like you a lot more if you “let your utterance be always with graciousness.”—Colossians 4:6.
At All Costs?
After this brief self-examination, perhaps you see some ways that you can build bridges to cross the chasm that may have developed between you and others. Of course, you have to be realistic. You can’t expect everyone to like you. Jesus said that some would even hate those who do what is right. (John 15:19) So it doesn’t pay to try to win friends at all costs.
Nevertheless, while not compromising your Bible-based standards, you can make reasonable efforts to be pleasant and agreeable. Samuel of Bible times was firmly resolved to do what would please God. The result? He kept growing “more likable both from Jehovah’s standpoint and from that of men.” (1 Samuel 2:26) With a little effort, so will you!
READ MORE ABOUT THIS TOPIC IN VOLUME 1, CHAPTER 8
For more information, watch the DVD “Young People Ask—How Can I Make Real Friends?” It is available in more than 40 languages
IN OUR NEXT CHAPTERYour best friend is suddenly acting like your worst enemy. What can you do about it?
KEY SCRIPTURE
“The one freely watering others will himself also be freely watered.”—Proverbs 11:25.
TIP
Keep conversation moving forward. For example, if someone asks if you enjoyed the weekend, don’t just say yes. Explain why you enjoyed it. Then ask how the other person passed the time.
DID YOU KNOW . . . ?
The Bible indicates that Moses, Jeremiah, and Timothy may have had a problem with shyness.—Exodus 3:11, 13; 4:1, 10; Jeremiah 1:6-8; 1 Timothy 4:12; 2 Timothy 1:6-8.
ACTION PLAN!
The chasm I encounter most is ․․․․․
I will work to build a bridge in this area by ․․․․․
What I would like to ask my parent(s) about this subject is ․․․․․
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
● Why might some Christians be lonely?
● What can help you to look at yourself in a balanced way, instead of being consumed by negative thoughts?
● How would you comfort a younger brother or sister who is battling loneliness?
[Blurb on page 88]
“One Christian sister was reaching out to me, but for a time I didn’t respond to her. When I finally did, I felt so foolish! She’s turned out to be one of the best friends I’ve ever had, even though she’s 25 years older than I am!”—Marie
[Picture on page 87]
You can bridge the chasm that separates you from your peers |
YOUNG PEOPLE ASK
How Can I Resist Peer Pressure to Have Sex? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/500600109 | YOUNG PEOPLE ASK
How Can I Resist Peer Pressure to Have Sex?
“When I was in school, if someone claimed to have had sex, everyone else felt that they had to catch up and do the same. After all, no one wants to be the oddball.”—Elaine, 21.
Have you ever felt pressure to have sex—just because everyone else seems to be doing it?
Have you ever felt pressure to have sex because someone you love is trying to coerce you?
If so, this article can help you to resist pressure—from others or from your own desires—so that you can make better choices.
Myths and facts
How to resist pressure to have sex
What your peers say
Myths and facts
MYTH: Everyone is having sex (except me).
FACT: In one survey, two out of three 18-year-olds claimed that they had already had sex. But that means a large number—more than 30 percent—had not. Not “everyone” is having sex.
MYTH: Sex will strengthen our relationship.
FACT: Although some boys may promote that thinking in order to coerce a girl into having sex, the facts say otherwise. All too often, a boy will break up with a girl after having sex with her—much to the outrage of the girl, who thought he was in love with her or at least had some sense of commitment.a
MYTH: The Bible is against sex.
FACT: The Bible promotes a positive view of sex but says that it should only be enjoyed by a man and a woman who are married to each other.—Genesis 1:28; 1 Corinthians 7:3.
MYTH: Living by the Bible will make my life miserable.
FACT: If you wait until marriage to have sex, you will be happier because you will have avoided the worries, regrets, and insecurities that often result from premarital sex.
The bottom line: Postponing sex until marriage has never hurt anyone. But having sex before marriage has.
How to resist pressure to have sex
Strengthen your moral convictions. The Bible says that mature people “have their powers of discernment trained to distinguish both right and wrong.” (Hebrews 5:14) They have convictions and are therefore less likely to cave in to pressure.
“I work very hard to do the right thing and have a good reputation, and I refuse to put myself in a situation that would cause me to lose that.”—Alicia, 16.
To think about: What kind of reputation do you want to have? Is it worth sacrificing that reputation just to gain the approval of someone else?
Consider the consequences. The Bible says: “Whatever a person is sowing, this he will also reap.” (Galatians 6:7) Fast-forward and think about how your life—and the life of another person—could change if you gave in to the pressure to have sex.b
“Premarital sex is often followed by guilt, regret, and even feelings of being unloved—not to mention the possibility of unwanted pregnancy or of getting a sexually-transmitted disease.”—Sienna, 16.
To think about: The book Sex Smart asks: “If your friends are pushing you to do things that can mess you up, are they the kind of people you should be hanging out with and listening to about important life issues?”
Have a balanced view. Sex is not the enemy. In fact, the Bible indicates that married couples should enjoy this aspect of their relationship.—Proverbs 5:18, 19.
“Sex is a beautiful part of creation. God wants us to enjoy it, but only under the arrangement that he designed for it, which is marriage.”—Jeremy, 17.
To think about: If you do get married one day, you will be able to have sex. And you’ll be able to enjoy it fully, without the negative consequences mentioned earlier.
a Of course, it is not always the boy who is the aggressor. In many cases, girls try to coerce boys into having sex.
b Among other things, consequences could include unwanted pregnancy and—depending on the ages of the two persons—legal issues involving sexual activity with minors.
What your peers say
“Having premarital sex isn’t the way you show love for someone. You show love by respecting that person—and yourself—enough to wait until marriage. There’s security in marriage because you know that your partner is there for more than something physical.”—Mikayla.
“Sex outside of marriage has no commitment. In fact, it’s common for a partner to be discarded afterward like the wrapper on a candy bar. Any enjoyment that a person has is temporary and is overshadowed by the negative consequences.”—Caiman.
Review: How can I resist pressure to have sex?
Strengthen your moral convictions. A person with strong convictions is less likely to yield to pressure.
Consider the consequences. Think about how your life—and the life of another person—could be changed if you were to have sex before marriage.
Keep a balanced view. Sex is not the enemy. God created it for humans to enjoy, but only within marriage of a man and a woman. |
How Did Life Begin? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102015000 | How Did Life Begin? |
Treasure Your Gift of Free Will | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2017243 | Treasure Your Gift of Free Will
“Where the spirit of Jehovah is, there is freedom.”—2 COR. 3:17.
SONGS: 40, 54
HOW WOULD YOU ANSWER?
What is free will?
How can the way we use our freedom of choice reveal the depth of our love for Jehovah?
How can we show respect for the decisions of others?
1, 2. (a) What different views do people have regarding the matter of free will? (b) What does the Bible teach us about our freedom of choice, and what questions will we consider?
WHEN faced with making a personal choice, one woman told a friend: “Do not make me think; just tell me what to do. That is easier.” The woman preferred being told what to do instead of using a precious gift from her Creator, the gift of free will. What about you? Do you like making your own decisions, or do you prefer that others decide for you? How do you view the matter of free will?
2 People have debated this subject for centuries. Some claim that there is no such thing as free will—that all our actions are predetermined by God. Others argue that true free will is only possible if we have absolute freedom. However, to understand this matter properly, we must turn to God’s Word, the Bible. Why? It reveals that Jehovah created us with free will; that is, the capacity and freedom to make our own intelligent choices. (Read Joshua 24:15.) The Bible also answers such questions as: How should our freedom to make decisions be exercised? Does it have limitations? How does the way we use our freedom of choice reveal the depth of our love for Jehovah? How can we show respect for the decisions of others?
WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM JEHOVAH AND JESUS?
3. What example does Jehovah set in the use of his freedom?
3 Jehovah alone has absolute freedom, but the way he uses it sets a pattern for us. For example, he chose to select the nation of Israel as his name people, “his special property.” (Deut. 7:6-8) This was not an arbitrary choice. Jehovah was being true to a promise that he had made centuries earlier to his friend Abraham. (Gen. 22:15-18) Furthermore, Jehovah always exercises his freedom in harmony with his attributes of love and justice. This is evident in the way he disciplined the Israelites, who repeatedly abandoned true worship. When they expressed heartfelt repentance, Jehovah willingly extended love and mercy, saying: “I will heal their unfaithfulness. I will love them of my own free will.” (Hos. 14:4) What a fine example of using his freedom for the benefit of others!
4, 5. (a) Who was the first to receive God’s gift of free will, and how did he use it? (b) What question must each of us ask?
4 When Jehovah began his creative works, he lovingly chose to bestow free will on his intelligent creatures. The first one to receive this gift was his firstborn Son, “the image of the invisible God.” (Col. 1:15) Even before coming to earth, Jesus chose to remain loyal to his Father and not join Satan in his rebellion. Later, when Jesus was on earth, he exercised his free will to reject the temptations of the great Adversary. (Matt. 4:10) In earnest prayer the night before his death, Jesus reaffirmed his determination to do the will of God. He said: “Father, if you want to, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, let, not my will, but yours take place.” (Luke 22:42) May we imitate Jesus and use our free will to honor Jehovah and to do his will! Is that really possible?
5 Yes, we can imitate the example of Jesus, for we too are made in God’s image and likeness. (Gen. 1:26) However, we have limitations. We do not have the absolute freedom that Jehovah has. God’s Word explains that our freedom has boundaries and that we must observe the limits Jehovah appropriately places on us. What is more, wives are to be in subjection to their husbands and children to their parents. (Eph. 5:22; 6:1) How do these limitations affect the way we use our free will? The answer to that question can determine our everlasting future.
THE USE AND ABUSE OF FREE WILL
6. Illustrate why it is proper for our freedom to have limitations.
6 Is having free will with limits real freedom? Yes, it is! Why can we say that? Limitations put on people’s freedom can protect them. For example, we may exercise our freedom of choice to drive to a distant city. However, would we feel safe traveling on highways where there were no traffic laws, where everyone was free to decide how fast or on which side of the road to drive? Obviously not. Limits are necessary in order for all to enjoy the blessings of true freedom. To illustrate further the wisdom of using our free will within the boundaries set by Jehovah, let us consider some Bible examples.
7. (a) How did the gift of free will distinguish Adam from other forms of life in Eden? (b) Describe one way that Adam exercised his free will.
7 When creating the first human, Adam, God gave him the same gift he had given his intelligent creatures in heaven, the gift of free will. This set Adam apart from the animals, since they live according to instinct. Consider an example of how Adam used his free will in an appropriate way. Animals were created before man. However, Jehovah reserved the joy of naming those creatures for his first human son. God “began bringing them to the man to see what he would call each one.” After Adam observed each animal and assigned it a suitable name, Jehovah did not step in and override Adam’s choices. Rather, “whatever the man would call each living creature, that became its name.”—Gen. 2:19.
8. How did Adam misuse his free will, and with what result?
8 Regrettably, Adam was not output with his God-given assignment as cultivator and caretaker of the earthly paradise. He was not satisfied with his extensive freedom to carry out his God-given mandate: “Be fruitful and become many, fill the earth and subdue it, and have in subjection the fish . . . , the flying creatures . . . , and every living creature that is moving on the earth.” (Gen. 1:28) Instead, he chose to overstep his God-ordained boundaries by eating the forbidden fruit. This gross misuse of free will resulted in millenniums of suffering and pain for Adam’s descendants. (Rom. 5:12) Knowing the consequences of Adam’s decision should move us to use our freedom responsibly and within the limits set by Jehovah.
9. What choice did Jehovah give his people, Israel, and how did the nation respond?
9 The descendants of Adam and Eve inherited imperfection and death from their disobedient parents. However, they retained the right to exercise the gift of free will. This is evident in the way God dealt with the nation of Israel. Through his servant Moses, Jehovah gave the people the choice to accept or reject the privilege of becoming His special property. (Ex. 19:3-6) What was their response? They freely chose to carry out the conditions of becoming God’s name people and unanimously declared: “All that Jehovah has spoken, we are willing to do.” (Ex. 19:8) Sadly, in time the nation misused its freedom of choice and broke that promise. Let us heed this warning example and always treasure our gift of free will by continuing to stick close to Jehovah and obeying his righteous requirements.—1 Cor. 10:11.
10. What examples prove that it is possible for imperfect humans to use their free will in a way that honors God? (See opening picture.)
10 In Hebrews chapter 11, we find the names of 16 servants of God who chose to use their free will within the limits set by Jehovah. As a result, they reaped rich blessings and a sure hope for the future. For example, Noah showed great faith and chose to obey God’s instructions to build an ark for the preservation of his own family and future generations of humankind. (Heb. 11:7) Abraham and Sarah willingly followed God’s leadings to a land of promise. Even after they embarked on this long journey, they had the “opportunity to return” to the prosperous city of Ur. However, they kept their eyes of faith focused on the future “fulfillment of [God’s] promises”; they were “reaching out for a better place.” (Heb. 11:8, 13, 15, 16) Moses turned his back on the treasures of Egypt, “choosing to be mistreated with the people of God rather than to have the temporary enjoyment of sin.” (Heb. 11:24-26) May we imitate the faith of such ancient ones by treasuring our gift of free will and using it to do God’s will.
11. (a) What is one of the great blessings of free will? (b) What motivates you to use your free will properly?
11 While it might seem easier to have someone else make decisions for us, doing so would rob us of one of the great blessings of free will. That blessing is revealed at Deuteronomy 30:19, 20. (Read.) Verse 19 describes the choice that God gave to the Israelites. In verse 20 we learn that Jehovah gave them the precious opportunity to show him what was in their hearts. We too can choose to worship Jehovah. We could have no greater motive than to use God’s gift of free will to express our love for him and to bring him honor and glory!
AVOID MISUSING YOUR GIFT OF FREE WILL
12. What must we never do with our gift of free will?
12 Imagine that you gave a valuable gift to a friend. How disappointed you would be if you learned that he had thrown your gift in the trash or, worse yet, that he had used it to injure someone! Now think of how Jehovah must feel as he watches so many people misuse their freedom to make choices in life even to the harm of others. Indeed, just as the Bible foretold, during “the last days” men would be “unthankful.” (2 Tim. 3:1, 2) May we never misuse this precious gift from Jehovah or take it for granted. How, though, can we avoid misusing our gift of free will?
13. What is one way we can avoid misusing our Christian freedom?
13 All of us have freedom of choice regarding associations, styles of dress and grooming, and entertainment. However, our freedom could become “a cover for doing wrong” if we chose to become slaves of our own fleshly desires or if we adopted the disgraceful fads and trends of the world. (Read 1 Peter 2:16.) Instead of using our freedom “as an opportunity to pursue fleshly desires,” we want to be determined to make choices that help us to heed the admonition: “Do all things for God’s glory.”—Gal. 5:13; 1 Cor. 10:31.
14. What does trusting in Jehovah have to do with our use of free will?
14 Another way to guard our gift of free will is to put our trust in Jehovah and let him guide us within the protective boundaries that he has set for us. He alone is ‘the One teaching us to benefit ourselves, the One guiding us in the way we should walk.’ (Isa. 48:17) We must humbly acknowledge the truthfulness of the inspired words: “Man’s way does not belong to him. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.” (Jer. 10:23) May we never fall into the trap of choosing to rely on our own understanding, as did Adam and the rebellious Israelites. Instead, may we “trust in Jehovah with all [our] heart.”—Prov. 3:5.
RESPECTING OTHERS’ GIFT OF FREE WILL
15. What do we learn from the principle found at Galatians 6:5?
15 One of the limitations on our freedom is that we must respect the right that others have to make their own decisions in life. Why? Since we all have the gift of free will, no two Christians will always make exactly the same decision. This is true even in matters that involve our conduct and worship. Remember the principle found at Galatians 6:5. (Read.) When we recognize that each Christian must “carry his own load,” we will respect the right that others have to use their own gift of free will.
We can make personal decisions without imposing our conscience on others (See paragraph 15)
16, 17. (a) How did freedom of choice become an issue in Corinth? (b) How did Paul resolve matters, and what does this teach us about the rights of others?
16 Consider a Bible example that illustrates why we must respect our brothers’ freedom to make their own decisions in matters of conscience. Christians in Corinth became divided over the matter of eating meat that may have been offered to idols but was thereafter sold in a meat market. Some reasoned: ‘Since an idol is nothing, the meat can be eaten in good conscience.’ However, others who formerly worshipped those idols felt that eating the meat would be an act of worship. (1 Cor. 8:4, 7) This was a sensitive issue, one that threatened to cause divisions in the congregation. How did Paul help the Christians in Corinth to gain God’s view of the matter?
17 First, Paul reminded both sides that food would not bring them nearer to God. (1 Cor. 8:8) Next, he warned them not to allow their “right to choose” to become “a stumbling block to those who [were] weak.” (1 Cor. 8:9) Later, he instructed those with a more sensitive conscience not to judge those who chose to eat such meat. (1 Cor. 10:25, 29, 30) Hence, in this important matter related to worship, each Christian needed to make a conscientious decision. Therefore, should we not also respect our brother’s right to make personal decisions in matters of lesser importance?—1 Cor. 10:32, 33.
18. How will you show that you treasure your gift of free will?
18 Jehovah has given us the gift of free will and with it true freedom. (2 Cor. 3:17) We treasure this gift because it allows us to make decisions that reveal to Jehovah how much we love him. May we continue to show our appreciation for this precious gift by using it in a way that honors God and by respecting the way that others choose to use their gift. |
Happiness (hp)
1980 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/hp | Chapter 17
Whose Laws Will You Put First?
WE LIVE with law—laws of nature, or creation; laws from God on morals and conduct; secular laws. We easily accept and benefit from many of these. But what if a law seems unduly restrictive? Or if there is a conflict between two laws affecting you?
2 Since natural laws seem rather impersonal, few individuals have problems in accepting them. Who would defy the law of gravity by walking off a high cliff? And that law benefits us; it keeps our feet on the ground and the food on our plate. Other natural laws involve genetics, which affect what our children will be like. By being conscious of genetic laws and not marrying a close relative, we avoid the danger of passing on to our children certain defects. (Compare Leviticus 18:6-17.) But what about laws on conduct or morals?
3 Many persons develop a resentment toward legislated laws. One reason is that humans have tended to make needless laws and to oppress others by means of laws. (Matthew 15:2; 23:4) However, there is danger in viewing all laws as bad or in making it a practice to ignore them.
4 Mankind’s dying condition can be traced to a rebellion against law. God forbade Adam and Eve to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and bad. But Satan suggested to Eve that God’s law was unduly restrictive. (Genesis 3:1-6) Satan’s appeal was—‘No rules. Set your own standards.’ That anti-law spirit has been popular down through history, even until today.
5 Jehovah does not oppress his people with needlessly inhibiting or burdensome laws, for “where the spirit of Jehovah is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17; James 1:25) Yet, contrary to what Satan wants people to believe, Jehovah is the Sovereign Ruler of the universe. He is its Creator as well as being our Life-Giver and Provider. (Acts 4:24; 14:15-17) So he has the right to direct us and make laws as to our conduct.
6 Many persons agree that, as the ultimate authority, God has the right to decree what humans can and can not do. That is, they agree until they strongly want to do something that God forbids. Obviously, that is dangerous. There is ample proof that God’s commands are for our good. For example, avoiding drunkenness, wrath and covetousness will help us to enjoy better health and to have more outputment. (Psalm 119:1-9, 105) Also, God’s laws can help us to gain his approval and salvation. (Proverbs 21:30, 31) So even if persons do not yet understand the reason behind some of Jehovah’s commands, for them to refuse to obey, perhaps because of prideful independence, is folly.
7 An example of God’s commands for Christians is a decree issued by a council of the apostles and older men in Jerusalem, who formed a governing body of the early Christian congregation:
“The holy spirit and we ourselves have favored adding no further burden to you, except these necessary things, to keep abstaining from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication.”—Acts 15:22-29.
8 We have sound reasons to obey God’s law on “fornication”—protection against disease, illegitimacy, broken marriages. That law means that people are not to engage in homosexuality or other gross sexual immorality, all of which are covered by the Greek word porneia (fornication) used in Acts 15:29. (Romans 1:24-27, 32) But what if the dangers of “fornication” could be avoided? Would we still obey God’s command because he is our Sovereign Ruler? If we do, we help to prove that Satan is a liar, that humans will obey Jehovah because they love him.—Job 2:3-5; 27:5; Psalm 26:1, 11.
9 That decree set out in Acts 15:22-29 identifies another area in which we can show our obedience. It is God’s command to ‘abstain from blood’ and from the meat of animals strangled to keep blood in them. God told our ancestor Noah that humans may eat animal flesh, but must not sustain their lives with the blood of another creature. (Genesis 9:3-6) When repeating this law to the Israelites, God said that “the soul [or, life] of the flesh is in the blood.” The only way they were to use blood was on the altar to atone for sin. Otherwise, blood from a creature was to be poured out, figuratively returning it to God. Obeying this law meant life or death.—Leviticus 17:10-14.
10 Those sacrifices pictured the pouring out of Jesus’ blood in our behalf. (Ephesians 1:7; Revelation 1:5; Hebrews 9:12, 23-28) Even after Christ returned to heaven, God commanded Christians to ‘abstain from blood.’ But how many persons claiming to be Christians obey the Divine Lawgiver and Life-Giver in this matter? In some places it is common for persons to include among the foods they eat unbled meat, blood sausage or other food deliberately containing blood.
11 Similarly, many persons have accepted blood transfusions in an effort to live longer. Often they are unaware that blood transfusions themselves pose serious health risks and that virtually any type of surgery can be done without blood by employing alternative therapies.a But even if it seemed life were at stake, would it be a mistake to obey God? Divine law must not be ignored even in an emergency.—1 Samuel 14:31-35.
12 In upholding their belief in freedom of speech or worship, or some political ideal, many men have risked death. They have obeyed a ruler or a military commander no matter what the danger. Do we not have much more compelling reasons to obey the Sovereign of the universe? ‘Absolutely,’ answers the record of integrity set by many men of faith. (Daniel 3:8-18; Hebrews 11:35-38) They knew, as we should, that Jehovah is the Life-Giver and will remember and reward those obeying him—if necessary restoring them to life by means of a resurrection in his due time. (Hebrews 5:9; 6:10; John 11:25) We can be sure that, under any circumstance, obeying Jehovah is the right and lastingly best course.—Mark 8:35.
OBEY GOVERNMENTAL LAWS?
13 Many other laws affecting us daily come from secular governments. How should the Christian view and react to these laws? The apostle Paul wrote: “Remind people to be loyally subject to the government and its officials, to obey the laws.”—Titus 3:1, The New American Bible.
14 In the first century C.E., the Roman government was not always just, and some of its rulers were immoral and dishonest. Yet Paul said: “Let every soul be in subjection to the superior authorities, for there is no authority except by God.” The “superior authorities” are the existing secular governments.—Romans 13:1.
15 Jehovah acknowledges that until his rule is fully restored to earth, civil governments serve some useful purposes. They help to keep a measure of order in society and provide numerous services, including the registering of marriages and births. (Compare Luke 2:1-5.) Thus Christians generally can “go on leading a calm and quiet life with full godly devotion and seriousness.”—1 Timothy 2:2.
16 While awaiting the time when God’s kingdom will solve the problems of war, injustice and oppression, Christians are not to ‘oppose the authority’ of civil governments. They are to pay the required taxes honestly, obey the laws and give respect to rulers. For this course true Christians have often been praised and helped by officials, and they seldom are punished with “the sword” used against lawbreakers.—Romans 13:2-7.
BEING IN RELATIVE SUBJECTION
17 Sometimes there is a conflict between laws. A civil government may require something that God forbids. Or civil law may forbid a thing that God commands Christians to do. What then?
18 Such a conflict occurred when rulers forbade the apostles to preach about the resurrected Jesus Christ. Read the faith-strengthening account at Acts 4:1-23; 5:12-42. Though imprisoned and flogged, the apostles would not stop preaching. Peter said: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.”—Acts 5:29.
19 So a Christian’s subjection to the governmental authorities is a relative subjection. His first obligation is to obey the Supreme Authority. If, as a result, he suffers punishment, he can gain comfort in knowing that God approves of what he is doing.—1 Peter 2:20-23.
20 The early Christians faced decisions in another area involving what God directed and what the Roman government expected. This had to do with supporting or being in the Roman army. God had said of his people: “They will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:4; Matthew 26:52) If, then, the Roman government demanded that a Christian be in its army or support its war efforts, there would be a conflict between Caesar’s law and God’s.
21 Early Christians also put God’s law first when they were ordered by men to offer incense to the deity of Rome’s Caesar. Others may have thought the act to be patriotic. But history tells us that Christians saw it as a form of idolatry. They would not perform idolatrous acts toward any person or object, knowing that their devotion belonged to Jehovah. (Matthew 22:21; 1 John 5:21) And rather than get involved in politics, even by shouting idolatrous praise to a ruler, they kept neutral so as to be “no part of the world,” as Jesus had urged.—John 15:19; Acts 12:21-23.
22 Will you accept God’s thinking and his directions on the matter of law? Doing so will protect you from many sorrows experienced by persons who disregard God’s laws on conduct and morals. And you will not experience needless punishment from existing civil authorities. But God’s thinking on the matter includes, above all, recognizing him as the Supreme Ruler. If you will do that under all circumstances, then you will fit in when the laws of God’s kingdom will soon prevail over the entire earth.—Daniel 7:27.
[Footnotes]
a Religious, ethical and medical aspects of this are presented in the booklet Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Question of Blood, published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.
[Study Questions]
Why should we give thought to how we will view laws? (1-4)
What do we need to recognize about God’s laws? (5, 6)
What reasons do we have to obey God’s law against “fornication”? (7, 8)
How can we obey God’s law about blood? (9-11)
Why should we obey God even if our life is threatened? (12)
How should Christians view secular governments, and why? (Matthew 22:19-21) (13-16)
What is the right course when God’s law and secular laws conflict? Illustrate. (17-21)
What test do we now face? (22)
[Box on page 167]
“A careful review of all the information available goes to show that, until the time of Marcus Aurelius [emperor from 161 to 180 C.E.], no Christian became a soldier; and no soldier, after becoming a Christian, remained in military service.”—“The Rise of Christianity.”
[Picture on page 165]
Your taxes pay for . . .
Police Protection
Sanitation
Education
Mail Delivery
Water Distribution
Fire Fighting |
“Kingdom Come” (kc)
1981 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/kc | Chapter 1
“Thy Kingdom Come”!
1. What would God’s kingdom mean to you, if soon it brought the conditions pictured here?
FEW WORDS of prayer have been repeated more often than the above. Perhaps you the reader have uttered that prayer. And surely we need God’s kingdom! How grand it would be to live under the conditions pictured on these pages! And that is the hope that God’s kingdom holds out for us: Peace and harmony in all the earth. The races of mankind united in bonds of genuine love. Everyone delighting to do productive work and enjoying the fruits of his labors. The air filled with the music of creation and with the song and laughter of happy humans. A healthy global society of mankind in which no one grows old or gets sick. The enjoyment of peace with the animals, the fragrance of flowers, the beauty of colorful landscapes and ever-changing seasons. Yes, all of this, and much more, is promised for our earth after God’s kingdom comes, as we shall see.
2, 3. What changes in recent years emphasize the need for God’s kingdom?
2 However, things are far different now. For we are passing through times that the Bible describes as “hard to deal with.” (2 Timothy 3:1) You know how these critical times have touched your own life. Many who will read these pages have lost loved ones in the wars and other violence of this century. Yet the nations are engaged in the most feverish armaments race of all time. And they already have on hand far more than enough weapons to bring about the annihilation of all humankind.
3 Other problems, very close to home, also concern us. With the upsurge of muggings, murder and rape, many of us find it dangerous even to walk the streets. And do we not hear of more divorces, broken families and delinquency than formerly? In this age of permissive sex and drug addiction, many persons are apprehensive about sending their children to the public schools. If you live in some neighborhood or country where such problems have not yet surfaced, you should be thankful indeed!
4, 5. (a) What other problems touch our lives? (b) What world trends show that it is urgent for ‘God’s kingdom to come’?
4 How much does it cost to put food on your table these days? And how much does it cost to run your automobile? As food and fuel prices soar, the shaky world situation casts ominous shadows into the future. Where is our world headed? An item in U.S. News & World Report of August 4, 1980, underlined the seriousness of the crisis. It said: “Unless major new steps are taken, the world 20 years from now will be a filthy, unstable planet with billions of poor people scrambling for scarce, high-priced resources. That warning emerged on July 24 from a presidential commission completing a three-year study.” Among other things, this study revealed that by the year 2000 the world’s population will reach 6.3 billion, that—inflation aside—food prices will double, that deserts will expand and forests disappear, and that at least half the world’s oil will be depleted. That is, if the present system should survive that long!
5 What have individual nations, or even the United Nations, been able to do about this crisis? Very little, as yet. It all shows how urgently we need God’s kingdom!
WHAT IS THAT KINGDOM?
6. Why would we be due for disappointment if God’s kingdom were only in the hearts of people?
6 Is it simply a condition centered within the hearts of believers? In other words, when enough people are converted to Christianity, will God’s kingdom be here? Some persons have reasoned that way, pointing to Luke 17:21 in the King James Version, or Authorized Version, of the Bible (in English), which says: “The kingdom of God is within you.” But if their conclusion is correct, the kingdom of God is getting ever farther away. Why? Because the proportion of professed Christians to others in the world today is less than 25 percent, and is diminishing. Also, there are hundreds of millions of church members who seldom go inside a church.
7, 8. How does an examination of the Scriptures help us to arrive at the true meaning of Luke 17:21?
7 Think, too, about this: To whom was Jesus talking when he said, “The kingdom of God is within you”? It was to the hypocritical Pharisees that Jesus applied God’s words by the prophet Isaiah: “Their heart is far from me.” (Matthew 15:1, 8, AV; Isaiah 29:13) How could the Kingdom enter into those hard hearts? What, then, is the meaning of Jesus’ words? There is a clue in editions of the King James Version that have marginal readings. There the alternative reading given is: “The kingdom of God is among you.” And this is the way that many other translations of the Bible, such as the Catholic Jerusalem Bible and The New English Bible, also read.
8 So, then, Jesus was here speaking of himself, the King-designate, as being among them. He was actually there in their midst, as a real person. And this should bring home to us, too, that the Kingdom is a real kingdom, an actual government, even as its King is an actual person.
THE REALITY TODAY
9, 10. What is a real kingdom, and how can it benefit its subjects?
9 Today, few kingdoms remain on this earth. They are real governments, including Norway, the United Kingdom, Jordan and Nepal, to name some of them. In these there is a king (or a queen), together with associated rulers who serve as a parliament, diet or other governmental body. Under this comparatively small ruling group, the masses of the people go about their daily lives. They are the subjects of the kingdom.
10 Where the king and his corulers are deeply concerned about the people’s welfare, a kingdom can provide many benefits. It was that way in the ancient kingdom of Solomon, when the people “were many, like the grains of sand that are by the sea for multitude, eating and drinking and rejoicing.”—1 Kings 4:20; 10:1-9.a
11. In what ways is the kingdom of God similar to kingdoms on earth?
11 Does the fact that the kingdom of God rules from heaven make it any less real? Why, no! In the first place, it has a king who is very much alive and active. He is God’s own appointee, the Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the Bible says: “On him nations will rest their hope.” (Romans 15:12) Like governments on earth, the heavenly kingdom has a composite ruling body. The Bible shows this to be made up of a limited number of associate kings, who have proved their integrity to God as men and women upon this earth. To these, Jesus says: “Have no fear, little flock, because your Father has approved of giving you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32; Revelation 5:9, 10; 20:4) The kingdom has heavenly authority. From its vantage point in the heavens, the Kingdom government can project its commands—by means far more powerful than radio or laser beams—to any place on earth.
12, 13. God’s kingdom has what kind of (a) laws, (b) educational arrangement, (c) health program?
12 What about laws? Yes, God’s kingdom operates by laws—the very best of laws, made by God to benefit the people. You can read about them in the Bible. (Deuteronomy 6:4-9; Mark 12:28-31) Does the Kingdom have an educational system? Certainly it does! Right now its educational program is reaching out to aid sincere persons of all nations and peoples and languages, to prepare them for life eternal under the Kingdom’s righteous administration. In whatever country of earth you may live, you personally can avail yourself of this course of instruction.—Matthew 24:14; Revelation 7:9, 10; Isaiah 54:13.
13 Does the Kingdom have a health program? It has the most practical of all health programs—that based on the ransom sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. This program will rid humans of their ailments and physical weaknesses, so that they may attain to everlasting life in the fullness of good health. (Isaiah 25:8; John 10:10) While he was on earth, Jesus performed many miracles, illustrating that he would have the authority and power to cure the sick, restore sight to the blind, heal the lame, and even bring dead persons back to life. (Luke 7:20-23) While this Kingdom program lies yet in the future, those who are learning about it today are learning also to lead clean, moral lives and are being restored right now to radiant spiritual health. Their hope is a real one.—Isaiah 65:14; Romans 10:11.
14. While on earth, what did Jesus feature in his teaching?
14 When Jesus was a man on earth, he taught many things about the kingdom of God and, in fact, provided a preview of life under its rulership. (Luke 4:43; Matthew 12:22-28) He taught his disciples about God, so that they could draw close to God in the relationship of sons to a loving father. He provided them with sound guidance for coping successfully with the situations we encounter in life.—John 1:18; 14:6.
THE SOURCE OF TRUE HAPPINESS
15. Why were the people of Jesus’ day like us today in needing comfort?
15 The prayer for ‘God’s kingdom to come’ is part of the Sermon on the Mount, which Jesus gave on a hillside overlooking the Sea of Galilee. His listeners were his chosen disciples, along with crowds of other people. These had been “skinned and thrown about” by selfish men. (Matthew 9:36) What Jesus said brought comfort to his hearers, and his words can be just as comforting to us today.
16. Who are the ones that find true happiness, and how?
16 Jesus started his sermon by pointing to the source of true happiness. Was this to be found in material wealth, in entertainment, in seeking thrills and excitement? No, for Jesus placed the emphasis on spiritual things. He showed that persons who are “conscious of their spiritual need” and who are “hungering and thirsting for righteousness” would find lasting happiness in connection with God’s kingdom. (Matthew 5:3, 6; Luke 8:1, 4-15) Are you cultivating such spiritual interests?
17, 18. (a) What must we do to be approved by God? (b) How does Jesus’ assurance at Matthew 6:26-33 appeal to you?
17 In the course of his sermon, Jesus made it plain that, to be approved by God, we must learn to be imitators of our heavenly Father. We should reflect his qualities and conduct ourselves according to his standards. (Matthew 5:43-48; Ephesians 5:1, 2) To please him our worship cannot be some mere formalism that we go through once or twice a week. It must be a living, active worship, that is reflected in our daily lives and in our loving concern for fellow humans.
18 However, if we place spiritual values first in our lives, will this not lead to our suffering want in today’s greedy, self-seeking society? Not at all! If we ‘seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness,’ then all other necessary things of life will be added to us. Jesus explains this beautifully at Matthew 6:26-33, which you should read.
19, 20. (a) Why is it important to know how God views our worship? (b) How may we be helped to give God’s kingdom prominence in our lives? (c) Why will it be profitable to review “the Lord’s Prayer”?
19 How, then, are we to ‘seek first the kingdom’? Does it mean that if we ‘go to the church of our choice’ we will surely receive God’s blessing? Or do we need to seek out the kind of worship that God chooses for us? Note what Jesus said about this: “Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will.” He made clear that some who claimed ‘to have prophesied in his name and to have done powerful works in his name’ would actually be “workers of lawlessness” from God’s standpoint. (Matthew 7:21-23; see also 7:13, 14.) How can we know for sure how God views our worship? Only by getting well acquainted with what is contained in his Word, the Bible.
20 An examination of the Bible will help us to give God’s kingdom the prominence it deserves in our lives, and in a way that fits our individual circumstances. It will assist us to take a fresh view of life, and to appreciate what the most important things are. So let us consider next that part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount known as “the Lord’s Prayer.” (Matthew 6:9-13) A review of this Model Prayer will help us to get a true perspective on what God requires of us if we are to find true happiness. And it will show us that the thrilling theme of the Bible is the sanctifying of God’s name by his kingdom in the hands of Jesus Christ.
[Footnotes]
a Unless otherwise indicated, all scriptures quoted in part or in full in this book are quoted from the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, published by the producers of this book.
[Box on page 7]
DOES MANKIND NEED GOD’S KINGDOM?
“If a one-megaton nuclear device were exploded over New York City, it would probably kill 2.25 million people immediately, seriously injure an additional 3.6 million, . . . a group of physicians and nuclear physicists agreed yesterday. . . . Their belief is that the world will experience such a war before the century is over and that it would make the continued existence of humans impossible.”—New York “Times,” September 27, 1980
[Box on page 11]
THE REALITY OF GOD’S KINGDOM
KING: Jesus, with authority to rule for 1,000 years.
HEAVENLY CORULERS: Chosen by God from faithful humans.
ITS REALM: Our earth with global paradise to be restored.
LOYAL SUBJECTS: Billions, to include resurrected dead.
LAWS: Based on God’s righteousness, kingly law of love.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM: Aiding persons of all races to enjoy a happy life now, and preparing them for everlasting life in the earthly paradise.
