The king begins with the fatherly advice: "My son, keep my sayings, and may you treasure up my own commandments with you. Keep my commandments and continue living, and my law like the pupil of your eyes." -Proverbs 7:1, 2.
Parents, particularly fathers, have the God-given responsibility of teaching their children God's standards of good and bad. Moses exhorted fathers: "These words that I am commanding you today must prove to be on your heart; and you must inculcate them in your son and speak of the when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up." (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7) And the apostle Paul wrote: "Your fathers, do not be irritating your children, but go on bringing them up in the discipline and mental-regulating of Jehovah." (Ephesians 6:4) Hence, a parent's instructions that are to be treasured up, or highly valued, certainly include the reminders, the commandments, and the laws found in God's Word, the Bible.
Parental teaching may also include other regulations-family rules. These are for the good of the family members. True, depending on the needs, the rules may vary from one family to another. Parents, though, have the job of deciding what is best for their own family. And the rules they make are usually an expression of their genuine love and concern. The counsel to young ones is that they abide by these rules along with the Scriptural teachings received from their parents. Yes, there is a need to teach such instructions "like the pupil of your eyes"-guarding them with utmost care. That is the way to avoid the deadly effect of ignoring Jehovah's standards and thus to "continue living."
"Tie them [my commandments] upon your fingers," continues Solomon, "and write them upon the tablet of your heart." (Proverbs 7:3) As fingers are prominently before our eyes and are vital in carrying out our purposes,m the lessons learned from a Scriptural upbringing or the gaining of Bible knowledge are to be a constant reminder and guide in everything we do. We are to inscribe them upon the tablet of our heart, making them a part of our nature.
Not forgetting the importance of wisdom and understanding, the king exhorts: "Say to wisdom: 'Your are my sister'; and may you call understanding itself 'Kinswoman.' " (Proverbs 7:4) Wisdom is the ability to put God-given knowledge to proper use. We should have affection for wisdom as for a dearly beloved sister. What is understanding? It is the ability to see into a matter and get the sense of it by grasping the connections between its parts and the whole. Understanding must be as close to us as an intimate friend.
Why should we adhere to Scriptural training and cultivate closeness and wisdom and understanding? So as "to guard [ourselves] against the woman stranger, against the foreigner who has made her own sayings smooth." (Proverbs 7:5) Yes, doing so will protect us from the smooth and persuasive ways of a stranger, or foreigner-an immoral person.
Next time: The Young Man Meets 'a Cunning Woman'
The Watchtower, 2000
2.29.2012
"KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS AND CONTINUE LIVING"
HE WAS young, intelligent, "beautiful in form and beautiful in appearance." His employer's wife was sensuous and bold. Being irresistibly drawn to the young man, she daily tried to seduce him. "It happened that on this day as other days he went into the house to do his business, and there was none of the men of the house there in the house. Then she grabbed hold of him by his garment, saying: 'Lie down with me!' But Joseph, the son of the patriarch Jacob, left his garment behind and fled Potiphar's wife. -Genesis 39:1-12.
Of course, not everyone turns away from a tempting situation. For example, consider the case of a young many whom Solomon of ancient Israel saw in the streets at night. Upon being seduced by a wayward woman, "all at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter." -Proverbs 7:21, 22 New International Version.
Christians are admonished to "flee from fornication." (1 Corinthians 6:18) to the young Christian disciple Timothy, the apostle Paul wrote: "Flee from the desires incidental to youth." (2 Timothy 2:22) When faced with situations suggestive of fornication, adultery, or other moral wrongs, we too must flee as decisively as Joseph did from Potiphar's wife. What will help us to be resolved to do that? In the 7th chapter of the Bible book of Proverbs, Solomon gives us some invaluable advice. He not only speaks of teachings that safeguard us from the wiles of immoral peoplle but exposes their method of operation by vividly describing a scenario in which a young man is seduced by a loose woman.
Next time: 'Tie My Commandments Upon Your Fingers'
The Watchtower, 2000
Of course, not everyone turns away from a tempting situation. For example, consider the case of a young many whom Solomon of ancient Israel saw in the streets at night. Upon being seduced by a wayward woman, "all at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter." -Proverbs 7:21, 22 New International Version.
Christians are admonished to "flee from fornication." (1 Corinthians 6:18) to the young Christian disciple Timothy, the apostle Paul wrote: "Flee from the desires incidental to youth." (2 Timothy 2:22) When faced with situations suggestive of fornication, adultery, or other moral wrongs, we too must flee as decisively as Joseph did from Potiphar's wife. What will help us to be resolved to do that? In the 7th chapter of the Bible book of Proverbs, Solomon gives us some invaluable advice. He not only speaks of teachings that safeguard us from the wiles of immoral peoplle but exposes their method of operation by vividly describing a scenario in which a young man is seduced by a loose woman.
Next time: 'Tie My Commandments Upon Your Fingers'
The Watchtower, 2000
2.28.2012
A Lesson for Us
Besides revealing the cause of the degenerate condition of human society today, the account of the first married couple teaches a fundamental lesson. Any pretense of independence from Jehovah God is sheer folly. Those who are truly wise exercise faith in Jehovah and his Word, not in their supposed self-sufficiency of knowledge. Jehovah determines good and bad, and the essence of doing what is right is obeying him. Wrongdoing means violating his laws and ignoring his principles.
