Going Forth Conquering

Why, though, must the newly crowned King ride forth to war? It is because his kingship is established in the face of the bitter opposition from Jehovah's chief adversary, Satan the Devil, and those on earth who - knowingly-serve Satan's ends. The birth of the Kingdom itself calls for a major war in heaven. Fighting under the name Michael (meaning "Who Is Like God?"), Jesus overcomes Satan and his demons and hurls them down to the earth. (Revelation 12:7-12) Jesus' ride of conquest continues through the opening decades of the Lord's day while the nations and peoples of earth are being judged and sheep like humans are being gathered to the King's side for salvation. Though the whole world still lies "in the power of the wicked one," Jesus lovingly continues to shepherd his anointed brothers and their companions, helping each to achieve the conquest of faith. -1 John 5:19; Matthew 25:31-33.

What other conquests has Jesus made during the past 70-and-more years of the Lord's day? Around the globe, individually and as a congregation,Jehovah's people have experienced many hardships, pressures, and persecutions, similar to those described by the apostle Paul in giving proof of his ministry. (2Corinthians 11:23-28) Jehovah's Witnesses have needed "power beyond what is normal," especially in theaters of war and violence, in order to endure. (2 Corinthians 4:7) But even in the most trying situations, faithful Witnesses have been able to say as did Paul: "The Lord stood near me and infused power into me, that through me the preaching might be fully accomplished." (2 Timothy 4:17) Yes, Jesus conquered on their behalf. And he will continue to go forth conquering in our behalf, as long as we are resolved to complete our conquest of faith. -1 John 5:4.

The global congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses has shared in many conquests under the guidance of its conquering King. Outstandingly, He protected these Bible students from annihilation in 1918, when they themselves were 'conquered' temporarily by Satan's political organization. In 1919, however, he broke prison bars to rescue them, and he then enlivened them to proclaim the good news "to the most distant parts of the earth."-Revelation 13:7; Acts 1:8.

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