[Full-page picture on page 4] |
YOUNG PEOPLE ASK
Creation or Evolution?—Part 1: Why Believe in God? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502014155 | YOUNG PEOPLE ASK
Creation or Evolution?—Part 1: Why Believe in God?
Creation or evolution?
Why do I believe in God?
Explaining my belief
Creation or evolution?
Do you believe that God created all things? If so, you’re not alone; many young people (and adults) share your view. But others say that life and the universe evolved—without the help of a “Supreme Being.”
Did you know? People on both sides of the debate are often quick to state what they believe without really knowing why they believe it.
Some people believe in creation simply because that’s what they’ve been taught at church.
Many people believe in evolution simply because that’s what they’ve been taught at school.
This series of articles will help you to reinforce and explain your belief in creation. First, though, you need to ask yourself an even more basic question:
Why do I believe in God?
Why is that question important? Because the Bible encourages you to use your mind, “your power of reason.” (Romans 12:1) That means your belief in God should not be based merely on
emotion (I just feel that there must be a higher power)
the influence of others (I live in a religious community)
pressure (My parents raised me to believe in God—or else)
Instead, you should be personally convinced that God exists and should have sound reasons for your belief.
So, what convinces you that God exists? The worksheet “Why Do I Believe in God?” will build your conviction. You might also find it helpful to consider how other young people have answered that question.
“When I’m in class listening to the teacher explain how our bodies function, there’s no doubt in my mind that God exists. Each part of the body has its own function, down to the smallest detail, and these functions are often carried out without our awareness. The human body truly is mind-boggling!”—Teresa.
“When I see a skyscraper, a cruise ship, or a car, I ask myself, ‘Who built this?’ It takes intelligent people to build a car, for example, because so many small components have to work just right for the whole thing to function. And if cars have to be designed by someone, then so do we humans.”—Richard.
“When you realize that it’s taken the most intelligent human minds hundreds of years to understand even the smallest fraction of the universe, then thinking that it took no intelligence to bring that universe into existence seems completely unreasonable!”—Karen.
“The more I studied science, the less credible evolution seemed. For example, I thought about the mathematical precision in nature and the uniqueness of humans, including our need to know who we are, where we came from, and where we are going. Evolution aims to explain all these things in terms associated with animals, but it has never been able to explain why humans are unique. To me, it takes more ‘faith’ to believe in evolution than to believe in a Creator.”—Anthony.
Explaining my belief
What if classmates ridicule you for believing in something you can’t see? What if they say that science has “proved” evolution?
First, be confident in what you believe. Do not be intimidated or ashamed. (Romans 1:16) After all, remember:
You are not alone; many people still believe in God. That includes highly intelligent, professional people. For example, there are scientists who believe there is a God.
When people say that they don’t believe in God, sometimes what they really mean is that they don’t understand God. Rather than offer evidence to support their view, they raise questions such as, “If God exists, why does he allow suffering?” In effect, they turn an intellectual issue into an emotional one.
Humans have a “spiritual need.” (Matthew 5:3) This includes a need to believe in God. So if someone says there is no God, that person—not you—has the responsibility to explain how he or she could reach such a conclusion.—Romans 1:18-20.
Belief in God is entirely reasonable. It conforms to the proven fact that life cannot come into existence by itself. No evidence exists to support the idea that life could spontaneously come from nonliving matter.
What, then, could you say if someone questions your belief in God? Consider a few possibilities.
If someone says: “Only uneducated people believe in God.”
You could respond: “Do you really accept that stereotype? I don’t. In fact, in a survey in which more than 1,600 science professors from various elite universities took part, a third did not claim to be atheist or agnostic.a Would you call those professors unintelligent just because they believe in God?”
If someone says: “If God exists, why is there so much suffering in the world?”
You could respond: “Perhaps what you mean is that you don’t understand how God acts—or in this case, doesn’t seem to act. Is that right? [Allow for response.] I’ve found a satisfying answer to the question about why there is so much suffering. But understanding it takes an examination of several Bible teachings. Would you be interested in learning more?”
The next article in this series will discuss why the theory of evolution does not provide a satisfactory explanation for our existence.
a Source: Social Science Research Council, “Religion and Spirituality Among University Scientists,” by Elaine Howard Ecklund, February 5, 2007. |
Christians in the Midst of War | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101988012 | Christians in the Midst of War
How do Christians cope when armies overrun a country, as they did in Korea in the 1950’s, or when violence is a daily threat, as it has been for years in parts of Ireland? What course do they take in order to stand for righteous principles?
The 1988 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses is filled with experiences of Christians standing firm for righteousness during the war in Korea and during the years of violence in Ireland. The Yearbook also provides a historical account of the activity of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Costa Rica, as well as an up-to-date picture of their work worldwide.
Please send, postpaid, the 1988 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I enclose $1 (U.S.). |
For Young People
Guard Against Wicked Spirits! | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2012013 | For Young People
Guard Against Wicked Spirits!
Instructions: Do this exercise in quiet surroundings. As you read the scriptures, imagine that you are part of the events. Visualize the scenes. Hear the voices. Feel the emotions of the characters. Let the accounts come to life.
1 ANALYZE THE SCENES.—READ GENESIS 6:1-6 AND ACTS 19:11-20.
Describe the appearance of the Nephilim as you picture them.
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How do you imagine the men felt after encountering a wicked spirit, as described at Acts 19:13-16?
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2 DIG DEEPER.
Using research materials at your disposal, find out more about the Nephilim. Why, do you think, did they have such a violent disposition?
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In what way can it be said that wicked spirits “forsook their own proper dwelling place”? (Read Jude 6.) Why, do you think, was it unnatural—even perverted—for them to seek out human wives?
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What do the two accounts that you read tell you about the obsession wicked spirits have with sex and violence?
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3 APPLY WHAT YOU LEARNED. WRITE DOWN WHAT YOU LEARNED ABOUT . . .
The vicious and selfish disposition of wicked spirits.
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FOR FURTHER APPLICATION.
Since wicked spirits can no longer materialize, in what indirect ways might they try to influence you?
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What forms of entertainment today reflect the attitude and interests of wicked spirits?
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How can you show that you are determined to resist the influence of wicked spirits? (Reread Acts 19:18, 19.)
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4 WHAT ASPECTS OF THESE ACCOUNTS CAPTURE YOUR INTEREST MOST, AND WHY?
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If you don’t have a Bible, ask Jehovah’s Witnesses for one, or read it online at www.watchtower.org |
Truth (tr)
1981 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/tr | Chapter 1
Grand Blessings from God Near at Hand!
1. In view of worsening world conditions, what questions arise?
DO YOU want to live in peace and happiness? Do you desire good health and long life for yourself and your loved ones? Do you long to see wickedness and suffering end? Every honest-hearted person wants these things. But today, in all parts of the earth, violence, crime, hunger and sickness are increasing. Why is the world so filled with trouble? What does it all mean? Is there any sound reason to believe that conditions will really get better in our lifetime?
2. (a) What book gives us reason for hope? (b) Why can we reasonably think that the loving Creator will bring an end to conditions that cause sorrow?
2 Yes, there is reason for such hope, and it is clearly set out in a book that is published in more languages than any other book in the world. That book is the Bible. It tells us of God’s purpose to set up an entirely new system of things for mankind. If you had the power to do so, would you not bring to an end the conditions that cause so much sorrow? Of course you would! Should we think that the Creator of mankind will do any less? The Bible tells us that “God is love.” (1 John 4:8) Surely this loving heavenly Father knows what mankind needs. He has the power to fill those needs, and he will most certainly do so, for Psalm 145:16a says of God: “You are opening your hand and satisfying the desire of every living thing.”—See also Deuteronomy 32:4.
3. (a) Will it be a long time yet before God satisfies man’s desire for peace and happiness? (b) Of what are worsening world conditions a proof?
3 When will God satisfy man’s desire for true peace and happiness, along with lasting health and life? Must mankind wait for thousands of years more? No! The time is near at hand! But how can this be? Conditions in the world are getting worse, not better. True, but the Bible clearly showed, long in advance, that these very conditions would be proof that we are living in the “last days” of the present wicked system. (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Soon the loving Creator will bring to their end both wickedness and those who cause it. But God will richly bless honest-hearted ones who want to do what is right, for he promises: “The world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever.”—1 John 2:17.
WHAT GOD WILL DO FOR MANKIND
4. (a) In God’s new system, what causes for unhappiness will be things of the past? (b) How will God fulfill his promise of peace?
4 What a change this earth will experience! There will be no more war, nor will there be any of the suffering that war brings. Hatred, selfishness, crime and violence will all be things of the past. Instead, there will be perfect peace and security on earth. God’s own Word declares: “Just a little while longer, and the wicked one will be no more; . . . the meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.” (Psalm 37:10, 11 [36:10, 11, Dy]) Such peace will exist, not only between nations, but among neighbors and in every household. Think what a grand blessing that could be to you! And how reassuring to know that the fulfillment of this heartwarming promise does not depend on men! It is God who will bring it about. How? By destroying the wicked and by educating his people in the ways of peace.—Proverbs 2:21, 22; Isaiah 54:13.
5. (a) In the new system, what will happen to sickness and death? (b) What questions arise about man’s present short life-span?
5 Among the many blessings that people will enjoy in the new system of God’s making is good health. Even death, which brings much sorrow to all of us, will be no more. The Creator’s promise is: “And [God] will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be any more. . . . Look! I am making all things new.” (Revelation 21:4, 5)b That is something that no human ruler, no scientist, no doctor can do; but it is something that God will do. Is it reasonable that God’s only purpose for man is that he spend twenty years growing up, perhaps another twenty or thirty years gaining knowledge and experience, and shortly thereafter begin to grow old, suffer from sickness and die? Why should man’s life be so short when even a turtle may live to the age of two hundred years and a tree may live far longer? God made man to live, not to die. The Creator promises that soon it will be possible to enjoy life everlastingly, right here on earth. (Isaiah 25:8) With peace-loving neighbors, good health and satisfying activity to fill our lives, what a pleasure that will be!
6. How can we be sure that this new system will come?
6 How can you be sure that this new system will come? How can you be sure it is not just a dream? You can be confident because Almighty God has promised it. The One who created and sustains the universe has given his guarantee that it will come. “God . . . cannot lie.” (Titus 1:2) His word never goes unfulfilled.—Joshua 23:14.
7. Even though men were used to write the Bible, why can we truthfully view it as “the word of God”?
7 These thrilling truths are found in God’s Word, the Bible, the Holy Scriptures. There is no other source of information available to man that explains in a truly satisfying way the reason for what has happened on earth and God’s purpose for mankind. While men were used to write the Bible, they did so under the direction of God’s powerful active force or holy spirit, so that “all Scripture is inspired of God.” (2 Timothy 3:16) Just as an invisible radio beam can carry information to you, so God’s invisible active force directed the writers of the Bible to put down what he wanted mankind to know. That is why one of those writers, the apostle Paul, could say: “When you received God’s word, which you heard from us, you accepted it, not as the word of men, but, just as it truthfully is, as the word of God.”—1 Thessalonians 2:13; see also 2 Peter 1:20, 21.
WORLDWIDE CHANGE NEAR
8. What are some events that Jesus said would mark the last days of this wicked system?
8 God’s Word of truth tells us very clearly that we are fast nearing a worldwide change. It shows us that our time is the one Jesus Christ had in mind when he foretold the end of this wicked system. Jesus foretold many things that his future followers should watch for so they would know when the end was near. He said that the last days of this wicked system would be marked by such things as world wars, food shortages, increasing lawlessness and a growing loss of faith in God. (Matthew 24:3-12) He said there would be “anguish of nations, not knowing the way out.” (Luke 21:25) We have seen the fulfillment of these prophecies in our lifetime.
9. Give an example or two of what men who study world events say about our time.
9 Many men who study world events are convinced that a great change is definitely in the making. The famous writer Walter Lippmann said: “For us all the world is disorderly and dangerous, ungoverned and apparently ungovernable. Everywhere there is great anxiety and bewilderment.” He added that all this “marks, I believe, the historic fact that we are living through the closing chapters of the established and traditional way of life.”c Also, as reported back in 1960, a former United States Secretary of State, Dean Acheson, declared that our time is “a period of unequaled instability, unequaled violence.” Based on what he knew was then going on in the world, it was his conclusion that soon “this world is going to be too dangerous to live in.”d
10. (a) How do we know that world change is very near? (b) For what does the coming world change mean destruction?
10 All the many things foretold in God’s Word of truth indicate that the time for world change is upon us right now! What we see going on throughout the world today in fulfillment of Bible prophecy shows that our time is the one that will see the destruction of this entire wicked system. Present-day governments will be removed to make way for the rule of all the earth by God’s government. (Daniel 2:44; Luke 21:31, 32) Nothing can stop this change, because God has purposed it.
TRUTH THAT LEADS TO ETERNAL LIFE
11. (a) Can we escape the effects of the coming world change? (b) So, if we want to live, what must we do, according to 1 Timothy 2:4 and John 17:3?
11 The coming world change will affect every person on the face of the earth, including you. If you love life and want to live, you should hasten to take in accurate knowledge of God, his purposes and his requirements. That is what God wants you to do, for it is his will that “all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4) Accurate knowledge from God’s Word of truth will enable honest-hearted persons to survive the end of the present wicked system. (Zephaniah 2:3)e It will also reveal the way to eternal life in God’s grand new system. Jesus Christ said in prayer to God: “This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.”—John 17:3; see also John 4:14.
12. What strong reasons do we have for wanting to learn the truth from the Bible?
12 How encouraging it is to know that soon we will see the end of all the world’s troubles! How thrilling it is to know that we have the hope of shortly entering a new system where we can forever enjoy life to the full! This should give every one of us strong reasons for wanting to learn the truth from the Bible. By seeking this truth we begin to lay “a fine foundation for the future, in order [to] get a firm hold on the real life,” “eternal life” in God’s new system of things.—1 Timothy 6:19; AV.
[Footnotes]
a Psalm 144:16, Douay Version.
b The Bible book of Revelation is called Apocalypse in the Douay Version.
c Newsweek, October 9, 1967, p. 21.
d U.S. News & World Report, June 13, 1960, pp. 116, 119.
e Sophonias 2:3, Douay Version.
[Picture on page 4]
“God . . . will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be any more.”—Rev. 21:3, 4. |
Revelation Climax (re)
1988 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/re | Chapter 38
Praise Jah for His Judgments!
1. What words does John hear “as a loud voice of a great crowd in heaven”?
BABYLON THE GREAT is no more! This is truly joyous news. No wonder John hears happy exclamations of praise in heaven! “After these things I heard what was as a loud voice of a great crowd in heaven. They said: ‘Hallelujah!a The salvation and the glory and the power belong to our God, because his judgments are true and righteous. For he has executed judgment upon the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication, and he has avenged the blood of his slaves at her hand.’ And right away for the second time they said: ‘Hallelujah!b And the smoke from her goes on ascending forever and ever.’”—Revelation 19:1-3.
2. (a) What does the word “Hallelujah” mean, and what does John’s hearing it twice at this point demonstrate? (b) Who receives the glory for destroying Babylon the Great? Explain.
2 Hallelujah indeed! The word means “Praise Jah, you people,” “Jah” being the shortened form of the divine name, Jehovah. We are here reminded of the exhortation of the psalmist: “Every breathing thing—let it praise Jah. Praise Jah, you people!” (Psalm 150:6) John’s hearing the exultant heavenly chorus sing “Hallelujah!” twice at this point in Revelation demonstrates the continuity of the divine revelation of truth. The God of the Christian Greek Scriptures is the same as the God of the earlier Hebrew Scriptures, and Jehovah is his name. The God that caused the fall of ancient Babylon has now judged and destroyed Babylon the Great. Ascribe to him all glory for that feat! The power that maneuvered her downfall belongs to him rather than to the nations that he used as instruments in desolating her. To Jehovah alone we must attribute salvation.—Isaiah 12:2; Revelation 4:11; 7:10, 12.
3. Why has the great harlot been so deserving of her judgment?
3 Why has the great harlot been so deserving of this judgment? According to the law that Jehovah gave to Noah—and through him to all mankind—the wanton shedding of blood calls for the death sentence. This was stated again in God’s Law to Israel. (Genesis 9:6; Numbers 35:20, 21) Moreover, under that Mosaic Law both physical and spiritual adultery merited death. (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 13:1-5) For thousands of years, Babylon the Great has been bloodguilty, and she is a gross fornicatrix. For example, the policy of the Roman Catholic Church of forbidding her priests to marry has resulted in gross immorality on the part of many of them, not a few of these today contracting AIDS. (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; 1 Timothy 4:1-3) But her major sins, ‘massing together clear up to heaven,’ are her shocking acts of spiritual fornication—this latter in teaching falsehoods and allying herself with corrupt politicians. (Revelation 18:5) Since her punishment has finally overtaken her, the heavenly multitude now echoes a second Hallelujah.
4. What is symbolized by the fact that the smoke from Babylon the Great “goes on ascending forever and ever”?
4 Babylon the Great has been set afire like a conquered city, and the smoke from her “goes on ascending forever and ever.” When a literal city is burned by conquering armies, the smoke keeps ascending as long as the ashes are hot. Anyone who tries to rebuild it while it is still smoking will simply get burned by the smoldering ruins. Since the smoke from Babylon the Great will rise “forever and ever” in token of the finality of her judgment, no one will ever be able to restore that iniquitous city. False religion is gone forever. Hallelujah, indeed!—Compare Isaiah 34:5, 9, 10.
5. (a) What do the 24 elders and the four living creatures do and say? (b) Why is the Hallelujah refrain far more melodious than Hallelujah choruses sung in Christendom’s churches?
5 In an earlier vision, John saw around the throne four living creatures, together with the 24 elders that picture the Kingdom heirs in their glorious heavenly position. (Revelation 4:8-11) Now he sees them again as they thunder forth a third Hallelujah over the destruction of Babylon the Great: “And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God seated upon the throne, and said: ‘Amen! Hallelujah!’”c (Revelation 19:4) This grand Hallelujah chorus is in addition, then, to the “new song” of praise to the Lamb. (Revelation 5:8, 9) They sing now the magnificent victory refrain, ascribing all glory to the Sovereign Lord Jehovah because of his decisive victory over the great harlot, Babylon the Great. These Hallelujahs peal forth far more melodiously than any Hallelujah choruses sung in Christendom’s churches, where Jehovah, or Jah, has been dishonored and despised. Such hypocritical singing that reproaches Jehovah’s name is now silenced forever!
6. Whose “voice” is heard, what does it urge, and who share in the response?
6 It was in 1918 that Jehovah began rewarding ‘those fearing his name, the small and the great’—the first of these being the anointed Christians who had died faithful, whom he resurrected and stationed in the heavenly ranks of the 24 elders. (Revelation 11:18) Others join with these in singing the Hallelujahs, for John reports: “Also, a voice issued forth from the throne and said: ‘Be praising our God, all you his slaves, who fear him, the small ones and the great.’” (Revelation 19:5) This is the “voice” of Jehovah’s Mouthpiece, his own Son, Jesus Christ, who stands “in the midst of the throne.” (Revelation 5:6) Not only in heaven but also here on earth, “all you his slaves” share in the singing, with the anointed John class taking the lead on earth. How exultantly these share in obeying the command: “Be praising our God”!
7. After Babylon the Great is destroyed, who will be praising Jehovah?
7 Yes, those of the great crowd are also numbered among these slaves. Since 1935 these have been coming out of Babylon the Great and have experienced the fulfillment of God’s promise: “He will bless those fearing Jehovah, the small ones as well as the great ones.” (Psalm 115:13) When harlotlike Babylon is destroyed, millions of them will join in “praising our God”—along with the John class and all the heavenly host. Later, those resurrected on earth, whether previously prominent or not, will no doubt sing further Hallelujahs on learning that Babylon the Great is gone forever. (Revelation 20:12, 15) All praise to Jehovah for his resounding victory over the age-old harlot!
8. What incentive should the heavenly choruses of praise witnessed by John give us now, before Babylon the Great is destroyed?
8 What an incentive all of this gives us to share fully in God’s work for today! May all of Jah’s servants devote themselves heart and soul to declaring God’s judgments, together with the grand Kingdom hope, now, before Babylon the Great is unseated and destroyed.—Isaiah 61:1-3; 1 Corinthians 15:58.
‘Hallelujah—Jehovah Is King!’
9. Why is the last Hallelujah such a full, rich sound?
9 There are further reasons for rejoicing, as John goes on to tell us: “And I heard what was as a voice of a great crowd and as a sound of many waters and as a sound of heavy thunders. They said: ‘Hallelujah,d because Jehovah our God, the Almighty, has begun to rule as king.’” (Revelation 19:6) This last Hallelujah is the one that makes the proclamation foursquare, or symmetrical. It is a mighty celestial sound, more magnificent than any human choir, more majestic than any earthly waterfall, and more fear-inspiring than any terrestrial thunderstorm. The myriads of heavenly voices celebrate the fact that “Jehovah our God, the Almighty, has begun to rule as king.”
10. In what sense can it be said that Jehovah begins to rule as king after Babylon the Great’s devastation?
10 How is it, though, that Jehovah begins to rule? Millenniums have passed since the psalmist declared: “God is my King from long ago.” (Psalm 74:12) Jehovah’s kingship was ancient even then, so how can the universal chorus sing that “Jehovah . . . has begun to rule as king”? In that when Babylon the Great is destroyed, Jehovah will no longer have that presumptuous rival to detract from obedience to him as the Universal Sovereign. No longer will false religion incite earth’s rulers to oppose him. When ancient Babylon fell from world dominance, Zion heard the victorious proclamation: “Your God has become king!” (Isaiah 52:7) After the Kingdom’s birth in 1914, the 24 elders proclaimed: “We thank you, Jehovah God . . . because you have taken your great power and begun ruling as king.” (Revelation 11:17) Now, after the devastation of Babylon the Great, the cry is again uttered: “Jehovah . . . has begun to rule as king.” No man-made god remains to contest the sovereignty of the true God, Jehovah!
The Lamb’s Marriage Is at Hand!
11, 12. (a) How did ancient Jerusalem address ancient Babylon, setting what pattern with regard to New Jerusalem and Babylon the Great? (b) With the victory over Babylon the Great, what do the heavenly throngs sing and announce?
11 “You woman enemy of mine”! That is how Jerusalem, the location of Jehovah’s temple of worship, addressed idolatrous Babylon. (Micah 7:8) Likewise, “the holy city, New Jerusalem,” made up of the bride of 144,000 members, has had every reason to address Babylon the Great as her enemy. (Revelation 21:2) But at last the great harlot has suffered adversity, calamity, and ruin. Her spiritistic practices and astrologers have been unable to save her. (Compare Isaiah 47:1, 11-13.) A major victory, indeed, for true worship!
12 With the disgusting harlot, Babylon the Great, gone forever, attention can now be focused on the virgin-pure bride of the Lamb! Hence, the heavenly throngs sing exultantly in praise of Jehovah: “Let us rejoice and be overjoyed, and let us give him the glory, because the marriage of the Lamb has arrived and his wife has prepared herself. Yes, it has been granted to her to be arrayed in bright, clean, fine linen, for the fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the holy ones.”—Revelation 19:7, 8.
13. What preparation for the marriage of the Lamb has taken place down through the centuries?
13 Down through the centuries, Jesus has made loving preparation for this celestial marriage. (Matthew 28:20; 2 Corinthians 11:2) He has been cleansing the 144,000 of spiritual Israel so that “he might present the congregation to himself in its splendor, not having a spot or a wrinkle or any of such things, but that it should be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:25-27) With a view to attaining to “the prize of the upward call of God,” each anointed Christian has had to strip off the old personality with its practices, put on the new Christian personality, and perform righteous acts “whole-souled as to Jehovah.”—Philippians 3:8, 13, 14; Colossians 3:9, 10, 23.
14. How has Satan tried to contaminate the prospective members of the Lamb’s wife?
14 From Pentecost 33 C.E. on, Satan used Babylon the Great as his tool in trying to contaminate the prospective members of the Lamb’s wife. By the end of the first century, he had sown seeds of Babylonish religion in the congregation. (1 Corinthians 15:12; 2 Timothy 2:18; Revelation 2:6, 14, 20) The apostle Paul describes those who were subverting the faith in these words: “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself keeps transforming himself into an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:13, 14) In succeeding centuries, apostate Christendom, like the rest of Babylon the Great, dressed herself in the clothing of wealth and privilege, “purple and scarlet, . . . gold and precious stone and pearls.” (Revelation 17:4) Her clergy and popes consorted with bloodthirsty emperors, such as Constantine and Charlemagne. She was never arrayed in “the righteous acts of the holy ones.” As a counterfeit bride, she was truly a masterpiece of satanic deception. At last, she is gone forever!
The Lamb’s Wife Has Prepared Herself
15. How does the sealing take place, and what is required of an anointed Christian?
15 So now, after almost 2,000 years, all 144,000 of the bride class have made themselves ready. But at what point of time may it be said that ‘the Lamb’s wife has prepared herself’? Progressively, from Pentecost 33 C.E. on, believing anointed ones “were sealed with the promised holy spirit,” this in view of a coming “day of releasing by ransom.” As the apostle Paul expressed it, God “has also put his seal upon us and has given us the token of what is to come, that is, the spirit, in our hearts.” (Ephesians 1:13; 4:30; 2 Corinthians 1:22) Each anointed Christian is “called and chosen,” and he has proved himself “faithful.”—Revelation 17:14.
16. (a) When was the apostle Paul’s sealing complete, and how do we know? (b) When will the Lamb’s wife have “prepared herself” fully?
16 After decades of testing, Paul himself could declare: “I have fought the fine fight, I have run the course to the finish, I have observed the faith. From this time on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me as a reward in that day, yet not only to me, but also to all those who have loved his manifestation.” (2 Timothy 4:7, 8) The apostle’s sealing appears to have been complete, even though he was still in the flesh and would yet face martyrdom. Similarly, the time must come when all remaining ones on earth of the 144,000 will have been sealed individually as belonging to Jehovah. (2 Timothy 2:19) This will be when the Lamb’s wife will have fully prepared herself—the great majority of the 144,000 having already received their heavenly reward and those still on earth having been finally approved and sealed as faithful ones.
17. When can the marriage of the Lamb take place?
17 At this point in Jehovah’s timetable, when the sealing of the 144,000 has reached completion, the angels release the four winds of the great tribulation. (Revelation 7:1-3) First, judgment is executed on harlotlike Babylon the Great. The victorious Christ next moves on quickly to Armageddon to destroy the rest of Satan’s organization on earth and, finally, to abyss Satan and his demons. (Revelation 19:11–20:3) If any anointed ones still survive on earth, they will doubtless enter into their heavenly reward soon after Christ completes his conquest and will join their fellow members of the bride class. Then, at God’s due time, the marriage of the Lamb can take place!
18. How does Psalm 45 confirm the sequence of events with regard to the marriage of the Lamb?
18 The prophetic account in Psalm 45 describes the order of events. First the enthroned King rides forth to the conquest of his enemies. (Verses 1-7) Then the marriage is performed, the heavenly bride being attended on earth by her virgin companions, the great crowd. (Verses 8-15) Next the marriage becomes fruitful, with resurrected mankind being raised to perfection under oversight of “princes in all the earth.” (Verses 16, 17) What glorious blessings accompany the marriage of the Lamb!
Happy Are Those Invited
19. What is the fourth of the seven happinesses in Revelation, and who share in this particular happiness?
19 John now records the fourth of the seven happinesses in Revelation: “And he [the angel who has been revealing these things to John] tells me: ‘Write: Happy are those invited to the evening meal of the Lamb’s marriage.’ Also, he tells me: ‘These are the true sayings of God.’” (Revelation 19:9)e The ones invited to “the evening meal of the Lamb’s marriage” are the members of the bride class. (Compare Matthew 22:1-14.) All the anointed bridal company share the happiness of having received this invitation. Most of the invitees have already gone to heaven, the place of the marital evening meal. Those who are still on earth are happy, too, that they have the invitation. Their place at the marital evening meal is secure. (John 14:1-3; 1 Peter 1:3-9) When they are resurrected to heaven, then the entire, united bride will proceed to share with the Lamb in that supremely happy marriage.
20. (a) What is the import of the words: “These are the true sayings of God”? (b) How was John affected by the words of the angel, and what was the angel’s response?
20 The angel adds that “these are the true sayings of God.” This word “true” translates the Greek a·le·thi·nosʹ and means “genuine” or “dependable.” Since these sayings are really from Jehovah, they are faithful and reliable. (Compare 1 John 4:1-3; Revelation 21:5; 22:6.) As one invited to that marriage feast, John must have been filled with joy at hearing this and at contemplating the blessings ahead for the bride class. He was so deeply moved, in fact, that the angel had to give him counsel, as John relates: “At that I fell down before his feet to worship him. But he tells me: ‘Be careful! Do not do that! All I am is a fellow slave of you and of your brothers who have the work of witnessing to Jesus. Worship God.’”—Revelation 19:10a.
21. (a) What does Revelation disclose as to the angels? (b) What attitude should Christians have toward the angels?
21 Throughout Revelation a remarkable witness is given to the faithfulness and diligence of the angels. They are involved in the channel of revealed truth. (Revelation 1:1) They work along with humans in preaching the good news and pouring out the symbolic plagues. (Revelation 14:6, 7; 16:1) They fought alongside Jesus to cast Satan and his angels from heaven, and they will fight alongside him again at Armageddon. (Revelation 12:7; 19:11-14) Indeed, they have access to the very person of Jehovah. (Matthew 18:10; Revelation 15:6) Nevertheless, they are no more than humble slaves of God. There is no room in pure worship for worship of the angels or even for relative worship, directing worship to God via some “saint” or angel. (Colossians 2:18) Christians worship only Jehovah, making their petitions to him in Jesus’ name.—John 14:12, 13.
Jesus’ Role in Prophecy
22. What does the angel say to John, and what do the words mean?
22 The angel then says: “For the bearing witness to Jesus is what inspires prophesying.” (Revelation 19:10b) How so? This means that all inspired prophecy is evoked because of Jesus and the role he plays in Jehovah’s purposes. The first prophecy in the Bible promised the coming of a seed. (Genesis 3:15) Jesus became that Seed. Subsequent revelations built a huge edifice of prophetic truth on this basic promise. The apostle Peter told the believing Gentile Cornelius: “To him [Jesus] all the prophets bear witness.” (Acts 10:43) Some 20 years later, the apostle Paul said: “No matter how many the promises of God are, they have become Yes by means of him [Jesus].” (2 Corinthians 1:20) After another 43 years, John himself reminds us: “The truth came to be through Jesus Christ.”—John 1:17.
23. Why does the high position and authority of Jesus not detract from the worship we give to Jehovah?
23 Does this detract in any way from the worship we give to Jehovah? No. Remember the angel’s cautionary advice: “Worship God.” Jesus never tries to rival Jehovah. (Philippians 2:6) True, all the angels are told to “do obeisance to [Jesus],” and all creation must recognize his high position so that “in the name of Jesus every knee should bend.” But notice, this is “to the glory of God the Father” and by his order. (Hebrews 1:6; Philippians 2:9-11) Jehovah gave Jesus his high authority, and by acknowledging that authority, we give glory to God. If we refuse to submit to Jesus’ rule, it is equivalent to rejecting Jehovah God himself.—Psalm 2:11, 12.
24. What two astounding events do we contemplate, and what words should we therefore voice?
24 So, then, let us unitedly voice the opening words of Psalms 146 to 150: “Praise Jah, you people!” May the Hallelujah chorus thunder forth in anticipation of Jehovah’s triumph over the Babylonish world empire of false religion! And may joy abound as the marriage of the Lamb approaches!
[Footnotes]
a New World Translation Reference Bible, footnote.
b New World Translation Reference Bible, footnote.
c New World Translation Reference Bible, footnote.
d New World Translation Reference Bible, footnote.
e See also Revelation 1:3; 14:13; 16:15.
[Box on page 273]
“Epistle to Sodom and Gomorrah”
Under this feature heading, London’s Daily Telegraph of November 12, 1987, reported on a motion before the General Synod of the Church of England. This called for ousting homosexual “Christians” from the church. Columnist Godfrey Barker stated: “The Archbishop of Canterbury gloomily opined yesterday: ‘If St Paul were to write an epistle to the Church of England, we might well ask what sort of letter it might be.’” Mr. Barker himself commented: “An epistle to Sodom and Gomorrah is the answer,” and added: “Dr Runcie [the archbishop] fancied it would read like Romans, Ch 1.”
The writer quoted Paul’s words at Romans 1:26-32: “God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurities. . . . Men committing shameless acts with men . . . though they know God’s decree that those who do such things deserve to die, they not only do them but approve those who practise them.” He concluded: “St Paul was merely worried about the chaps in the pews. Dr Runcie’s problem is the chaps in the pulpits.”
Why does the archbishop have such a problem? Large headlines in the London Daily Mail of October 22, 1987, had declared: “‘One vicar in three gay’ . . . Campaign to drive out homosexuals ‘would shut Church of England.’” The reports quoted the “reverend” general secretary of the Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement as saying: “If this motion were accepted it would wreck the Church, and the Archbishop of Canterbury knows it. As a general figure, we believe between 30 and 40 per cent of Church of England clergymen are gay. And they are the most active people contributing to the ministry of the Church.” The dwindling numbers of churchgoers is no doubt in part a reflection of disgust at that burgeoning homosexual ministry.
What did the church synod decide? An overwhelming majority of 388 members (95 percent of the clergy) voted in favor of a watered-down motion. Concerning this, The Economist of November 14, 1987, reported: “The Church of England is against homosexual practices, but not very much. The general synod, the Church’s parliament, with homosexual clergy in mind, this week decided that homosexual acts, unlike fornication and adultery, are not a sin: they merely ‘fall short of the ideal’ that ‘sexual intercourse is an act of total commitment which belongs properly within a permanent married relationship.’” Contrasting the stance of the Archbishop of Canterbury with the apostle Paul’s forthright statement at Romans 1:26, 27, The Economist displayed a quotation of Paul’s words above the caption “St Paul knew what he thought.”
Jesus Christ also knew what he thought and stated it in explicit terms. He said that it would be “more endurable for the land of Sodom on Judgment Day” than for the religionists who spurned his message. (Matthew 11:23, 24) Jesus was here using hyperbole to show that those religious leaders who rejected the Son of God and his teaching were even more reprehensible than the Sodomites. Jude 7 states that those Sodomites underwent “the judicial punishment of everlasting fire,” meaning eternal destruction. (Matthew 25:41, 46) How severe, then, will be the judgment of so-called Christian leaders who blindly lead their blinded flocks away from the high moral standards of God’s Kingdom into the permissive, debauched ways of this world! (Matthew 15:14) Concerning false religion, Babylon the Great, the voice from heaven calls with urgency: “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.”—Revelation 18:2, 4.
[Pictures on page 275]
Heaven resounds with four Hallelujahs, praising Jah for his final victory over Babylon the Great |
Young People Ask, Volume 2 (yp2)
2008 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/yp2 | Role Model—Paul
The apostle Paul is realistic about his feelings. He candidly admits: “When I wish to do what is right, what is bad is present with me.” Paul is a good person at heart. “I really delight in the law of God according to the man I am within,” he writes. What’s the problem then? Paul says: “I behold . . . another law warring against the law of my mind and leading me captive to sin’s law that is in my members.” Paul’s failings don’t make him happy. “Miserable man that I am!” he exclaims.—Romans 7:21-24.
Do your mistakes cause you to feel miserable? If so, remember that even Paul felt that way at times. But Paul also knew that Christ died for people like him, leading him to exclaim: “Thanks to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25) Paul viewed the ransom as a personal gift. He wrote: “The Son of God . . . loved me and handed himself over for me.” (Galatians 2:20) When you feel down, reflect on the ransom. And if your failings discourage you, never forget that Christ died for sinners, not for perfect people. |
Bible Teachings—Timeless Wisdom | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2018019 | Bible Teachings—Timeless Wisdom
PICTURE THIS: You are touring a museum full of ancient monuments. Most are pitted, weathered, and eroded. Some have great chunks missing. One, though, is remarkably intact; its intricate design is clear in every detail. “Is this one newer than the others?” you ask your guide. “No,” he responds, “it is older than most, and it has never been rebuilt.” “Has it been sheltered?” you ask. “No,” says your guide, “this one has faced the worst wind and rain. And many vandals have tried to mar it.” Perhaps you would wonder in amazement, ‘What is it made of?’
In a way, the Bible is like that remarkable monument. It is a very ancient book—older than most. There are other ancient books, of course. But like eroded old monuments, most old writings have been badly damaged by the passage of time. Their statements on science, for instance, have been contradicted by new knowledge, provable facts. Their medical counsel often seems more dangerous than helpful. And many ancient writings are mere fragments of what they once were; parts have been lost or badly damaged.
The Bible, though, stands out as different. The writing of it began over 35 centuries ago, yet the Bible is intact. And though it has been attacked again and again over the centuries—burned, banned, and belittled—its statements have weathered every onslaught. Far from being proved obsolete in the face of new knowledge, the Bible says much that shows amazing foresight.—See the box “Outdated or Ahead of Its Time?”
VALUES WE NEED TODAY
You may wonder, though, ‘Are Bible teachings really practical for our modern day?’ To answer, ask yourself: ‘What are the worst problems facing mankind today? Which ones are the most terrifying?’ Perhaps you think of warfare, pollution, crime, or corruption. Now consider some principles that the Bible teaches. As you do, ask yourself, ‘If people lived by these values, would the world be a better place?’