God offered and still others that mankind can possibly desire-everlasting life, freedom, satisfaction, happiness, health, peace, prosperity and discovery of new things. Our enjoyment of all of this, however, requires recognition of our total independence upon our heavenly Father, Jehovah. -Ecclesiastes 3:10-13; Isaiah 55:6-13.
Next time:"KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS AND CONTINUE LIVING"
The Watchtower, 2000
God offered and still others that mankind can possibly desire-everlasting life, freedom, satisfaction, happiness, health, peace, prosperity and discovery of new things. Our enjoyment of all of this, however, requires recognition of our total independence upon our heavenly Father, Jehovah. -Ecclesiastes 3:10-13; Isaiah 55:6-13.
Next time:"KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS AND CONTINUE LIVING"
The Watchtower, 2000
The Consequences of Sin
The immediate effect of sin was shame. Instead of joyfully running to speak to Jehovah, the couple hid themselves. (Genesis 3:8) Their friendship with God was shattered. When questioned about what they had done, they showed no remorse, although both of them were aware that they had broken God's law. By eating the forbidden fruit, they turned their backs on God's goodness.
As a result, God indicated that increased pain would accompany childbearing. Eve would crave her husband, and he would dominate her. Her attempt to grasp independence thus resulted in the exact opposite. Adam would now eat the produce of the ground in pain. Instead of satisfying his hunger without toil in Eden, he would have to struggle to eke out an existence until he returned to the dust from which he had been made. -Genesis 3:16-19.
Finally, Adam and Eve were evicted from the garden of Eden. Jehovah said: "Here the man has become like one of us in knowing good and bad, and now in order that he may not put his hand out and actually take fruit also from the tree of life and eat and live to time indefinite . . ." "The sentence ends in mid-air," notes scholar Gordon Wenham , and we are left to supply the rest of God's thought-presumably, "let me expel him from the garden." Generally, a Bible writer reports God's complete thought. But here, continues Wenham, "the commission of the conclusion conveys the speed of God's action. He had hardly finished speaking before they were sent out of the garden. (Genesis 3:22, 23) With that, all communication between Jehovah and the first couple apparently ceased.
Adam and Eve did not die physically during that 24-hour day. However, they died in a spiritual sense. Ireemediably alienated from the Source of life, they began a decline into death. Imagine how bitter their first encounter with death must have been when their second son, Abel, was murdered by Cain, their firstborn! -Genesis 4:12-16.
After that comparatively little is known about the first human couple. Their third son, Seth, born when Adam was 130 years old. Adam died 800 years later, at the age of 930, after fathering "sons and daughters." -Genesis 4:25; 5:3-5.
Next time: A Lesson For Us
The Watchtower, 2000
As a result, God indicated that increased pain would accompany childbearing. Eve would crave her husband, and he would dominate her. Her attempt to grasp independence thus resulted in the exact opposite. Adam would now eat the produce of the ground in pain. Instead of satisfying his hunger without toil in Eden, he would have to struggle to eke out an existence until he returned to the dust from which he had been made. -Genesis 3:16-19.
Finally, Adam and Eve were evicted from the garden of Eden. Jehovah said: "Here the man has become like one of us in knowing good and bad, and now in order that he may not put his hand out and actually take fruit also from the tree of life and eat and live to time indefinite . . ." "The sentence ends in mid-air," notes scholar Gordon Wenham , and we are left to supply the rest of God's thought-presumably, "let me expel him from the garden." Generally, a Bible writer reports God's complete thought. But here, continues Wenham, "the commission of the conclusion conveys the speed of God's action. He had hardly finished speaking before they were sent out of the garden. (Genesis 3:22, 23) With that, all communication between Jehovah and the first couple apparently ceased.
Adam and Eve did not die physically during that 24-hour day. However, they died in a spiritual sense. Ireemediably alienated from the Source of life, they began a decline into death. Imagine how bitter their first encounter with death must have been when their second son, Abel, was murdered by Cain, their firstborn! -Genesis 4:12-16.
After that comparatively little is known about the first human couple. Their third son, Seth, born when Adam was 130 years old. Adam died 800 years later, at the age of 930, after fathering "sons and daughters." -Genesis 4:25; 5:3-5.
Next time: A Lesson For Us
The Watchtower, 2000
2.27.2012
Adam Listens to His Wife's Voice
Eve soon induced Adam to join her in sin. How are we to explain his limp acquiescence? (Genesis 3:6, 17) Adam faced a conflict of loyalties. (When in Doubt, do what God would want you to do, especially if what your spouse wants you to do may/will get you in trouble) Would he obey his Creator, who had given him everything, including his beloved mate, Eve? Would Adam seek God's direction on what he has to do now? Or would the man throw in his lot with his wife? Adam knew very well that what she hoped to gain by eating the forbidden fruit was illusory. The apostle Paul was inspired to write: "Adam was not deceived, but the woman was thoroughly deceived and came to be in transgression." ( I would say it was guilt by association, he was deceived by his wife, he should not have listened to her.) (1 Timothy 2:14) So Adam deliberately chose to defy Jehovah. His fear of being separated from his wife was evidently greater than his faith in God's ability to remedy the situation.
