"THE LITTLE ONE" HAS BECOME "A THOUSAND"

They "Come Flying Just Like a Cloud"

Jehovah now asks:  "Who are these that come flying just like a cloud, and like doves to their birdhouse holes?  For in me the islands themselves will keep hoping, the ships of Tarshish also as at the first, in order to bring your sons from far away . . . Foreigners will actually build  your walls, and their own kings will minister to you."  (Isaiah 60:8-10)  First to respond to Jehovah's 'shining forth' were his "sons," anointed Christians.  Then came the "foreigners," the great crowd, who loyally minister to their anointed brothers, following their lead in preaching the good news.  Thus, although the number of the anointed  is dwindling, Jehovah's name is being declared around the earth as never before.

As a result, millions are flocking "like doves to their birdhouse holes,"  finding refuge within the Christian congregation.   Hundreds of thousands are added each year, and the way is open for yet more.  Isaiah says:  "Your gates will actually be kept open constantly; they will not be closed even by day or by night, in order to bring to you the resources of the nations."   (Isaiah 60:11)  Last year 323,439 were baptized in symbol of their dedication  to Jehovah, and he has not yet closed the gates.  "The desirable things of all the nations" members of the great crowd, are still crowding through them.  (Haggai 2:7)  None who want to leave the darkness are turned away.  (John 12:46)  May all such ones never lose their appreciation for the light!

Next time: Fearless in the Face of Opposition

Watchtower, 2000