LOVE OF PEACE
“Happy are the peacemakers, since they will be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9) “If possible, as far as it depends on you, be peaceable with all men.”—Romans 12:18.
MERCY, FORGIVENESS
“Happy are the merciful, since they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5:7) “Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely even if anyone has a cause for complaint against another. Just as Jehovaha freely forgave you, you must also do the same.”—Colossians 3:13.
RACIAL HARMONY
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.
RESPECT FOR THE EARTH
“Jehovah God took the man and settled him in the garden of Eden to cultivate it and to take care of it.” (Genesis 2:15) God will “bring to ruin those ruining the earth.”—Revelation 11:18.
HATRED OF GREED AND IMMORALITY
“Guard against every sort of greed, because even when a person has an abundance, his life does not result from the things he possesses.” (Luke 12:15) “Let sexual immorality and every sort of uncleanness or greediness not even be mentioned among you, just as is proper for holy people.”—Ephesians 5:3.
HONESTY, HARD WORK
“We wish to conduct ourselves honestly in all things.” (Hebrews 13:18) “Let the one who steals steal no more; rather, let him do hard work.”—Ephesians 4:28.
THE IMPORTANCE OF HELPING THOSE IN NEED
“Speak consolingly to those who are depressed, support the weak, be patient toward all.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14) “Look after orphans and widows in their tribulation.”—James 1:27.
The Bible does not merely list those values. In practical ways, it teaches us to value such principles and to apply them in our day-to-day life. If more people actually applied the teachings we have listed, would there not be a great impact on mankind’s worst problems? Really, then, Bible principles are more relevant and timely than ever! What, though, can Bible teachings do for you right now?
HOW BIBLE TEACHINGS CAN BENEFIT YOU NOW
The wisest of men once said: “Wisdom is vindicated by its results.” (Matthew 11:19, footnotes) Would you not agree? The real test of wisdom is how it works when you apply it. So you may reason: ‘If the Bible really is practical, should it not produce results in my life? How is it useful for the problems I face right now?’ Consider an example.
For Delphine,b life was busy, full, and rewarding. Suddenly, though, she suffered a series of tragic losses. Her teenage daughter died. Her marriage disintegrated. Her finances fell into chaos. She recalls: “I had no idea who I was anymore—no daughter, no husband, no home. I felt I was nothing—no identity, no strength, no thought of the future.”
Never before had Delphine seen so vividly the truth of these words: “The span of our life is 70 years, or 80 if one is especially strong. But they are filled with trouble and sorrow; they quickly pass by, and away we fly.”—Psalm 90:10.
Delphine turned to the Bible in her hour of need. What it did for her is remarkable. As the following three articles will show, many others have also found that the Bible has done wonders for them when they applied its counsel to the problems of life. They have come to feel that the Bible is like that monument described at the outset. It is quite unlike the countless books that grow old and obsolete. Is that because the Bible, in effect, is made of something different? Might it actually contain God’s thoughts—and not merely man’s?—1 Thessalonians 2:13.
Perhaps you too have found that life is short and full of problems. When problems threaten to overwhelm you, where do you turn for comfort, support, and reliable advice?
Let us consider three key ways in which the Bible can prove practical in your life. It can teach you how to
avoid problems where possible.
resolve difficulties when they arise.
cope successfully with situations you cannot change.
The following articles will discuss these three areas.
a Jehovah is God’s name as revealed in the Bible.—Psalm 83:18.
b In this article and the three that follow, some names have been changed. |
Isaiah’s Prophecy I (ip-1)
2000 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/ip-1 | Chapter Twelve
Do Not Be Afraid of the Assyrian
Isaiah 10:5-34
1, 2. (a) From a human standpoint, why did Jonah seem to have good reason to be reluctant to accept his commission to preach to the Assyrians? (b) How did the Ninevites react to Jonah’s message?
IN THE middle of the ninth century B.C.E., the Hebrew prophet Jonah, son of Amittai, ventured into Nineveh, the capital of the Assyrian Empire. He had a weighty message to deliver. Jehovah had told him: “Get up, go to Nineveh the great city, and proclaim against her that their badness has come up before me.”—Jonah 1:2, 3.
2 When he first received his commission, Jonah ran off in the opposite direction, toward Tarshish. From a human standpoint, Jonah had reason to be reluctant. The Assyrians were a cruel people. Notice how one Assyrian monarch dealt with his enemies: “I cut off the limbs of the officers . . . Many captives from among them I burned with fire, and many I took as living captives. From some I cut off their hands and their fingers, and from others I cut off their noses.” Still, when Jonah finally delivered Jehovah’s message, the Ninevites repented of their sins and Jehovah spared the city at that time.—Jonah 3:3-10; Matthew 12:41.
Jehovah Takes Up “the Rod”
3. How does the reaction of the Israelites to the warnings delivered by Jehovah’s prophets differ from that of the Ninevites?
3 Do the Israelites, to whom Jonah also preached, respond? (2 Kings 14:25) No. They turn their backs on pure worship. Indeed, they go so far as “to bow down to all the army of the heavens and to serve Baal.” What is more, “they continued to make their sons and their daughters pass through the fire and to practice divination and to look for omens, and they kept selling themselves to do what was bad in the eyes of Jehovah, to offend him.” (2 Kings 17:16, 17) Unlike the Ninevites, Israel does not respond when Jehovah sends prophets to warn them. So Jehovah determines to take stronger measures.
4, 5. (a) What is meant by “the Assyrian,” and how will Jehovah use him as a “rod”? (b) When does Samaria fall?
4 For some time after Jonah’s visit to Nineveh, there is a decline in Assyrian aggression.a However, at the beginning of the eighth century B.C.E., Assyria reasserts itself as a military power, and Jehovah uses it in an astonishing way. The prophet Isaiah conveys a warning from Jehovah to the northern kingdom of Israel: “Aha, the Assyrian, the rod for my anger, and the stick that is in their hand for my denunciation! Against an apostate nation I shall send him, and against the people of my fury I shall issue a command to him, to take much spoil and to take much plunder and to make it a trampling place like the clay of the streets.”—Isaiah 10:5, 6.
5 What a humiliation for the Israelites! God uses a pagan nation—“the Assyrian”—as a “rod” to punish them. In 742 B.C.E., Assyrian King Shalmaneser V lays siege to Samaria, capital of the apostate nation of Israel. From its strategic location on a hill some 300 feet [90 m] high, Samaria wards off the enemy for almost three years. But no human strategy can block God’s purpose. In 740 B.C.E., Samaria falls, trampled under Assyrian feet.—2 Kings 18:10.
6. In what way does the Assyrian go beyond what Jehovah has in mind for him?
6 Although used by Jehovah to teach his people a lesson, the Assyrians themselves do not recognize Jehovah. That is why he goes on to say: “Though [the Assyrian] may not be that way, he will feel inclined; though his heart may not be that way, he will scheme, because to annihilate is in his heart, and to cut off nations not a few.” (Isaiah 10:7) Jehovah means the Assyrian to be an instrument in the divine hand. But the Assyrian feels inclined to be something else. His heart urges him to scheme for something grander—conquest of the then-known world!
7. (a) Explain the expression “Are not my princes at the same time kings?” (b) Of what should those today who forsake Jehovah take note?
7 Many of the non-Israelite cities conquered by the Assyrian were previously ruled by kings. These former kings now have to submit to the king of Assyria as vassal princes, so he can truly boast: “Are not my princes at the same time kings?” (Isaiah 10:8) The false gods of prominent cities of the nations could not save their worshipers from destruction. The gods worshiped by the inhabitants of Samaria, such as Baal, Molech, and the golden calves, will not protect that city. Having forsaken Jehovah, Samaria has no right to expect him to intervene. Let any today who forsake Jehovah take notice of Samaria’s fate! The Assyrian can well boast regarding Samaria and the other cities he has conquered: “Is not Calno just like Carchemish? Is not Hamath just like Arpad? Is not Samaria just like Damascus?” (Isaiah 10:9) They are all the same to the Assyrian—spoil for him to take.
8, 9. Why is it that the Assyrian goes too far when he sets his sights on Jerusalem?
8 However, the Assyrian goes too far in his boasting. He says: “Whenever my hand has reached the kingdoms of the valueless god whose graven images are more than those at Jerusalem and at Samaria, will it not be that just as I shall have done to Samaria and to her valueless gods, even so I shall do to Jerusalem and to her idols?” (Isaiah 10:10, 11) The kingdoms already defeated by the Assyrian possessed far more idols than do Jerusalem or even Samaria. ‘What,’ he reasons, ‘is to prevent me from doing to Jerusalem what I did to Samaria?’
9 The braggart! Jehovah will not allow him to take Jerusalem. True, Judah does not have a spotless record of supporting true worship. (2 Kings 16:7-9; 2 Chronicles 28:24) Jehovah has warned that because of her unfaithfulness, Judah will suffer much during the Assyrian invasion. But Jerusalem will survive. (Isaiah 1:7, 8) When the Assyrian invasion occurs, Hezekiah is king in Jerusalem. Hezekiah is not like his father, Ahaz. Why, in the very first month of his reign, Hezekiah reopens the temple doors and restores pure worship!—2 Chronicles 29:3-5.
10. What does Jehovah promise regarding the Assyrian?
10 So Assyria’s proposed attack on Jerusalem does not have Jehovah’s approval. Jehovah promises an accounting with that insolent world power: “It must occur that when Jehovah terminates all his work in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, I shall make an accounting for the fruitage of the insolence of the heart of the king of Assyria and for the self-importance of his loftiness of eyes.”—Isaiah 10:12.
On to Judah and Jerusalem!
11. Why does the Assyrian think that Jerusalem will be easy prey?
11 Eight years after the northern kingdom fell in 740 B.C.E., a new Assyrian monarch, Sennacherib, marches against Jerusalem. Isaiah poetically describes Sennacherib’s prideful plan: “I shall remove the boundaries of peoples, and their things stored up I shall certainly pillage, and I shall bring down the inhabitants just like a powerful one. And just as if a nest, my hand will reach the resources of the peoples; and just as when one gathers eggs that have been left, I myself will gather up even all the earth, and there will certainly be no one fluttering his wings or opening his mouth or chirping.” (Isaiah 10:13, 14) Sennacherib reasons that other cities have fallen and Samaria is no more, so Jerusalem will be easy prey! The city might put up a halfhearted fight, but with hardly a chirp, its inhabitants will be quickly subdued, their resources plucked up like eggs from an abandoned nest.
12. What does Jehovah show to be the right way to view things with regard to the Assyrian’s boasts?
12 However, Sennacherib is forgetting something. Apostate Samaria deserved the punishment that it received. Under King Hezekiah, however, Jerusalem has once again become a bastion of pure worship. Anyone wanting to touch Jerusalem will have Jehovah to reckon with! Indignantly, Isaiah asks: “Will the ax enhance itself over the one chopping with it, or the saw magnify itself over the one moving it back and forth, as though the staff moved back and forth the ones raising it on high, as though the rod raised on high the one who is not wood?” (Isaiah 10:15) The Assyrian Empire is a mere tool in Jehovah’s hand, much as an ax, a saw, a staff, or a rod might be used by a woodsman, a sawyer, or a shepherd. How dare the rod now magnify itself over the one who uses it!
13. Identify and tell what happens to (a) the “fat ones.” (b) ‘the weeds and thornbushes.’ (c) “the glory of his forest.”
13 What will happen to the Assyrian? “The true Lord, Jehovah of armies, will keep sending upon his fat ones a wasting disease, and under his glory a burning will keep burning away like the burning of a fire. And Israel’s Light must become a fire, and his Holy One a flame; and it must blaze up and eat up his weeds and his thornbushes in one day. And the glory of his forest and of his orchard He will bring to an end, even from the soul clear to the flesh, and it must become like the melting away of one that is ailing. And the rest of the trees of his forest—they will become such a number that a mere boy will be able to write them down.” (Isaiah 10:16-19) Yes, Jehovah will whittle that Assyrian “rod” down to size! The “fat ones” of the Assyrian’s army, his stout soldiers, will be struck with “a wasting disease.” They will not look so strong! Like so many weeds and thornbushes, his ground troops will be burned by the Light of Israel, Jehovah God. And “the glory of his forest,” his military officers, will come to their end. After Jehovah finishes with the Assyrian, so few officers will remain that a mere boy will be able to number them on his fingers!—See also Isaiah 10:33, 34.
14. Describe the progress of the Assyrian on the soil of Judah by 732 B.C.E.
14 Still, the Jews living in Jerusalem in 732 B.C.E. must find it hard to believe that the Assyrian will be defeated. The vast Assyrian army is advancing relentlessly. Listen to the list of cities in Judah that have fallen: “He has come upon Aiath . . . Migron . . . Michmash . . . Geba . . . Ramah . . . Gibeah of Saul . . . Gallim . . . Laishah . . . Anathoth . . . Madmenah . . . Gebim . . . Nob.” (Isaiah 10:28-32a)b Finally the invaders reach Lachish, just 30 miles [50 km] from Jerusalem. Soon a large Assyrian army is threatening the city. “He waves his hand threateningly at the mountain of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem.” (Isaiah 10:32b) What can stop the Assyrian?
15, 16. (a) Why does King Hezekiah need strong faith? (b) What basis is there for Hezekiah’s faith that Jehovah will come to his aid?
15 In his palace in the city, King Hezekiah grows anxious. He rips his garments apart and covers himself with sackcloth. (Isaiah 37:1) He sends men to the prophet Isaiah to inquire of Jehovah on Judah’s behalf. They soon return with Jehovah’s answer: “Do not be afraid . . . I shall certainly defend this city.” (Isaiah 37:6, 35) Still, the Assyrians are menacing and supremely confident.
16 Faith—that is what will carry King Hezekiah through this crisis. Faith is “the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld.” (Hebrews 11:1) It involves looking beyond the obvious. But faith is based on knowledge. Hezekiah likely remembers that ahead of time Jehovah spoke these comforting words: “Do not be afraid, O my people who are dwelling in Zion, because of the Assyrian . . . For yet a very little while—and the denunciation will have come to an end, and my anger, in their wearing away. And Jehovah of armies will certainly brandish against him a whip as at the defeat of Midian by the rock Oreb; and his staff will be upon the sea, and he will certainly lift it up in the way that he did with Egypt.” (Isaiah 10:24-26)c Yes, God’s people have been in difficult situations before. Hezekiah’s ancestors seemed hopelessly outclassed by the Egyptian army at the Red Sea. His forefather Gideon faced staggering odds when Midian and Amalek invaded Israel. Yet, Jehovah delivered his people on those two occasions.—Exodus 14:7-9, 13, 28; Judges 6:33; 7:21, 22.
17. How is the Assyrian yoke “wrecked,” and why?
17 Will Jehovah do again what he did on those previous occasions? Yes. Jehovah promises: “It must occur in that day that his load will depart from upon your shoulder, and his yoke from upon your neck, and the yoke will certainly be wrecked because of the oil.” (Isaiah 10:27) The Assyrian yoke will be lifted from the shoulder and the neck of God’s covenant people. Indeed, the yoke will be “wrecked”—and wrecked it is! In one night, the angel of Jehovah kills 185,000 of the Assyrians. The threat is removed, and the Assyrians leave the soil of Judah forever. (2 Kings 19:35, 36) Why? “Because of the oil.” This may refer to the oil used to anoint Hezekiah as king in the line of David. Thus, Jehovah fulfills his promise: “I shall certainly defend this city to save it for my own sake and for the sake of David my servant.”—2 Kings 19:34.
18. (a) Does Isaiah’s prophecy have more than one fulfillment? Explain. (b) What organization today is like ancient Samaria?
18 The account of Isaiah discussed in this chapter has to do with events in Judah more than 2,700 years ago. But those events have the utmost relevance today. (Romans 15:4) Does this mean that the major players in this thrilling narrative—the inhabitants of Samaria and Jerusalem as well as the Assyrians—have modern-day counterparts? Yes, it does. Like idolatrous Samaria, Christendom claims to worship Jehovah, but she is apostate to the core. In An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine, Roman Catholic John Henry Cardinal Newman admits that items Christendom has used for centuries, such as incense, candles, holy water, priestly garb, and images, “are all of pagan origin.” Jehovah is no more pleased with Christendom’s paganized worship than he was with Samaria’s idolatry.
19. Of what has Christendom been warned, and by whom?
19 For years, Jehovah’s Witnesses have warned Christendom of Jehovah’s displeasure. In 1955, for example, the public discourse eninputd “Christendom or Christianity—Which One Is ‘the Light of the World’?” was delivered worldwide. The talk graphically explained the way that Christendom had strayed from genuine Christian doctrine and practice. Thereafter, copies of this powerful lecture were mailed to clergymen in many countries. As an organization, Christendom has failed to heed the warning. She leaves Jehovah with no choice but to discipline her with a “rod.”
20. (a) What will serve as the modern-day Assyrian, and how will it be used as a rod? (b) To what extent will Christendom be disciplined?
20 Whom will Jehovah use to discipline rebellious Christendom? We find the answer in the 17th chapter of Revelation. There we are introduced to a harlot, “Babylon the Great,” representing all the world’s false religions, including Christendom. The harlot is riding a scarlet-colored wild beast that has seven heads and ten horns. (Revelation 17:3, 5, 7-12) The wild beast represents the United Nations organization.d Just as the ancient Assyrian destroyed Samaria, the scarlet-colored wild beast “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.” (Revelation 17:16) Thus the modern-day Assyrian (nations associated with the UN) will deal Christendom a mighty blow and will crush her out of existence.
21, 22. Who will motivate the wild beast to attack God’s people?
21 Will Jehovah’s faithful Witnesses perish along with Babylon the Great? No. God is not displeased with them. Pure worship will survive. However, the wild beast that destroys Babylon the Great also casts a greedy eye in the direction of Jehovah’s people. In doing so, the beast carries out, not God’s thought, but the thought of someone else. Who? Satan the Devil.
22 Jehovah exposes Satan’s prideful scheme: “It must occur in that day that things will come up into your [Satan’s] heart, and you will certainly think up an injurious scheme; and you must say: ‘I shall . . . come in upon those having no disturbance, dwelling in security, all of them dwelling without [a protective] wall . . .’ It will be to get a big spoil and to do much plundering.” (Ezekiel 38:10-12) Satan will reason, ‘Yes, why not incite the nations to attack Jehovah’s Witnesses? They are vulnerable, unprotected, without political influence. They will offer no resistance. How easy it will be to pluck them like eggs from an unprotected nest!’
23. Why will the modern-day Assyrian be unable to do to God’s people what he does to Christendom?
23 But watch out, nations! Be advised that if you touch Jehovah’s people, you will have to reckon with God himself! Jehovah loves his people, and he will fight for them just as surely as he fought for Jerusalem in the days of Hezekiah. When the modern-day Assyrian tries to annihilate Jehovah’s servants, he will really be battling Jehovah God and the Lamb, Jesus Christ. That is a battle that the Assyrian cannot win. “The Lamb will conquer them,” the Bible says, “because he is Lord of lords and King of kings.” (Revelation 17:14; compare Matthew 25:40.) Like the Assyrian of old, the scarlet-colored wild beast will ‘go off into destruction.’ It will be feared no more.—Revelation 17:11.
24. (a) What are true Christians determined to do to prepare for the future? (b) How does Isaiah look further ahead? (See box on page 155.)
24 True Christians can face the future without fear if they keep their relationship with Jehovah strong and if they make the doing of his will their primary concern in life. (Matthew 6:33) Then they need “fear nothing bad.” (Psalm 23:4) With their eyes of faith, they will see God’s mighty arm raised high, not to punish them, but to shield them from his enemies. And their ears will hear these reassuring words: “Do not be afraid.”—Isaiah 10:24.
[Footnotes]
a See Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 1, page 203.
b For clarity, Isaiah 10:28-32 is discussed before Isaiah 10:20-27.
c For a discussion of Isaiah 10:20-23, see “Isaiah Looks Further Ahead,” on page 155.
d Additional information regarding the identity of the harlot and the scarlet-colored wild beast is found in chapters 34 and 35 of the book Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand!, published by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.
[Box/Pictures on page 155, 156]
ISAIAH LOOKS FURTHER AHEAD
Isaiah 10:20-23
The 10th chapter of Isaiah focuses primarily on the way that Jehovah will use the Assyrian invasion to execute judgment upon Israel and on his promise to defend Jerusalem. Since Isa 10 verses 20 to 23 are located in the middle of this prophecy, they can be viewed as having a general fulfillment during the same period. (Compare Isaiah 1:7-9.) However, the wording indicates that these verses apply more specifically to later periods when Jerusalem too would have to answer for the sins of her inhabitants.
King Ahaz tries to gain security by turning to Assyria for help. The prophet Isaiah foretells that at a future time, the survivors of the house of Israel will never again pursue such a senseless course. Isaiah 10:20 says that they will “support themselves upon Jehovah, the Holy One of Israel, in trueness.” Isa 10 Verse 21 shows, however, that only a small number will do so: “A mere remnant will return.” This reminds us of Isaiah’s son Shear-jashub, who is a sign in Israel and whose name means “A Mere Remnant Will Return.” (Isaiah 7:3) Verse 22 of Isa chapter 10 warns of a coming “extermination” that has been decided on. Such an extermination will be righteous because it is a just punishment on a rebellious people. As a result, from a thickly populated nation that is “like the grains of sand of the sea,” only a remnant will return. Isa 10 Verse 23 warns that this coming extermination will affect the whole land. Jerusalem will not be spared this time.
These verses well describe what happened in 607 B.C.E. when Jehovah used the Babylonian Empire as his “rod.” The whole land, including Jerusalem, fell to the invader. The Jews were taken captive to Babylon for 70 years. After that, though, some—even if only “a mere remnant”—returned to reestablish true worship in Jerusalem.
The prophecy at Isaiah 10:20-23 had a further fulfillment in the first century, as shown at Romans 9:27, 28. (Compare Isaiah 1:9; Romans 9:29.) Paul explains that in a spiritual sense, a “remnant” of Jews ‘returned’ to Jehovah in the first century C.E., inasmuch as a small number of faithful Jews became followers of Jesus Christ and began worshiping Jehovah “with spirit and truth.” (John 4:24) These were later joined by believing Gentiles, making up a spiritual nation, “the Israel of God.” (Galatians 6:16) On this occasion the words of Isaiah 10:20 were fulfilled: “Never again” did a nation dedicated to Jehovah turn away from him to human sources for support.
[Picture on page 147]
Sennacherib reasons that gathering the nations is as easy as gathering eggs from a nest |
Watching the World | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101972012 | Watching the World
Calls for More Discipline
◆ Running counter to the permissive trend in teaching, a former Columbia University professor and now headmaster of a private school calls for more, not less, discipline. Donald Barr placed the blame for today’s crisis in education on “progressive educators” who have argued that the child could teach himself. He stated: “The child who has never been controlled can never control himself. . . . Now we find people letting kids have self-destructive autonomy when they’re younger and then trying to put their foot down when it’s too late.”
Magazines in Trouble
◆ Due to increased costs, including postage rates, many magazines are having severe financial problems. In recent years, mass-circulation magazines such as Look, Saturday Evening Post, Collier’s and others have suspended publication. Others have reduced operations. In late November, Life magazine announced another cut in circulation, this time from 7 million down to 5.5 million by June. In January of 1971 it had already cut its circulation from 8.5 million to 7 million. Many religious publications, too, are going out of business, since interest in them is diminishing and costs are swiftly rising.
UN’s Money Worries
◆ An editorial in the Vancouver Sun carried the headline: “If the UN was a business they’d all be in jail.” It commented: “The UN is bankrupt. As the top financial officers say, if this were a commercial enterprise they would probably be in jail for having dipped into trust funds and other special accounts to meet the monthly payroll and other minimum operating costs.” Secretary-General U Thant declared: “We are literally living from hand to mouth. We have, in fact, reached the stage where our ability even to continue current activities—still less to undertake new or expanded-program initiatives—must be seriously questioned.”
Dollar Drain Continued
◆ The third quarter of 1971, July through September, saw the largest deficit in America’s balance of payments ever. It experienced a loss of more than 12 thousand million dollars to foreign countries, more than twice that of the preceding quarter. Although the nation’s new economic policies put into force in August have slowed the drain, they have not been able to stop it.
Britain’s Jobless Rolls Climb
◆ Britain is now experiencing her worst unemployment problem since the Great Depression of the 1930’s. At the end of November the number out of work had reached nearly one million.
Not as Confident
◆ According to a University of Michigan study, 62 percent of Americans polled in 1964 expressed a high degree of confidence in the federal government. But in 1970 that figure dropped to only 37 percent.
How Many Have It?
◆ Dr. R. D. Catterall of London, regarded as one of the world’s foremost authorities on sexually transmitted diseases, estimates that in 1970 there were 250 million cases of venereal disease throughout the world. He attributed its rapid spread to today’s sexual permissive attitudes, the immunity that some strains of venereal disease have developed against drug treatment, ignorance among the medical profession and public, and also birth-control pills, which offer no barrier to infection. Such a toll would mean that one out of every fourteen persons in the world is affected.
Depraved Tastes
◆ An article, accompanied by pictures, in West Germany’s Neue Illustrierte Revue spoke of the “new rich cannibals from Duesseldorf.” It said: “With frivolous joking the ‘newly rich’ of Duesseldorf sat down to a gruesome meal by candlelight: ‘What may I offer you? Perhaps a piece of human head?’ Oxblood was served with this. And as dessert the women were served a male sex organ, made of banana and candied fruit; for the gentlemen a pastry in the form of the female genitals.” The head was made of bread dough, eyes of mushrooms, decorated with truffles and surrounded by calf brains. The latest attraction is Swiss chocolate fashioned into the form of a five-month old human fetus, served as dessert.
Movies Losing
◆ From a peak of about 80 million admissions to motion picture theaters in 1946, the total dropped to 21 million in 1963, and has fallen below 18 million at last count. The main reason given is the advent of television. The quality of films has also declined, with more movie houses showing films featuring violence and sexual immorality. The president of a theater chain said: “We’re suffering from the most severe lack of quality motion pictures in the last 10 to 15 years.”
Love Must Be Expressed
◆ Child development experts have for some time understood that infants need parental love. They are appreciating more now that such love must be demonstrated, not just felt, reports the journal Bedside Nurse. Soft words of affection, cuddling, and securely but gently holding a baby help to fulfill its emotional and physical needs.
Fallout Diminishes
◆ During the late 1940’s and the 1950’s, nuclear-weapons tests spewed millions of tons of radioactive debris into the atmosphere. By the early 1960’s, alarmingly high levels of strontium 90 and cesium 137 were found building up in food and milk. However, in 1963 the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. signed a treaty agreeing not to test nuclear weapons in the atmosphere. Since then, the fallout of radioactive particles has diminished, except for small rises after French and Chinese tests. Britain’s Harwell Laboratories report that the amount of strontium 90 deposited on the earth last year was only one twentieth of the amount that fell in 1963.
Treating Sickle-Cell Anemia
◆ About one out of every 400 black children in the United States is affected with sickle-cell anemia. They are born with the condition. It causes the oxygen-carrying red blood cells to collapse, changing from their normal round shape into one resembling a sickle. These abnormal cells die prematurely, which can lead to fatal anemia. Researchers are experimenting with a new chemical treatment. In test tubes, sodium cyanate has been able to prevent red blood cells from “sickling.” It has yet to be determined whether the treatment will work with humans.
Watch Your Eating Habits
◆ The eating habits of Americans are said to be mainly responsible for more than 600,000 deaths from heart disease, called the country’s number one killer. In testimony before Congressional committees, Dr. Ernest Wynder, president of the American Health Foundation, said: “The rarely observed [heart] disease of 1918 now accounts for more than 50 per cent of the deaths of males over the age of 40 in the United States, and it appears to be affecting a progressively greater number of young people. . . . in truth, an epidemic has struck.” Among other things, the foundation recommended that individuals should eat less and choose what they eat more carefully, especially avoiding fatty foods and sweets, and cutting salt intake.
Cats Under Suspicion
◆ Toxoplasmosis is a parasitical disease thought to infect more than 500 million people throughout the world. In adults who enjoy good health the disease may hardly be noticed. Babies can be more seriously affected. It is passed on to them by their mothers during pregnancy. Scientists have established one source of the infection as eating raw or undercooked meat. But independent investigators in several countries have made another discovery, one which Dr. J. K. Frenkel of the University of Kansas calls “99.44 percent certain.” It is that the common house cat is very likely another source of the infection. The disease seems especially to thrive in the bodies of cats and is passed off in the cat’s feces. Outdoors, in a natural environment, the cat covers his feces, but indoors the owner must dispose of it, which exposes him to the disease. Dr. B. H. Kean of Cornell University advises, especially to pregnant women: ‘Do not eat raw or rare meat and send the cat away until the baby is born.’
Aerosol Sniffing Kills
◆ A sixteen-year-old Illinois girl died as a direct result of sniffing the outputs of an aerosol can. The pressured can contained a substance for keeping food from sticking to pans. Inhaling sprays and vapors of various kinds has resulted in injury and death to many, particularly young people seeking ‘kicks.’
Influenza Heads West
◆ Health Ministry sources in Hungary reported sixty-two deaths from influenza by late November. About 30 percent of the work force was idled, and about the same percentage of children stayed out of school. The illness was said to be spreading westward. In Spain between 10 and 15 percent of Madrid’s three million residents were suffering from flu, and nearly every province reported some serious outbreaks.
Synod’s Results
◆ What was accomplished by the Synod of Roman Catholic Bishops that met in Rome late last year? Time magazine said: “Nothing really has been accomplished, little really changed.” Conservative thinking prevailed. The news magazine also commented: “To a waiting world, the seeming immobility of the hierarchy is inexplicable. Perhaps the real question this autumn is not so much what the bishops have or have not done as whether the Catholics of the world seriously care about what they do at all. Most bishops may still listen to the Pope, but fewer and fewer priests listen to either the Pope or their bishops—and many of the laity are beginning to listen to no one. . . . the mystical body of Christ seems to have suffered a nervous breakdown.”
Catholic Book Sales Down
◆ During the Second Vatican Council, held from 1962 to 1965, there was a surge of interest in books related to church affairs. However, that tide has passed. Interest has waned. One bookseller estimated a drop in sales of about 40 percent in the last five years. Now many publishers are abandoning the publishing of religious books.
Takes Bishops to Task
◆ Retired Church of England vicar Samuel Price stated that there may be kind bishops who make the care of their clergy a main concern, but in forty years’ service in the church he had not come across any “such really Christian men.” He wondered if, instead, “at the moment of consecration, a heart of steel was transplanted.” He mentioned the “growing feeling that bishops and archdeacons have become too much like soulless executives, company directors or angry schoolmasters.”
Strike Hits Parochial Schools
◆ The first major strike against the Roman Catholic Church’s school system in the archdiocese of New York occurred in late November. Unionized lay teachers voted to strike after contract talks failed. Lay teachers now make up a majority of those teaching in parochial schools. Their demands for higher wages hit hard at parochial schools, since hundreds already have closed in recent years because of financial difficulties. According to the archdiocese, in 1958 the bill for lay teachers was $1.5 million. Now it is $20.1 million and rising.
Tasmania’s Troubled Schools
◆ Roman Catholic schools in Tasmania, a large island off the southern coast of Australia, are having financial troubles too. Associate Director of Catholic Education J. M. Williams said that twenty of the forty-eight Catholic schools in Tasmania may be forced to close unless outside aid is forthcoming. |
Avoid Excessive Speed and Aggression! | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101988002 | Avoid Excessive Speed and Aggression!
“IF THE car was invented today it would be banned,” asserts Geoff Large, assistant director of road safety for Britain’s RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents). “You would never be allowed to sell something which would kill and injure a third of a million people every year in this country alone.”
Motor-vehicle manufacturers recognize the potential danger of their product. They invest vast sums of money and go to great lengths to improve the safety features built into modern cars. But as London’s Sunday Express Magazine comments: “Security-conscious drivers know that protecting the car—and its occupants—doesn’t come cheap.” Though advertising may feature safety devices, what captures the buyer’s attention? Often it is the vehicle’s performance, how it achieves maximum speed in minimum time, its power, as well as its sleek lines and sporty trim.
Retired judge Richard Spiegel believes that German motorists seem “to have a neurotic relationship to speed . . . still the most frequent cause of accident.” It is this attitude that he believes is exploited by “motor industry advertising.” Is this true in your country too?
Other factors, such as increasing traffic density and the diminishing quality of the road network, render driving more risky in many countries. Reports from Brazil focus on the perils of unmarked intersections. “In these situations,” comments the Brazil Herald, “one or more drivers suddenly become confused, hesitate, which can lead to an accident.”
Faced with such hazards, it is imperative that drivers of modern high-performance vehicles be responsible, well-trained, and caring people. The Swedish publication Trygg i trafiken? (Safe in Traffic?) offers this estimation: “Next to the right to vote, a driver’s license is the most important thing you can be entrusted with by society.”
Beware of Aggression!
Speed kills. Drunken drivers kill. ‘But,’ you say, ‘I stick to the speed limits, and I don’t drink any alcohol when I am going to drive. I realize driving can be a matter of life and death. What more can I do?’
“The car amplifies a human faculty, that of movement, making it possible to cover distances much more rapidly than by his own means,” writes psychologist Zulnara Port Brasil, adding: “That in itself is not wrong.” So where is the problem? According to Zulnara, it “lies in the manner in which each driver handles that power.”
No doubt you agree with the French daily Le Monde that commented: “A widespread, cultivated attitude of mind makes us take . . . the wheel as a symbol of power . . . If one cannot avoid the foolishness of others . . . , at least one can control one’s own driving.”—Italics ours.
Modern motoring is more arduous and hazardous owing to what the Glasgow Herald calls “the rising level of aggression and intolerance behind the wheel.” Add to this “brinkmanship [the practice of pushing a dangerous situation to the limit of safety before stopping] and cut and thrust techniques,” which have become “increasingly prevalent to the point of physical violence and collisions,” and you have a recipe for devastation on the roads. Canadian police superintendent Ken Cocke comments: “People have just forgotten all the rules—and everybody’s in a hurry. We sense we have to be more aggressive; everybody pushes and nobody waits in line.”
This aggressive streak, characteristic of today’s driver, does indeed provoke trouble. “The worst fault,” reports Rheinischer Merkur, “is that of following too close behind. . . . Few road users appreciate how others feel. For example, drivers of fast cars often feel that motorcyclists are a menace. They feel challenged, envious, and envy can easily trigger aggression.” So common is this trait that “one person in three questioned admits to having felt upset or even insulted by being overtaken.”
Top Priority—Drive Safely!
The increased violence taking place on the highways in the United States seems to reflect this aggression. An item in The Wall Street Journal, August 3, 1987, under the heading “Drivers Are Turning Increasingly Violent,” stated: “In cities across the country, police note a rise in highway shootings, fistfights and other mayhem, many starting with minor run-ins between drivers. In a few cases motorists have been killed.” The New York Times, August 6, 1987, reported: “Since mid-June, violence on southern California freeways has killed four people . . . and left 15 injured.”
There is thus no question about it: to drive safely is a must, for our own benefit and for that of others too. After lamenting the lives lost each year on Britain’s roads, former transport secretary John Moore urges: “Road safety . . . has to be among all road users’ top priorities.”
On the practical side, then, how can you drive safely? What should you be looking for? What advice do safe, experienced drivers offer? Our next article, “Cultivate Safe Driving Habits,” will consider these questions. |
Ministry School (be)
2002 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/be | Preparing Talks for the Congregation
THE program of the Theocratic Ministry School is prepared to benefit the entire congregation. Valuable information is also presented at other congregation meetings as well as at assemblies and conventions. If you have been assigned a part on one of these programs, you have been given a weighty responsibility. The apostle Paul urged the Christian overseer Timothy to pay constant attention to his teaching. (1 Tim. 4:16) Those who are present at Christian gatherings have set aside valuable time—and some have put forth much effort—to be in attendance for instruction in matters that pertain to their relationship with God. Giving such instruction is an awesome privilege indeed! How can you care for it well?
Highlights From Bible Reading
This feature of the school is based on the Bible reading that is assigned for the week. Emphasis should be put on how the material affects us today. As reported at Nehemiah 8:8, Ezra and his associates read publicly from God’s Word, explaining it, ‘putting meaning into it,’ and imparting understanding. Your handling of the Bible highlights affords you the opportunity to do that too.
How should you prepare such an assignment? If possible, read the assigned portion of the Bible a week or more in advance. Then think about your congregation and its needs. Pray about it. What counsel, what examples, what principles in this portion of God’s Word meet those needs?
Research is essential. Is the Watchtower Library on CD-ROM or the Watch Tower Publications Index available in your language? If so, make good use of them. By researching what has been published on the verses you have chosen to focus on, you may find enlightening background material, explanations of the fulfillment of prophecies, analyses of what certain texts reveal about Jehovah, or discussions of principles. Do not try to cover too many points. Focus on just a few selected verses. It is better to cover a few verses and do it well.
Your assignment may also call for inviting the audience to comment on how they have benefited from the week’s Bible reading. What did they find that will benefit them in their personal and family study or in their ministry or way of life? What qualities of Jehovah were manifested in his dealings with people and nations? What did the audience learn that strengthened their faith and built appreciation for Jehovah? Do not dwell on technicalities. Emphasize the meaning and practical value of points selected.