Adam's act was suicidal. It also amounted to the murder of the progeny that Jeh0vah mercifully allowed him to father, since all of them were born under sin's condemnation to death. (Romans 5:12) How great the cost of selfish disobedience!
Next time: The Consequences of Sin
The Watchtower, 2000
Adam's act was suicidal. It also amounted to the murder of the progeny that Jeh0vah mercifully allowed him to father, since all of them were born under sin's condemnation to death. (Romans 5:12) How great the cost of selfish disobedience!
Next time: The Consequences of Sin
The Watchtower, 2000
Eve Transgresses
Undoubtedly, Adam quickly informed Eve of the one prohibition Jehovah had imposed: They could partake of fruit from all the trees in their garden home except one-the tree of the knowledge of good and bad. They were not to eat from it. (It was not an apple tree. No one really knows what kind of fruit it was for sure, so we should not speculate) If they did, on that day they would die. -Genesis 2:16, 17.
Before long, an issue was raised regarding the forbidden fruit. Eve was accosted by a serpent, used as a mouthpiece by an invisible spirit. In apparent innocence, the serpent asked: "Is it really so that God said you must not eat from every tree of the garden?" Eve replied that it was permissible to eat the fruit of every tree except for one. But then the serpent contradicted God, telling the woman: "You positively will not die. For God knows that in the very day of your eating from it your eyes are bound to be opened and you are bound to be like God, knowing good and bad." The woman began to see the prohibited tree in a different light. "The tree was good for food and . . . it was something to be longed for to the eyes." Thoroughly deceived, Eve broke God's law. -Genesis 3:1-6; 1 Timothy 2:14.
Was Eve's sin inevitable? By no means! Put yourself in her place. The serpent's claim completely distorted what God and Adam had said. How would you feel if a stranger charged someone you love and trust with dishonesty?
Eve should have reacted differently, showing disgust and indignation, even refusing to listen. After all, who was the serpent to question God's righteousness and he husband's word? Out of respect for the principle of headship, Eve should have sought advice before making any decision. So should we if were are ever presented with information contrary to God-given instructions. Yet, Eve trusted the Tempter's words, desiring to be her own judge of what was good and bad. The more she toyed with the idea, the more it appealed to her. What an error she made by entertaining a wrong desire, instead of dismissing it from her mind or discussing matters with her family head! -1 Corinthians 11:3; James 1:14, 15.
Next time: Adam Listens to His Wife's Voice
The Watchtower, 2000
Before long, an issue was raised regarding the forbidden fruit. Eve was accosted by a serpent, used as a mouthpiece by an invisible spirit. In apparent innocence, the serpent asked: "Is it really so that God said you must not eat from every tree of the garden?" Eve replied that it was permissible to eat the fruit of every tree except for one. But then the serpent contradicted God, telling the woman: "You positively will not die. For God knows that in the very day of your eating from it your eyes are bound to be opened and you are bound to be like God, knowing good and bad." The woman began to see the prohibited tree in a different light. "The tree was good for food and . . . it was something to be longed for to the eyes." Thoroughly deceived, Eve broke God's law. -Genesis 3:1-6; 1 Timothy 2:14.
Was Eve's sin inevitable? By no means! Put yourself in her place. The serpent's claim completely distorted what God and Adam had said. How would you feel if a stranger charged someone you love and trust with dishonesty?
Eve should have reacted differently, showing disgust and indignation, even refusing to listen. After all, who was the serpent to question God's righteousness and he husband's word? Out of respect for the principle of headship, Eve should have sought advice before making any decision. So should we if were are ever presented with information contrary to God-given instructions. Yet, Eve trusted the Tempter's words, desiring to be her own judge of what was good and bad. The more she toyed with the idea, the more it appealed to her. What an error she made by entertaining a wrong desire, instead of dismissing it from her mind or discussing matters with her family head! -1 Corinthians 11:3; James 1:14, 15.
Next time: Adam Listens to His Wife's Voice
The Watchtower, 2000
2.26.2012
"In God's Image"
Adam was a perfect so of God, made in His 'image and likeness.' But since "God is a Spirit," the resemblance could not be physical. (Genesis 1:26; John 4:24) The likeness lay in qualities that elevated man far above the animals. Yes, implanted in man from the beginning were the qualities of love, wisdom, power and justice. He was endowed with free will and a capacity for spirituality. an innate moral sense, or conscience, enabled him to distinguish right from wrong. Man had intellectual capacity, enabling him to meditate on the reason for the existence of humans, to accumulate knowledge of his Creator, and to develop intimacy with that One. Thus equipped, Adam had all he needed to fulfill his role as administrator of God's earthly handiwork.
Next time: Eve Transgresses
The Watchtower, 2000
Next time: Eve Transgresses
The Watchtower, 2000
"Male and Female He Created Them"
When Adam was naming the animals, he saw that they had mates and that he did not. So when he set his eyes on the beautiful creature that Jehovah had fashioned from his rib, he rejoiced. Realizing that she was uniquely a part of him, Adam exclaimed: "This is at last bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. This one will be called Woman, because from man this one was taken." -Genesis 2:18-23.
Man needed "a helper." Now he had one who was just right. Eve was perfectly suited to be Adam's complement-in caring for their garden home and the animals, in producing children, and in providing the intellectual stimulus and support of a true companion. -Genesis 1:26-30.
