"A Time To Speak" Is Here

Since the 1914 turning point in human affairs, 85 years have passed. Jehovah has been extremely patient with humankind. He has made his Witnesses fully aware of the urgency of the situation. Millions of lives are at stake. These multitudes deserve to be warned because "Jehovah. . . does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9) Nevertheless, soon will come "the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels." Then, all those who have willfully rejected the message of God's Kingdom will experience the "vengeance" that Jesus will bring "upon those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus." -2 Thessalonians 1:6-9.

When will Jehovah's patience finally run out? Any speculation as to when the "great tribulation" might begin is of no value. Jesus clearly stated: " Concerning that day and hour nobody knows." On the other hand, he admonished: Keep on the watch therefore, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. . . .Prove yourselves ready, because at an hour that you do not think to be it, the Son of man is coming." (Matthew 24:24, 36, 42, 44) Plainly expressed, this means that every day we should remain watchful of world events and reckon with the outbreak of the great tribulation. ( 1 Thessalonians 5:1-5) How dangerous to think that we can take it easy, living so-called normal lives, waiting to see how things might develop? Jesus said: "Pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxious of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon you as a snare. " (Luke 21:34, 35) of this we can be sure: The "four winds" of destruction presently being held back by Jehovah's "four angels" will not be held back forever. -Revelation 7:1-3.

In view of this fast-approaching day of reckoning, Solomon's words about there being "a time to speak" take on special meaning. (Ecclesiastes 3:7) Having recognized that now is indeed a time to speak, nearly six million Jehovah's Witnesses are zealously talking about the glory of God's Kingdom and warning of his day of vengeance. They offer themselves willingly on this day of Christ's military force. -Psalm 110:3; 145:10-12.

Next time: Those Who Speak "Peace When There Is No Peace"

Watchtower, 1999