Instruction Talk
This is based on published material, such as an article in The Watchtower or Awake! or possibly a portion of a book. In most cases there is more than enough material for the allotted time. How should you handle the assignment? As a teacher, not merely as someone covering material. An overseer must be “qualified to teach.”—1 Tim. 3:2.
Begin your preparation by studying the assigned material. Look up the scriptures. Meditate. Endeavor to do that well in advance of the date of your talk. Keep in mind that the brothers are encouraged to read beforehand the published material on which the talk is based. Your assignment is not simply to review it or to condense it but to show how to apply it. Use appropriate portions of the material in a manner that will truly benefit the congregation.
Just as each child has his own personality, each congregation has distinctive traits. A parent who teaches effectively does not simply recite moral precepts to his child. He reasons with the child. He takes into account the child’s personality and the problems with which the child struggles. In a similar way, teachers in the congregation endeavor to come to grips with the needs of the group to which they are speaking. However, a discerning teacher will avoid using examples that could embarrass someone in the audience. He will point out the benefits already being enjoyed as a result of walking in Jehovah’s way and will highlight counsel from the Scriptures that will help the congregation to deal successfully with problems that they face.
Good teaching touches the hearts of those in the audience. This requires not merely stating facts but also building appreciation for what these represent. It requires genuine concern for those being instructed. Spiritual shepherds should know the flock. If they lovingly keep in mind the problems that various ones are facing, they will be able to speak encouragingly, showing understanding, compassion, and empathy.
As effective teachers know, a talk must have a clearly defined objective. Material should be presented in such a manner that key points will stand out and be remembered. The audience should be able to take with them practical thoughts that will affect their lives.
Service Meeting
When you are giving a talk based on an article in Our Kingdom Ministry, the challenge may be somewhat different. Here you will find that you are often called on to convey fully to the audience what has been provided, not to select what is most appropriate. Help the audience to reason on the scriptures that constitute the basis for any counsel given. (Titus 1:9) Time is limited, in most cases not allowing for additional material.
On the other hand, you may be invited to present material on which no article appears in Our Kingdom Ministry. Reference may be made to a Watchtower article, or the assignment may consist of a few brief notes. It is up to you as a teacher to consider the needs of the congregation in relation to the assigned material. You may need to use a brief, pointed illustration or relate a fitting experience. Remember that your assignment is not simply to speak on the subject but to handle it in such a way that the congregation is helped to accomplish the work that God’s Word sets out and to find joy in doing so.—Acts 20:20, 21.
As you prepare your assignment, think about the circumstances of those who make up the congregation. Commend them for what they are already doing. How may their applying the suggestions given in the assigned material increase their effectiveness and their joy in the ministry?
Does your assignment call for a demonstration or an interview? If so, it should be planned well in advance. It may be tempting simply to ask someone else to make arrangements for it, but that does not always yield the best results. If at all possible, rehearse the demonstration or interview before the day of the meeting. Be sure that this element of your part is handled in a manner that truly enhances the instruction being given.
Assemblies and Conventions
Brothers who develop fine spiritual qualities and who become effective public speakers and teachers may in time be asked to share in the program at an assembly or a convention. These are truly special occasions for theocratic education. Such an assignment may come in the form of a manuscript, an outline, instructions for a Bible drama with a modern-day application, or a paragraph of instructions. If you are privileged to serve on such a program, carefully study the material supplied to you. Work with it until you appreciate its value.
Those who are assigned a manuscript talk should read the material word for word. They do not reword or rearrange the material. They study it to discern clearly what the main points are and how these are developed. They practice reading aloud until they can deliver the talk with proper sense stress, enthusiasm, warmth, feeling, earnestness, and conviction, as well as volume and intensity appropriate for a large audience.
Brothers who are assigned an outline talk are responsible to develop their material in a manner that closely conforms to the outline. Instead of reading from the outline during the talk or preparing it in manuscript form, the speaker should present the material extemporaneously, from the heart. It is important to adhere to the time allotted on the outline in order to present clearly each main point shown. The speaker should make good use of the thoughts and scriptures listed under the main points. He should not bring in additional points of his own personal liking to the exclusion of what is in the outline. The foundation of the instruction, of course, is God’s Word. The responsibility of Christian elders is to “preach the word.” (2 Tim. 4:1, 2) So a speaker should give special attention to the scriptures in the outline—reasoning on them and making application of them.
Do Not Procrastinate
Do you serve in a congregation where there are many opportunities to speak? How can you do justice to all of them? Avoid preparing your parts at the last minute.
Talks that truly benefit the congregation require adequate forethought. Therefore, get into the habit of reading the material as soon as you receive each assignment. This will enable you to mull it over as you go about other activities. During the days or weeks before you give your talk, you may hear comments that help you see how best to apply the information. Situations may arise that reveal its timeliness. Reading and thinking about your assignment right after you receive it takes time, but this is time well spent. When you finally sit down to develop the outline, you will reap the benefits of having thought it out well in advance. Handling assignments in this way will greatly reduce stress and will help you to present material in a manner that is practical and that reaches the hearts of those in the congregation.
To the extent that you appreciate the gift that has been entrusted to you in connection with Jehovah’s program of education for his people, you will honor him and will prove to be a blessing to those who love him.—Isa. 54:13; Rom. 12:6-8. |
ILLUSTRATED BIBLE STORIES
God Sends Moses to Egypt | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502014127 | ILLUSTRATED BIBLE STORIES
God Sends Moses to Egypt
Learn how Jehovah God proves to be stronger than the stubborn Pharaoh of Egypt.
Read the illustrated story online or from a printed PDF.
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United in Worship (uw)
1983 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/uw | Chapter 22
Continue to Speak God’s Word With Boldness
1. (a) What good news did Jesus’ disciples proclaim starting at Pentecost of 33 C.E., but what was the reaction of the rulers and older men of the Jews? (b) What questions might we ask ourselves concerning this?
THE most important events in over 4,000 years of human history had taken place. God’s own Son, Jesus Christ, had been anointed as the future King over all the earth. Despite Jesus’ execution at the instigation of religious enemies, Jehovah had raised his Son from the dead. Through him salvation was possible with everlasting life in view. But when Jesus’ faithful disciples publicly proclaimed this good news, fierce opposition broke out. First, two of the apostles were thrown into prison, then all of them. They were flogged and ordered to stop speaking on the basis of Jesus’ name. (Acts 4:1-3, 17; 5:17, 18, 40) What should they do? What would you have done? Would you have continued to witness boldly?
2. (a) What even more marvelous news needs to be proclaimed in our day? (b) Who have the responsibility to do it?
2 In the year 1914 C.E. an even more marvelous event of universal importance took place. God’s Kingdom in the hands of Jesus Christ actually was established in heaven. Next, Satan and his demons were hurled down to the earth. (Rev. 12:1-5, 7-12) The last days of the present wicked system had begun. Before the generation that witnessed the events of 1914 dies off, God will crush the entire Satanic system of things. (Matt. 24:34) Survivors will have before them the prospect of eternal life. In fulfillment of God’s original purpose, all the earth will become a Paradise. If you have already embraced this good news, you have the responsibility to share it with others. (Matt. 24:14) But what response can you expect?
3. (a) How do people respond to the Kingdom message? (b) So, what question must we face?
3 While some persons may welcome you warmly as a Kingdom proclaimer, the majority will simply be indifferent. (Matt. 24:37-39) Others may ridicule or may bitterly oppose you. Jesus warned that some opposition might come from your own relatives. (Luke 21:16-19) It may also be encountered at your place of work or at school. In many parts of the earth Jehovah’s Witnesses are even under unjust governmental ban. When confronted with any or all of such circumstances, will you continue to speak God’s Word boldly?
4. Does personal determination assure that we will continue to serve God faithfully?
4 Without doubt, you want to be a courageous servant of God. Yet, some who felt that nothing could turn them back have dropped out of the ranks of Kingdom proclaimers. In contrast, others, including persons who are somewhat timid by nature, continue without letup to be zealous servants of God. How can you prove to be one who stands “firm in the faith”?—1 Cor. 16:13.
Not Relying on Our Own Strength
5. (a) To prove ourselves faithful servants of God, what is a basic requirement? (b) Why are the meetings so important?
5 There are, of course, many factors involved in being a faithful servant of God. But basic to all of them is reliance on Jehovah and his provisions. How do we show such reliance? One way is by attending congregation meetings. The Scriptures urge us not to neglect them. (Heb. 10:23-25) Those who have continued to be faithful witnesses of Jehovah, whether in the face of public apathy or of persecution, have exerted themselves to be regular in attending meetings with fellow worshipers. At these meetings our knowledge of the Scriptures is increased, but it is not mere fascination with new things that draws us. (Compare Acts 17:21.) Our appreciation of well-known truths grows, and our awareness of ways in which to use them is sharpened. The example set for us by Jesus becomes deeply impressed on our mind and heart. (Eph. 4:20-24) We are drawn close to our Christian brothers in united worship and we personally are strengthened to continue doing God’s will. Jehovah’s spirit provides direction through the congregation, and by means of that spirit Jesus is in our midst when we assemble in his name.—Rev. 3:6; Matt. 18:20.
6. Where Jehovah’s Witnesses are banned, what is done about meetings?
6 Do you regularly attend all the meetings and do you make personal application of what you hear discussed? Sometimes, when under ban, it has been necessary to hold the meetings in small groups in private homes. Places and times may vary and may not always be convenient, some meetings being held late at night. But, in spite of personal inconvenience or danger, faithful brothers and sisters put forth earnest effort to be present for each meeting.
7. (a) How else do we demonstrate our reliance on Jehovah? (b) How can this help us to keep on speaking boldly?
7 Reliance on Jehovah is also shown by regularly turning to him in prayer—not as a mere formal routine, but with heartfelt realization that we need God’s help. Do you do that? Jesus prayed repeatedly during his earthly ministry. (Luke 3:21; 6:12, 13; 9:18, 28; 11:1; 22:39-44) And on the night before his impalement he urged his disciples: “Keep on the watch and praying, in order that you do not come into temptation.” (Mark 14:38) If we encounter much indifference to the Kingdom message, there could be a temptation to slow down in our ministry. If people ridicule us or if there is even more severe persecution, we might feel tempted to keep quiet so as to avoid it. But if we pray earnestly for God’s spirit to help us to keep on speaking boldly, we will be safeguarded against giving in to that temptation.—Luke 11:13; Eph. 6:18-20.
A Record of Bold Witnessing
8. (a) Why is the record in Acts of special interest to us? (b) Answer the questions provided at the end of this paragraph, emphasizing how the information can benefit us.
8 The record contained in the book of Acts is of special interest to all of us. It tells how the apostles and other early disciples, people who had feelings like ours, overcame obstacles and proved to be bold and faithful witnesses of Jehovah. Let us examine a portion of that record with the aid of the following questions and the cited scriptures. As we do so, consider how you personally can benefit from what you are reading.
Were the apostles highly educated men? Were they individuals who by nature were fearless, regardless of what happened? (Acts 4:13; John 18:17, 25-27; 20:19)
What enabled Peter to speak boldly before the Jewish court that had condemned God’s own Son not many weeks earlier? (Acts 4:8; Matt. 10:19, 20)
What had the apostles been doing during the weeks before they were brought before the Sanhedrin? (Acts 1:14; 2:1, 42)
When the rulers ordered them to stop preaching on the basis of Jesus’ name, what did Peter and John reply? (Acts 4:19, 20)
Following their release, to whom did they again look for help? Did they beg him to put a stop to the persecution, or what? (Acts 4:24-31)
By what means did Jehovah provide assistance when opposers tried to stop the preaching work? (Acts 5:17-20, 33-40)
How did the apostles show that they understood the reason that they had been delivered? (Acts 5:21, 41, 42)
Even when many of the disciples were scattered because of the intensity of the persecution, what did they continue to do? (Acts 8:3, 4; 11:19-21)
9. (a) What thrilling results came from the ministry of those early disciples? (b) How have we come to be involved?
9 Their work in connection with the good news was not in vain. About 3,000 disciples had been baptized at Pentecost of 33 C.E. “Believers in the Lord kept on being added, multitudes both of men and of women.” (Acts 2:41; 4:4; 5:14) In time it was reported that even one of the most ardent persecutors, Saul of Tarsus, had become a Christian and was himself boldly witnessing to the truth. He came to be known as the apostle Paul. (Gal. 1:22-24) The work that began in the first century has not stopped. It has gathered momentum in these “last days” and reached out into all parts of the earth. We have the privilege of sharing in it, and as we do so we can learn from the example set by loyal witnesses who served before us.
10. (a) What opportunities did Paul use to witness? (b) In what ways do you spread the Kingdom message to others?
10 When Paul learned the truth about Jesus Christ, he did not procrastinate. “Immediately . . . he began to preach Jesus, that this One is the Son of God.” (Acts 9:20) He appreciated God’s undeserved kindness to him and he realized that everyone needed the good news that he had received. According to the custom of the day, since he was a Jew he went to the synagogues, which were Jewish places of public assembly, to give a witness. He also preached from house to house and reasoned with people in the marketplace. And he was willing to move out into new territories to publish the good news.—Acts 17:17; 20:20; Rom. 15:23, 24.
11. (a) How did Paul show that, while bold, he was also discerning in the way he witnessed? (b) How might we reflect that quality when witnessing to relatives, workmates or schoolmates?
11 Paul was bold, but also discerning, as we should be. To the Jews he appealed on the basis of the promises made by God to their forefathers. To Greeks he spoke on the basis of things with which they were familiar. At times he used his own experience in learning the truth as a vehicle for giving a witness. As he explained: “I do all things for the sake of the good news, that I may become a sharer of it with others.”—1 Cor. 9:20-23; Acts 22:3-21.
12. (a) Though bold, what did Paul do so as to avoid forcing constant confrontations with opposers? (b) When might we wisely imitate that example, and how? (c) From where does the power come to keep on speaking boldly?
12 When opposition to the good news made it appear best to preach elsewhere or to move on to another territory for a time, Paul did this instead of forcing constant confrontations with enemies of the truth. (Acts 14:5-7; 18:5-7; Rom. 12:18) But he was never ashamed of the good news. (Rom. 1:16) Though Paul found the insolent, even violent, treatment by opposers unpleasant, he “mustered up boldness by means of our God” to keep on preaching. Despite the difficult circumstances into which he came, he said: “The Lord stood near me and infused power into me, that through me the preaching might be fully accomplished.” (1 Thess. 2:2; 2 Tim. 4:17) The head of the Christian congregation, the Lord Jesus, continues to provide the power needed to do the work that he foretold for our day.—Mark 13:10.
13. What gives evidence of Christian boldness, and what is the basis for it?
13 We have every reason to continue speaking God’s Word boldly, just as Jesus Christ and other faithful servants of God in the first century did. This does not mean being harsh or defiant in our manner. There is no need to be inconsiderate or to force the message on those who do not want it. But we do not give up because people are indifferent, nor are we frightened into silence by opposition. Like Jesus, we point to God’s Kingdom as the rightful government of all the earth. We speak with confidence because we represent Jehovah, the Universal Sovereign, and the message we proclaim is not from us but from him.—Phil. 1:27, 28; 1 Thess. 2:13.
Review Discussion
● Why is it important to share the Kingdom message with everyone possible? But what reactions should we expect?
● How can we show that we are not trying to rely on our own strength to serve Jehovah?
● What valuable lessons do we learn from the book of Acts? |
“Kingdom Come” (kc)
1981 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/kc | outputs
PAGE CHAPTER
5 1 “Thy Kingdom Come”!
14 2 The King of Eternity
21 3 What the Kingdom Means for Our Earth
29 4 The Kingdom ‘Comes’—from Where?
37 5 The Kingdom—Why So Long in ‘Coming’?
46 6 Reaching Out for the Kingdom
56 7 Identifying Messiah, the King
68 8 ‘The Kingdom Has Drawn Near’
78 9 Kingdom Heirs Keep Integrity
87 10 A Counterfeit Kingdom Arises
96 11 Kingdom Illustrations
105 12 The “Last Days” and the Kingdom
117 13 The Kingdom Horseman Rides
127 14 The King Reigns!
141 15 Loyal Advocates of the Kingdom
151 16 “A Great Crowd” Hails the King
162 17 The King Fights at Armageddon
174 18 The Kingdom Triumphant!
186 Appendix
NOTE: Bible quotations in this book are from the modern-language New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.
In connection with dates, the abbreviation B.C.E. means “Before the Common Era, and C.E. means “Of the Common Era.” |
Remote Regions of Africa Hear Bible Truths | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101979013 | Remote Regions of Africa Hear Bible Truths
Read the absorbing story in the 1979 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses about how their Kingdom preaching has reached into the remote regions of Senegal, West Africa. This 384-page book also tells about the beginning and development of the Kingdom-preaching work in Burma, Canada, the Leeward Islands and Peru.
Get your copy. Only 50 cents (U.S.), postpaid.
Please send me the 1979 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses; I enclose 50c (U.S.).
[Map/Picture on page 32]
(For fully formatted text, see publication)
SAINT-LOUIS
THIÈS
RUFISQUE
DAKAR
KAOLACK
ZIGUINCHOR |
Sing Praises (ssb)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/Ssb | Song 61
“I Am Jehovah”!
(Isaiah 42:8)
1. Hear now, the kings of pagan empires
Ignore Jehovah, God Most High.
They choose not to recognize his sov’reignty,
And his mighty power they defy.
But who was the One that overthrew their hosts,
That they perished ignominiously?
Yes, whose was the arm that silenced all their boasts
And gave his chosen people victory?
(Chorus)
2. See now the pow’rs of earth combining
In counsel ’gainst Jehovah’s Son!
Yet fear seizes hold upon their mighty men,
While the poor of earth in anguish groan.
Ah! Who will destroy the proud oppressor’s yoke
And deliver all the meek of the earth?
And who will establish them in righteousness
And turn their sorrow into songs of mirth?
(CHORUS)
I am the Lord; there is no other.
I am the Lord; Jehovah is my name.
I’ve set my King upon my holy mountain;
Bow to his rule! My Son begins his reign. |
Sing Praises (ssb)
1984 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/Ssb | Song 225
Drawing Close to Jehovah
(Psalm 73:28)
1. Your favor, O Jehovah,
Is something we hold dear.
As your devoted children,
We will to you keep near.
It is the finest treasure
To have you as our Friend.
Your love is pure, makes us secure.
Our thanks to you ascend.
2. Since you, as our Great Shepherd,
Did kindly for us look
And called us by Christ Jesus,
We then the world forsook.
Our sinfulness you pardoned
In mercy deep and wide.
You are so kind; much joy we find
As with you we reside.
3. Your Son taught us to know you
And give you all due praise.
Your tenderness and goodness,
They surely us amaze.
We want to know you better,
Draw closer to you still.
Do us befriend clear to the end;
Help us to do your will. |
Is Smoking a Sin? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502018127 | Is Smoking a Sin?
The Bible’s answer
The Bible does not mention smokinga or other means of using tobacco. However, it contains principles showing that God does not approve of unhealthy and unclean habits and thus views smoking as a sin.
Respect for life. “God . . . gives to all people life and breath.” (Acts 17:24, 25) Since life is a gift from God, we should not do anything that would shorten our life, such as smoking. Smoking is one of the main causes of preventable death worldwide.
Love of neighbor. “You must love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39) Smoking around others does not show love. Those who are routinely subjected to secondhand smoke are at higher risk of some of the same diseases that smokers often suffer from.
The need to be holy. “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.” (Romans 12:1) “Let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1) Smoking is unnatural and incompatible with being holy—that is, clean and pure—because tobacco users intentionally consume toxins that seriously damage their body.
Does the Bible say anything about the recreational use of marijuana or other drugs?
The Bible does not mention marijuana (also known as weed or pot) or similar drugs by name. But it contains principles that rule out the recreational use of such addictive substances. In addition to the foregoing principles, the following also apply:
The need to control our mental faculties. “You must love Jehovah your God . . . with your whole mind.” (Matthew 22:37, 38) “Keep your senses completely.” (1 Peter 1:13) A person cannot fully control his mind when abusing drugs, and many people even become addicted to them. Their minds focus on obtaining and using drugs rather than on upbuilding thoughts.—Philippians 4:8.
Obedience to secular laws. “Be obedient to governments and authorities.” (Titus 3:1) In many lands, the law strictly controls the use of some drugs. If we want to please God, we should obey secular authorities.—Romans 13:1.
Tobacco and Your Health
The World Health Organization estimates that every year, about six million people die of diseases related to the use of tobacco, including over 600,000 nonsmokers affected by secondhand smoke. Consider how tobacco affects the health of those who use it and the health of others around them.
Cancer. Tobacco smoke contains over 50 carcinogenic chemicals. The Encyclopædia Britannica states that tobacco smoke is “believed to account for 90 percent of all cases of lung cancer.” Tobacco smoke can cause cancer in other organs, including the mouth, trachea, esophagus, throat, larynx, liver, pancreas, and bladder.
Respiratory diseases. Tobacco smoke increases the chances of respiratory ailments such as pneumonia and influenza. Children who regularly inhale secondhand smoke are more prone to suffer from asthma, chronic cough, and reduced lung growth and function.
Heart disease. Smokers are at greater risk of suffering a stroke or developing heart disease. Carbon monoxide present in tobacco smoke easily passes from the lungs to the bloodstream, where it displaces oxygen. With less oxygen available in the blood, the heart has to work harder to deliver oxygen to the body.
Effects on pregnancy. Women who smoke while pregnant increase the risk of their babies being born prematurely, with low birth weight, or with certain birth defects such as a cleft lip. Such babies could also develop respiratory problems or suffer sudden infant death syndrome.
a Smoking here refers to deliberately inhaling tobacco smoke from cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or water pipes. However, the principles discussed apply equally to the use of chewing tobacco, snuff, electronic cigarettes that contain nicotine, and similar products. |
Your Marriage Can Be Saved! | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102001004 | Your Marriage Can Be Saved!
The Bible abounds with practical counsel that can benefit husbands and wives. This is hardly surprising, for the One who inspired the Bible is also the Originator of the marriage arrangement.
THE Bible paints a realistic picture of marriage. It acknowledges that a husband and wife will have “tribulation” or, as the New English Bible renders it, “pain and grief.” (1 Corinthians 7:28) Yet, the Bible also says that marriage can and should produce joy, even ecstasy. (Proverbs 5:18, 19) These two thoughts are not contradictory. They merely show that despite serious problems, a couple can attain a close and loving relationship.
Is that lacking in your marriage? Has pain and disappointment overshadowed the intimacy and joy that once characterized your relationship? Even if your marriage has been in a loveless state for many years, what was lost can be found. Of course, you have to be realistic. No imperfect man and woman are able to achieve a perfect marriage. Nevertheless, there are steps that you can take to reverse negative trends.
While reading the following material, try to identify which points particularly apply to your marriage. Instead of focusing on the shortcomings of your mate, select a few suggestions that you can put into practice, and apply the Scriptural counsel. You may find that there is more hope for your marriage than you realized.
Let us first discuss attitude because your view of commitment and your feelings toward your spouse are of utmost importance.
Your View of Commitment
A long-term view is essential if you are going to work on your marriage. After all, the marital arrangement was designed by God to instruction two humans inseparably. (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4, 5) Hence, your relationship with your spouse is not like a job that you can quit or an apartment that you can escape from by simply breaking the lease and moving out. Rather, when getting married you made a solemn promise to stick with your mate, come what may. A deep sense of commitment conforms to what Jesus Christ stated nearly 2,000 years ago: “What God has yoked together let no man put apart.”—Matthew 19:6.
Some might say, ‘Well, we’re still together. Isn’t this proof that we have a sense of commitment?’ Perhaps. However, as noted at the outset of this series, some couples who stay together are stuck in stagnant waters, trapped in a loveless marriage. Your goal is to make your marriage enjoyable, not just endurable. Commitment should reflect loyalty not only to the institution of marriage but also to the person whom you have vowed to love and cherish.—Ephesians 5:33.
The things you say to your mate can reveal just how deep your commitment is. For example, in the heat of an argument, some husbands and wives make rash statements such as “I’m leaving you!” or “I’m going to find someone who appreciates me!” Even if such comments are not meant literally, they undermine commitment by implying that the door is always open and that the speaker is ever poised and ready to walk through it.
To restore love in your marriage, eliminate such threats from your conversations. After all, would you decorate an apartment if you knew that any day you might be moving out of it? Why, then, expect your mate to work on a marriage that may not last? Determine that you will try earnestly to work toward solutions.
This is what one wife did after going through a turbulent period with her husband. “As much as I disliked him at times, I didn’t think about getting out of the relationship,” she says. “Whatever was broken, we were going to fix it somehow. And now, after two very rocky years, I can honestly say that we are quite happy together again.”
Yes, commitment means teamwork—not just coexisting but working toward a common goal. However, you may feel that at this point it is only a sense of duty that is keeping your marriage together. If this is so, do not despair. It may be that love can be recaptured. How?
Honoring Your Spouse
The Bible states: “Let marriage be honorable among all.” (Hebrews 13:4; Romans 12:10) Forms of the Greek word here translated “honorable” are rendered elsewhere in the Bible as “dear,” “esteemed,” and “precious.” When we highly value something, we make painstaking efforts to care for it. Perhaps you have noted that to be true of a man who owns an expensive new car. He keeps his precious car shining and in good repair. To him even a minor scratch is a major catastrophe! Other people take similar care of their health. Why? Because they value their well-being, and so they want to safeguard it.
Show the same protective care for your marriage. The Bible says that love “hopes all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:7) Instead of giving in to defeatist thinking—perhaps writing off the potential for improvement by saying, “We were never really in love,” “We married too young,” or “We didn’t know what we were doing”—why not hope for better things and work toward improvement, waiting patiently for results? “I hear so many of my clients intone, ‘I can’t handle it anymore!’” says one marriage counselor. “Instead of dissecting the relationship to see which parts of it need improvement, they hastily junk the entire endeavor, including the values they do share, the history they’ve carefully assembled, and any potential for the future.”
What history do you share with your mate? Regardless of the difficulties in your relationship, surely you can think of pleasant times, accomplishments, and challenges that you faced as a team. Reflect on these occasions, and show that you honor your marriage and your marriage mate by sincerely working to improve your relationship. The Bible shows that Jehovah God takes a keen interest in how marriage mates treat each other. For example, in the prophet Malachi’s day, Jehovah censured Israelite husbands who dealt treacherously with their wives by frivolously divorcing them. (Malachi 2:13-16) Christians want their marriage to bring honor to Jehovah God.
Conflict—How Serious?
A chief factor in loveless marriages seems to be an inability of the husband and wife to manage conflict. Since no two people are exactly alike, all marriages will have occasional disagreements. But couples who are constantly at odds may find that over the years their love has cooled. They might even conclude, ‘We’re just not well matched. We’re always fighting!’
Yet, the mere presence of conflict does not have to be the death knell of a marriage. The question is, How is conflict handled? In a successful marriage, the husband and wife have learned to talk about their problems without becoming, as one doctor calls it, “intimate enemies.”
“The Power of the Tongue”
Do you and your mate know how to talk about your problems? Both should be willing to talk them out. Truly, this is a skill—one that can be challenging to learn. Why? For one thing, all of us occasionally “stumble in word” because of being imperfect. (James 3:2) Then, too, some were raised in homes where a parent’s anger was unleashed on a regular basis. From an early age, they were, in a sense, trained to believe that temperamental outbursts and abusive speech are normal. A boy raised in such an environment may grow up to become “a man given to anger,” one who is “disposed to rage.” (Proverbs 29:22) Similarly, a girl with such an upbringing may become “a bitter-tongued and angry woman.” (Proverbs 21:19, The Bible in Basic English) It can be difficult to uproot strongly entrenched patterns of thinking and interacting.a
Managing conflict, then, involves learning new ways to express one’s thoughts. This is no trivial matter, for a Bible proverb states: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21) Yes, simple as it may sound, how you talk to your spouse has the potential to destroy your relationship or to revive it. “There exists the one speaking thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a sword,” says another Bible proverb, “but the tongue of the wise ones is a healing.”—Proverbs 12:18.
Even if your mate seems to be the prime offender in this regard, give thought to the things that you say during a disagreement. Do your words hurt, or do they heal? Do they provoke rage or mollify it? “A word causing pain makes anger to come up,” says the Bible. In contrast, “an answer, when mild, turns away rage.” (Proverbs 15:1) Words causing pain—even if they are spoken calmly—will inflame the situation.
Of course, if something disturbs you, you have a right to express yourself. (Genesis 21:9-12) But you can do so without resorting to sarcasm, insults, and put-downs. Set firm boundaries for yourself—some things that you will resolve not to say to your mate, such as “I hate you” or “I wish we had never married.” And although the Christian apostle Paul was not specifically discussing marriage, it is wise to avoid getting caught up in what he called “debates about words” and “violent disputes about trifles.”b (1 Timothy 6:4, 5) If your spouse uses such methods, you do not have to respond in kind. As far as it depends upon you, pursue peace.—Romans 12:17, 18; Philippians 2:14.
Admittedly, when tempers flare, it is difficult to control one’s speech. “The tongue is a fire,” says the Bible writer James. “Not one of mankind can get it tamed. An unruly injurious thing, it is full of death-dealing poison.” (James 3:6, 8) What can you do, then, when anger begins to build? How can you speak to your mate in a manner that will quell the conflict rather than add fuel to it?
Defusing Explosive Arguments
Some have found that it is easier to slow down anger and address underlying issues if they put emphasis on their feelings rather than on their mate’s actions. For example, “I feel hurt because of what you said” is much more effective than “You hurt me” or “You should know better than to say that.” Of course, when expressing how you feel, the tone of your voice should not be laced with bitterness or contempt. Your objective should be to highlight the problem rather than attack the person.—Genesis 27:46–28:1.
In addition, always remember that there is “a time to keep quiet and a time to speak.” (Ecclesiastes 3:7) When two people are talking at the same time, neither one is listening, and nothing is accomplished. So when it is your turn to listen, be “swift about hearing, slow about speaking.” Equally important, be “slow about wrath.” (James 1:19) Do not take literally every harsh word that your mate utters; neither “hurry yourself in your spirit to become offended.” (Ecclesiastes 7:9) Instead, try to perceive the feelings behind your mate’s words. “The insight of a man certainly slows down his anger,” says the Bible, “and it is beauty on his part to pass over transgression.” (Proverbs 19:11) Insight can help a husband or wife look beneath the surface of a disagreement.
For example, a wife’s complaint that her husband does not spend time with her is likely not simply about hours and minutes. It may have more to do with her feeling neglected or unappreciated. Similarly, a husband’s grievance concerning an impulsive purchase that his wife made is probably not just about dollars and cents. It may be more about his feeling left out of the decision-making process. The husband or wife having insight will probe beneath the surface and get to the core of the problem.—Proverbs 16:23.
Is this easier said than done? Absolutely! Sometimes, despite the best of efforts, unkind words will be spoken and tempers will flare. When you see this start to happen, you may need to follow the advice of Proverbs 17:14: “Before the quarrel has burst forth, take your leave.” There is nothing wrong with postponing the discussion until feelings have cooled down. If it is difficult to talk without things getting out of hand, it may be advisable to have a mature friend sit down with the two of you and help you to sort through your differences.c
Maintain a Realistic Outlook
Do not be discouraged if your marriage is not what you envisioned it would be during courtship. Says one team of experts: “Unending bliss is just not what marriage is like for most people. It’s wonderful at times and very hard at other times.”
Yes, marriage may not be a storybook romance, but neither does it have to be a tragedy. While there will be times when you and your spouse will just have to put up with each other, there will also be occasions when you can put your differences aside and just enjoy being together, having fun, and talking to each other as friends. (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:13) These are the times when you may be able to rekindle the love that has faded.
Remember, two imperfect humans cannot have a perfect marriage. But they can find a measure of happiness. Indeed, even with difficulties, the relationship between you and your spouse can be a wellspring of immense satisfaction. One thing is certain: If both you and your mate put forth effort and are willing to be flexible and seek the advantage of the other person, there is good reason to believe that your marriage can be saved.—1 Corinthians 10:24.
[Footnotes]
a Parental influence does not excuse harsh speech directed at one’s mate. However, it may help explain how such a tendency can become deeply ingrained and difficult to uproot.
b The original Greek word translated “violent disputes about trifles” can also be rendered “mutual irritations.”
c Jehovah’s Witnesses have the resource of congregation elders. While it is not their place to meddle in the personal affairs of married couples, the elders can be a refreshing aid to couples in distress.—James 5:14, 15.
[Blurb on page 12]
Do your words hurt, or do they heal?
[Box/Pictures on page 10]
THROW THE BALL GENTLY
The Bible states: “Let your utterance be always with graciousness, seasoned with salt, so as to know how you ought to give an answer to each one.” (Colossians 4:6) This certainly applies in marriage! To illustrate: In a game of catch, you toss the ball so that it can be caught easily. You do not fling it with such force that you injure your partner. Apply the same principle when speaking with your spouse. Hurling bitter remarks will only cause harm. Instead, speak gently—with graciousness—so that your mate can catch your point.
[Box/Picture on page 11]
REMINISCE!
Read letters and cards from the past. Look at pictures. Ask yourself, ‘What drew me to my partner? What qualities did I most admire? What activities did we share in? What made us laugh?’ Then talk about these memories with your spouse. A conversation that starts with the phrase “Remember the time . . . ?” may help you and your spouse to revive the feelings that you once shared.
[Box on page 12]
NEW MATE, SAME PROBLEMS
Some spouses who feel trapped in a loveless marriage are tempted to start all over with a new mate. But the Bible condemns adultery, stating that a person who engages in this sin “is in want of heart [“is a senseless fool,” New English Bible]” and “is bringing his own soul to ruin.” (Proverbs 6:32) Ultimately, the unrepentant adulterer loses God’s favor—the worst kind of ruin possible.—Hebrews 13:4.
The utter foolishness of an adulterous course is shown in other ways too. For one thing, the adulterer who takes on a new spouse is likely to be confronted with the same problems that plagued his first marriage. Dr. Diane Medved brings up another factor to consider: “The first thing your new mate learned about you,” she says, “was that you’re willing to be unfaithful. He or she knows that you can be deceptive to one you’ve promised to honor. That you’re great with excuses. That you can be distracted away from commitment. That sensory pleasure or ego gratification are bait that you’ll follow. . . . How does spouse number two know that you won’t be lured away again?”
[Box on page 14]
WISDOM FROM BIBLE PROVERBS
• Proverbs 10:19: “In the abundance of words there does not fail to be transgression, but the one keeping his lips in check is acting discreetly.”
When you are upset, you may say more than you mean to—and later regret it.
• Proverbs 15:18: “An enraged man stirs up outpution, but one that is slow to anger quiets down quarreling.”
Stinging accusations will likely make your spouse defensive, whereas patient listening will help both of you work toward a resolution.
• Proverbs 17:27: “Anyone holding back his sayings is possessed of knowledge, and a man of discernment is cool of spirit.”
When you sense that anger is building, it is best to keep quiet so as to avoid a full-blown confrontation.
• Proverbs 29:11: “All his spirit is what a stupid one lets out, but he that is wise keeps it calm to the last.”
Self-control is vital. A temperamental outburst of harsh words will only alienate your spouse. |
Why Not Smoke? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101978009 | The Bible’s View
Why Not Smoke?
“SMOKING, after all, is not a sin.” So wrote one person in a letter to a noted United States newspaper. Doubtless, this comment reflects the attitude of most people, especially those who use tobacco. They are likely to ask, ‘Why not smoke? After all, it is not a sin.’
Yet others may feel that it is wrong to smoke. Who is right? What does the Bible indicate?
Compatible with Human Attributes?
One of the principal attributes with which the Creator has endowed man is wisdom. But is it wise to smoke? Well, the third report on smoking issued by Britain’s Royal College of Physicians was eninputd “Smoking or Health,” instead of “Smoking and Health,” as had previously been the case. Alluding to the report, the journal New Scientist stated: “The evidence that cigarette smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema, and bronchitis is overwhelming.” So, how wise is it to smoke and thus imperil one’s health?
Another God-given human quality is justice. But is an expectant smoking mother dealing justly with her unborn child? Not really, for the Medical Department of Japan’s Tohoku University has reported that smoking women give birth to babies weighing an average of 200 grams (7 ounces) less than those of nonsmokers.
Love is another quality given by Jehovah God to humankind. But is it loving to smoke? Evidence gleaned from a five-year study by researchers of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has indicated that the offspring of smoking parents had pneumonia or bronchitis during their initial year of life twice as frequently as did the children of nonsmoking parents. So it is not an act of love when family members smoke.
Still another attribute with which God has endowed humans is power. Smoking decreases willpower, for the use of tobacco becomes addictive. Accordingly, Dr. Robert Dupont, director of the United States National Institute of Drug Abuse, called tobacco “probably the most deadly drug in our society,” and remarked: “People who use cigarettes have the same problem as heroin users. Both groups have a problem of control from morning to night 365 days a year.”
Contrary to Bible Principles
By imperiling or ruining their health, smokers show a lack of wisdom, whereas the Bible encourages the acquisition and exercise of that quality. (Prov. 4:7-9; 7:4) Moreover, a wise person acts in a way that benefits him. Thus an inspired proverb says: “If you have become wise, you have become wise in your own behalf.”—Prov. 9:12.
