Conclusion of Jehovah "Will Not Leave His Loyal Ones"

What do we learn from this? That Jehovah's loyalty is neither blind nor gullible. True, Jehovah is "abundant in loving-kindness," and he delights to show mercy when there is a basis for it. But what happens when a wrongdoer proves to be incorrigibly wicked?? In such a case, Jehovah adheres to his own righteous standards and renders adverse judgment. As Moses was told, "by no means will [Jehovah] give exemption from punishment." -Exodus 34::6, 7.

God's punishment of the wicked is in itself an act of loyalty. How? One indication is found in the book of Revelation in the commands that Jehovah issues to seven angels: "Go and pour out the seven bowls of the anger of God into the earth." When the third angel pours out his bowl "into the rivers and the fountains of the waters," they become blood. Then the angel says to Jehovah: "You the One who is and who was,the loyal One, are righteous, because you have rendered these decisions, because they poured out the blood of holy ones and of prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. . They deserve it." -Revelation 16:1-6.

Note that in the midst of delivering that message of judgment, the angel refers to Jehovah as "the loyal One." Why? Because by destroying the wicked, Jehovah is displaying loyalty to his servants, many of whom have been persecuted to the point of death. Loyally, Jehovah keeps such ones alive in his memory. He yearns to see these departed faithful ones again, and the Bible confirms that his purpose is to reward them with a resurrection. (Job 14:14, 15) Jehovah does not forget his loyal servants simply because they are no longer alive. On the contrary, "they are all living to him." (Luke 20:37, 38) Jehovah purpose to bring back to life those who are in his memory is powerful evidence of his loyalty.

Next time: Jehovah's Loyal Love Opens Up The Way Of Salvation

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002