Continue with "Tribulation Ten Days"

As the Lord's day has proceeded, the Serpent and his seed have never ceased to fight against the anointed Christians and their companions. Many of these have been imprisoned and viciously persecuted (Revelation 12:17) Those enemies have continued to 'frame mischief by law,' but Jehovah's people steadfastly insist "We must obey God as ruler rather than men." (Psalm 94:20, King James Version; Acts 5:29) In 1954 the Watch Tower magazine reported: "More than seventy countries at one time or another during the past forty years have made restrictive decrees and have persecuted Jehovah's Witnesses." Where it has been possible to fight for religious freedom in the courts, these Christians have done so and have come through with resounding victories in a number of countries. In the United States Supreme Court alone, Jehovah's Witnesses have won 25 favorable decisions.

No other group has been so conscientious in obeying Jesus' command to pay back Caesar's things to Caesar. (Luke 20:25; Romans 13:1, 7) Yet, no other group has had members imprisoned in so many lands under so many different forms of government, and this continues to the present time in the Americas, in Europe, in Africa and in Asia. Jesus' great prophecy concerning the sign of his presence included these words: "Then people will deliver you up to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be objects of hatred by all the nations on account of my name." (Matthew 24:3, 9) This has certainly been fulfilled upon the Christian witnesses of Jehovah during the Lord's day.

To fortify God's people against tribulation, the John class has continually reminded them of the Substance of Jesus words to the Christians in Smyrna. For example, as Nazi persecution started, The Watchtower in 1933 and 1934 carried articles such as " Fear Them Not," which discussed Matthew 10:26-33; "The Crucible," based on Daniel 3:17, 18; and "Lions Mouths," with Daniel 6:22 as the key text. In the 1980's, during which decade Jehovah's Witnesses have suffered vicious persecution in more than 40 lands, The Watchtower has fortified God's people with articles such as "Happy Though Persecuted!" and "Christians Meet Persecution With Endurance."

Truly, the Christian witnesses Of Jehovah are suffering physical persecution and other testings for a symbolic ten days. Like the Christians back in Smyrna, they have not been afraid not do any of us need to be afraid as troubles worsen here on earth. We are prepared to endure under sufferings and take even 'the plundering of our belongings joyfully. (Hebrews 10:32-34) By studying God's Word and making it our very own, we will be equipped to stand solid in the faith. be assured that Jehovah can and will guard you in your integrity. "Throw all you anxiety upon him, because he cares for you."-1Peter 5:6-11.

Next time: Holding Fast To Jesus' Name