Also, whereas it really is unjust to injure the health of others by smoking, the Scriptures demand just acts on the part of those desiring God’s approval.—Mic. 6:8.
By befouling the air, smokers do not show love for their families and others. Yet, love of neighbor is a Christian requirement. Jesus Christ said: “‘You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. The second, like it, is this, ‘You must love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matt. 22:37-39) Loving one’s neighbor also calls for practicing the Golden Rule enunciated by Jesus: “All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must likewise do to them.” (Matt. 7:12) Certainly, if a person was doing something in your presence that was obnoxious or sickening, you would consider it loving if he desisted.
Love of God also is involved. In what way? Well, those who have dedicated their lives to Jehovah God are to love Him with their whole heart, mind and soul, as Jesus indicated. Obviously, such persons would not want to endanger and possibly ruin their health by smoking and thus try to present to God something made inferior by their deliberate action. That would be contrary to the apostle Paul’s counsel that Christians present their bodies “a sacrifice living, holy, acceptable to God.” (Rom. 12:1) Moreover, since this sacrifice is to be “holy,” true followers of Christ heed Paul’s admonition: “Let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in God’s fear.” (2 Cor. 7:1) That leaves no room for such an unclean habit as smoking, does it?
Also, please consider the matter of power over one’s own will. If this were diminished by addiction to the drug nicotine found in tobacco, how could one please Jehovah God? His Word urges the cultivation and display of self-control, a fruit of God’s spirit. (Gal. 5:22, 23; 2 Pet. 1:5, 6) Can it be said that godly self-control really is being exercised by persons who yield to nicotine addiction?
Consider a further point. Nicotine addiction affects the mind detrimentally and produces enslavement. Hence, it may be classed with addictive drugs, such as those that provided the source for the Greek term pha·ma·kiʹa, initially meaning “druggery.” Due to the close connection between drug use and spiritism, this Greek word came to be associated with spiritistic practices. In fact, it was used by Bible writers and has been rendered “practice of spiritism” and “spiritistic practices” in passages that clearly condemn spiritism. (Gal. 5:20, 21; Rev. 9:20, 21) Therefore, persons who have not broken their addiction to tobacco do not qualify for baptism in symbol of an acceptable dedication to God.
Further Causes for Concern
For these many reasons, Jehovah’s Christian witnesses shun tobacco. It would not be proper for any smoker to present himself as representing one of their congregations in declaring the “good news.” Why not? Because spiritual and physical cleanness are required of those who are, in effect, “carrying the utensils of Jehovah.”—Isa. 52:11; Ex. 30:17-21; Lev. 22:2-8.
Smoking in secret would not be fitting for one desiring divine approval either, for that would be devious. Such a person would be sinning, not only by smoking, but by hiding that fact from associates in the Christian congregation. Appropriately, we are told in Scripture: “The devious person is a detestable thing to Jehovah, but His intimacy is with the upright ones.”—Prov. 3:32.
Through earnest prayer and reliance on Jehovah God, hundreds of thousands of persons have overcome deeply entrenched bad habits and practices. (1 Cor. 6:9-11) Many have learned why they should not smoke. Then, with the aid of God’s spirit, they have had the self-control and strength needed to overcome this unclean custom that stands in the way of faithful service to Jehovah and life in his new order.—Luke 11:13; Phil. 4:13. |
Right and Wrong—A Guide You Can Trust | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2024000 | Right and Wrong—A Guide You Can Trust
No. 1 2024
© 2024 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.
THIS MAGAZINE, The Watchtower, honors Jehovah God, the Ruler of the universe. It comforts people with the good news that God’s heavenly Kingdom will soon end all wickedness and transform the earth into a paradise. It promotes faith in Jesus Christ, who died so that we might gain everlasting life and who is now ruling as King of God’s Kingdom. This magazine has been published continuously since 1879 and is nonpolitical. It adheres to the Bible as its authority. |
Greatest Man (gt)
1991 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/gt | Chapter 47
Tears Turned to Great Ecstasy
WHEN Jairus sees the woman with the flow of blood healed, his confidence in Jesus’ miraculous powers no doubt increases. Earlier in the day, Jesus had been asked by Jairus to come and help his beloved 12-year-old daughter, who lay near death. Now, however, what Jairus fears most occurs. While Jesus is still speaking with the woman, some men arrive and quietly tell Jairus: “Your daughter died! Why bother the teacher any longer?”
How devastating the news is! Just think: This man, who commands great respect in the community, is now totally helpless as he learns of his daughter’s death. Jesus, however, overhears the conversation. So, turning to Jairus, he says encouragingly: “Have no fear, only exercise faith.”
Jesus accompanies the grief-stricken man back to his home. When they arrive, they find a great commotion of weeping and wailing. A crowd of people have gathered, and they are beating themselves in grief. When Jesus steps inside, he asks: “Why are you causing noisy confusion and weeping? The young child has not died, but is sleeping.”
On hearing this, the people begin to laugh scornfully at Jesus because they know that the girl is really dead. Jesus, however, says that she is only sleeping. By using his God-given powers, he will show that people can be brought back from death as easily as they can be awakened from a deep sleep.
Jesus now has everyone sent outside except for Peter, James, John, and the dead girl’s mother and father. He then takes these five with him to where the young girl is lying. Grasping her by the hand, Jesus says: “Talʹi·tha cuʹmi,” which, translated, means: “Maiden, I say to you, Get up!” And immediately the girl rises and begins walking! The sight sends her parents nearly out of their minds with great ecstasy.
After instructing that the child be given something to eat, Jesus orders Jairus and his wife not to tell anyone what has happened. But despite what Jesus says, talk about it spreads out into all that region. This is the second resurrection Jesus performs. Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:35-43; Luke 8:41-56.
▪ What news does Jairus receive, and how does Jesus encourage him?
▪ What is the situation when they arrive at Jairus’ home?
▪ Why does Jesus say that the dead child is only sleeping?
▪ Who are the five with Jesus that witness the resurrection? |
Worldwide Security (ws)
1986 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/ws | Chapter 20
A Happy Human Family Under a New Fatherhood
1. Why is the subject of a new fatherhood such good news to the human family?
AFTER Armageddon, a second fatherhood awaits all mankind. That is indeed good news! The new fatherhood makes possible eternal life in human perfection in an earth-wide paradise, for the new Father of the human family is himself deathless. He has the power to confer perfect life upon all those whom he adopts as his children on earth.
2. Why is a new fatherhood needed?
2 A new fatherhood is needed because mankind lost its original fatherhood, the fatherhood of man’s Creator. The lineage that runs from Jesus back to the first man, Adam, ends up by giving us this list: “Cainan, son of Enosh, son of Seth, son of Adam, son of God.”—Luke 3:37, 38.
3. How tragic was the loss of the fatherhood of Jehovah God to all humanity?
3 Loss of the fatherhood of Jehovah God proved tragic for all humankind. The descendants of Adam inherited the condemnation of death. The matter is plainly stated in Romans 5:12: “Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned.” That “one man” was Adam, and for his willful sin, he lost the fatherhood of his Creator, Jehovah.
4. Under whose fatherhood did Adam and mankind come?
4 Under whose fatherhood did Adam then come? Into whose fatherhood did he bring the world of mankind? It would be the fatherhood of the one who prevailed upon him to step out of the family of all obedient sons of God in heaven and on earth. It was the fatherhood of the one who told the first lie, Satan the Devil. How did that opposer of Jehovah bring this about?
5. (a) What agency did Satan the Devil use to deceive Adam’s wife into disobedience to God? (b) Why and how did Adam come under full responsibility for his course of action?
5 At 2 Corinthians 11:3 the apostle Paul exposes the matter, writing: “The serpent seduced Eve by its cunning.” Cunningly, Satan used a serpent in Eden to convey the first lie to unsuspecting Eve, falsely charging Jehovah God with lying. (Genesis 3:1-7; John 8:44) Adam did not correct his wife. He did not refuse to eat with her and did not save the situation. His deliberate misdeed played into the Serpent’s hands. Placing the blame where it belonged, 1 Timothy 2:14 states: “Adam was not deceived, but the woman was thoroughly deceived and came to be in transgression.”
The One Worthy of Fatherhood
6, 7. With what fatherhood did Jesus show that he could be entrusted, and how did Bible prophecy specify this?
6 In refusing to worship “the god of this system,” Jesus proved that he was the One to be entrusted with the second fatherhood of the human family. (2 Corinthians 4:4; Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13) From his human birth in 2 B.C.E., he was the One to whom the prophecy of Isaiah 9:6 applied:
7 “There has been a child born to us, there has been a son given to us; and the princely rule will come to be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” So the “Prince of Peace” has another vital role to play for mankind—that of being its “Eternal Father.”
8. Why was Jesus enabled to take action to become the “Eternal Father” to mankind, and how was this confirmed by the apostle Paul?
8 The Son of God is to become the “Eternal Father” to this human family, for which he laid down his perfect human life in sacrifice. It is just as the apostle Paul writes: “For if by one man’s trespass many died, the undeserved kindness of God and his free gift with the undeserved kindness by the one man Jesus Christ abounded much more to many. So, then, as through one trespass the result to men of all sorts was condemnation, likewise also through one act of justification the result to men of all sorts is a declaring of them righteous for life.”—Romans 5:15, 18.
9. How did Jesus become a second Adam to mankind, but from what realm does he act as mankind’s Father?
9 Thus, there is a perfect balancing of these vital matters. The one committing the “one trespass” was the first man on earth, Adam. The “one act of justification” was performed by the only other perfect man, Jesus. This allowed for him to become the “Eternal Father” of the descendants of the trespassing Adam. In this way he becomes a second Adam toward the human family. The sacrifice of his perfect human life and the presenting of that human life-right to the Great Judge in heaven make it impossible for him to serve here on earth as an eternal father of mankind. When he was resurrected from the dead, he was returned to the spirit realm and was exalted to his Resurrector’s right hand. Thus it is stated: “It is even so written: ‘The first man Adam became a living soul.’ The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.” (1 Corinthians 15:45) Mankind’s new, adoptive Father will give it the best start in life possible.
The First Human Creatures to Be Fathered
10. Who are the first human creatures to be fathered by this adoptive Father?
10 The “Eternal Father,” Jesus Christ the King, will demonstrate who are the first ones to be fathered by him. How? By preserving through “the great tribulation” the dedicated lives of millions now living. They are the “great crowd” of “other sheep.”—Revelation 7:9, 14.
11. What earthly opportunity lies before the sheeplike survivors of “the great tribulation”?
11 Unparalleled is the earthly opportunity that is set before the “great crowd” after “the great tribulation.” Described as part of “the sign” of this “conclusion of the system of things,” the figurative goats of Jesus’ parable will be cut off from life on this earth, which will mean everlasting destruction for them. But not so the “great crowd” of sheeplike ones who lovingly and loyally did good to the remnant of Christ’s spiritual “brothers” yet on earth. (Matthew 25:31-46) The preservation of such “sheep” clear to the other side of “the great tribulation” and into the Millennial Reign of the foretold “Prince of Peace” will make it possible for these survivors to enter into the blessings of the Kingdom realm. They will be the earthly subjects of the “Prince of Peace.”
12. What words of Jesus about the resurrection indicate that endless life is set before those who enter the Kingdom’s earthly realm?
12 At that time the words that Jesus spoke before he raised Lazarus from the dead will be fulfilled toward those who enter the Kingdom’s earthly realm. He said: “I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life; and everyone that is living and exercises faith in me will never die at all.” (John 11:25, 26) For their obedience to him, they will attain to perfect human life in the King’s earthly realm. Even the sympathetic evildoer who died alongside Jesus at Calvary will be favored with the opportunity of entering the Paradise. (Luke 23:43) Jesus will live up to all that his name “Eternal Father” implies.
The Happy Prospect for the Dead
13. The resurrection of the human dead will make it possible for what noted persons of ancient times to be seen in the earthly realm of the Kingdom?
13 Jesus, the most outstanding descendant of Abraham, said that this forefather, his son Isaac, and his grandson Jacob would be seen in the earthly realm of God’s Kingdom. (Matthew 22:31, 32) This would be made possible by the resurrection. As Jesus said, all the human dead in the memorial tombs will hear the voice of the Son of God and come forth. Their future thereafter will depend upon the course of action that they take.—John 5:28, 29; Revelation 20:12-15.
14. What will have to be done in advance in behalf of those in line for the earthly resurrection, and who will be the ones to share first in these preparations?
14 Tremendous preparations will have to be made for the ones of mankind who will be brought up from the grave to life on earth under the Kingdom of the “Eternal Father.” These preparations will first be undertaken by the survivors of “the war of the great day of God the Almighty” at Armageddon. (Revelation 16:14, 16) How many in number the “great crowd” of the “other sheep” of the “Prince of Peace” will have become by that time we do not now know, but there will be enough for the task.
15. Many will serve in what special capacity under the adoptive Father of mankind?
15 Psalm 45 is addressed to this “Prince of Peace” as King, and since he is to be to mankind the “Eternal Father,” this psalm says to him: “In place of your forefathers there will come to be your sons, whom you will appoint as princes in all the earth.” (Psalm 45:16) But even before the resurrection of those faithful “forefathers,” male members of the “great crowd” of Armageddon survivors will have been appointed to such princely office. Thousands of these prospective survivors of Armageddon are already serving as elders in the more than 49,000 congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses, superintending the spiritual interests of their respective congregations.
16. (a) Under princely supervision, the Armageddon survivors will serve in what activity? (b) What questions arise as to the order in which the dead will return?
16 Under princely supervision, the Armageddon survivors will serve with zealous cooperation. Just what instructions the “princes in all the earth” will receive from the heavenly “Prince of Peace” remains to be seen, furnishing a thrilling experience for all their fellow survivors of Armageddon. Think of all the garments that will have to be prepared to clothe the returning dead in suitable attire! Think of all the food supplies that will have to be provided or laid up in store! Places of shelter will also need to be made ready. What an exciting time that will be for all those engaged in this preparatory work! Who will come back first? Will they come back in the reverse order from that in which they went down into the memorial tombs? Will the martyr Abel and Enoch, who was taken away by God, as well as Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the faithful prophets, be specially rewarded by being resurrected first?
17. Who will determine the order in which the dead will return to life on earth, and what input foretold concerning him indicates his ability to handle his responsibilities?
17 The “Prince of Peace” knows and will determine this. And he will be fully competent for his responsibilities as the new Father of redeemed mankind. Another of his foretold inputs was “Mighty God.” That signifies that he is to be a mighty, powerful One. The demonstration of his godship will be mighty in that he will resurrect all the ransomed dead, remembering their individual names and their personalities. (John 5:28, 29; Acts 10:42) He is perfectly able to undo all the damage that Satan the Devil has done during the past 6,000 years of human existence.
18. (a) How was the need for Adam to become the forefather of Jesus Christ obviated? (b) How was Jesus enabled to become a second father to Adam’s offspring?
18 The first Adam bequeathed a condemnation to death to all his offspring. Did Adam become the forefather of the man Jesus Christ? No, Jesus did not have a human father but was born from a virgin made pregnant with his life-force that God transferred from the spirit realm. So the sinner Adam did not become a forefather of that earthly Son of God. The second Adam, however, has become a life-giving spirit. In this capacity he can fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy and become the “Eternal Father” to the first Adam’s offspring, whom he repurchases and adopts for the purpose of bestowing perfect human life on a paradise earth.
19. Into what new relationship toward the human race will Jehovah God come, and what scheme of Satan the Devil will he thus foil?
19 In such a way the heavenly Father of Jesus Christ will become the heavenly Grandfather of the restored human family. For this reason the human family will enter into a new relationship with the Creator of heaven and earth. Never was there the least possibility that Jehovah would fail in his original purpose. Thus Jehovah will have foiled the vicious, ungodly scheme of Satan the Devil. All the repurchased human family will be brought to the knowledge of this fact. What a wonderful day it will be when Jesus Christ takes over the fatherhood of the human family in order to rear mankind in Paradise restored to earth!
[Pictures on page 164, 165]
Christ, in kingly power, becomes the “Eternal Father” to all those whom he adopts |
Table of outputs | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102002000 | Table of outputs
January 8, 2002
Courage in the Face of Disaster
We present just a few of the stories of the courage, compassion, and endurance demonstrated on September 11, 2001, when the World Trade Center was attacked.
3 The Day the Twin Towers Collapsed
10 Support and Compassion From Many Parts
13 The Secret Behind the Bubbles
22 A Fascinating Visit to Olympic National Park
26 The Amazing Grass Bands of the Solomon Islands
28 Watching the World
30 From Our Readers
31 A Teen Who Takes Pride in His Religion
32 Would You Appreciate Some Comfort?
In Search of Dolphins Down Under 16
A visit to New Zealand reveals more interesting facts about these “most intelligent animals.”
Should Christians Share in New Year’s Festivities? 20
What is the origin of New Year’s celebrations? Do they conflict with Bible teachings?
[Picture Credit Lines on page 3]
COVER: AP Photo/Matt Moyers
Steve Ludlum/NYT Pictures |
The Arrival of the Spanish Revised New World Translation | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/501100006 | The Arrival of the Spanish Revised New World Translation
The revised New World Translation in Spanish is released.
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CAN OUR PLANET SURVIVE?
Fresh Water | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102023005 | CAN OUR PLANET SURVIVE?
FRESH WATER
LIFE on earth would be impossible without water, especially fresh water. In fact, the largest component of all living things is water. Lakes, rivers, wetlands, and underground aquifers provide drinking water for humans and animals and allow us to irrigate our crops.
The Threats to Fresh Water
Most of our planet is covered in water. However, according to the World Meteorological Organization, “only 0.5% of water on Earth is usable and available freshwater.” Although this relatively small amount of fresh water should be enough for life on earth, much of it is either becoming polluted or becoming inaccessible as a result of increased demand and climate change. Experts predict that within 30 years, five billion people could have inadequate access to fresh water.
Our Planet—Designed to Survive
The earth has natural processes that prevent our water supply from disappearing. Also, soil, aquatic life, and even sunlight cooperate to purify our water. Consider some of the evidence that points to our planet as one that is designed to survive.
It has been shown that soil can efficiently rid water of many contaminants. In wetlands, certain plants have been known to remove nitrogen, phosphorus, and pesticides.
Scientists have identified physical and biological processes that purify water contaminated with naturally occurring organic waste. The contaminants are diluted in flowing water and broken down by microorganisms.
Freshwater clams and mussels can extract some potentially harmful chemicals from water in a matter of days—and perhaps do so even more effectively than water treatment plants can.
Our planet keeps water trapped in a constant cycle known as the hydrologic system. This cycle, along with other natural processes, prevents water from escaping our atmosphere or otherwise disappearing.
DID YOU KNOW?
Soil—Nature’s Freshwater Filter
Soil has been shown to remove metals, toxic chemicals, organic waste, and other contaminants from water that flows down through the ground. By the time the water settles in bedrock aquifers, it can even be safe to drink.
Physical Filtering
Sand and rock particles act like a fine sieve, catching some contaminants.
Biological Filtering
Microorganisms living in soil can neutralize substances that would otherwise be toxic to humans. Some bacteria can even break down toxic oils into carbon dioxide and water.
Chemical Filtering
Soils with a slight electric charge can capture toxic chemicals that have the opposite charge. Negatively charged clay particles, for instance, can remove positively charged particles of corrosive ammonium from water.
What Is Being Done
By repairing oil leaks and properly disposing of toxins, we help keep our freshwater sources clean
Experts recommend conserving water whenever possible. To reduce water contamination, they advise repairing any oil leaks in our vehicles and not flushing unused medicines down the toilet or pouring toxins down the drain.
Engineers have come up with impressive methods of modernizing desalination (the removal of salt from salt water). The goal is to increase the amount of accessible fresh water.
But more is needed. Even desalination seems to be unrealistic as a large-scale solution because of its high cost and because it requires excessive amounts of energy. In a 2021 report about water management, a United Nations source stated: “Globally, the current rate of progress needs to be doubled.”
Reasons for Hope—What the Bible Says
“God . . . draws up the drops of water; they condense into rain from his mist; then the clouds pour it down; they shower down upon mankind.”—Job 36:26-28.
God created natural cycles to protect earth’s waters.—Ecclesiastes 1:7.
Consider: If the Creator engineered processes to purify fresh water, might he be able and willing to repair the man-made harm to this vital resource? See the article “God Promises That Our Planet Will Survive,” on page 15.
LEARN MORE
Water has unique properties that make life possible. Watch the video The Wonders of Creation Reveal God’s Glory—Water on jw.org. |
Do You Fear the Dead? | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2009003 | Do You Fear the Dead?
TO THIS question, many answer with a simple, “No. Why should I?” They believe that the deceased really are dead. Millions, however, are convinced that the dead live on as spirits.
In Benin, West Africa, many believe that the dead can return to kill other members of their own family. People sell possessions or go into debt to pay for animal sacrifices and ceremonies to appease dead relatives. Some practice spiritism, which includes the idea that a spirit part of humans survives at death and can communicate with the living. Others have fearsome experiences that they attribute to the influence of spirits of the dead.
One who had such an experience is Agboola, a man who lives near the border between Benin and Nigeria. He says: “Spiritism dominates life in our area. It is the custom to wash corpses ceremonially to prepare them for the spirit realm. I often gathered up leftover soap and mixed it with certain leaves. Then, as I applied the concoction to my hunting rifle, I said aloud which type of game I wanted to shoot. Practices like this are common and seemed to be quite effective. However, some aspects of spiritism were frightening.
“When two of my sons died mysteriously, I suspected that someone was practicing spiritism against me. To find out, I went to an old man, renowned for his spiritistic powers. He confirmed my suspicions. Worse, he explained that my sons were now waiting in the spirit world to become servants of their killer when he died. The old man added that my third son was doomed to the same fate. A few days later, that son too was dead.”
Agboola then met John, one of Jehovah’s Witnesses from neighboring Nigeria. John’s explanation of the condition of the dead was based on the Bible. That explanation changed Agboola’s life. It can change yours too.
Are the Dead Alive?
Who can best answer this question? Not some man, however renowned he might be. Rather, Jehovah, the Creator of all life “in the heavens and upon the earth, the things visible and the things invisible,” has the answer. (Colossians 1:16) He created angels to inhabit the spirit realm and man and animals to live on the earth. (Psalm 104:4, 23, 24) Life everywhere is dependent on Him. (Revelation 4:11) Consider, then, what God’s own Word, the Bible, says about death.
Jehovah was the first to speak of death. He warned that Adam and Eve would die if they disobeyed him. (Genesis 2:17) What did that mean? Jehovah explained: “Dust you are and to dust you will return.” (Genesis 3:19) At death the body disintegrates; it goes back to the dust. Life ceases.
Adam and Eve were willfully disobedient and were therefore sentenced to death. They, however, were not the first to die. Their son Abel was. His older brother, Cain, murdered him. (Genesis 4:8) Cain did not fear that his dead brother could take vengeance. Rather, Cain was apprehensive about what living men might do to him.—Genesis 4:10-16.
Many centuries later, King Herod was agitated when astrologers informed him that a “king of the Jews” had been born in his realm. Bent on eliminating this potential rival, Herod schemed to have all boys in Bethlehem two years of age and under slain. But an angel warned Joseph to take Jesus and Mary and “flee into Egypt.”—Matthew 2:1-16.
When Herod died, the angel told Joseph to return to Israel, “for those who were seeking the soul of the young child [were] dead.” (Matthew 2:19, 20) The angel, a spirit himself, knew that Herod could harm Jesus no more. Joseph had no fear of the dead King Herod. However, Joseph was afraid of what Herod’s tyrannical son, Archelaus, could do. So Joseph settled his family in Galilee, outside of Archelaus’ jurisdiction.—Matthew 2:22.
These accounts help us to see that the dead are powerless. How, then, can the experiences of Agboola and others be explained?
“Demons,” or Unclean Spirits
As an adult, Jesus encountered wicked spirit creatures. They recognized Jesus and addressed him as the “Son of God.” Jesus likewise knew who they were. They were not spirits of dead humans. Rather, Jesus identified them as “demons,” or unclean spirits.—Matthew 8:29-31; 10:8; Mark 5:8.
The Bible speaks of spirits loyal to God and of those who have rebelled against him. The book of Genesis says that when Jehovah drove disobedient Adam and Eve out of the garden of Eden, he posted cherubs, or angels, to the east of the garden to prevent anyone from entering it. (Genesis 3:24) This was apparently the first time that spirits became visible to humans.
Some time later, a number of angels came to earth and took on human form. Jehovah had not commissioned them to carry out any assignment on earth. Instead, they “forsook their own proper dwelling place” in the spirit realm. (Jude 6) Their motives were selfish. They took wives, who gave birth to hybrid offspring called Nephilim. The Nephilim and their rebellious fathers filled the earth with violence and other great badness. (Genesis 6:1-5) Jehovah dealt with the situation by bringing the global Deluge of Noah’s day. Floodwaters destroyed wicked men and women as well as the hybrids. What happened to the angels?
The Flood forced them back into the spirit realm. Jehovah, however, prevented them from resuming “their original position.” (Jude 6) The Bible states: “God did not hold back from punishing the angels that sinned, but, by throwing them into Tartarus, delivered them to pits of dense darkness to be reserved for judgment.”—2 Peter 2:4.
Tartarus is not a particular location; it is a prisonlike, abased condition that limits the activity of these outcasts. The demons can no longer materialize, but they still have great power and influence over minds and lives. They can possess humans and animals. (Matthew 12:43-45; Luke 8:27-33) They also deceive humans by posing as the spirits of the dead. Why? To keep people from worshipping Jehovah in a way that pleases him and to confuse them regarding the real condition of the dead.
How to Overcome Fear
Agboola saw the reasonableness of the Bible’s explanations regarding death and the identity of the spirits. He understood that he needed to learn more. He began to read the Bible and Bible-based publications with John. Agboola found comfort in the knowledge that his sons were asleep in the grave, not waiting in the spirit realm to become their killer’s servants.—John 11:11-13.
Agboola also realized that he had to make a complete break with spiritistic practices. He burned all his possessions connected with the occult. (Acts 19:19) Some in the community warned him that the spirits would react unfavorably. But Agboola had no fear. He followed the counsel found at Ephesians 6:11, 12: “Put on the complete suit of armor from God . . . because we have a wrestling . . . against the wicked spirit forces.” This spiritual suit of armor includes truth, righteousness, the good news of peace, faith, and the sword of the spirit, God’s Word. Such armor originates with God and is powerful!
Agboola was ostracized by some of his friends and relatives when he shunned customs associated with spiritism. However, at the local Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, he found new friends, who believe what the Bible teaches.
Agboola now knows that Jehovah will soon cleanse the earth of wickedness and will reduce the demons to total inactivity. Eventually, He will destroy them. (Revelation 20:1, 2, 10) God will resurrect here on the earth “all those in the memorial tombs.” (John 5:28, 29) That will include Abel, the innocent children whom King Herod murdered, and millions of others. Agboola has faith that his three sons will be included. Your loved ones who have died may well be among them. All such resurrected ones will confirm that from their death to their resurrection, they were completely unconscious—unaware of any ceremonies performed for them.
You have no reason to fear the dead. Rather, you can look forward to being reunited with dead loved ones. In the meantime, why not study the Bible to strengthen your faith? Associate with those who believe what the Bible teaches. If you dabble in spiritism, stop immediately. Protect yourself from the demons by putting on “the complete suit of armor from God.” (Ephesians 6:11) Jehovah’s Witnesses will be happy to help you. They offer free home Bible studies, using the book What Does the Bible Really Teach?a
Agboola no longer fears the dead, and he has learned how to resist the demons. He says: “I don’t know who caused the deaths of my three sons. But since I have been serving Jehovah, I have had seven other children. No one in the spirit realm has ever harmed them.”
[Footnote]
a Published by Jehovah’s Witnesses.
[Blurb on page 13]
Agboola no longer fears the dead, and he has learned how to resist the demons
[Picture on page 12]
Cain did not fear that his dead brother could take vengeance |
Young People Ask, Volume 1 (yp1)
2011 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/yp1 | CHAPTER 3
How Can I Earn More Freedom?
“I wish my parents would let me venture out a little.”—Sarah, 18.
“I’m always asking my parents why they don’t trust me when I want to go out with a group of friends. Often, they tell me: ‘We trust you. We just don’t trust your friends.’”—Christine, 18.
LIKE Sarah and Christine, do you yearn for more freedom? To get it, you’ll need to gain the trust of your parents. But trust is a lot like money. Earning it is hard, losing it is easy, and no matter how much you’re given, it may never seem to be enough. “Whenever I want to go out,” says 16-year-old Iliana, “my parents bombard me with questions about where I’m going, the people I’m going with, what I’ll be doing, and when I’ll be back. I know they’re my parents, but it irritates me when they question me like that!”
What can you do to get your parents to trust you more and give you more freedom? Before answering that question, let’s look at why trust is such a hot-button topic between many parents and youths.
Growing Pains
The Bible acknowledges that “a man will leave his father and his mother.” (Genesis 2:24) Of course, the same can be said of a woman. Whether you’re a male or a female, a vital objective of adolescence is to prepare you for adulthood—the time when you’ll be equipped to leave home and perhaps raise a family of your own.a
However, the transition to adulthood isn’t like a door that you simply walk through when you reach a certain age. It’s more like a stairway that you climb, step-by-step, throughout adolescence. Granted, you and your parents may have conflicting opinions as to just how far you’ve progressed up that stairway. “I’m 20 years old, and this is still an issue!” says Maria, who feels that she’s not trusted when it comes to her choice of friends. “My parents think that I wouldn’t have the strength to walk away from a bad situation. I’ve tried telling them that I have already walked away from bad situations, but that’s not good enough for them!”
As Maria’s comments reveal, the issue of trust can be a source of considerable tension between youths and parents. Is that true in your family? If so, how can you earn greater trust from your parents? And if you’ve lost their trust because of some unwise actions on your part, what can you do to repair the damage?
Prove Yourself Trustworthy
The apostle Paul wrote to first-century Christians: “Keep proving what you yourselves are.” (2 Corinthians 13:5) True, he wasn’t primarily addressing adolescents. Still, the principle applies. The degree to which you’re accorded freedom often matches the degree to which you prove yourself trustworthy. Not that you have to be perfect. After all, everyone makes mistakes. (Ecclesiastes 7:20) Overall, though, does your pattern of behavior give your parents reason to withhold their trust?
For example, Paul wrote: “We wish to conduct ourselves honestly in all things.” (Hebrews 13:18) Ask yourself, ‘What kind of track record do I have when it comes to being up front with my parents about my whereabouts and activities?’ Consider the comments of a few youths who have had to take a hard look at themselves in this regard. After you’ve read their comments, answer the questions listed below.
Lori: “I was secretly e-mailing a boy I liked. My parents found out about it and told me to stop. I promised that I would, but I didn’t. This went on for a year. I’d e-mail the boy, my parents would find out, I’d apologize and promise to stop, but then I’d do it again. It got to the point where my parents couldn’t trust me with anything!”
Why, do you think, did Lori’s parents withhold their trust? ․․․․․
If you were Lori’s parent, what would you have done, and why? ․․․․․
How could Lori have behaved more responsibly after her parents first talked to her about the problem? ․․․․․
Beverly: “My parents didn’t trust me when it came to boys, but now I can understand why. I was flirting with a couple of them who were two years older than I was. I was also spending long hours on the phone with them, and at gatherings I’d talk to them and almost no one else. My parents took away my phone for a month, and they wouldn’t let me go places where those boys would be.”
If you were Beverly’s parents, what would you have done, and why? ․․․․․
Do you think the restrictions that Beverly’s parents placed on her were unreasonable? If so, why? ․․․․․
What could Beverly have done to restore her parents’ trust? ․․․․․
Regaining Trust
What if, like the youths quoted above, your actions have contributed to your parents’ lack of trust? Even if that’s the case, be assured that you can turn the tide. But how?
Likely your parents will accord you greater trust and freedom as you build up a record of responsible behavior. Annette came to appreciate that fact. “When you’re younger,” she says, “you don’t fully appreciate the importance of being trusted. Now I feel more responsible, and I feel compelled to act in a way that will help me retain my parents’ trust.” The lesson? Rather than complain about your parents’ lack of trust in you, focus on building up a record of trustworthy behavior. You will likely earn more freedom.
For example, are you dependable in the areas listed below? Put a ✔ in the box next to any traits you need to work on.
□ Keeping my curfew
□ Following through on my promises
□ Being punctual
□ Being financially responsible
□ Finishing chores
□ Getting out of bed without prodding
□ Keeping my room clean
□ Speaking the truth
□ Using the phone or computer in a balanced way
□ Admitting mistakes and apologizing
□ Other ․․․․․
Why not make a personal resolve to prove yourself trustworthy in the areas you indicated? Follow the admonition of the Bible: “Put away the old personality which conforms to your former course of conduct.” (Ephesians 4:22) “Let your Yes mean Yes.” (James 5:12) “Speak truth each one of you with his neighbor.” (Ephesians 4:25) “Be obedient to your parents in everything.” (Colossians 3:20) In time, your advancement will be manifest to others, including your parents.—1 Timothy 4:15.
But what if you feel that despite your best efforts, your parents aren’t giving you the freedom you deserve? Why not talk over the matter with them? Instead of complaining that they need to be more trusting, respectfully ask them what they think you need to do to earn their trust. Explain your goals clearly in this regard.
Don’t expect your parents to make concessions immediately. No doubt they’ll want to make sure that you’ll make good on your promises. Use this opportunity to prove yourself trustworthy. In time, your parents may well accord you greater trust and freedom. That was the case with Beverly, quoted earlier. “It’s much harder to gain trust than it is to lose it,” she says, adding, “I’m gaining trust right now, and it feels good!”
READ MORE ABOUT THIS TOPIC IN VOLUME 2, CHAPTER 22
IN OUR NEXT CHAPTERHave your parents divorced? How can you keep your balance when your world seems to have fallen apart?
[Footnote]
a For more information, see Chapter 7 of this book.
KEY SCRIPTURE
“You must not use your freedom as an excuse for doing wrong.”—1 Peter 2:16, Contemporary English Version.
TIP
Rather than compare your present restrictions with the freedom an older sibling may have, compare the restrictions you used to have when you were younger with the freedom you have now.
DID YOU KNOW . . . ?
Unlimited freedom is not a sign of parental love but of parental neglect.
ACTION PLAN!
I will be more trustworthy in the following areas: ․․․․․
If I lose my parents’ trust, I will ․․․․․
What I would like to ask my parent(s) about this subject is ․․․․․
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
● Why might your parents hesitate to give you greater freedom even when you work hard to prove yourself trustworthy?
● How does your ability to communicate with your parents affect their willingness to give you more freedom?
[Blurb on page 24]
“When talking to my parents, I am open about my problems and concerns. I think this makes it easier for them to trust me.”—Dianna
[Diagram/Picture on page 23]
The transition to becoming a trusted adult is like a stairway that you climb, step-by-step, throughout adolescence
[Diagram]
(For fully formatted text, see publication)
ADULTHOOD
ADOLESCENCE
CHILDHOOD |
Proclaimers (jv)
1993 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/jv | Chapter 12
The Great Crowd—To Live in Heaven? Or on Earth?
IN CONTRAST to members of the religions of Christendom, the majority of Jehovah’s Witnesses look forward to an eternity of life, not in heaven, but on earth. Why is this?
It has not always been that way. First-century Christians had the expectation that in time they would rule with Jesus Christ as heavenly kings. (Matt. 11:12; Luke 22:28-30) Jesus had told them, however, that the Kingdom heirs would be only a “little flock.” (Luke 12:32) Who would be included? How many would there be? They did not learn the details until later.
At Pentecost 33 C.E., the first Jewish disciples of Jesus were anointed with holy spirit to be joint heirs with Christ. In the year 36 C.E., the operation of God’s spirit made it clear that uncircumcised Gentiles would also share in that inheritance. (Acts 15:7-9; Eph. 3:5, 6) Another 60 years passed before it was revealed to the apostle John that only 144,000 would be taken from earth to share the heavenly Kingdom with Christ.—Rev. 7:4-8; 14:1-3.
Charles Taze Russell and his associates shared that hope, as did most of Jehovah’s Witnesses down till the mid-1930’s. They also knew, from their study of the Scriptures, that anointing with holy spirit signified not only that persons were in line for future service as kings and priests with Christ in heaven but also that they had a special work to do while still in the flesh. (1 Pet. 1:3, 4; 2:9; Rev. 20:6) What work? They knew well and often quoted Isaiah 61:1, which states: “The spirit of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah is upon me, for the reason that Jehovah has anointed me to tell good news to the meek ones.”
Preaching With What Objective?
Although they were few in number, they endeavored to convey to everyone possible the truth about God and his purpose. They printed and distributed vast amounts of literature telling the good news concerning his provision for salvation through Christ. But their objective was by no means the conversion of all those to whom they preached. Then, why did they preach to them? The Watch Tower of July 1889 explained: “We are his [Jehovah’s] representatives in the earth; the honor of his name is to be vindicated in the presence of his enemies and before many of his deceived children; his glorious plan is to be published broadcast in opposition to all the worldly-wise schemes which men are and have been trying to invent.”