Jehovah supplied everything the couple could reasonably desire. By bringing Eve to her husband and thereby sanctioning their union, God founded the institutions of marriage and the family by which society was to be organized. The Genesis account states: "A man will leave his father and his mother and he must stick to his wife and they must become one flesh." And when Jehovah blessed the first married couple and told them to be fruitful, he clearly intended that every child be born into a caring family, with a father and a mother to look after it. (that means a male and a female) -Genesis 1:28, 2:24.
Next time: "In God's Image"
The Watchtower, 2000
Man needed "a helper." Now he had one who was just right. Eve was perfectly suited to be Adam's complement-in caring for their garden home and the animals, in producing children, and in providing the intellectual stimulus and support of a true companion. -Genesis 1:26-30.
Jehovah supplied everything the couple could reasonably desire. By bringing Eve to her husband and thereby sanctioning their union, God founded the institutions of marriage and the family by which society was to be organized. The Genesis account states: "A man will leave his father and his mother and he must stick to his wife and they must become one flesh." And when Jehovah blessed the first married couple and told them to be fruitful, he clearly intended that every child be born into a caring family, with a father and a mother to look after it. (that means a male and a female) -Genesis 1:28, 2:24.
Next time: "In God's Image"
The Watchtower, 2000
2.25.2012
We Can Learn From the First Human Couple
GOD surveyed the planet Earth. He was preparing it for human habitation. He saw that everything he was making was good. In fact, when this work was done, he declared that it was "very good." (Genesis 1:12, 18, 21, 25, 31) Before reaching that perfect conclusion, however, God spoke of something that was "not good." Of course, God did not make anything less than perfect. It was just that his creation was not yet complete. "It is not good for the man to continue by himself," said Jehovah." I am going to make a helper for him, as a complement of him." -Genesis 2:18.
It was Jehovah's purpose that human society enjoy eternal life in health, happiness and abundance in an earthly paradise. The father of all mankind was Adam. His wife, Eve, became "the mother of everyone living." (Genesis 3:20) Though earth now teems with billions of their offspring, humans are far from perfect.
The story of Adam and Eve is well-known . But of what practical benefit is it to us? What can we learn from the experience of the first human couple?
Next time: "Male and Female He Created Them"
The Watchtower, 2000
It was Jehovah's purpose that human society enjoy eternal life in health, happiness and abundance in an earthly paradise. The father of all mankind was Adam. His wife, Eve, became "the mother of everyone living." (Genesis 3:20) Though earth now teems with billions of their offspring, humans are far from perfect.
The story of Adam and Eve is well-known . But of what practical benefit is it to us? What can we learn from the experience of the first human couple?
Next time: "Male and Female He Created Them"
The Watchtower, 2000
"The Spirit is Eager, But the Flesh Is Weak"
Inasmuch as Jesus suffered intense emotional stress as he served Jehovah, we can expect Satan to exert pressure on us as God's servants. (John 15:20; 1 Peter 5:8) Moreover, we are imperfect. So even if we willingly serve God, it will not be easy for us to do so. Jesus saw how his apostles struggled to do all that he asked them to do. That is why he said: "The spirit, of course is eager, but the flesh is weak." (Matthew 26:41) There was nothing inherently weak in his perfect human flesh. However, he had in mind the weakness of his disciples' flesh, the imperfection that they had inherited from imperfect Adam. Jesus knew that because of inherited imperfection and resulting human limitations, they would have a struggle to do all they wanted to do in Jehovah's service.
So, then, we may feel like the apostle Paul, who was deeply distressed when imperfection inhibited his ability to serve God fully. "Ability to wish is present with me," Paul wrote, "but ability to work out what is fine is not present." (Romans 7:18) We too find that we cannot carry out completely all the good things we wish to do. (Romans 7:19) This is not because of any reluctance on our part. It is simply because the weakness of the flesh hampers even our best efforts.
Let us not despair. If we have heartfelt readiness to do all we can, God will surely accept our service. (2 Corinthians 8:12) May we 'do our utmost' to imitate God's spirit of complete submission to God's will. (2 Timothy 2:15; Philippians 2:5-7; 1 Peter 4:1, 2) Jehovah will reward and support such a willing spirit. He will give us "the power beyond what is normal" to compensate for our weaknesses. (2 Corinthians 4:7-10) With Jehovah's help we, like Paul, will "most gladly spend and be completely spent" in His precious service.
Next time: We Can Learn From the First Human Couple
The Watchtower, 2000
So, then, we may feel like the apostle Paul, who was deeply distressed when imperfection inhibited his ability to serve God fully. "Ability to wish is present with me," Paul wrote, "but ability to work out what is fine is not present." (Romans 7:18) We too find that we cannot carry out completely all the good things we wish to do. (Romans 7:19) This is not because of any reluctance on our part. It is simply because the weakness of the flesh hampers even our best efforts.
Let us not despair. If we have heartfelt readiness to do all we can, God will surely accept our service. (2 Corinthians 8:12) May we 'do our utmost' to imitate God's spirit of complete submission to God's will. (2 Timothy 2:15; Philippians 2:5-7; 1 Peter 4:1, 2) Jehovah will reward and support such a willing spirit. He will give us "the power beyond what is normal" to compensate for our weaknesses. (2 Corinthians 4:7-10) With Jehovah's help we, like Paul, will "most gladly spend and be completely spent" in His precious service.
