HEED THE WARNING!

STAY OUT OF THE DANGER ZONE!

It is the task of volcanologists to make observations and to weigh the evidence and then to warn about coming volcanic eruptions. (Once Mount Fugen had erupted, the police had to keep people out of the danger zone.) Similarly, Bible students observe the sign of "the conclusion of the system of things." and alert others to the impending danger. -Matthew 24:3.

In the same chapter of the Bible that warns about an impending global catastrophe, we can read this description of preliminary development: "Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be food shortages and earthquakes in one place after another . . .Many false prophets will arise and mislead many; and because of the increasing of lawlessness the love of the greater number will cool off. . . And this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations and then the end will come." -Matthew 24:7-14.

We do not need to be news analysts to discern the current fulfillment of this prophecy. Especially since 1914, we have experienced it. This century has seen two world wars, a great number of civil wars, local warfares and racial and religious conflicts. Mankind has suffered food shortages as a result of such wars, in addition to privation caused by natural disasters. Many lives have been swallowed up by earthquakes. Cults and dubious leaders and fanatic followers have sprung up. "The increasing of lawlessness" has turned people away from showing love, and neighborliness is no longer the norm.

The worldwide preaching work, another aspect of the sign, is certainly being accomplished. Just turn back to the cover of this magazine, and you will note the words "Announcing Jehovah's Kingdom" as part of the title. The Watchtower, published in 132 languages and with a circulation of more than 22 million, is a major tool for those who declare "this good news of the kingdom" in all the inhabited earth. That good news includes the message that the Creator of the universe, Jehovah God, has establish the heavenly Kingdom that will destroy the wicked system of things and in a paradise on earth. Indeed, the sign that God will soon take action is observable now, indicating that the lives of people in this system of things are in danger. -Compare 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 2 Peter 3:3, 4; Revelation 6:1-8.

Next time: The Fear-Inspiring Day of Jehovah

Watchtower, 2000