Special attention was given to those who claimed to be the Lord’s people, many of whom were members of Christendom’s churches. What was the objective in preaching to these? As Brother Russell often explained, the desire of the early Bible Students was not to draw church members away to some other organization but to help them to draw closer to the Lord as members of the one true church. The Bible Students knew, however, that in obedience to Revelation 18:4, such ones must get out of “Babylon,” which they understood to be manifest in the nominal church, the churches of Christendom with all their unscriptural teachings and sectarian divisions. In the very first issue of the Watch Tower (July 1879), Brother Russell stated: “We understand that the object of the present witnessing is ‘To take out a people for His name’—the Church—who at Christ’s coming are united to Him, and receive His name. Rev. iii. 12.”
They realized that, at that time, just one “calling” was being extended to all true Christians. This was an invitation to be members of the bride of Christ, which would finally be just 144,000 in number. (Eph. 4:4; Rev. 14:1-5) They sought to stir up all who professed faith in Christ’s ransom sacrifice, whether these were church members or not, to appreciate “the precious and very grand promises” of God. (2 Pet. 1:4; Eph. 1:18) They endeavored to move them to zeal in conforming to the requirements for the little flock of Kingdom heirs. For the spiritual strengthening of all such, whom they viewed as constituting “the household of faith” (because they professed faith in the ransom), Brother Russell and his associates diligently sought to make available spiritual ‘food in due season’ through the columns of the Watch Tower and other Bible-based publications.—Gal. 6:10; Matt. 24:45, 46, KJ.
They could see, however, that not all who professed to have made a “consecration” (or, ‘to have given themselves fully to the Lord,’ as they understood it to mean) thereafter continued to pursue a life of willing self-sacrifice, making the Lord’s service their first concern in life. Yet, as they explained, consecrated Christians had agreed to give up human nature willingly, with a heavenly inheritance in view; there was no turning back; if they did not gain life in the spirit realm, second death would await them. (Heb. 6:4-6; 10:26-29) But many seemingly consecrated Christians were taking the easy road, failing to manifest true zeal for the Lord’s cause and shunning self-sacrifice. Nevertheless, they apparently had not repudiated the ransom and were leading reasonably clean lives. What would become of such persons?
For many years the Bible Students thought that this was the group described at Revelation 7:9, 14 (KJ), which refers to “a great multitude” that come out of great tribulation and stand “before the throne” of God and before the Lamb, Jesus Christ. They reasoned that although these shunned a life of self-sacrifice, they would be confronted with trials of faith ending in death during a time of tribulation after the glorification of the final ones of the bride of Christ. They believed that if these who were said to be of the great multitude were faithful at that time, they would be resurrected to heavenly life—not to rule as kings but to take a position before the throne. It was reasoned that they would be given such secondary positions because their love for the Lord had not been sufficiently fervent, because they had not shown enough zeal. It was thought that these were people who had been begotten by God’s spirit but had been negligent about obeying God, possibly continuing to cling to Christendom’s churches.
They also thought that perhaps—just perhaps—the “ancient worthies” who would serve as princes on the earth during the millennial era would, at the end of that time, somehow be granted heavenly life. (Ps. 45:16) They reasoned that a similar prospect might await any who “consecrated” themselves after the 144,000 Kingdom heirs had all been finally chosen but before the time of restitution on earth began. In a limited way, this was a carryover from Christendom’s view that all those who are good enough go to heaven. But there was a belief that the Bible Students cherished from the Scriptures that set them apart from all of Christendom. What was that?
Living Forever in Perfection on Earth
They recognized that while a limited number taken from among humankind would be granted heavenly life, there would be many more who would be favored with eternal life on earth, under conditions like those that had existed in the Paradise of Eden. Jesus had taught his followers to pray: “Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.” He had also said: “Happy are the mild-tempered ones, since they will inherit the earth.”—Matt. 5:5; 6:10.
In harmony with that, a charta published as a supplement to the July-August 1881 Watch Tower indicated that there would be many from among humankind that would gain God’s favor during Christ’s Millennial Reign and that would make up “the world of mankind lifted up to human perfection and life.” This chart was used for many years as the basis for discourses to groups both large and small.
Under what conditions would people on earth live during that millennial era? The Watch Tower of July 1, 1912, explained: “Before sin had entered into the world, the Divine provision for our first parents was the Garden of Eden. As we think of this, let our minds turn to the future, guided by the Word of God; and in mental vision we see Paradise restored—not a garden merely, but the entire earth made beautiful, fruitful, sinless, happy. Then we recall the inspired promise so familiar to us—‘And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain,’ for the former things of sin and death will have passed away, and all things will have been made new!—Rev. 21:4, 5.”
Who Would Live Forever on Earth?
There was no thought on the part of Brother Russell that God was offering mankind a choice—heavenly life for those who wanted it and life in an earthly paradise for those who thought they would prefer that. The Watch Tower of September 15, 1905, pointed out: “Our feelings or aspirations are not the call. Otherwise it would imply that we do our own calling. Speaking of our priesthood, the Apostle declares, ‘No man taketh this honor to himself but he that is called of God,’ (Heb. 5:4), and the place to ascertain what is God’s call is not in our feelings but in God’s own Word of revelation.”
As for the opportunity to live in a restored earthly paradise, the Bible Students believed that this would be extended to people only after all the little flock had received their reward and the millennial age had been fully ushered in. That, they understood, would be the time of “restitution of all things,” as referred to at Acts 3:21. (KJ) Even the dead would then be raised so that all could share in that loving provision. The brothers envisioned all of humankind (apart from those who had been called to heavenly life) as being given their opportunity then to choose life. As they understood it, that would be the time when Christ, on his heavenly throne, would separate the people one from another, as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. (Matt. 25:31-46) The obedient ones, whether born as Jews or as Gentiles, would prove to be the Lord’s “other sheep.”—John 10:16.b
After the Gentile Times ended, they thought that the time of restitution was very near; so from 1918 down till 1925, they proclaimed: “Millions now living will never die.” Yes, they understood that people then living—mankind in general—had the opportunity to survive right into the time of restitution and that they would then be educated in Jehovah’s requirements for life. If obedient, they would gradually attain to human perfection. If rebellious, they would, in time, be destroyed forever.
During those early years, the brothers had no idea that the Kingdom message would be proclaimed as extensively and for as many years as it has been. But they continued to examine the Scriptures and endeavored to respond to what these indicated as to the work that God would have them do.
“Sheep” at the Right Hand of Christ
A truly significant step in understanding Jehovah’s purpose centered around Jesus’ parable of the sheep and the goats, at Matthew 25:31-46. In that parable Jesus said: “When the Son of man arrives in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit down on his glorious throne. And all the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will put the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on his left.” As the parable goes on to show, the “sheep” are those who help Christ’s “brothers,” even seeking to bring them relief when they are persecuted and in prison.
It had long been thought that this parable applied during the millennial era, in the time of restitution, and that the final judgment referred to in the parable was the one that would take place at the end of the Millennium. But in 1923, reasons for another view of matters were set forth by J. F. Rutherford, the president of the Watch Tower Society, in an enlightening discourse in Los Angeles, California. This was published later that year in the October 15 issue of The Watch Tower.
When discussing the time that this prophetic parable would be fulfilled, the article showed that Jesus included it as part of his response to a request for ‘the sign of his presence and of the conclusion of the system of things.’ (Matt. 24:3) The article explained why the “brothers” referred to in the parable could not be the Jews of the Gospel age nor humans who show faith during the millennial period of testing and judgment but must be those who are heirs with Christ of the heavenly Kingdom, thus why the parable’s fulfillment must be at a time when some of Christ’s joint heirs are still in the flesh.—Compare Hebrews 2:10, 11.
The experiences of those anointed brothers of Christ when they endeavored to witness to the clergy and to the common people associated with the churches of Christendom also indicated that the prophecy embodied in Jesus’ parable was already being fulfilled. How so? The reaction of many of the clergy and prominent members of their churches was hostile—no refreshing cup of water, either literally or figuratively; instead, some of these instigated mobs to tear clothing from the brothers and beat them, or they demanded that officials imprison them. (Matt. 25:41-43) In contrast, many humble church members gladly received the Kingdom message, offered refreshment to those who brought it, and did what they could to help them even when the anointed ones were imprisoned for the sake of the good news.—Matt. 25:34-36.
As far as the Bible Students could see, those whom Jesus spoke of as the sheep were still in the churches of Christendom. These, they reasoned, were people who did not claim to be consecrated to the Lord but did have great respect for Jesus Christ and for his people. Yet, could they remain in the churches?
Taking a Firm Stand for Pure Worship
A study of the Bible’s prophetic book of Ezekiel shed light on this. The first of a three-volume commentary eninputd Vindication was published in 1931. It explained the significance of what Ezekiel wrote about Jehovah’s rage against ancient apostate Judah and Jerusalem. Although the people of Judah claimed to serve the living and true God, they adopted the religious rites of surrounding nations, offered incense to lifeless idols, and immorally put their trust in political alliances, instead of demonstrating faith in Jehovah. (Ezek. 8:5-18; 16:26, 28, 29; 20:32) In all of this, they were exactly like Christendom; so, consistently, Jehovah would execute judgment upon Christendom just as he did upon unfaithful Judah and Jerusalem. But chapter 9 of Ezekiel shows that before the divine execution of judgment, some would be marked for preservation. Who are these?
The prophecy says that the ones marked would be “sighing and groaning over all the detestable things that are being done” in the midst of Christendom, or antitypical Jerusalem. (Ezek. 9:4) Surely, then, they could not be deliberately sharing in those detestable things. The first volume of Vindication therefore identified those having the mark as being people who refuse to be part of the church organizations of Christendom and who in some way take their stand on the Lord’s side.
This material was followed up in 1932 by a discussion of the Bible record concerning Jehu and Jonadab and its prophetic implications. Jehu was commissioned by Jehovah to be king over the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel and to execute Jehovah’s judgment on the wicked house of Ahab and Jezebel. When Jehu was en route to Samaria to eradicate Baal worship, Jehonadab (Jonadab), the son of Rechab, went out to meet him. Jehu asked Jehonadab: “Is your heart upright with me?” and Jehonadab answered: “It is.” “Do give me your hand,” Jehu invited, and he took Jehonadab up into his chariot. Then Jehu urged: “Do go along with me and look upon my toleration of no rivalry toward Jehovah.” (2 Ki. 10:15-28) Jehonadab, though not an Israelite, agreed with what Jehu was doing; he knew that Jehovah, the true God, should be given exclusive devotion. (Ex. 20:4, 5) Centuries later, Jehonadab’s descendants were still demonstrating a spirit that Jehovah approved, so He promised: “There will not be cut off from Jonadab the son of Rechab a man to stand before me always.” (Jer. 35:19) The question thus arose, Are there people on earth today who are not spiritual Israelites with a heavenly inheritance but who are like Jehonadab?
The Watchtower of August 1, 1932, explained: “Jehonadab represented or foreshadowed that class of people now on the earth . . . [who] are out of harmony with Satan’s organization, who take their stand on the side of righteousness, and are the ones whom the Lord will preserve during the time of Armageddon, take them through that trouble, and give them everlasting life on the earth. These constitute the ‘sheep’ class that favor God’s anointed people, because they know that the anointed of the Lord are doing the Lord’s work.” Those manifesting such a spirit were invited to have a share in taking the Kingdom message to others just as the anointed were doing.—Rev. 22:17.
There were some (though relatively few at that time) associating with Jehovah’s Witnesses who realized that the spirit of God had not engendered in them the hope of heavenly life. They came to be known as Jonadabs, for, like ancient Jonadab (Jehonadab), they counted it a privilege to be identified with Jehovah’s anointed servants, and they were glad to share in the privileges to which God’s Word pointed them. Would such persons who had the prospect of never dying become numerous before Armageddon? Was it possible, as had been said, that they could number into the millions?
The “Great Crowd”—Who Are They?
When announcement was made of arrangements for Jehovah’s Witnesses to hold a convention in Washington, D.C., from May 30 to June 3, 1935, The Watchtower said: “Heretofore not many Jonadabs have had the privilege of attending a convention, and the convention at Washington may be a real comfort and benefit to them.” That certainly proved true.
At that convention special attention was given to Revelation 7:9, 10, which reads: “After these things I saw, and, look! a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes; and there were palm branches in their hands. And they keep on crying with a loud voice, saying: ‘Salvation we owe to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb.’” Who make up this great crowd, or “great multitude”?—KJ.
For years, even down till 1935, they were not understood to be the same as the sheep in Jesus’ parable of the sheep and the goats. As already noted, it was thought that they were a secondary heavenly class—secondary because they had been negligent about obeying God.
However, that view gave rise to persistent questions. Some of these were discussed early in 1935 at the noon meal at the Watch Tower Society’s headquarters. Some among those who expressed themselves at that time suggested that the great multitude was an earthly class. Grant Suiter, who later became a member of the Governing Body, recalled: “At one Bethel study, conducted by Brother T. J. Sullivan, I asked: ‘Since the great multitude gain everlasting life, do those who make up that group maintain integrity?’ There were many comments but no definitive answer.” Well, on Friday, May 31, 1935, at the Washington, D.C., convention, a satisfying answer was given. Brother Suiter was sitting in the balcony looking down over the crowd, and how thrilled he was as the talk unfolded!
Shortly after the convention, The Watchtower, in its issues of August 1 and 15, 1935, published what was stated in that talk. It pointed out that an important factor in properly understanding matters is appreciation of the fact that Jehovah’s chief purpose is not the salvation of men but the vindication of his own name (or, as we would now say, the vindication of his sovereignty). Thus Jehovah’s approval is upon those who maintain integrity to him; he does not reward those who agree to do his will but then bring reproach on his name by compromising with the Devil’s organization. This requirement of faithfulness applies to all who would have God’s approval.
In harmony with this, The Watchtower said: “Revelation 7:15 really is the key to the identification of the great multitude. . . . This description in Revelation of the great multitude is that ‘they are before the throne of God, and publicly serve him’ . . . They see and understand and obey the words of Jesus, the Lamb of God, saying to them: ‘Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve’; which words apply to all creatures whom Jehovah approves.” (Matt. 4:10) So, what the Bible says about the great multitude, or great crowd, could not be properly construed as providing a safety net for people who professed love for God but were indifferent about doing his will.
Then, is the great crowd a heavenly class? The Watchtower showed that the language of the scripture did not point to such a conclusion. As to their location “before the throne,” it showed that Matthew 25:31, 32 tells of all nations being gathered before the throne of Christ, yet those nations are on earth. The great crowd, however, are “standing” before the throne because they have the approval of the One on the throne.—Compare Jeremiah 35:19.
But where could such a group be found—people “out of all nations,” people who were no part of spiritual Israel (described earlier, in Revelation 7:4-8), people who exercised faith in the ransom (having figuratively washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb), people who hailed Christ as King (with palm branches in their hands, like the crowd that greeted Jesus as King when he entered Jerusalem), people who truly were presenting themselves before Jehovah’s throne to serve him? Was there such a group of people on earth?
By fulfilling his own prophetic word, Jehovah himself provided the answer. Webster Roe, who was in attendance at the Washington convention, recalled that at a climactic point in his discourse, Brother Rutherford asked: “Will all those who have the hope of living forever on the earth please stand.” According to Brother Roe, “over half of the audience stood.” In agreement with this, The Watchtower of August 15, 1935, stated: “Now we see a company that exactly fits the description given in Revelation seven concerning the great multitude. During the past few years, and within the time when ‘this gospel of the kingdom is preached as a witness’, there have come forward great numbers (and they are still coming) who confess the Lord Jesus as their Savior and Jehovah as their God, whom they worship in spirit and in truth and joyfully serve. These are otherwise called ‘the Jonadabs’. These are being baptized in symbol, thus testifying that they . . . have taken their stand on the side of Jehovah and serve him and his King.”
At that time it was seen that the great crowd of Revelation 7:9, 10 are included among the “other sheep” to which Jesus referred (John 10:16); they are the ones that come to the aid of Christ’s “brothers” (Matt. 25:33-40); they are the people marked for survival because they are appalled at the disgusting things done in Christendom and shun these (Ezek. 9:4); they are like Jehonadab, who openly identified himself with Jehovah’s anointed servant in carrying out that one’s God-given commission (2 Ki. 10:15, 16). Jehovah’s Witnesses understand that these are loyal servants of God who will survive Armageddon with the prospect of living forever on an earth restored to the condition of Paradise.
An Urgent Work to Be Done
Their understanding these scriptures had far-reaching effects on the activity of Jehovah’s servants. They realized that they were not the ones who would select and gather the members of the great crowd; it was not up to them to tell people whether their hope should be a heavenly one or an earthly one. The Lord would direct matters in harmony with his will. But as Jehovah’s Witnesses, they had a serious responsibility. They were to serve as proclaimers of the Word of God, sharing the truths that He enabled them to understand, so that people could know of Jehovah’s provisions and have opportunity to respond appreciatively to these.
Furthermore, they recognized that there was great urgency to their work. In a series of articles eninputd “Gathering the Multitude,” published in 1936, The Watchtower explained: “The Scriptures strongly support the conclusion that at Armageddon Jehovah will destroy the peoples of the earth, saving only those who obey his commandments to stand by his organization. In times past millions upon millions of persons have gone into the grave without ever hearing of God and Christ, and these in due time must be awakened out of death and given a knowledge of the truth, that they may make their choice. The situation is different, however, concerning the people now on earth. . . . Those of the great multitude must receive this gospel message before the day of the battle of the great day of God Almighty, which is Armageddon. If the great multitude are not now given the message of truth, it will be too late when the slaughter work begins.”—See 2 Kings 10:25; Ezekiel 9:5-10; Zephaniah 2:1-3; Matthew 24:21; 25:46.
As a result of this understanding of the Scriptures, Jehovah’s Witnesses were infused with renewed zeal for the work of witnessing. Leo Kallio, who later served as a traveling overseer in Finland, said: “I cannot recall ever experiencing such joy and zeal, nor can I remember ever riding my bicycle as fast as I did in those days, when I hastened to bring interested ones the news that because of Jehovah’s undeserved kindness, they were offered everlasting life on earth.”
During the next five years, as the number of Jehovah’s Witnesses grew, those who partook of the emblems at the annual Memorial of Christ’s death gradually declined in number. Still, the influx of the great crowd was not as rapid as what Brother Rutherford had expected. At one point he even said to Fred Franz, who became the Society’s fourth president: “It looks as if the ‘great multitude’ is not going to be so great after all.” But since then, the number of Jehovah’s Witnesses has mushroomed into the millions, while the number who expect a heavenly inheritance has, in general, continued to decline.
One Flock Under One Shepherd
There is no rivalry between the anointed class and the great crowd. Those who have a heavenly hope do not look down on those who eagerly anticipate receiving eternal life in an earthly paradise. Each accepts with gratitude the privileges extended to him by God, not reasoning that his position somehow makes him a better person or in some way inferior to someone else. (Matt. 11:11; 1 Cor. 4:7) As Jesus foretold, the two groups have truly become “one flock,” serving under him as their “one shepherd.”—John 10:16.
The feeling that Christ’s anointed brothers have toward their companions of the great crowd is well expressed in the book Worldwide Security Under the “Prince of Peace”: “Since World War II, the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy for ‘the conclusion of the system of things’ is largely due to the role that the ‘great crowd’ of ‘other sheep’ carry out. The illumination from the lighted lamps of the remnant has brightened the eyes of their hearts, and they have been helped to reflect the light to others yet remaining in the darkness of this world. . . . They have come to be inseparable companions of the remnant of the bride class. . . . Profuse thanks, therefore, to the international, multilingual ‘great crowd’ for the overwhelming part that they have played in the fulfilling of the Bridegroom’s prophecy at Matthew 24:14!”
However, as Jehovah’s Witnesses, including the great crowd, have shared unitedly in proclaiming the glorious news of God’s Kingdom, the public has come to recognize them for something in addition to their zealous witnessing.
[Footnotes]
a This “Chart of the Ages” was later reproduced in the book The Divine Plan of the Ages.
b Zion’s Watch Tower, March 15, 1905, pp. 88-91.
[Blurb on page 159]
Most of Jehovah’s Witnesses look forward to eternal life on earth
[Blurb on page 161]
A belief that set them apart from all of Christendom
[Blurb on page 164]
Time of fulfillment of the parable of the sheep and the goats
[Blurb on page 165]
They came to be known as Jonadabs
[Blurb on page 166]
On May 31, 1935, the “great multitude” was clearly identified
[Blurb on page 170]
A heavenly hope or an earthly one—who determines it?
[Box on page 160]
A Time for Understanding
Over 250 years ago, Sir Isaac Newton wrote an interesting item about understanding prophecy, including the one about the “great crowd” of Revelation 7:9, 10. In his “Observations Upon the Prophecies of Daniel, and the Apocalypse of St. John,” published in 1733, he stated: “These Prophecies of Daniel and John should not be understood till the time of the end: but then some should prophesy out of them in an afflicted and mournful state for a long time, and that but darkly, so as to convert but few. . . . Then, saith Daniel, many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be encreased. For the Gospel must be preached in all nations before the great tribulation, and end of the world. The palm-bearing multitude, which come out of this great tribulation, cannot be innumerable out of all nations, unless they be made so by the preaching of the Gospel before it comes.”
[Box/Picture on page 168]
The Earth, Man’s Eternal Home
What was God’s original purpose for humankind?
“God blessed them and God said to them: ‘Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth and subdue it, and have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and every living creature that is moving upon the earth.’”—Gen. 1:28.
Has God’s purpose regarding the earth changed?
“My word . . . will not return to me without results, but it will certainly do that in which I have delighted, and it will have certain success in that for which I have sent it.”—Isa. 55:11.
“This is what Jehovah has said, the Creator of the heavens, He the true God, the Former of the earth and the Maker of it, He the One who firmly established it, who did not create it simply for nothing, who formed it even to be inhabited: ‘I am Jehovah, and there is no one else.’”—Isa. 45:18.
“You must pray, then, this way: ‘Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.’”—Matt. 6:9, 10.
“Evildoers themselves will be cut off, but those hoping in Jehovah are the ones that will possess the earth. The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it.”—Ps. 37:9, 29.
What conditions will exist on earth under God’s Kingdom?
“There are new heavens and a new earth that we are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell.”—2 Pet. 3:13.
“They will not lift up sword, nation against nation, neither will they learn war anymore. And they will actually sit, each one under his vine and under his fig tree, and there will be no one making them tremble; for the very mouth of Jehovah of armies has spoken it.”—Mic. 4:3, 4.
“They will certainly build houses and have occupancy; and they will certainly plant vineyards and eat their fruitage. They will not build and someone else have occupancy; they will not plant and someone else do the eating. For like the days of a tree will the days of my people be; and the work of their own hands my chosen ones will use to the full.”—Isa. 65:21, 22.
“No resident will say: ‘I am sick.’”—Isa. 33:24.
“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.”—Rev. 21:3, 4; see also John 3:16.
“Who will not really fear you, Jehovah, and glorify your name, because you alone are loyal? For all the nations will come and worship before you, because your righteous decrees have been made manifest.”—Rev. 15:4.
[Box/Picture on page 169]
Those Who Go to Heaven
How many humans will go to heaven?
“Have no fear, little flock, because your Father has approved of giving you the kingdom.”—Luke 12:32.
“I saw, and, look! the Lamb [Jesus Christ] standing upon the [heavenly] Mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand having his name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads. And they are singing as if a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders; and no one was able to master that song but the hundred and forty-four thousand, who have been bought from the earth.”—Rev. 14:1, 3.
Are the 144,000 all Jews?
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor freeman, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one person in union with Christ Jesus. Moreover, if you belong to Christ, you are really Abraham’s seed, heirs with reference to a promise.”—Gal. 3:28, 29.
“He is not a Jew who is one on the outside, nor is circumcision that which is on the outside upon the flesh. But he is a Jew who is one on the inside, and his circumcision is that of the heart by spirit, and not by a written code.”—Rom. 2:28, 29.
Why does God take some to heaven?
“They will be priests of God and of the Christ, and will rule as kings with him for the thousand years.”—Rev. 20:6.
[Box/Graph on page 171]
Memorial Report
Within 25 years, Memorial attendance was over 100 times the number of partakers
[Graph]
(For fully formatted text, see publication)
Partakers
Attendance
1,500,000
1,250,000
1,000,000
750,000
500,000
250,000
1935 1940 1945 1950 1955 1960
[Pictures on page 167]
At the Washington, D.C., convention, 840 were baptized |
Young People Ask (yp)
1989 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/yp | Chapter 15
Why Am I So Shy?
“EVERYONE tells me how great-looking I am,” wrote a young woman to a newspaper column. Yet she went on to state: “I have a problem talking to people. If I look someone in the eyes while speaking, my face turns red and I get all choked up inside . . . At work I have heard several comments on how ‘stuck up’ I am because I don’t talk to anybody. . . . I’m not stuck up, I’m just shy.”
One survey showed that 80 percent of those questioned had been shy at some time in their life, and 40 percent currently considered themselves to be shy. Indeed, shyness has been common with mankind from earliest times. The Bible tells us that Moses shyly declined to act as God’s spokesman before the nation of Israel. (Exodus 3:11, 13; 4:1, 10, 13) It appears, too, that the Christian disciple Timothy was shy and diffident about speaking up and properly exercising his authority.—1 Timothy 4:12; 2 Timothy 1:6-8.
What Shyness Is
Shyness is feeling uneasy around people—strangers, those in authority, persons of the opposite sex, or even your peers. It is extreme self-consciousness that affects its victims in a variety of ways. Some get embarrassed; with eyes downcast and heart pounding, they find themselves unable to speak. Others lose their composure and begin to chatter continuously. Yet others find it hard to speak up and voice their opinions or preferences.
Actually, though, there are positive aspects to having a measure of shyness. It is akin to modesty and humility, and one of the things God looks for and commends is ‘being modest in walking with him.’ (Micah 6:8) There is further benefit in appearing discreet and unassuming, in not being overbearing and overly aggressive. A shy person is often valued as a good listener. But when shyness restricts and inhibits us from realizing our full potential and harmfully affects our relationships, work, and feelings, it is time to do something about it!
A good start is understanding the problem. (Proverbs 1:5) Shyness does not describe what you are; it describes your behavior, your reaction to situations, the pattern you have learned and reinforced through experiences with others. You think others are making negative judgments of you, that they don’t like you. You think others are better or more normal than you. You think things will go all wrong if you try to relate to other people. You expect things to turn out badly, and they often do—because you tense up and act in harmony with your beliefs.
How Shyness Affects Your Life
By withdrawing, not speaking up, or being so preoccupied with self that you don’t pay attention to others, you may leave the impression that you are stuck-up, unfriendly, bored, or even uncaring or ignorant. When your thoughts are on yourself, it is hard to concentrate on the discussion at hand. So you pay less attention to the information you are receiving. Then what you fear most happens—you appear foolish.
In essence, you have locked yourself behind the walls of the prison of shyness and have thrown away the key. You let opportunities pass you by. You accept items or situations you really don’t want—all because you are afraid to speak up and express your opinion. You lose out on the joys of meeting people and making new friends or of doing things that would enhance your life. But others lose out too. They never get to know the real you.
Overcoming Shyness
With time and effort, behavior can be changed. First of all, stop worrying about whether the other person is evaluating you. He is probably too busy thinking of himself and what he will say and do. And if that person childishly pokes fun at you, understand that he has the problem. “He who belittles his neighbor lacks sense.” (Proverbs 11:12, Revised Standard Version) Those who are worth having as friends will judge not by outward appearances but by the kind of person you are.
Also, try to think positively. No one is perfect; all of us have our strengths and our weaknesses. Remember, there are different ways of looking at things, different likes and dislikes. A difference of opinion does not mean a rejection of you as a person.
Learn also to judge others fairly. One formerly shy young man says: “I discovered two things about myself . . . First, I was too self-centered. I was thinking too much about myself, worrying about what people thought of what I said. Second, I was assigning bad motives to the other persons—not trusting them and thinking they were going to look down on me.”
The young man attended a meeting of Jehovah’s Witnesses. “I heard a talk there that really helped me,” he recalls. ‘The speaker pointed out that love is outgoing; that if you have love you think the best of people, not the worst. So I learned to quit assigning bad motives to people. I told myself: “They’re going to be understanding, they’re going to be kind, they’re going to be considerate.” I began to trust people. I realized that some might misjudge me, but I now felt that that was their problem.’
“I also learned the need to start showing love in an active way—to extend myself more to others,” he explained. “I tried it first on younger ones. Later I began visiting others in their homes. I learned to be sensitive to their needs, to think in terms of helping them.” Thus he learned the truthfulness of Jesus’ counsel at Luke 6:37, 38: “Stop judging, and you will by no means be judged; and stop condemning, and you will by no means be condemned. . . . Practice giving, and people will give to you. . . . For with the measure that you are measuring out, they will measure out to you in return.”
Making a Start
So learn to be sociable—to say hello and start a conversation. It can be as simple as a comment on the weather. Remember: You have only 50 percent of the responsibility. The other half is up to the other person. If you blunder in speech, don’t feel condemned. If others laugh, learn to laugh with them. Saying “That didn’t come out right” will help you to relax and continue with the conversation.
Dress comfortably, but make sure that your clothes are clean and pressed. Feeling that you are looking your best will minimize apprehension in this regard and enable you to concentrate on the conversation at hand. Stand straight—yet be at ease. Look pleasant and smile. Maintain friendly eye contact and nod or verbally acknowledge what the other person says.
When facing a tough situation, such as a speech in front of others or a job interview, come as prepared as possible. Practice beforehand what you will say. Speech problems can also be overcome or minimized by practice. It will take time, just as it does to acquire any other set of new skills. But as you see the positive results, you will be further encouraged to succeed.
Not to be overlooked is the help that God can give. Saul, the first king of the ancient nation of Israel, was painfully shy at first. (1 Samuel, chapters 9 and 10) But when the time came for action, “the spirit of God became operative upon Saul,” and he led the people to victory!—1 Samuel, chapter 11.
Today Christian youths have the responsibility to help others learn about God and his promised new world of righteousness. (Matthew 24:14) Carrying this good news and representing the highest Authority in the universe is sure to inspire self-confidence and to help one get the focus off oneself. You can be sure, then, that if you faithfully serve God, he will bless you and help you overcome your shyness.
Questions for Discussion
◻ Just what is shyness, and how does a shy person behave in the presence of others? Is this true of you to some extent?
◻ Why does a shy person lose confidence when he is around others?
◻ How can shyness cause a person to suffer loss?
◻ What are some ways of overcoming shyness? Have any of these suggestions worked for you?
[Blurb on page 121]
The shy person misses out on friendships and opportunities
[Box on page 124]
You can overcome shyness by
Wanting to change and believing that change is really possible
Replacing negative thoughts with positive action
Setting realistic and meaningful goals for yourself
Knowing how to relax and cope with anxiety
Rehearsing a situation beforehand
Gaining confidence by progressively successful experiences
Remembering that differences of opinion exist and that others err too
Practicing to increase skills and learn new ones
Reaching out to show love and to help others
Dressing tastefully and acting with confidence
Relying on the help that God gives
Being involved with Christian meetings and in sharing your faith with others
[Pictures on page 123]
The shy person imagines that others think little of him
[Picture on page 125]
Learn to be sociable—to smile, greet others, and carry on a conversation |
Truth (tr)
1981 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/tr | Chapter 9
The Reason Why a “Little Flock” Goes to Heaven
1. (a) When Jesus was on earth, what did he tell his followers about heavenly life? (b) Why do many persons want to go to heaven?
WHILE Jesus Christ was yet with his followers here on earth, he spoke to them about heavenly life. He told them that he was going to prepare a place for them and that, in time, they would be there with him. (John 14:1-3) Millions of persons have set their hearts on such heavenly life. To them it has represented a prospect of relief from the troubles of this life. But do you know why God has arranged for some persons to go to heaven? Do you know what they will do there?
2. (a) What is the kingdom of God, and where is it located? (b) So when Jesus said that the “little flock” would inherit “the kingdom,” what did that mean?
2 During his earthly ministry Jesus said much about the “kingdom of God.” He taught his followers to pray that, by means of the Kingdom, God’s will would be done here on earth. Thus, the earth would become a delightful home for mankind. But the kingdom, or government itself, would be that of God in heaven, and for this reason Jesus often referred to it as the “kingdom of the heavens.” (Matthew 5:20; 6:9, 10) This helps us to understand what he meant when he said: “Have no fear, little flock, because your Father has approved of giving you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32) Yes, God would give this “little flock” a share in the heavenly government over all mankind.
3. What does Revelation 20:6 say that those resurrected to heavenly life will do there?
3 At Revelation 20:6 we read concerning those who would be resurrected to heavenly life: “They will be priests of God and of the Christ, and will rule as kings with him for the thousand years.” Jesus Christ is the principal king and the high priest, and these faithful ones taken from the earth serve with him.—Revelation 5:9, 10.
4. Why is it fitting that those whom God arranges to be in the heavenly kingdom are taken from this earth?
4 Why are they chosen from the earth for such a work? Because it was here at this earth that Jehovah’s rulership was challenged. It was here that the faithfulness of men to God could be put to the test under opposition from the Devil. It was here that Jesus proved his full loyalty to God under test and gave his life as a ransom for mankind. So it was from this earth that Jehovah arranged to take a “little flock” of persons to be associated with his Son in the heavenly kingdom. They are persons who show full faith in God’s provision for salvation through Christ. They are ones whose lives prove the Devil a liar when he charged that men serve God only for selfish advantage. Jehovah has marvelously purposed to use them for his glory—Ephesians 1:9-12.
5. (a) Why is it a loving arrangement of God to put in office those who have experienced problems common to mankind? (b) What blessings will earth’s inhabitants enjoy when these heavenly priests apply the benefits of Christ’s ransom sacrifice?
5 As kings and priests under the direction of Jesus Christ, they will serve from their heavenly positions in carrying out Jehovah’s will toward mankind. How wonderful it will be to have as rulers those who have proved faithful to God! (Revelation 20:4) And how loving of God to put in office those who have experienced the problems common to humankind! Surely, they, like Christ, will deal in an understanding way with their subjects. (Hebrews 2:17, 18) What a blessing it will be to the inhabitants of earth as these heavenly priests apply to them the benefits of Christ’s ransom sacrifice, healing them spiritually, mentally and physically until they reach perfection!—Revelation 21:2-4.
HOW MANY GO TO HEAVEN?
6. How many make up the “little flock”?
6 Those who are called by God to share in such heavenly service are few in number. As Jesus said, they are a “little flock.” Years after his return to heaven, Jesus made known the exact number in a vision to the apostle John, who wrote: “I saw, and, look! the Lamb standing upon the Mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand . . . who have been bought from the earth.” (Revelation 14:1, 3) The “Lamb” referred to here is, of course, Jesus Christ; and this “Mount Zion” is not on earth, but in heaven where Jesus is. (John 1:29; Hebrews 12:22) So the 144,000 are persons who die on earth as humans and are resurrected to heavenly life as spirit creatures, as Jesus was. (Romans 6:5) When compared with the thousands of millions of persons who live on earth, they are, indeed, a “little flock.”
7. (a) Are the 144,000 the only ones to receive salvation? (b) By what term did Jesus refer to those who will live on earth?
7 However, the “little flock” who go to heaven are not the only ones who receive salvation. As we have seen, they will have happy earthly subjects. Jesus referred to these as his “other sheep,” of whom “a great crowd” are even now serving God faithfully.—John 10:16; Revelation 7:9, 15.
HOW ONE KNOWS WHETHER HE IS OF THE “LITTLE FLOCK”
8. How does one who has been called to heaven know that?
8 Members of the “little flock” know that God has called them to heavenly life. How? By means of the operation of God’s spirit, which implants and cultivates in them the hope of heavenly life. The apostle Paul, as one of the “little flock,” wrote: “The spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are God’s children. If, then, we are children, we are also heirs: heirs indeed of God, but joint heirs with Christ, provided we suffer together that we may also be glorified together.” (Romans 8:16, 17) The operation of God’s spirit changes the entire outlook of such a person, so that his thoughts and prayers are centered upon serving God with the heavenly hope in view. Being with Christ in heaven is more important to him than any earthly ties.
9. Before one can analyze his situation with regard to heavenly life, what is needed?
9 No doubt you have thought about this matter, and perhaps you have wondered whether you are one who will receive heavenly life. Before one can properly analyze his situation, he needs an understanding of what the Bible teaches on this matter. Why? Because God’s holy spirit that bears witness that one has been called to heavenly glory is the same spirit that directed the writing of the Bible. With this in mind, let us examine the situation.
10. (a) What belief may have caused one to expect to go to heaven? (b) What Bible truths are not known by those who think that all good people go to heaven?
10 In the past did you believe that all good persons go to heaven? If so, and if you endeavored to live a good life, you may well have expected to be included among them. You may also have hoped in this way to be reunited with your loved ones whom you had lost in death. But when you had that expectation, did you know that the Bible says that such faithful servants of God as King David and John the Baptist did not go to heaven? (Acts 2:29, 34; Matthew 11:11) At that time did you know that only 144,000 chosen from among mankind over the past nineteen centuries would gain heavenly life? And did you know then that the Bible holds out hope of eternal life under righteous conditions here on earth for all others who would become faithful servants of God?—Psalm 37:10, 11, 29 [36:10, 11, 29, Dy].
11. Because of what false teaching as to the soul do many persons think that they will go to heaven?
11 When you were then thinking about heavenly life for yourself, did you believe in the immortality of the human soul? Then, understandably, you may have hoped that your soul would go to heaven. But if you had such a hope it was not because God’s spirit was bearing witness to you. To the contrary, as you now know, God’s inspired Word says that the human soul dies and goes out of existence. So those who die must depend on God to resurrect them to whatever place he wills for them.—Ezekiel 18:4; 1 Corinthians 15:35-38.