Next time: We Can Learn From the First Human Couple
The Watchtower, 2000
2.24.2012
Delight to Do God's Will
To offer God service that he will accept, we must follow the example of Jesus Christ. "I seek, not my own will," he said, "but the will of him that sent me." (John 5:30) Jesus found great happiness in willingly serving God. Jesus fulfilled David's prophetic words: "To do your will, O my God, I have delighted." -Psalm 40:8.
Although Jesus delighted to do Jehovah's will, this was not always easy. Consider what happened just before his arrest trial, and execution. While in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was "deeply grieved" and got "into an agony." So intense was the emotional pressure that, as he prayed, "his sweat became as drops of blood falling to the ground." -Matthew 26:38;Luke 22:44.
Why did Jesus experience such agony? Certainly not because of self-interest or any reluctance of self -interest or any reluctance to do God's will. He was prepared to die, even reacting strongly to Peter's words: "Be kind to yourself, Lord; you will not have this destiny at all. (Matthew 16:21-23) What concerned Jesus was how his death as a despised criminal would affect Jehovah and his holy name. Jesus was aware that his Father would be greatly pained to see his beloved Son treated in such a barbaric fashion.
Jesus also understood that he was approaching a pivotal time in the outworking of Jehovah's purpose. Faithful adherence to God's Laws would demonstrate beyond doubt that Adam could have made the same choice. Jesus' faithfulness would expose as entirely false Satan's assertion that humans under test would not willingly and faithfully serve God. By means of Jesus,Jehovah would ultimately crust Satan and remove the effects of his rebellion. -Genesis 3:15.
What an enormous responsibility rested on Jesus' shoulders! His Father's name, universal peace, and the salvation of the human family all depended on Jesus' faithfulness. Realizing this, he prayed: "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me. Yet, not as I will, but as you will." (Matthew 26:39) Even under the severest stress, Jesus never faltered in his willingness to submit to his Father's will.
Next time: 'The Spirit Is Eager, But the Flesh Is Weak'
The Watchtower, 2000
Although Jesus delighted to do Jehovah's will, this was not always easy. Consider what happened just before his arrest trial, and execution. While in the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was "deeply grieved" and got "into an agony." So intense was the emotional pressure that, as he prayed, "his sweat became as drops of blood falling to the ground." -Matthew 26:38;Luke 22:44.
Why did Jesus experience such agony? Certainly not because of self-interest or any reluctance of self -interest or any reluctance to do God's will. He was prepared to die, even reacting strongly to Peter's words: "Be kind to yourself, Lord; you will not have this destiny at all. (Matthew 16:21-23) What concerned Jesus was how his death as a despised criminal would affect Jehovah and his holy name. Jesus was aware that his Father would be greatly pained to see his beloved Son treated in such a barbaric fashion.
Jesus also understood that he was approaching a pivotal time in the outworking of Jehovah's purpose. Faithful adherence to God's Laws would demonstrate beyond doubt that Adam could have made the same choice. Jesus' faithfulness would expose as entirely false Satan's assertion that humans under test would not willingly and faithfully serve God. By means of Jesus,Jehovah would ultimately crust Satan and remove the effects of his rebellion. -Genesis 3:15.
What an enormous responsibility rested on Jesus' shoulders! His Father's name, universal peace, and the salvation of the human family all depended on Jesus' faithfulness. Realizing this, he prayed: "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me. Yet, not as I will, but as you will." (Matthew 26:39) Even under the severest stress, Jesus never faltered in his willingness to submit to his Father's will.
Next time: 'The Spirit Is Eager, But the Flesh Is Weak'
The Watchtower, 2000
What About Reluctant Service
Of course, we must not let love of self outweigh love of God and people. Otherwise, there is real danger that we may render only halfhearted , reluctant service. We could even begin to develop some resentment, feeling upset that we cannot live our life purely according to our own desires. This happened to some Israelites who lost their love for God but still rendered some service to him our of a sense of duty. What was the result? Serving God became "a weariness" to them. -Malachi 1:13.
Any offerings made to God should always be "sound," without defect, the "best" available. (Leviticus 22:17-20; Exodus 23:19) Instead of giving Jehovah the best of their animals, however, people in Malachi's day began to offer those they really did not want themselves. What was Jehovah's reaction? He told the priests: "{When you present a blind animal for sacrificing [you say]: 'it is nothing bad.' And when you present a lame animal or a sick one: 'It is nothing bad. Bring it near, please to your governor. Will he find pleasure in you, or will he receive you kindly? . . .And you have brought something torn away, and the lame one, and the sick one, yes, you have it as a gift. Can I take pleasure in it at your hand?" -Malachi 1:8, 13.
How might this happen to any of us? Our sacrifices might become "a weariness" to us if we lack a truly willing heart and spirit. (Exodus 35:5, 21, 22; Leviticus 1:3; Psalm 54:6; Hebrews 13:15, 16) For example, does Jeh0ovah get the leftovers of our time?
Can anyone seriously think that it would have been acceptable to God if a well-meaning family member or a zealous Levite somehow forced an unwilling Israelite to select his best animal for sacrifice when he really did not want to offer it? (Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:7, 8) Jehovah rejected such sacrifices and eventually the people who offered them. -Hosea 4:6; Matthew 21:43.
