MESSENGERS OF GODLY PEACE PRONOUNCED HAPPY

TODAY as never before, mankind needs a messenger of good news. There is an urgent need for someone to tell the truth about God and his purposes, a fearless witness who will warn the wicked of coming destruction and help righthearted ones to find godly peace.

In the days of Israel, Jehovah promised to provide messengers of that sort. At the end of the ninth century B.C.E., the prophet Amos said: "The Sovereign Lord Jehovah will not do a thing unless he has revealed his confidential matter to his servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7) In the centuries following this pronouncement, Jehovah performed many mighty acts. For example, in 607 B.C.E., he severely disciplined his chosen people because they were rebellious and bloodguilty. He also punished the nations round about who gloated because of Israel's suffering. (Jeremiah, chapters 46-49) Then, in 539 B.C.E., Jehovah brought about the downfall of the mighty Babylonians would world power, and as a result, in 537 B.C.E., a remnant of Israel returned to their land to rebuild the temple. - 2 Corinthians 36:22, 23.

These were earthshaking events, and in harmony with the words of Amos, Jehovah revealed them in advance to prophets who served as messengers, warning Israel of what was to come. In the middle of the eighth century B.C.E., he raised up Isaiah. In the middle of the seventh century B.C.E., He raised up Jeremiah. then, toward the end of that century, he raised up Ezekiel. These and other faithful prophets gave a thorough witness about Jehovah's purposes.

Next time: Identifying God's Messengers Today

Watchtower, 1997