12. (a) Who does the choosing of persons who will receive heavenly life? (b) To what hope is God principally pointing persons today?
12 In this matter, then, we must look to the Scriptures for guidance and not let emotions, or a background of unscriptural beliefs, confuse our thinking. Those who receive heavenly life are not persons who choose it for themselves; God is the one who does the choosing. (2 Thessalonians 2:13, 14) They are called on to leave behind close family members and friends and all earthly things for the privilege of sharing as assistant kings and underpriests with Christ and as part of his “bride.” (Revelation 21:2) That is what God has set before them, and they show deep appreciation for it. But it is not necessary to be of that heavenly group to gain relief from the troubles of this life. God loves his earthly “other sheep” too. He promises that he is going to make this earth a paradise, where pain and sorrow will be no more. The facts show that it is principally to such an earthly hope of life that God has been pointing persons in recent years.
13. (a) Who properly partake of the bread and wine at the annual Memorial of Christ’s death? (b) Who else are present?
13 However, each year, on the anniversary of Christ’s death, the few remaining members of the “little flock” yet on earth keep the Memorial of Christ’s death. As Jesus directed, they partake of unleavened bread and red wine, which are symbols representing the flesh and blood that Jesus gave for mankind. Jesus said to those whom he instructed to partake of these emblems that he was making with them ‘a covenant for a kingdom’; so those who are not heirs of the heavenly kingdom do not partake of the emblems. (Luke 22:19, 20, 29) Nevertheless, those who look forward to earthly life are present each year in large numbers as observers at the Lord’s evening meal. As one who is keenly interested in life under the heavenly kingdom, you too should be in attendance.
THE RETURN OF CHRIST
14. What promise did Jesus make about coming again?
14 On the evening before his death Jesus Christ promised eleven faithful members of the “little flock” that he would come again, saying: “I am going my way to prepare a place for you. . . . I am coming again and will receive you home to myself, that where I am you also may be.”—John 14:2, 3.
15. (a) What does Revelation 1:7 say about Christ’s return, and is this to be understood in a visible sense? (b) How do we know that mankind in general would not behold Christ at his return?
15 Will this be a visible, physical return? Some may point out that Revelation 1:7 says: “Look! He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him.” Does this mean that they will see him literally with their physical eyes? The Bible speaks not only of seeing with our physical eyes, but of seeing in the sense that we understand or discern. Jesus showed that the religious Pharisees of his day were blind although they said, “We see.” They were spiritually blind. (John 9:39-41; Isaiah 43:8) It is in such a sense of spiritual seeing that Revelation 1:7 is to be understood. “Every eye” is made to “see” him because, even though they may refuse to show faith now, when Christ executes the wicked, they will know what is happening because they have been told in advance. However, that Jesus would not visibly return he himself made clear, saying: “A little longer and the world will behold me no more, but you will behold me, because I live and you will live.” (John 14:19) Mankind in general would behold him no more because he was going to return to heaven. But the “little flock” would behold him because he was going to take them to be with him there.
16. What, then, does Christ’s return mean?
16 So Christ’s return does not mean that he returns as a man to live on earth. Rather, it means that he takes up his kingly rule toward the earth and that he resurrects his “little flock” from the dead to their reward in the heavens. There they share in carrying out the loving purpose of God by means of his kingdom. You are living in the time when you, too, can experience blessings from that Kingdom rule.—Revelation 11:15-18. |
Jesus—The Way (jy)
2015 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/jy | Jesus—The Way, the Truth, the Life |
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 | December
Tuesday, December 1
He was moved with pity for them.—Mark 6:34.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of Jesus’ personality is his ability to understand the challenges that we imperfect humans face. While on earth, Jesus was able to “rejoice with those who rejoice” and “weep with those who weep.” (Rom. 12:15) For example, when his 70 disciples returned with joy after completing a successful preaching assignment, Jesus “became overjoyed in the holy spirit.” (Luke 10:17-21) On the other hand, when he saw the effect that the death of Lazarus had on those who loved him, Jesus “groaned within himself and became troubled.” (John 11:33) What enabled this perfect man to be so merciful and compassionate in his dealings with sinful humans? First of all, Jesus loved people. He was “especially fond of the sons of men.” (Prov. 8:31) That love for people moved him to become thoroughly acquainted with the way humans think. The apostle John explains: “He knew what was in man.”—John 2:25. w19.03 20 ¶1-2
Wednesday, December 2
Strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your very face.—Job 1:11.
Satan attacked Job’s belongings, robbing him of his wealth, his servants, and his reputation in the community. He attacked Job’s family, robbing him of his ten beloved children. Then he attacked Job’s body, robbing him of his health by afflicting him with painful boils that covered him from head to foot. Job’s wife was distraught and overwhelmed with grief; she urged him to give up, to curse God and die. Job himself wished for death, but still he kept his integrity. Then Satan tried a different method of attack. He used three men who were companions of Job. The men visited Job for days, but they offered no comfort. Instead they heartlessly lectured and scolded him. They claimed that God was behind his troubles and cared nothing about his integrity. They even suggested that Job was a wicked man who deserved the terrible things that were happening to him!—Job 1:13-22; 2:7-11; 15:4, 5; 22:3-6; 25:4-6. w19.02 4 ¶7-8
Thursday, December 3
The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom.—Ps. 111:10.
Some kinds of fear are good for us. For example, we need to have a healthy fear of displeasing Jehovah. If Adam and Eve had developed that type of fear, they would not have rebelled against Jehovah. But they did rebel. After they did so, their eyes were opened in that they became fully aware that they were sinners. They could only pass sin and death on to their children. Because they could see, or understand, their condition, they became ashamed of their nakedness and covered themselves. (Gen. 3:7, 21) While we need to have a healthy fear of Jehovah, we do not need to have a morbid fear of death. Jehovah has made a way for us to gain everlasting life. If we commit a sin but are genuinely repentant, Jehovah will overlook our mistakes. He will forgive us in line with our faith in the ransom sacrifice of his Son. A primary way we show faith is by dedicating our life to God and getting baptized.—1 Pet. 3:21. w19.03 5-6 ¶12-13
Friday, December 4
There was not a man left of them except Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun.—Num. 26:65.
The Israelites had many reasons for showing appreciation. They were freed from slavery after Jehovah brought the Ten Plagues on Egypt. Then God saved them from disaster by destroying the entire Egyptian army in the Red Sea. The Israelites were so grateful that they sang a victory song of praises to Jehovah. But did they remain grateful? When the Israelites encountered new challenges, they soon forgot about all the good things Jehovah had done for them. They then revealed their lack of appreciation. (Ps. 106:7) How? “The entire assembly of the Israelites began to murmur against Moses and Aaron”—in reality, murmuring against Jehovah. (Ex. 16:2, 8) He was disappointed with the ungrateful attitude his people showed. He later foretold that this entire generation of Israelites would perish in the wilderness, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb.—Num. 14:22-24. w19.02 17 ¶12-13
Saturday, December 5
I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart.—Matt. 11:29.
Jesus did not draw undue attention to himself by requiring an elaborate observance of his death. Instead, he told his disciples that once a year they should remember him by means of a simple meal. (John 13:15; 1 Cor. 11:23-25) The simple but appropriate meal shows that Jesus was not a proud person. We can be happy that humility is one of the outstanding qualities of our heavenly King. (Phil. 2:5-8) How can we imitate Jesus’ humility? By putting the interests of others ahead of our own. (Phil. 2:3, 4) Think back to the final night of Jesus’ earthly life. Jesus knew that he would soon experience a painful death; yet, he was deeply concerned about his faithful apostles, who would soon be grieving for him. So he spent the last night instructing, encouraging, and reassuring them. (John 14:25-31) Jesus humbly showed more concern for the welfare of others than for himself. What an excellent example he set for us! w19.01 21 ¶5-6
Sunday, December 6
Please take pleasure in my voluntary offerings of praise, O Jehovah.—Ps. 119:108.
Do you get a knot in your stomach each time you even think of raising your hand to comment? If so, you are not alone. The truth is that most of us feel some fear when we comment. Actually, those fears can be a good sign. They indicate that you are humble and view others as superior to you. Jehovah loves that quality. (Ps. 138:6; Phil. 2:3) But Jehovah also wants you to praise him and to encourage your brothers and sisters at the meetings. (1 Thess. 5:11) He loves you and will give you the courage you need. Consider some Scriptural reminders. The Bible says that all of us make mistakes in what we say and how we say it. (Jas. 3:2) Jehovah does not expect us to be perfect, and neither do our brothers and sisters. (Ps. 103:12-14) They are our spiritual family, and they love us. (Mark 10:29, 30; John 13:35) They understand that our comments at times do not come out exactly right. w19.01 8 ¶3; 10-11 ¶10-11
Monday, December 7
Remember . . . your Grand Creator in the days of your youth.—Eccl. 12:1.
In today’s world, that is not always easy. However, it is by no means impossible. Jehovah wants you to enjoy a truly successful and satisfying life. With God’s help, you can succeed, not just in your youth but throughout your life. To illustrate, consider a lesson we can learn from the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land. When the Israelites neared the Promised Land, God did not command them to sharpen their fighting skills or train for war. (Deut. 28:1, 2) Rather, he told them that they needed to obey his commandments and trust in him. (Josh. 1:7-9) From a human viewpoint, that advice would make no sense! But it was the very best advice, for Jehovah gave his people victory after victory over the Canaanites. (Josh. 24:11-13) Yes, obedience to God calls for faith, but that faith always leads to success. This truth does not change with the passing of time. It is just as valid today. w18.12 25 ¶3-4
Tuesday, December 8
Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life.—John 6:68.
Some today have been stumbled by an adjusted understanding of a Bible passage. Others have taken sides with apostates and other opposers who misrepresent our beliefs. As a result, some have deliberately begun “drawing away” from Jehovah and the congregation. (Heb. 3:12-14) How much better it would have been if they had maintained their faith and kept their confidence in Jesus, as the apostle Peter did! Others have left the truth gradually, perhaps without even noticing what was happening. A person who gradually leaves the truth is like a boat that slowly slips away from the riverbank. The Bible describes such a slow change as ‘drifting away.’ (Heb. 2:1) Unlike one who intentionally draws away from the truth, one who drifts away does not do so deliberately. However, such a person strains his relationship with Jehovah and is in danger of losing it. w18.11 9 ¶5-6
Wednesday, December 9
Your people will offer themselves willingly.—Ps. 110:3.
Do you desire to receive further training so as to be better equipped to carry out your sacred service? If so, you may qualify to attend the School for Kingdom Evangelizers. This school gives training to spiritually-minded men and women who are in full-time service, so that they can expand theocratic interests in the field. Those who apply to attend this school need to be willing to accept any assignment when they graduate. Would you be willing to take advantage of this opportunity to reach out for greater privileges of service? (1 Cor. 9:23) As Jehovah’s people, we are moved to be generous—which is a manifestation of goodness, kindness, and love—and to care about others each day. When we do that, we gain joy, peace, and happiness. (Gal. 5:22, 23) Whatever your circumstances in life, you can find joy by imitating Jehovah’s generous personality and by being one of his precious fellow workers!—Prov. 3:9, 10. w18.08 27 ¶16-18
Thursday, December 10
What God has yoked together, let no man put apart.—Matt. 19:6.
Someone might ask, ‘Is there ever a basis for a Christian to divorce and remarry?’ Well, Jesus stated his view on divorce: “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her, and if ever a woman after divorcing her husband marries another, she commits adultery.” (Mark 10:11, 12; Luke 16:18) Clearly, Jesus thus honored marriage and wanted others to do so. A man divorcing his faithful wife (or a woman, her faithful husband) on some pretext and marrying another was committing adultery. This is true because merely divorcing one’s mate does not end the marriage. In God’s eyes, the two would still be “one flesh.” Moreover, Jesus said that a man’s divorcing his innocent wife would make her subject to adultery. How so? Back then, a divorced woman might feel compelled to remarry in order to gain financial support. Such a remarriage would amount to adultery. w18.12 11 ¶8-9
Friday, December 11
At my guardpost I will keep standing.—Hab. 2:1.
Habakkuk’s conversation with Jehovah gave him a calm heart. So he resolved to keep waiting confidently on Jehovah to act. This was not just a spur-of-the-moment reaction, for he repeated his resolve when he later said that he would “quietly wait for the day of distress.” (Hab. 3:16) What does Habakkuk’s resolve teach us? First, we must never stop praying to Jehovah, no matter what trials befall us. Second, we need to listen to what Jehovah tells us through his Word and organization. Third, we should patiently wait on Jehovah, fully trusting that he will relieve our pains in his own time. If we continue to talk intimately with Jehovah and listen to him with a waiting attitude, as Habakkuk did, we too will gain a calm heart, which will help us to endure. Our hope will strengthen our patience, which in turn will help us to rejoice despite all the adversities we may face. Hope gives us confidence that our heavenly Father will act.—Rom. 12:12. w18.11 15-16 ¶11-12
Saturday, December 12
Women should adorn themselves in appropriate dress, with modesty and soundness of mind.—1 Tim. 2:9.
What is God’s view of stumbling others? Jesus said: “Whoever stumbles one of these little ones who have faith, it would be better for him if a millstone that is turned by a donkey were put around his neck and he were pitched into the sea.” (Mark 9:42) Those words express strong feelings! Since Jesus perfectly reflected his Father’s personality, we can be sure that Jehovah feels just as strongly about anyone whose callous actions stumble one of Jesus’ followers. (John 14:9) Do we share the view of Jehovah and Jesus? Have we made it our own? What do our actions reveal? For instance, suppose we are attracted to a certain style of dress or grooming that is likely to upset some in the congregation or that may well arouse passion in the minds of others. Will our loving concern for fellow believers override our personal preferences in style? w18.11 25 ¶9-10
Sunday, December 13
Satan answered Jehovah: “Is it for nothing that Job has feared God? . . . Stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your very face.”—Job 1:9, 11.
What makes integrity so vital that each of us needs it? You need integrity because Satan has challenged Jehovah, and he has challenged you. That rebellious angel smeared Jehovah’s good name by implying that God is a bad, selfish, and dishonest Ruler. Sadly, Adam and Eve sided with Satan, rebelling against Jehovah. (Gen. 3:1-6) Life in Eden had given them countless opportunities to strengthen their love for Jehovah. But at the time of Satan’s challenge, their love was not complete, sound, or whole. Another question arose: Would any humans remain loyal to Jehovah God out of love for him? In other words, are humans capable of showing integrity? That question came to the fore in the case of Job. (Job 1:8-11) Like us, the man was imperfect. He made mistakes. However, Jehovah loved Job for his integrity. w19.02 3-4 ¶6-7
Monday, December 14
He . . . sold all the things he had and bought it.—Matt. 13:46.
To show how precious the truth of God’s Kingdom is to those who find it, Jesus told about a traveling merchant who was searching for fine pearls. He found one of such high value that he “promptly sold” everything he had to buy it. (Matt. 13:45, 46) Similarly, the truth we found—the truth of God’s Kingdom and all the other precious truths we learned from God’s Word—is of such high value to us that we willingly and promptly made the sacrifices needed to obtain it. As long as we value the truth, we will “never sell it.” (Prov. 23:23) Sadly, though, some of God’s people have lost sight of the value of the truth they obtained—and have even sold it. May that never happen to us! To show that we deeply treasure the truth and that we would never sell it, we must heed the Bible’s admonition to “go on walking in the truth.” (3 John 2-4) To walk in the truth involves living it—giving it priority in our lives and conducting ourselves in harmony with it. w18.11 9 ¶3
Tuesday, December 15
By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after the people had marched around them for seven days.—Heb. 11:30.
The Israelites were commanded not to attack Jericho but to march around the city once a day for six days and seven times on the seventh day. Some soldiers may have thought, ‘What a waste of time and energy!’ But Israel’s invisible Leader knew exactly what he was doing. Not only did his strategy strengthen the faith of the Israelites but it also spared them direct confrontation with Jericho’s mighty warriors. (Josh. 6:2-5) What can we learn from this account? We may not at times fully comprehend the reasons for new initiatives put forth by the organization. For example, we may at first have questioned the use of electronic devices for personal study, in the ministry, and at the meetings. Now we likely realize the benefits of using them if possible. When we see the positive results of such advancements despite any doubts we might have had, we grow in faith and unity. w18.10 23 ¶8-9
Wednesday, December 16
Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?—Acts 1:6.
Expectations about the Messiah, such as those held by Jesus’ disciples, doubtless led the people of Galilee to want Jesus to become their king. We can imagine that they were thinking that Jesus would be an ideal leader. He was an outstanding speaker; he could cure the sick; he could even supply food for the hungry. After Jesus fed about 5,000 men, he sensed the mood among the people. “Jesus, knowing that they were about to come and seize him to make him king, withdrew again to the mountain all alone.” (John 6:10-15) The following day on the other side of the Sea of Galilee, the enthusiasm may have died down some. Jesus then explained to the crowd the true nature of his work. He had come to bring spiritual, not material, benefits to the nation. “Work, not for the food that perishes, but for the food that remains for everlasting life,” he told them.—John 6:25-27. w18.06 4 ¶4-5
Thursday, December 17
No crushed reed will he break, and no smoldering wick will he extinguish.—Isa. 42:3.
Jesus understood the feelings of those who were figuratively like a bruised reed or the wick of an oil lamp about to go out. As a result, he was considerate, kind, and patient. (Mark 10:14) Of course, we do not have Jesus’ insight and teaching ability! But we can—and should—be considerate of the people in our territory. That includes how we speak to them, when we do so, and for how long. Today, countless millions have been “skinned and thrown about” by corrupt and heartless commercial, political, and religious leaders. (Matt. 9:36) As a result, many people are cynical and without hope. How important, then, that we be kind and compassionate in our choice of words and also in our tone of voice! Indeed, many are drawn to our message not only because of our Bible knowledge or sound reasoning but also because of our genuine interest in them and our thoughtful manner. w18.09 31-32 ¶13-14
Friday, December 18
Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need.—Matt. 5:3.
How do we show that we are conscious of that need? We do so by taking in spiritual food, cherishing spiritual values, and giving priority to worshipping the happy God. If we take those steps, our happiness will grow. We will strengthen our faith in the coming fulfillment of God’s promises. (Titus 2:13) Building a strong relationship with Jehovah is a vital part of finding lasting happiness. The apostle Paul was inspired to write: “Always rejoice in the Lord [Jehovah]. Again I will say, Rejoice!” (Phil. 4:4) To enjoy such a precious relationship, we need to acquire divine wisdom. (Prov. 3:13, 18) However, to be lastingly happy, it is vital that we not only read God’s Word but apply it. Confirming the importance of putting into practice what we learn, Jesus said: “If you know these things, happy you are if you do them.” (John 13:17; Jas. 1:25) This is the key to satisfying your spiritual need and being lastingly happy. w18.09 18 ¶4-6
Saturday, December 19
[Epaphras] is always exerting himself in your behalf in his prayers.—Col. 4:12.
Epaphras knew the brothers well, and he cared for them deeply. His situation as Paul’s “fellow captive” did not blind him to the spiritual needs of others. (Philem. 23) And he did something about it. Is that not a mark of unselfish concern? Praying for our fellow servants of Jehovah has real force, especially when we remember them individually, such as by name. (2 Cor. 1:11; Jas. 5:16) Think of those whom you can pray for by name. Like Epaphras, many of our brothers and sisters are praying for those in their congregation and for families who are carrying a heavy load of responsibility or who are facing serious decisions or temptations. In addition, we do well to remember those who have lost loved ones in death, those who have survived recent disasters and wars, and those who are enduring economic crises. Clearly, there are many brothers and sisters who need our prayers and who can benefit from them. w18.09 5-6 ¶12-13
Sunday, December 20
There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.—Acts 20:35.
Paul was referring not only to sharing material things but also to giving encouragement, guidance, and assistance to those in need of these. (Acts 20:31-35) By word and example, the apostle taught us to give of ourselves—our time, our energy, our attention, our love. Researchers in the field of social sciences have also observed that giving makes people happy. According to one article, “people report a significant happiness boost after doing kind deeds for others.” Helping others, researchers say, is important to developing “a greater sense of purpose and meaning” in life “because it fulfills basic human needs.” Hence, experts often recommend that people volunteer for public service to enhance their own health and happiness. This comes as no surprise to those who accept the Bible as the Word of mankind’s loving Designer, Jehovah.—2 Tim. 3:16, 17. w18.08 22 ¶17-18
Monday, December 21
Stop judging by the outward appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.—John 7:24.
Through his prophecy about our Lord Jesus Christ, Isaiah warms and reassures our hearts. Isaiah foretold that Jesus would “not judge by what appears to his eyes, nor reprove simply according to what his ears hear.” He would “judge the lowly with fairness.” (Isa. 11:3, 4) Why is this encouraging? Because we live in a world filled with bias and prejudice. We all long for the perfect Judge, who will never judge us by our outward appearance! Each day we make judgments about people. Yet, as imperfect humans, we are not able to judge matters perfectly as Jesus does. We tend to be influenced by what appears to our eyes. Nonetheless, when Jesus was on earth, he commanded us, not to judge by “the outward appearance,” but to judge “with righteous judgment.” Clearly, Jesus wants us to be like him and not judge others by their outward appearance. w18.08 8 ¶1-2
Tuesday, December 22
[You] will hear a word behind you saying, “This is the way. Walk in it.”—Isa. 30:21.
True, we do not hear God speak to us from heaven. He has, however, provided his written Word, the Bible, in which he gives us instruction. Additionally, Jehovah’s spirit moves “the faithful steward” to keep giving His servants their food supply. (Luke 12:42) What an abundance of spiritual food we receive in the form of printed and online material, videos, and audio publications! May God’s own words, as recorded in the Bible, give us confidence that Jehovah has everything under control and that he will reverse any damage brought on us by Satan and his wicked world. And may we be determined to listen intently to Jehovah’s voice. If we do, we will successfully endure whatever problems we now face and any challenges that are yet to come. The Bible reminds us: “You need endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the fulfillment of the promise.”—Heb. 10:36. w19.03 13 ¶17-18
Wednesday, December 23
Jehovah said to Joshua . . . : “Moses my servant is dead. Now get up, cross the Jordan, you and all this people.”—Josh. 1:1, 2.
Because Moses had been Israel’s leader for so long, Joshua may have wondered how God’s people would respond to his leadership. (Deut. 34:8, 10-12) One Bible reference work, referring to Joshua 1:1, 2, notes: “In both ancient and modern times a transition of leadership is one of the most precarious times in the security of a state.” Joshua must have had legitimate fears, but within a few days, he took decisive action. (Josh. 1:9-11) His trust in God was not misplaced. As the Bible record shows, Jehovah actually guided Joshua and His people, Israel, by means of an angelic representative. It is reasonable to think that this angel was the Word, God’s firstborn Son. (Ex. 23:20-23; John 1:1) With Jehovah’s help, Israel successfully navigated the transition from Moses’ leadership to that of Joshua. w18.10 22-23 ¶1-4
Thursday, December 24
A book of remembrance was written before him for those fearing Jehovah.—Mal. 3:16.
Jehovah recognizes those who willingly serve him, and he writes their names in his “book of remembrance.” Having our name inscribed in Jehovah’s “book of remembrance” as his people comes with certain obligations. Malachi specifically stated that we must ‘fear Jehovah and meditate on his name.’ Giving our worshipful devotion to anyone or anything else would result in our name being removed from Jehovah’s figurative book of life. (Ex. 32:33; Ps. 69:28) Hence, our dedication to Jehovah involves much more than a solemn promise to do his will and to submit to water baptism. These actions are brief, and they quickly become part of the past. Our stand on Jehovah’s side as his people requires an ongoing demonstration of our obedience to him both in the present and in the future—for as long as we live.—1 Pet. 4:1, 2. w18.07 23-24 ¶7-9
Friday, December 25
Now that we have moved beyond the primary doctrine about the Christ, let us press on to maturity.—Heb. 6:1.
This does not happen automatically. We need to “press on,” or keep working at it. Growing to maturity involves advancing to an increased level of knowledge and insight. That is why we have repeatedly been encouraged to read a portion of the Bible daily. (Ps. 1:1-3) Have you made that a personal goal? Doing such reading can give you greater insight into Jehovah’s laws and principles and a deeper understanding of God’s Word. The foremost law for Christians is the law of love. Jesus told his disciples: “By this all will know that you are my disciples—if you have love among yourselves.” (John 13:35) Jesus’ half brother James called love “the royal law.” (Jas. 2:8) Paul said: “Love is the law’s fulfillment.” (Rom. 13:10) This emphasis on love is not surprising, since the Bible tells us that “God is love.”—1 John 4:8. w18.06 19 ¶14-15
Saturday, December 26
They embittered his spirit, and he spoke rashly with his lips.—Ps. 106:33.
Although the Israelites provoked Jehovah, it was Moses who became embittered. His lack of self-control led him to speak without considering the consequences. Moses allowed the actions of others to distract him from keeping his eyes fixed on Jehovah. Moses handled the first incident correctly. (Ex. 7:6) Yet, it is possible that after dealing for decades with the rebellious Israelites, he had become tired and frustrated. Was Moses thinking mainly of his own feelings instead of how he could glorify Jehovah? If such a faithful prophet as Moses could be distracted and stumbled, the same thing could easily happen to us. Like Moses, we are about to enter a symbolic land, the new world that Jehovah has promised us. (2 Pet. 3:13) None of us want to miss out on that special privilege. To fulfill our goal, though, we need to keep our eyes fixed on Jehovah, always seeking to do his will.—1 John 2:17. w18.07 15 ¶14-16
Sunday, December 27
You have conquered the wicked one.—1 John 2:14.
Satan cannot force people to act against their own will. (Jas. 1:14) Out of ignorance, many work in harmony with Satan’s purpose. But after they learn the truth, each one makes a choice as to whom he or she will serve. (Acts 3:17; 17:30) If we are resolved to do God’s will, there is nothing Satan can do to break our integrity. (Job 2:3; 27:5) Satan and the demons have other limitations. For example, nowhere do the Scriptures indicate that they can read the mind or heart of an individual. Only Jehovah and Jesus are spoken of as having that ability. (1 Sam. 16:7; Mark 2:8) If we do our best to speak and act in harmony with God’s will, we can be confident that Jehovah will not allow the Devil to do us any lasting harm. (Ps. 34:7) We need to know our enemy, but we do not need to be terrified by him. With Jehovah’s backing, even imperfect humans can conquer Satan. If we oppose him, he will flee from us.—Jas. 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:9. w18.05 26 ¶15-17
Monday, December 28
Commit to Jehovah whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.—Prov. 16:3.
Suppose you plan to travel to a distant town for an important event. Getting there requires a long journey by bus. At the bus station, there are many buses. You need to board the bus that is going to your chosen destination! Boarding a bus going anywhere else would mean that you would head in the wrong direction. Adolescents today face a similar situation: a long journey, not by bus, but in life. At times they may feel overwhelmed by the opportunities and decisions that confront them. Youths, you can make it easier for yourselves if you have a good idea where you want to go in life. Will you focus your life on your desire to please Jehovah? That means including him in all aspects of life—education, employment, family responsibilities, and so on. And it means reaching out for spiritual goals. Young people who keep focused on serving Jehovah can be sure of his blessing in making a success of life. w18.04 25 ¶1-3
Tuesday, December 29
Oh no, my daughter! You have broken my heart, for you have become the one I have banished.—Judg. 11:35.
Jephthah kept his vow and sent his virgin daughter to Shiloh to serve at the tabernacle for the rest of her life. (Judg. 11:30-35) However hard this was on Jephthah, it may have been harder still on his daughter, who willingly complied with her father’s decision. (Judg. 11:36, 37) She thus relinquished the right to marry, to have children, and to preserve the family name and inheritance. If anyone, then, needed comfort and encouragement, she did. The Bible account states: “It became a custom in Israel: From year to year, the young women of Israel would go to give commendation to the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in the year.” (Judg. 11:39, 40) Do not unmarried Christians who use their singleness to give greater attention to “the things of the Lord” also deserve commendation and encouragement?—1 Cor. 7:32-35. w18.04 17 ¶10-11
Wednesday, December 30
Angels . . . did not keep their original position but forsook their own proper dwelling place.—Jude 6.
A significant number of angels joined Satan’s rebellion. Prior to the Flood, Satan lured at least some of them into having immoral relations with the daughters of men. The Bible reveals this truth by symbolically portraying the dragon as dragging a third of the stars of heaven with him in his fall. (Gen. 6:1-4; Rev. 12:3, 4) When those angels abandoned God’s family, they put themselves under Satan’s control. These rebels, however, are not just a mob of troublemakers. Satan has set up an imitation of God’s Kingdom, with himself as king. In the invisible realm, Satan has organized the demons into governments, given them authority, and made them world rulers. (Eph. 6:12) By means of his spirit organization, Satan exerts authority over all human governments. w18.05 23 ¶5-6
Thursday, December 31
I will praise Jehovah, who has given me advice. Even during the night, my innermost thoughts correct me.—Ps. 16:7.
God’s love for us is sometimes expressed through fatherly correction. David welcomed such kindly counsel. He meditated on God’s thoughts, making them his own and allowing them to mold him. When you in faith do the same, you too will grow in love for God and in your desire to obey him. You will also gain spiritual maturity and depth. A sister named Christin said, “When I do research and meditate on what I read, I get the feeling that Jehovah had this penned just for me!” It is no exaggeration to say that a spiritual outlook on life also gives you exceptional knowledge and insight by enabling you to see the world and its future through God’s eyes. Why does God give you such knowledge and insight? He wants you to set sound priorities in your life, to make wise decisions, and to look forward to the future with confidence!—Isa. 26:3. w18.12 26 ¶9-10 |
Jehovah’s Way of Ruling Vindicated! | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2010047 | Jehovah’s Way of Ruling Vindicated!
“The Most High is Ruler in the kingdom of mankind.”—DAN. 4:17.
1, 2. What are some reasons why human rule has failed?
HUMAN rule has failed! Of that there is no doubt. A major reason for that failure is that humans lack the wisdom to rule successfully. The failure of man’s rule is especially evident today when so many rulers have shown themselves to be ‘lovers of themselves, lovers of money, self-assuming, haughty, disloyal, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, and puffed up with pride.’—2 Tim. 3:2-4.
2 Long ago, our first parents rejected God’s way of ruling. In doing so, they may have thought that they were choosing independence. In reality, though, they were submitting to Satan’s way of ruling. Six millenniums of human mismanagement—powerfully influenced by “the ruler of this world,” Satan—have brought us to the current low point in human history. (John 12:31) Commenting on the state of mankind today, The Oxford History of the Twentieth Century states that it is useless “looking for a perfect world.” It explains: “Not only can it not be found, but the attempt to create it leads to disaster, totalitarianism, and war at its worst.” What a frank admission that human rule is a failure!
3. What can we say about the way God would have ruled if Adam and Eve had not sinned?
3 How tragic, then, that our first parents rejected the only kind of rule that does work—rule by God! Of course, we do not know precisely how Jehovah would have structured his way of governing the earth if Adam and Eve had remained faithful to him. However, we can be certain that divine rulership accepted by all mankind would have been marked by love and impartiality. (Acts 10:34; 1 John 4:8) In view of God’s matchless wisdom, we can also be sure that if mankind had remained under Jehovah’s rule, all the mistakes made by proponents of human rule would have been avoided. God-rule, theocracy, would have been successful in “satisfying the desire of every living thing.” (Ps. 145:16) In short, it would have been a perfect rulership. (Deut. 32:4) How tragic that humans rejected it!
4. To what extent has Satan been permitted to govern?
4 Still, it is good to remember that even though Jehovah permitted humans to exercise self-rule, he at no time relinquished his right to rule over his creatures. Even the powerful king of Babylon was forced to realize that ultimately “the Most High is Ruler in the kingdom of mankind.” (Dan. 4:17) In the long run, God’s Kingdom will cause his will to be done. (Matt. 6:10) True, in the short term, Jehovah has allowed Satan to act as “the god of this system of things” in order to provide a convincing answer to the issues that were raised by that opposer. (2 Cor. 4:4; 1 John 5:19) Nevertheless, Satan has never been able to go beyond what Jehovah permits. (2 Chron. 20:6; compare Job 1:11, 12; 2:3-6.) And there have always been some individuals who chose to subject themselves to God, even though they were living in a world ruled by God’s great Adversary.
God’s Rulership Over Israel
5. What commitment did Israel make to God?
5 From the time of Abel up to the time of the patriarchs, a number of faithful individuals worshipped Jehovah and obeyed his commands. (Heb. 11:4-22) In Moses’ day, Jehovah entered into a covenant with the offspring of the patriarch Jacob, and these became the nation of Israel. In 1513 B.C.E., the Israelites committed themselves and their descendants to accept Jehovah as Ruler, saying: “All that Jehovah has spoken we are willing to do.”—Ex. 19:8.
6, 7. How was God’s rule of Israel characterized?
6 Jehovah had a purpose in choosing the Israelites to be his people. (Read Deuteronomy 7:7, 8.) This choice involved more than just the welfare of the Israelites. God’s name and sovereignty were also involved, and they were of greater significance. Israel was to serve as a witness to the fact that Jehovah is the only true God. (Isa. 43:10; 44:6-8) Hence, Jehovah said to that nation: “You are a holy people to Jehovah your God, and Jehovah has chosen you to become his people, a special property, out of all the peoples who are on the surface of the ground.”—Deut. 14:2.
7 God’s way of governing the Israelites took into account that they were imperfect. At the same time, his laws were perfect and reflected the qualities of their Giver. Jehovah’s commandments given through Moses clearly highlighted God’s holiness, his love of justice, his willingness to forgive, and his patience. Later, in the day of Joshua and his generation, the nation obeyed Jehovah’s commandments and enjoyed peace and spiritual blessings. (Josh. 24:21, 22, 31) That period of Israel’s history demonstrated the success of Jehovah’s way of ruling.
Human Rulership Comes at a Price
8, 9. What unwise request did Israel make, and with what results?
8 Over time, though, the Israelites frequently turned away from God’s rule and suffered the loss of his protection. Eventually, through the prophet Samuel, Israel demanded a visible, human king. Jehovah told Samuel to grant their request. However, Jehovah added: “It is not you whom they have rejected, but it is I whom they have rejected from being king over them.” (1 Sam. 8:7) Although Jehovah permitted Israel to have a visible king, he warned them that rule by a human king would come at a price.—Read 1 Samuel 8:9-18.
9 History demonstrated the truth of Jehovah’s warning. Being ruled by a human king led to serious problems for Israel, especially when that king proved unfaithful. With that example of Israel in mind, it is not surprising that throughout the ages, government in the hands of humans who do not know Jehovah has failed to bring permanent good results. True, some politicians invoke God’s blessing on their efforts to achieve peace and security, but how can God bless those who do not submit to his way of ruling?—Ps. 2:10-12.
A New Nation Under God’s Rule
10. Why was Israel replaced as God’s chosen nation?
10 The nation of Israel proved unwilling to serve Jehovah faithfully. Eventually, they rejected God’s appointed Messiah, and Jehovah rejected them and purposed to replace them with a group of people who formed a new nation. As a consequence, the year 33 C.E. saw the birth of the Christian congregation of anointed worshippers of Jehovah. That congregation was, in effect, a new nation under Jehovah’s governing authority. Paul spoke of it as “the Israel of God.”—Gal. 6:16.
11, 12. What similarities as to oversight are there between Israel and “the Israel of God”?
11 Between the original nation of Israel and the new “Israel of God” there are both differences and similarities. Unlike ancient Israel, the Christian congregation has no human king and it has no need for offering animal sacrifices in behalf of sinners. One similarity between the nation of Israel and the Christian congregation is the arrangement of older men, or elders. (Ex. 19:3-8) Such Christian elders do not rule over the flock. Rather, they shepherd the congregation and unstintingly take the lead in Christian activities. They deal lovingly with each individual in the congregation, according honor and dignity to all.—2 Cor. 1:24; 1 Pet. 5:2, 3.
12 By meditating on God’s dealings with Israel, members of “the Israel of God” and their “other sheep” companions develop greater appreciation for Jehovah and his way of governing. (John 10:16) For example, history shows that the human rulers of Israel greatly influenced their subjects, either for good or for bad. That fact impresses upon those taking the lead among Christians that, although they are not rulers like those ancient kings, they must always set a good example of faith.—Heb. 13:7.
How Jehovah Rules Today
13. What important milestone was reached in 1914?
13 Christians today proclaim to the world that human rule over mankind is nearing its end. In 1914, Jehovah established his Kingdom in the heavens under his appointed King, Jesus Christ. At that time, he granted Jesus authority to go forth “conquering and to complete his conquest.” (Rev. 6:2) The newly enthroned King was told: “Go subduing in the midst of your enemies.” (Ps. 110:2) Sadly, the nations have consistently refused to submit to Jehovah’s rule. They have continued to act as if “there is no Jehovah.”—Ps. 14:1.
14, 15. (a) How are we ruled by God’s Kingdom today, and in view of this, what questions should we ask ourselves? (b) How is the superiority of God’s rule seen even today?
