"THE LITTLE ONE" HAS BECOME "A THOUSAND"

Fearless in the Face of Opposition

Those who love the darkness hate Jehovah's light.  (John 3:19) Some even try to extinguish that light.  This is  not unexpected.  Even Jesus "the true light that gives light to every sort of man," was ridiculed, opposed and finally killed by his countrymen.  (John 1:9) Throughout the 20th century, Jehovah's Witnesses too have been mocked, imprisoned, banned, even killed, as they faithfully reflected Jehovah's light.   In recent  years, opponents have resorted to spreading lies in the media about those who reflect God's light.  Some want to make people believe that Jehovah's Witnesses are dangerous and should be restricted or banned.  Have such opposers succeeded?

No.  Where appropriate, Jehovah's Witnesses have gone to the media to explain the facts.  As a result, Jehovah's name has been widely published in newspapers and magazines and on radio and television.  This has had good results in the preaching work.  In Denmark, for example, a program on national TV dealt with the subject  "Why the faith of the Danes is declining."  Along with others, Jehovah's Witnesses were interviewed.  Afterward, a lady who had seen the program commented:  "It was so clear who had the spirit of God."  A study was started with her.

Jehovah's Witnesses know that many in this world will oppose them.  (John 17:14)  Still, they are strengthened by Isaiah's prophecy:  "To you the sons of those afflicting you  must go, bowing down; and all those treating you disprespectfully must bend down at the very soles of your feet, and they will have to call you the city of Jehovah, Zion of the Holy One of Israel."   (Isaiah 60:14)  To their chagrin, opposers will soon  have to recognize that they have, in effect, been fighting against God himself.  Who can win such a battle?

Jehovah further promises:  "I will even set you as a thing of pride to time indefinite . . .You will actually suck the milk of nations, and the breasts of kings you will suck; and you will be certain to know that I, Jehovah, am your Savior."  (Isaiah 60:15, 16)  Yes, Jehovah is the Savior of his people.  If they rely on him, they will last  "to time indefinite." And they will "suck the milk of nations," using certain available resources for the advancement of true worship.  For example, wise use of computer and communications, technology facilitates the simultaneous publication of  The Watchtower in 121 languages and Awake! In 62.  A specific  computer software program has been designed to help in rendering The New World Translation into new languages, and such translation brings much joy.  When the Croatian version of the Christian Greek Scriptures was released in 1999, thousands gave way to tears of joy.  One elderly brother said:  "I have waited for this Bible for so long.  Now I can die in peace!"  The circulation of the New World  Translation, in whole or in part, has passed 100 million in 34 languages.

Next time: High Moral Standards

Watchtower, 2000