Next time: Delight to Do God's Will
The Watchtower, 2000
Any offerings made to God should always be "sound," without defect, the "best" available. (Leviticus 22:17-20; Exodus 23:19) Instead of giving Jehovah the best of their animals, however, people in Malachi's day began to offer those they really did not want themselves. What was Jehovah's reaction? He told the priests: "{When you present a blind animal for sacrificing [you say]: 'it is nothing bad.' And when you present a lame animal or a sick one: 'It is nothing bad. Bring it near, please to your governor. Will he find pleasure in you, or will he receive you kindly? . . .And you have brought something torn away, and the lame one, and the sick one, yes, you have it as a gift. Can I take pleasure in it at your hand?" -Malachi 1:8, 13.
How might this happen to any of us? Our sacrifices might become "a weariness" to us if we lack a truly willing heart and spirit. (Exodus 35:5, 21, 22; Leviticus 1:3; Psalm 54:6; Hebrews 13:15, 16) For example, does Jeh0ovah get the leftovers of our time?
Can anyone seriously think that it would have been acceptable to God if a well-meaning family member or a zealous Levite somehow forced an unwilling Israelite to select his best animal for sacrifice when he really did not want to offer it? (Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:7, 8) Jehovah rejected such sacrifices and eventually the people who offered them. -Hosea 4:6; Matthew 21:43.
Next time: Delight to Do God's Will
The Watchtower, 2000
2.23.2012
Willing Service Required
Jehovah wants willing, wholehearted service. He never forces us to do his will. It is Satan who will stop at nothing to pressure or entice people into doing his will. In connection with serving God, the Bible does speak of obligation, commandments, requirements and so forth. (Ecclesiastes 12:13; Luke 1:6) Yet, our prime motive for serving God is that we love him . - Exodus 35:21; Deuteronomy 11:1.
Regardless of how much Paul spent himself in God's service, he knew that this would mean nothing at all 'if he did not have love.' (1 Corinthians 13:1-3) When Bible writers refer to Christians as slaves of God, they are not referring to abject servitude based on coercion. (Romans 12:11; Colossians 3:24) What is meant is willing subjection based on deep, heartfelt love for God and his Son, Jesus Christ. -Matthew 22:37; 2 Corinthians 5:14; 1 John 4:10.
Our service to God must also reflect a deep love for people. "We became gentle in the midst of you, as when a nursing mother cherishes her own children," wrote Paul to the congregation in Thessalonica. (1 Thessalonians 2:7) In many lands today, mothers have a legal obligation to care for their children. But surely most mothers do not do this just to obey the law do they? No. They do it because they cherish their children. Why, a nursing mother gladly makes huge sacrifices for her children! Because Paul had similar "tender affection" for those he ministered to, he was "well pleased" ("willing," King James Version; "delighted," New International Version) to use his very life in helping them. (1 Thessalonians2:8) Love motivates us to copy Paul's example. -Matthew 22:39.
Next time:What About Reluctant Service?
The Watchtower, 2000
Regardless of how much Paul spent himself in God's service, he knew that this would mean nothing at all 'if he did not have love.' (1 Corinthians 13:1-3) When Bible writers refer to Christians as slaves of God, they are not referring to abject servitude based on coercion. (Romans 12:11; Colossians 3:24) What is meant is willing subjection based on deep, heartfelt love for God and his Son, Jesus Christ. -Matthew 22:37; 2 Corinthians 5:14; 1 John 4:10.
Our service to God must also reflect a deep love for people. "We became gentle in the midst of you, as when a nursing mother cherishes her own children," wrote Paul to the congregation in Thessalonica. (1 Thessalonians 2:7) In many lands today, mothers have a legal obligation to care for their children. But surely most mothers do not do this just to obey the law do they? No. They do it because they cherish their children. Why, a nursing mother gladly makes huge sacrifices for her children! Because Paul had similar "tender affection" for those he ministered to, he was "well pleased" ("willing," King James Version; "delighted," New International Version) to use his very life in helping them. (1 Thessalonians2:8) Love motivates us to copy Paul's example. -Matthew 22:39.
Next time:What About Reluctant Service?
The Watchtower, 2000
They Refuse to Serve at All
Most individuals do not just hesitate to serve God but flatly refuse to do so. Their spirit is one of ingratitude, selfish independence, even rebellion. Satan enticed Adam and Eve into such a way of thinking. He wrongly said that they would "be like God, knowing good and bad"-able to decide for themselves what is right and what is wrong. (Genesiis 3:1-5) Those who have the same spirit today think that they should have complete freedom to do exactly what they desire without any obligation to God or interference from him. (Psalm 81:11, 12) They want to use all that they possess in the pursuit of their own personal interests. -Proverbs 18:1.
You probably do not share this extreme view. Likely you genuinely appreciate the gift of life you now enjoy and the even more wonderful prospect of living forever on a paradise earth. (Psalm 37:10,11; Revelation 21:1-4) You may be deeply grateful to Jehovah for his goodness to you. But all of us need to be alert to the danger that Satan can distort our thinking in such a way that our sevice may actually become unacceptable to God. (2 Corinthians 11:3) How might this happen?