14 A few anointed members of “the Israel of God” still remain, and as Jesus’ brothers, they continue to act as “ambassadors substituting for Christ.” (2 Cor. 5:20) They have been appointed as a faithful and discreet slave class to care for and provide spiritual food for anointed ones and a growing crowd of Christians, who now include millions having the hope of living on earth forever. (Matt. 24:45-47; Rev. 7:9-15) Jehovah’s blessing on that arrangement is evident in the spiritual prosperity enjoyed by true worshippers today.
15 Each of us would do well to ask himself: ‘Do I fully recognize the responsibilities that I should shoulder within the Christian congregation? Am I properly supporting Jehovah’s way of governing? Am I proud to be a subject of Jehovah’s ruling Kingdom? Am I determined to continue telling others about God’s Kingdom to the extent that I reasonably can?’ As a group, we willingly submit ourselves to the direction given by the Governing Body and cooperate with the appointed elders in the congregations. In such ways, we demonstrate our acceptance of God’s way of ruling. (Read Hebrews 13:17.) Willing submission results in a worldwide unity that is unique in this divided world. It also produces peace and righteousness and brings glory to Jehovah, demonstrating that his way of ruling is by far the best.
Jehovah’s Rule Triumphant
16. What decision faces everyone today?
16 The time is fast approaching when the issues raised in Eden will be resolved. Hence, now is the time for people to make a decision. Each individual must decide whether he will accept Jehovah’s way of governing or he will cling to human rule. It is our privilege to help meek ones to make the right decision. Soon, at Armageddon, Jehovah’s way of governing will permanently replace human-based governments under Satan’s influence. (Dan. 2:44; Rev. 16:16) Human rule will end, and God’s Kingdom will hold sway over the entire earth. In the fullest sense of the word, Jehovah’s way of governing will stand vindicated.—Read Revelation 21:3-5.
17. What facts help meek individuals to make a good decision regarding rulership?
17 Those who have not as yet made a definite decision in favor of Jehovah should prayerfully consider the benefits that God’s way of ruling will bring to mankind. Human rule has been unable to solve the problem of crime, including terrorism. God’s rule will remove all the wicked from the earthly scene. (Ps. 37:1, 2, 9) Man’s rule has led to incessant warfare, but God’s rule will make “wars to cease to the extremity of the earth.” (Ps. 46:9) Why, God’s rule will even restore peace between humans and animals! (Isa. 11:6-9) Poverty and hunger have been constant features under human rule, but God’s rule will eliminate them. (Isa. 65:21) Even human rulers having the best of intentions have been unable to remove sickness and death, but under God’s rule, the old and the sick will delight in a return to youthful vigor. (Job 33:25; Isa. 35:5, 6) Indeed, the earth will become a paradise in which there will even be a resurrection of the dead.—Luke 23:43; Acts 24:15.
18. How can we demonstrate that we believe that God’s way of ruling is best?
18 Yes, God’s rule will undo all the harm that Satan caused when he influenced our first parents to turn away from their Creator. And consider, Satan has been causing harm for some 6,000 years, but God, through Christ, will undo all that harm within 1,000 years! What a crowning proof of the superiority of God’s way of governing! As Witnesses for our God, we accept him as our Ruler. Hence, let us demonstrate each day, indeed each hour, of our lives that we are worshippers of Jehovah, subjects of his Kingdom, and proud to be his Witnesses. And let us use every opportunity to tell whoever will listen that Jehovah’s way of ruling is the very best.
As Regards God’s Rulership, What Did We Learn From Reading . . .
• Deuteronomy 7:7, 8?
• 1 Samuel 8:9-18?
• Hebrews 13:17?
• Revelation 21:3-5?
[Pictures on page 29]
Jehovah has always maintained his rulership
[Picture on page 31]
Willing submission to Jehovah’s way of governing results in worldwide unity |
“Religion Is Implicated in Our Great Moral Breakdown” | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101989003 | “Religion Is Implicated in Our Great Moral Breakdown”
THIS headline in El Heraldo of Barranquilla, Colombia, was startling in itself. But the one who said it made it even more significant—Catholic Jesuit priest Alberto Múnera, doctor of theology at the Gregorian University of Rome. He was commenting on the moral breakdown in Colombia.
He stated: “All of Colombia is Catholic. We cannot ignore the fact that religion is implicated in our great moral breakdown. As a theologian, one asks oneself: What is the matter with our Catholic religion when it seems not to have sufficient elements to sustain the morality of a body [of people] or to permit it to face up to a change of epoch in a decent way, to pass from a former situation to a new one without the whole structure of society breaking down?”
After detailing evidence of the political and moral breakdown, including drug trafficking, political assassinations, and armed violence, he asked: “Who are doing these things? People who belong to the Islamic religion or to Buddhism . . . or people without a religion? Or are they people whom you have seen in the religious ceremonies participating piously in the Eucharist and praying to Our Lord that he help them to prosper in their work?”
Certainly, Jesus and the disciples emphasized Christian conduct as evidence of true Christianity, not participation in rituals. Jesus said: “By this love you have for one another, everyone will know that you are my disciples.” (John 13:35, The Jerusalem Bible) Is it love when a Catholic kills or hates his fellowman, or robs, rapes, lies, or steals, or peddles drugs? And is it Christian love when the church takes no action to keep its ranks clean of such crassly immoral elements? In fact, rich criminals are often honored with impressive funerals and other religious ceremonies.
In contrast, the early Christian congregation disciplined unrepentant sinners guilty of gross wrongdoing. The apostle Paul wrote: “What I wrote was that you should not associate with a brother Christian who is leading an immoral life, or is a usurer, or idolatrous, or a slanderer, or a drunkard, or is dishonest; you should not even eat a meal with people like that.” Yet, seldom does one hear of excommunication, except for reasons of atheistic politics or heresy.—1 Corinthians 5:9-11; 6:9-11, JB.
Instead of paying due attention to Bible education and the Christian new personality, the Catholic Church over the centuries has outputed itself with praying with the rosary, attendance at Mass, and confession to a priest. (Ephesians 4:17-24) The end result today is the consequent moral breakdown and dwindling support for the church. Jesuit Múnera commented on the state of the Catholic Church in Colombia: “With a religion like that, evidently we cannot respond to situations in which we are living. It is one of the fundamental causes for which our Christianity seems so broken down . . . that [Catholics] do not seem to be Christians in any respect today.”
Of course, the present moral breakdown applies to people of all religions. Many who expect a church baptism, wedding, and funeral continue to lie, steal, fornicate, and cheat with relative immunity. Even many convicted criminals claim some religious affiliation—Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and so on. Yet, their actions show that their religion failed to produce in them a new personality. The blame for that can lie with the criminal himself and/or with his religion that failed to influence his thinking and conduct. Where quantity means more than quality, religion too pays the price.
It is just as Paul prophesied for “the last days”: “They will keep up the outward appearance of religion but will have rejected the inner power of it. Have nothing to do with people like that.”—2 Timothy 3:1-5, JB.
Religion After the Flood
Edmond and Jules de Goncourt, collaborating French writers of the 19th century, wrote: “If there is a God, atheism must strike Him as less of an insult than religion.” And of a truth, false religion is an insult to mankind’s Creator. By destroying it in 2370 B.C.E. at the Flood, however, the Creator proved that he will not let himself be insulted forever.
This fundamental truth did not change, even though false religion reappeared. In fact, after the Flood, it was due to take on tangible forms that would reach out across the centuries to embrace the entire earth. It would reach out to touch you! In our next issue, our article “A Hunter, a Tower, and You!” will explain how.
[Picture on page 9]
Religion is often skin deep. It does not prevent racial hatred, crime, and immorality |
My Bible Lessons (mb)
2013 | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/library/r1/lp-e/all-publications/brochures-and-booklets/my-bible-lessons-mb | A Note to Parents
Printed Edition
What is the best gift you can give your children? There are many things they need, including your love, guidance, and protection. By far, though, the most precious gift you can give them is knowledge of Jehovah and of the truths found in his Word, the Bible. (John 17:3) Such knowledge can help your children grow to love Jehovah and serve him wholeheartedly, even from a tender age.—Matthew 21:16.
Many parents have found that young children respond best to brief lessons and activities. We are delighted, therefore, to provide this publication, My Bible Lessons. Each lesson is designed to teach in a simple manner. The artwork and accompanying text have been prepared especially for children aged three and under. Suggestions for activities are included. My Bible Lessons is not a toy for children to play with. Rather, it is designed for you to read along with your children, thus promoting communication.
We feel sure that this publication will prove helpful as you teach your children Bible truth “from infancy.”—2 Timothy 3:14, 15.
Your brothers,
Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses |
THE BIBLE CHANGES LIVES
“I Seemed to Have Everything I Could Hope For” | https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/502018116 | THE BIBLE CHANGES LIVES
“I Seemed to Have Everything I Could Hope For”
As told by Stéphane Wallace Turcotte
YEAR BORN: 1962
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Canada
HISTORY: Immoral lifestyle
MY PAST
I was born in Montreal, the largest city in the Canadian province of Quebec. My three siblings and I were raised by loving parents in the pleasant neighborhood of Rosemont. We enjoyed a quiet and peaceful life together.
As a boy, I was drawn to the Bible. I remember, at age 12, reading in the New Testament about Jesus’ life and enjoying it very much. Touched by his love and compassion for others, I wanted to be like him. Sadly, this desire faded as I got older and began to associate with the wrong crowd.
My father was a saxophonist, and he gave me not only his instrument but also an enduring love of music that became my life’s focus. I enjoyed music so much that I soon learned to play the guitar. In time, I formed a rock band with a few friends, and we performed in several shows. Some well-known producers in the music industry took notice and approached me with an offer. I signed a contract with a major record company. My music became quite popular and was played regularly on the radio in Quebec.
I seemed to have everything I could hope for. I was young and famous, and I was making lots of money doing what I loved. By day I trained at the gym, gave interviews, attended autograph sessions, and appeared on television. At night, I played shows and partied. To brave the crowds, I had started drinking alcohol when I was younger but progressed to using drugs. I was also reckless and immoral.
Some envied my lifestyle because I appeared to be happy. But deep down inside, a feeling of emptiness overwhelmed me, especially when I was alone. I felt depressed and anxious. Tragically, at the height of my success, two of my producers died of AIDS. I was shocked! Although I loved the music, the lifestyle that came with it disgusted me.
HOW THE BIBLE CHANGED MY LIFE
Despite my success, I was aware that something was terribly wrong in the world. How could there be so much injustice? I wondered why God was holding back from taking action. In fact, I often prayed to God for answers. While on a break from touring, I started to read the Bible again. Although I did not really understand most of what I read, I concluded that the end of the world must be near.
While reading the Bible, I discovered that Jesus on one occasion had fasted in the desert for 40 days. (Matthew 4:1, 2) I thought to myself that if I did the same, perhaps God would reveal himself to me, so I set a date. Two weeks before starting to fast, two of Jehovah’s Witnesses knocked on my door, and I invited them in as if I had been expecting them. I looked one of the Witnesses, named Jacques, squarely in the eyes and asked, “How can we know that we are living in the last days of this world?” In answer, he opened his Bible and read 2 Timothy 3:1-5. I bombarded the two of them with many other questions and was impressed with the logical and satisfying answers they shared with me, which were always based on the Scriptures. After a few visits, I realized that there was no need to fast.
I began to study the Bible regularly with the Witnesses. Eventually, I cut my long hair and started to attend all the meetings at the local Kingdom Hall. The warm welcome I received at these meetings further convinced me that I had finally found the truth.
Of course, to apply what I was learning in my Bible study, I needed to make some major changes in my life. For one thing, I had to stop using illicit drugs and quit my immoral lifestyle. I also needed to change my self-centered attitude and show greater concern for others. As a single parent, I had to learn to care for the emotional and spiritual needs of my two children. So I left my music career behind and took a low-paying job at a factory.
Making all these changes was not easy. As I worked to quit using drugs, I struggled with withdrawal symptoms and had a few relapses. (Romans 7:19, 21-24) Leaving my immoral lifestyle behind was particularly challenging. Also, my new employment was exhausting, and my meager income discouraging. It took me three months to earn the same money that I had earned in just two hours as a musician.
Prayer helped me to persevere in making these difficult adjustments. I also found regular Bible reading essential. Specific Bible verses greatly encouraged me. One was 2 Corinthians 7:1, which urges Christians to “cleanse [themselves] of every defilement of flesh and spirit.” Another scripture that reassured me that it was possible to break my bad habits was Philippians 4:13, which says: “For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power.” Jehovah God answered my prayers and helped me finally to understand and apply Bible truth. This motivated me to dedicate my life to him. (1 Peter 4:1, 2) I was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1997.
HOW I HAVE BENEFITED
I am convinced that if I had continued in my former lifestyle, I would be dead today. Instead, I now enjoy a truly happy life! My wonderful wife, Elvie, has been a real blessing. Together, we enjoy teaching the Bible to others as full-time ministers. This brings me great joy and outputment. I am truly thankful to Jehovah for having drawn me to him.—John 6:44. |
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 | November
Wednesday, November 1
They will all be taught by Jehovah.—John 6:45.
Jehovah supports us in a number of ways. He can help you to keep calm when faced with an opposer. He can also help you to recall just the right scripture to share with an interested householder. And he gives you the strength to continue when you meet with indifference in the territory. (Jer. 20:7-9) Jehovah has also shown us his goodness by training us for the ministry. At our midweek meeting, we listen to well-thought-out sample conversations, and we are encouraged to use them in the ministry. At first, we may be a bit apprehensive about trying something new, but when we do, we may find that the new approach appeals to those in our territory. We are also encouraged at meetings and conventions to engage in forms of the ministry that we might never have tried before. Once again, that will mean leaving our comfort zone, but when we do, we give Jehovah something to bless. w21.08 27 ¶5-6
Thursday, November 2
[Make] the best use of your time, because the days are wicked.—Eph. 5:16.
In a letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul gave strong counsel. After writing that letter, he sent Titus to them. How happy he was to find out that they had taken the counsel well! (2 Cor. 7:6, 7) Elders can follow Paul’s example by spending time with fellow worshippers. One way to do this is to arrive early at congregation meetings in order to have meaningful conversations with others. It often takes just a few minutes to provide some loving encouragement that a brother or a sister needs. (Rom. 1:12) An elder who follows Paul’s example will also strengthen fellow worshippers by using God’s Word to build them up and to assure them of God’s love for them. He looks for opportunities to commend them. When an elder must offer counsel, he bases it on God’s Word. He is specific but kind because he cares about how his words are received.—Gal. 6:1. w22.03 28-29 ¶11-12
Friday, November 3
We have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the power beyond what is normal may be God’s and not from us.—2 Cor. 4:7.
Today, Jehovah gives his people “power beyond what is normal” so that they can continue to serve him faithfully. One way we are strengthened is by means of prayer. As recorded at Ephesians 6:18, the apostle Paul encourages us to pray to God “on every occasion.” In response, God will strengthen us. At times, we may feel overwhelmed or unsure about what we should pray for. But Jehovah invites us to pray to him even if we find it hard to put our thoughts and feelings into words. (Rom. 8:26, 27) He also strengthens us by means of the Bible. Just as Paul relied on the Scriptures for strength and comfort, we too can rely on them. (Rom. 15:4) As we read God’s Word and meditate on it, Jehovah can use his spirit to help us understand better how the Scriptures apply to our situation.—Heb. 4:12. w21.05 22 ¶8-10
Saturday, November 4
God . . . energizes you, giving you both the desire and the power to act.—Phil. 2:13.
We take seriously our commission to teach even though we face challenges that may keep us from doing as much as we would like to do in making disciples. We may feel limited by our circumstances. For example, some publishers are older or have poor health. Does that describe your situation? If it does, remember we have discovered that we can conduct effective Bible studies electronically! So you may be able to start and conduct a study from the comfort of your own home. And there is another advantage. Some would enjoy studying the Bible, but they are not available during the times our brothers usually set aside for preaching. However, they may be available early in the morning or late at night. Might you be able to make yourself available to fill that need? Jesus taught Nicodemus at night, which was a time that Nicodemus preferred.—John 3:1, 2. w21.07 5 ¶10-11
Sunday, November 5
This people approach me with their mouth and they honor me with their lips, but their heart is far removed from me.—Isa. 29:13.
The disciples of John the Baptist were puzzled because Jesus’ disciples did not fast. Jesus explained that they had no reason to fast while he was still alive. (Matt. 9:14-17) Even so, the Pharisees and other opposers of Jesus condemned him because he did not follow their customs and traditions. They got angry when he chose to heal sick ones on the Sabbath. (Mark 3:1-6; John 9:16) On the one hand, they piously claimed to honor the Sabbath; but on the other hand, they had no problem doing business in the temple. They were furious when Jesus condemned them for it. (Matt. 21:12, 13, 15) And those to whom Jesus preached in the synagogue in Nazareth were incensed when Jesus made unfavorable historical comparisons that exposed their selfishness and lack of faith. (Luke 4:16, 25-30) Jesus’ unexpected behavior caused many to stumble.—Matt. 11:16-19. w21.05 5-6 ¶13-14
Monday, November 6
We are not ignorant of his designs.—2 Cor. 2:11.
One of the ways in which Jehovah warns us about pride and greed is by encouraging us to learn from real-life experiences. When we think of greed, Satan the Devil likely comes to mind. As one of Jehovah’s angels, Satan must have had many fine privileges. But he wanted more. He wanted the worship that only Jehovah rightly deserves. Satan wants us to become like him, so he tries to make us feel disoutputed with what we have. That sort of effort started when he approached Eve. Jehovah had lovingly provided Eve and her husband with an abundance of satisfying food to eat—“from every tree of the garden” except one. (Gen. 2:16) Still, Satan deceived Eve into thinking that she needed to eat from the one tree that was forbidden. Eve failed to appreciate what she had; she wanted more. We know what that led to. Eve gave in to sin and eventually died.—Gen. 3:6, 19. w21.06 14 ¶2-3; 17 ¶9
Tuesday, November 7
Be fruitful and become many, fill the earth and subdue it.—Gen. 1:28.
Adam and Eve were to have children and take good care of their earthly home. If they had obediently cooperated with Jehovah’s purpose for them, Adam and Eve and their offspring would have remained members of God’s family forever. Adam and Eve had an honorable place in Jehovah’s family. As recorded at Psalm 8:5 and footnote, David said this about Jehovah’s creation of man: “You made him a little lower than angels, and you crowned him with glory and splendor.” True, humans were not given the same power, intelligence, and abilities as the angels. (Ps. 103:20) Yet, mankind is only “a little lower” than those mighty spirit creatures. Sadly, Adam and Eve lost their place in Jehovah’s family. This has had disastrous consequences for their descendants. But Jehovah’s purpose has not changed. He wants obedient humans to be his children forever. w21.08 2-3 ¶2-4
Wednesday, November 8
“Not by a military force, nor by power, but by my spirit,” says Jehovah.—Zech. 4:6.
Today, many of Jehovah’s worshippers face opposition. For example, some live in lands where our work is restricted and they may be arrested and “brought before governors and kings” for a witness to them. (Matt. 10:17, 18) Other Witnesses face opposition of a different sort. They live in a country where there is considerable freedom to worship Jehovah, but they still face opposition from family members who are determined to stop them from serving their God. (Matt. 10:32-36) In many cases, when opposers realize that their efforts to discourage their Witness relatives are in vain, they stop opposing them. And in some cases, those who were once violently opposed have later become zealous Witnesses. When you face opposition, do not give up! Be courageous. You have Jehovah and his powerful holy spirit on your side, so you have nothing to fear! w22.03 16 ¶8
Thursday, November 9
O you who love Jehovah, hate what is bad.—Ps. 97:10.
The Bible reveals that Jehovah hates “haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood.” (Prov. 6:16, 17) He also “detests violent and deceptive people.” (Ps. 5:6) Jehovah hates these attitudes and actions so much that he wiped out all the wicked in Noah’s day because they had filled the earth with violence. (Gen. 6:13) Also, through the prophet Malachi, Jehovah said that He hates those who treacherously scheme to divorce their innocent marriage partner. God rejects their worship and will call them to account for their conduct. (Mal. 2:13-16; Heb. 13:4) Jehovah wants us to “abhor what is wicked.” (Rom. 12:9) The word “abhor” describes a strong emotional response; it means to hate something intensely, to be disgusted by it. Therefore, even the thought of doing something that Jehovah says is bad should be repulsive to us. w22.03 4-5 ¶11-12
Friday, November 10
Happy are all those keeping in expectation of him.—Isa. 30:18.
Soon our heavenly Father will bless us richly by means of his Kingdom. Those who keep in expectation of Jehovah will receive many blessings both now and in the new world to come. When God’s people enter into the new world, they will never again have to endure the anxieties and the challenges that they must face today. Injustice will be gone, and pain will be no more. (Rev. 21:4) We will not have to wait anxiously for what we need because there will be an abundance. (Ps. 72:16; Isa. 54:13) What a blessing that will be! In the meantime, with every bad habit we conquer and every godly quality we develop, Jehovah is preparing us for life under his rulership. Do not lose heart, and do not give up. The best is yet to come! With a bright future ahead of us, may we continue to wait willingly and patiently on Jehovah as he completes his work! w21.08 13 ¶17-19
Saturday, November 11
Do not forget to do good and to share what you have with others, for God is well-pleased with such sacrifices.—Heb. 13:16.
Not long after receiving the apostle Paul’s letter, Christians in Judea had to leave their homes, their businesses, and their unbelieving relatives and had to “begin fleeing to the mountains.” (Matt. 24:16) At that time, there was no doubt an urgent need for them to help one another. If prior to this they had been applying Paul’s advice to share what they had with one another, they would have found it easier to adapt to their new way of life. Our brothers and sisters may not always let us know about their needs. So be approachable. No doubt you know brothers and sisters in your congregation who are always ready to help others. They never make us feel that we are imposing on them. We know that we can count on them when a need arises, and we would love to be just like them! w22.02 23-24 ¶13-15
Sunday, November 12
Maintain the oneness of the spirit in the uniting bond of peace.—Eph. 4:3.
In recent years many congregations and circuits have been reorganized. If we are asked to join a new congregation, we may find it difficult to leave friends and family. Do the elders receive divine direction that tells them where to assign each publisher? No. And that fact might make it challenging for us to follow the direction we receive. But Jehovah trusts the elders to make such decisions, and we too need to trust them. Why should we cooperate with the elders and support their decisions even when the decisions are not what we would have preferred? Because in doing so, we help preserve the unity among God’s people. Congregations thrive when all humbly submit to the decisions reached by the body of elders. (Heb. 13:17) More important, we show Jehovah that we trust in him by cooperating with those whom he trusts to care for us.—Acts 20:28. w22.02 4-5 ¶9-10
Monday, November 13
Continue applying yourself to public reading, to exhortation, to teaching.—1 Tim. 4:13.
If you are a baptized brother, you might work on improving your speaking and teaching ability. Why? Because your getting “absorbed in” reading, speaking, and teaching will be a blessing to your listeners. (1 Tim. 4:15) Try setting the goal of studying and applying each speech quality discussed in the brochure Apply Yourself to Reading and Teaching. Study one quality at a time, practice diligently at home, and endeavor to manifest that quality in your talk assignments. Seek out suggestions from the auxiliary counselor or other elders “who work hard in speaking and teaching.” (1 Tim. 5:17) Focus not only on understanding the technique but also on helping your listeners to strengthen their faith or on motivating them to take a certain course of action. By doing so, you will enhance your joy and theirs. w21.08 24 ¶17
Tuesday, November 14
With humility consider others superior to you.—Phil. 2:3.
If we consider others superior to us, we will not compete with those who may have greater talents and abilities than we possess. On the contrary, we will be happy for them. That is especially true if they are using their abilities in Jehovah’s service to his praise. As a result, we will all promote peace and unity in the congregation. We can control our tendency toward envy by cultivating modesty, that is, by being aware of our own limitations. If we are modest, we will not try to prove that we are more talented or more capable than everyone else. Instead, we will look at how we can learn from those who are more capable than we are. For example, suppose a brother in the congregation gives excellent public talks. We might ask him how he goes about preparing his talks. If a sister is a fine cook, we might ask her for suggestions that will help us to improve in that area. w21.07 16 ¶8-9
Wednesday, November 15
[Jehovah] is never unjust.—Deut. 32:4.
In the book of Numbers, we read that Jehovah sentenced an Israelite to death for collecting wood on the Sabbath. In the second book of Samuel, we learn that centuries later, Jehovah pardoned King David for committing adultery and murder. (Num. 15:32, 35; 2 Sam. 12:9, 13) We might wonder, ‘Why did Jehovah forgive David for murder and adultery but sentence the other man to death for a seemingly less serious transgression?’ The Bible does not always provide all the details of an account. For example, we know that David was sincerely repentant of his actions. (Ps. 51:2-4) But what kind of person was the man who broke the Sabbath law? Was he sorry for what he had done? Had he disobeyed Jehovah’s laws in the past? Had he ignored or even rejected previous warnings? The Bible does not say. However, we know more than enough about our God to be certain that he “is righteous in all his ways.”—Ps. 145:17. w22.02 2-3 ¶3-4
Thursday, November 16
Wisdom is with the modest ones.—Prov. 11:2.
A modest person will adjust his expectations of how much he can do. As a result, he will remain happy and productive. We could compare a modest person with someone driving a vehicle uphill. The driver needs to change to a lower gear in order to continue driving up the slope. True, he will probably travel more slowly, but he will keep moving forward. Similarly, a modest person knows when it is time to “change to a lower gear” so that he can continue to be active and productive in Jehovah’s service. (Phil. 4:5) Note the example of Barzillai, who was 80 years old when King David invited him to become part of the royal court. Modest Barzillai declined the king’s offer. Recognizing his personal limitations, Barzillai recommended that a younger man, Chimham, go in his place. (2 Sam. 19:35-37) Like Barzillai, older men are happy to give younger men the opportunity to serve. w21.09 10 ¶6-7
Friday, November 17
No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son is willing to reveal him.—Luke 10:22.
Do you find it difficult to view Jehovah as a loving Father? Some of us do. We may find the idea of a loving parent hard to grasp because our upbringing was painful. How comforting it is to know that Jehovah completely understands our feelings! He wants to be close to us. That is why his Word urges us: “Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.” (Jas. 4:8) Jehovah loves us, and he offers to be the best Father we could ever have. Jesus can help us to draw closer to Jehovah. Jesus knows Jehovah so well and reflects His qualities so perfectly that he said: “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father also.” (John 14:9) Like an older brother, Jesus teaches us how to respect and obey our Father, how to avoid displeasing Him, and how to gain His approval. But Jesus’ life course on earth especially reveals how kind and loving Jehovah is. w21.09 21 ¶4-5
Saturday, November 18
Shepherd the flock of God under your care.—1 Pet. 5:2.
Jehovah’s people are united in worship of the one true God. Jehovah has entrusted the elders with the weighty responsibility of keeping the congregation clean. If a Christian commits a serious sin, Jehovah expects the elders to determine whether that individual can remain in the congregation. Among other things, they need to find out whether the person is truly sorry for what he did. He may claim to be repentant, but does he truly hate what he did? Is he determined not to repeat the sin? If bad associations led up to the wrongdoing, is he willing to cut off those associations? The elders prayerfully consider the facts in the light of the Scriptures, taking into account the wrongdoer’s attitude toward what happened. Then they decide whether the wrongdoer may remain in the congregation. In some cases, he must be disfellowshipped.—1 Cor. 5:11-13. w22.02 5 ¶11-12
Sunday, November 19
Clothe yourselves with the new personality.—Col. 3:10.
Whether we have been baptized for just a few days or for many decades, all of us want to have the kind of personality that Jehovah loves. To be that type of person, we need to control our thinking. Why? Because our personality is largely shaped by our thoughts. If we regularly think about what appeals to our fleshly desires, we will say and do bad things. (Eph. 4:17-19) On the other hand, if we fill our mind with good thoughts, we will more likely speak and act in a way that pleases our Father, Jehovah. (Gal. 5:16) However, we cannot stop all bad thoughts from entering our mind. But we can choose not to act on such thoughts. Before we get baptized, we need to stop speaking and acting in a way that Jehovah hates. That is the first and most important step in stripping off the old personality. To please Jehovah fully, however, we must also put on the new personality. w22.03 8 ¶1-2
Monday, November 20
In every respect you demonstrated yourselves to be pure in this matter.—2 Cor. 7:11.
It is no easy task for the elders to determine whether someone who has committed a serious sin is now truly repentant. Why not? The elders cannot read hearts, so they must rely on outward evidence that their brother has had a complete change of viewpoint toward his sin. They need to see evidence of genuine changes in the sinner’s thinking, feelings, and conduct. It might take the man considerable time to make the needed changes. To show that he is genuinely repentant, a disfellowshipped person would come to the meetings regularly and follow the elders’ counsel to have a good routine of prayer and study. He would also diligently avoid the circumstances that led to his wrongdoing. If he works hard to repair his relationship with Jehovah, he can be assured that Jehovah will forgive him fully and that the elders will restore him to the congregation. w21.10 6 ¶16-18
Tuesday, November 21
You must not make for yourself a carved image or a form like anything that is in the heavens above or on the earth below . . . You must not bow down to them.—Ex. 20:4, 5.
Moved by his deep love for God, Jesus worshipped Jehovah exclusively, both when he was in heaven and when he was on earth. (Luke 4:8) He taught his disciples to do likewise. Neither Jesus nor his faithful disciples ever used images in worship. Since God is a Spirit, nothing that man could possibly conceive could even come close to representing Jehovah’s glory! (Isa. 46:5) But what about making images of so-called saints and praying to them? In the second of the Ten Commandments, Jehovah said the words of today’s text. Those words are clear to those who desire to please God. Secular historians have acknowledged that the early Christians gave exclusive devotion to God. Today, Jehovah’s Witnesses follow the pattern set by the first-century Christians. w21.10 19-20 ¶5-6
Wednesday, November 22
Let the man on the housetop not come down to take the goods out of his house.—Matt. 24:17.
Jesus warned the first-century Christians living in Judea that the time would come when the city of Jerusalem would be “surrounded by encamped armies.” (Luke 21:20-24) When that occurred, they needed to “begin fleeing to the mountains.” Their flight would lead to their salvation, but it would come at a high cost. Some years ago, The Watchtower put it this way: “They left fields and homes, not even gathering their possessions from their houses. Confident of the protection and support of Jehovah, they put his worship ahead of everything else that might seem important.” It added: “There may be tests ahead as to how we view material things; are they the most important thing, or is the salvation that will come for all on God’s side more important? Yes, our fleeing may involve some hardships and deprivations. We will have to be ready to do whatever it takes.” w22.01 4 ¶7-8
Thursday, November 23
How precious your loyal love is, O God!—Ps. 36:7.
Not long after Israel’s Exodus from Egypt, Jehovah revealed himself to Moses by declaring His name and qualities. He said: “Jehovah, Jehovah, a God merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and abundant in loyal love and truth, showing loyal love to thousands, pardoning error and transgression and sin.” (Ex. 34:6, 7) With this heartwarming statement about His qualities, Jehovah revealed to Moses a unique characteristic of His loyal love. What is it? Jehovah described himself not merely as having loyal love but as being “abundant in loyal love.” That description is mentioned six more times in the Bible. (Num. 14:18; Neh. 9:17; Ps. 86:15; 103:8; Joel 2:13; Jonah 4:2) In all instances, that description refers only to Jehovah, never to humans. Is it not remarkable that Jehovah himself so strongly emphasized his quality of loyal love? w21.11 2-3 ¶3-4
Friday, November 24
Stop being anxious about your lives.—Matt. 6:25.
Married couples can learn from the example set by the apostle Peter and his wife. About six months to a year after his first encounter with Jesus, the apostle Peter had to make an important decision. Peter made his living in the fishing business. So when Jesus invited Peter to follow him full-time, Peter had to take into account his family situation. (Luke 5:1-11) Peter chose to accompany Jesus in his preaching activity. And evidently, his wife supported his decision. The Bible indicates that after Jesus’ resurrection, she traveled with Peter for at least some of the time. (1 Cor. 9:5) Undoubtedly, her example as a Christian wife gave Peter freeness of speech to record inspired counsel for Christian husbands and wives. (1 Pet. 3:1-7) Obviously, both Peter and his wife trusted Jehovah’s promise that He would provide for them if they put the Kingdom first in their life.—Matt. 6:31-34. w21.11 18 ¶14
Saturday, November 25
Become imitators of me.—1 Cor. 11:1.
The apostle Paul loved his brothers. He worked tirelessly in their behalf. (Acts 20:31) In turn, his fellow believers had deep affection for Paul. On one occasion, “quite a bit of weeping broke out” when the elders from Ephesus learned that they would never see him again. (Acts 20:37) Our devoted elders likewise love their brothers and sisters very much and spare no effort when it comes to helping them. (Phil. 2:16, 17) Sometimes, however, elders experience challenges. What can help them to overcome these? Our hardworking elders can consider the example of Paul. He was not superhuman. Paul was an imperfect man who at times struggled to do what was right. (Rom. 7:18-20) And he had to contend with various hardships. But Paul did not give up or lose his joy. By imitating Paul, elders can overcome the challenges they face and maintain their joy while serving Jehovah. w22.03 26 ¶1-2
Sunday, November 26
You should keep my sabbaths. I am Jehovah your God.—Lev. 19:3.
Leviticus 19:3 mentions keeping the Sabbath. Christians are not under the Law, so we need not observe a weekly Sabbath. Still, we can learn much from how the Israelites kept the Sabbath and how they benefited from doing so. The Sabbath was a time to rest from normal labors and give attention to spiritual matters. Fittingly, on that day Jesus would go to the synagogue in his hometown and read from God’s Word. (Ex. 31:12-15; Luke 4:16-18) God’s exhortation recorded at Leviticus 19:3 to “keep [his] sabbaths” should move us to buy out some time from our day-to-day activities so that we can give more attention to spiritual matters. Do you feel that you should make some adjustments in that respect? If you regularly set aside time to focus on spiritual matters, you will develop a warm, personal relationship with Jehovah, which is essential to become holy. w21.12 5 ¶13
Monday, November 27
I have come to call, not righteous people, but sinners to repentance.—Luke 5:32.
While on earth, Jesus chose to associate with all types of people. He dined with the rich and the powerful, but he also spent much of his time with the poor and the downtrodden. In addition, he was compassionate toward those who were generally regarded as “sinners.” Some self-righteous individuals stumbled at what Jesus did. They asked his disciples: “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” To this, Jesus replied with the words of today’s text. (Luke 5:29-31) Long before the Messiah came, the prophet Isaiah described him as one who would not be accepted by the world. The prophecy foretold: “He was despised and was avoided by men . . . It was as if his face were hidden from us. He was despised, and we held him as of no account.” (Isa. 53:3) The Messiah was to be avoided “by men,” so those first-century Jews should have expected that Jesus would be rejected. w21.05 8-9 ¶3-4
Tuesday, November 28
Jehovah will raise him up.—Jas. 5:15.
Some early Christians were slow to apply counsel. (Jas. 1:22) Others showed partiality toward the rich. (Jas. 2:1-3) Still others had a hard time controlling their tongue. (Jas. 3:8-10) Those Christians had serious problems, but James did not give up on them. He presented his counsel in a kind but straightforward way and encouraged those who were struggling spiritually to seek additional help from the elders. (Jas. 5:13, 14) The lesson: Be realistic, but keep a positive view of others. Many with whom we study the Bible may struggle to apply its counsel. (Jas. 4:1-4) It may take them some time to root out bad traits and replace them with Christlike qualities. We must have the courage to tell our students where they need to improve. We also need to remain positive, trusting that Jehovah will draw humble people to him and will give them the strength to make changes in their life.—Jas. 4:10. w22.01 11 ¶11-12
Wednesday, November 29
Whoever stops up his ear to the cry of the lowly one will himself call and not be answered.—Prov. 21:13.
All Christians seek to imitate Jehovah’s mercy. Why? One reason is that Jehovah will not listen to those who fail to show mercy to others. None of us would want Jehovah to refuse to listen to our prayers, so we carefully avoid developing a hard-hearted spirit. Rather than turn a deaf ear to a fellow Christian in pain, we must always be ready to listen to “the cry of the lowly one.” Similarly, we take to heart this inspired counsel: “The one who does not practice mercy will have his judgment without mercy.” (Jas. 2:13) If we humbly remember how much we need mercy, we are more likely to show mercy. We especially want to show mercy when a repentant wrongdoer returns to the congregation. Bible examples of those who were kind and merciful can help us to embrace mercy and to avoid harshness. w21.10 12 ¶16-17
Thursday, November 30
Sit down here while I go over there and pray.—Matt. 26:36.
On the final night of his life on earth, as his ministry came to an end, Jesus sought out a quiet setting where he could meditate and pray. He found that setting in the garden of Gethsemane. On that occasion, Jesus gave his disciples some timely counsel about prayer. When they arrived at the garden of Gethsemane, it was very late, perhaps past midnight. Jesus asked the apostles to “keep on the watch,” and he went off to pray. (Matt. 26:37-39) But while he was praying, they fell asleep. When he found them sleeping, Jesus again urged them to “keep on the watch and pray continually.” (Matt. 26:40, 41) He realized that they had been under much stress and that they were tired. Jesus compassionately acknowledged that “the flesh is weak.” Still, two more times Jesus went off to pray, and when he returned he found his disciples sleeping rather than praying.—Matt. 26:42-45. w22.01 28 ¶10-11 |
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