Conclusion of Despite Weeping, Truly Happy!

The significance of this account for us today becomes apparent when we read the instructions to the six men with weapons for smashing: "Pass through the city after him and strike. Let not your eye feel sorry, and do not feel any compassion. Old man, young man and virgin and little child and women you should kill off-to a ruination. But to any man upon whom there is the mark do not go near, and from my sanctuary you should start." (Ezekiel 9:5, 6) Our survival of that fast-approaching great tribulation depends upon our recognizing that today is primarily a time to weep.

Of course, the fact that Jehovah's servants "weep" over the sorry state of world affairs does not preclude their being happy. On the contrary! They are actually the happiest group of people on earth. Jesus provided the touchstone for happiness when he said: "Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need. . .,those who mourn. . .,the mild-tempered ones. . .,the merciful. . ., the pure in heart. . . ,the peaceable. . . , those who have been persecuted for righteousness' sake." (Matthew 5:3-10) There is abundant evidence to show that this description fits Jehovah's Witnesses, collectively, better than it does any other religious organization.

Especially since the restoration of true worship in 1919 do Jehovah's happy people have reason for "laughter." Spiritually, they shared the exhilarating experience of those who returned from Babylon in the sixth century B.C.E.: "When Jehovah gathered back the captive ones of Zion, we became like those who were dreaming. At that time, our mouth came to be filled with laughter, and our tongue with a joyful cry. . .Jehovah has done a great thing in what he has done with us. We have become joyful." (Psalm 126:1-3) Still, even in the midst of spiritual laughter, Jehovah's Witnesses wisely keep in mind the seriousness of the times. Once the new world has become a reality and earth's inhabitants have taken "a firm hold on the real life," then the time will have arrived when laughter will replace weeping for all eternity. -1 Timothy 6:19; Revelation 21:3, 4.

Next time: "A Time To Embrace And A Time To Keep Away From Embracing"

Watchtower, 1999