Next time: Willing Service Required
The Watchtower, 2000
You probably do not share this extreme view. Likely you genuinely appreciate the gift of life you now enjoy and the even more wonderful prospect of living forever on a paradise earth. (Psalm 37:10,11; Revelation 21:1-4) You may be deeply grateful to Jehovah for his goodness to you. But all of us need to be alert to the danger that Satan can distort our thinking in such a way that our sevice may actually become unacceptable to God. (2 Corinthians 11:3) How might this happen?
Next time: Willing Service Required
The Watchtower, 2000
2.22.2012
Serve God With a Willing Spirit
"I WILL most gladly spend and be completely spent for your souls," wrote the apostle Paul. (2 Corinthians 12:15) What do these words tell you about the outlook and attitude that Jehovah's servants should try to cultivate? According to one Bible scholar, when Paul wrote those words to Christians in Corinth, he was saying: "I am willing to spend my strength, and time, and life, and all that I have for your welfare, as a father cheerfully does for his children." Paul was prepared to "be completely spent, or to 'be exhausted and worn out," if that was what it would take to fulfill his Christian ministry.
Moreover, Paul did all of this "most gladly." He was "perfectly willing" to do so, says The Jerusalem Bible. What about you? Are you willing to spend your time, energy, talents, and resources serving Jehovah God and the interests of others, even if doing so means being "exhausted and worn out" at times? And would you do this "most gladly"?
Next time: They Refuse to Serve at All
The Watchtower, 2000
Moreover, Paul did all of this "most gladly." He was "perfectly willing" to do so, says The Jerusalem Bible. What about you? Are you willing to spend your time, energy, talents, and resources serving Jehovah God and the interests of others, even if doing so means being "exhausted and worn out" at times? And would you do this "most gladly"?
Next time: They Refuse to Serve at All
The Watchtower, 2000
Endure in the Ministry
For Paul, being a minister took endurance. He told the Colossian that he suffered much in order to preach the good news to them. (Colossians 1:24, 25) Because he endured, however, many accepted the good news and become ministers. They were begotten as sons of God and brothers of Jesus Christ, with the prospect of becoming spirit creatures alongside him in heaven. What glorious reward for endurance!
Endurance is necessary today for those who are really God's ministers. Many struggle daily with sickness or the pains of old age. Parents work hard-many of them without a mate - to raise their children. C0urageously, children at school resist the wrong influences that surround them. Many Christians face bitter economic struggles. And many suffer persecution or face hardships because of today's "critical times hard to deal with"! ( 2 Timothy 3:1) Yes, the almost six million ministers of Jehovah today can say with the apostle Paulo: "In every way we recommend ourselves as God's ministers, by the endurance of much." (2 Corinthians 6:4) Christian ministers do not give up. They are truly to be recommended for their endurance.
Moreover, as it did in Paul's case, endurance brings wonderful fruitage. By enduring, we preserve our close relationship with Jehovah and make his heart rejoice. (Proverbs 27:11) We strengthen our own faith and make disciples, adding to the Christians brotherhood. (1 Timothy 4:16) Jehovah has sustained his ministers and blessed their ministry during these last days. As a result, the final ones of the 144,000 have been gathered, and millions more have the confident hope of enjoying everlasting life on paradise earth. (Luke 23:43; Revelation 14:1) Truly, the Christian ministry is an expression of Jehovah's mercy. (2 Corinthians 4:1) May all of us treasure it and be grateful its fruitage will last forever. - 1 John 2:17.
Next time: Serve God With a Willing Spirit
The Watchtower, 2000
Endurance is necessary today for those who are really God's ministers. Many struggle daily with sickness or the pains of old age. Parents work hard-many of them without a mate - to raise their children. C0urageously, children at school resist the wrong influences that surround them. Many Christians face bitter economic struggles. And many suffer persecution or face hardships because of today's "critical times hard to deal with"! ( 2 Timothy 3:1) Yes, the almost six million ministers of Jehovah today can say with the apostle Paulo: "In every way we recommend ourselves as God's ministers, by the endurance of much." (2 Corinthians 6:4) Christian ministers do not give up. They are truly to be recommended for their endurance.
Moreover, as it did in Paul's case, endurance brings wonderful fruitage. By enduring, we preserve our close relationship with Jehovah and make his heart rejoice. (Proverbs 27:11) We strengthen our own faith and make disciples, adding to the Christians brotherhood. (1 Timothy 4:16) Jehovah has sustained his ministers and blessed their ministry during these last days. As a result, the final ones of the 144,000 have been gathered, and millions more have the confident hope of enjoying everlasting life on paradise earth. (Luke 23:43; Revelation 14:1) Truly, the Christian ministry is an expression of Jehovah's mercy. (2 Corinthians 4:1) May all of us treasure it and be grateful its fruitage will last forever. - 1 John 2:17.
Next time: Serve God With a Willing Spirit
The Watchtower, 2000
2.21.2012
The Attitude of a Christian Minister
Most of Christendom's ministers expect to be given special respect, and they take such titles as 'reverend" and "father." However, a Christian minister knows that Jehovah alone is worthy of reverence. ( 1 Timothy 2:9, 10) No Christian minister claims such lofty respect or aspires to special titles. (Matthew 23:8-12) He knows that the basic meaning of di-a-ko-ni'a is "service." The verb associated with it is sometimes used in the Bible with regard to personal services, such as waiting at tables. (Luke 4:39;17:8; John 2:5) Even though its usage in relation to the Christian ministry is more elevated, a di-a'ko-nos is still a servant.
No Christian minister therefore has reason to feel self-important. Genuine Christian ministers-even those with special responsibilities in the congregation-are humble slaves, Jesus said: "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your minister, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave." (Matthew 20:26,27) When showing his disciples the right attitude to cultivate, Jesus washed their feet doing the work of the lowliest slave. (John 13:1-15) What a humble service! Hence, Christian ministers humbly serve Jehovah God and Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 6:4; 11:23) They show lowliness of mind in serving one another. And whey they preach the good news, they unselfishly serve their unbelieving neighbors. -Romans 1:14, 15; Ephesians 3:1-7.
Next time: Endure in the Ministry
The Watchtower, 2000
No Christian minister therefore has reason to feel self-important. Genuine Christian ministers-even those with special responsibilities in the congregation-are humble slaves, Jesus said: "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your minister, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave." (Matthew 20:26,27) When showing his disciples the right attitude to cultivate, Jesus washed their feet doing the work of the lowliest slave. (John 13:1-15) What a humble service! Hence, Christian ministers humbly serve Jehovah God and Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 6:4; 11:23) They show lowliness of mind in serving one another. And whey they preach the good news, they unselfishly serve their unbelieving neighbors. -Romans 1:14, 15; Ephesians 3:1-7.
Next time: Endure in the Ministry
The Watchtower, 2000
What Is the Christian Ministry?
What did the ministry of Timothy include? He had special duties as a traveling companion of Paul. And when he became an elder, Timothy worked hard at teaching and strengthening fellow Christians. But the central part of his ministry, as was the case with Jesus and Paul, was preaching the good news and making disciples. (Matthew 4:23; 1 Corinthians 3:5) Paul told Timothy: "You,though, keep your senses in all things, suffer evil, do the work of an evangelizer, fully accomplish your ministry." -2 Timothy 4:5.
It is similar with Christian minister today. They engage in a public ministry, an evangelizing work, pointing others to salvation on the basis of Jesus' sacrifice and teaching meek ones to call on Jehovah's name. (Acts 2:21; 4:10-12; Romans 10:13) They prove from the Bible that the Kingdom is the only hope for suffering mankind and show that even now things are better if we live by godly principles. (Psalm 15:1-5; Mark 13:10) But a Christians minister does not preach a social gospel. Rather, he teaches that 'godly devotion hold promise of the life now and that which is to come.' -1 Timothy 4:8.
True, most ministers have additional ways to serve, which differ from one Christian to another. Many have family obligations. (Ephesians 5:21-6:4) Elders and ministerial servants have duties in the congregation. (1 Timothy #:1, 12, 13; Titus 1:5; Hebrews 13:7) Many Christians help to construct Kingdom Halls. Some have the wonderful privilege of working as volunteers in one of Watchtower Society's Bethel homes. However, all Christian ministers share in the preaching of the good news. There are no exceptions. It is sharing in this work that identifies one publicly as a genuine Christian minister.
Next time: The Attitude of a Christian Minister
The Watchtower, 2000
It is similar with Christian minister today. They engage in a public ministry, an evangelizing work, pointing others to salvation on the basis of Jesus' sacrifice and teaching meek ones to call on Jehovah's name. (Acts 2:21; 4:10-12; Romans 10:13) They prove from the Bible that the Kingdom is the only hope for suffering mankind and show that even now things are better if we live by godly principles. (Psalm 15:1-5; Mark 13:10) But a Christians minister does not preach a social gospel. Rather, he teaches that 'godly devotion hold promise of the life now and that which is to come.' -1 Timothy 4:8.
True, most ministers have additional ways to serve, which differ from one Christian to another. Many have family obligations. (Ephesians 5:21-6:4) Elders and ministerial servants have duties in the congregation. (1 Timothy #:1, 12, 13; Titus 1:5; Hebrews 13:7) Many Christians help to construct Kingdom Halls. Some have the wonderful privilege of working as volunteers in one of Watchtower Society's Bethel homes. However, all Christian ministers share in the preaching of the good news. There are no exceptions. It is sharing in this work that identifies one publicly as a genuine Christian minister.
Next time: The Attitude of a Christian Minister
The Watchtower, 2000
2.20.2012
Conclusion of Ordination As a Minister - When?
Today, ordination for the Christian ministry is similar . One who is "rightly disposed for everlasting life" is helped to learn about God and his purposes by means of a Bible study. (Acts 13:48) The individual learns to apply Bible principles in his life and to pray meaningfully to God. (Psalm 1:1-3; Proverbs 21-9; 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 18) He associates with other believers and takes advantage of provisions and arrangements made by "the faithful and discreet slave." (Matthew 24:45-47; Proverbs 13:20; Hebrews 10"23-25) Thus he makes progress in a structural process of education.
Eventually, the Bible student, having developed a love of Jehovah God and a strong faith in the ransom sacrifice, wishes to dedicate himself completely to his heavenly Father. (John 1q4:1) He makes that dedication in personal prayer and then gets baptized as public symbol of that private act. His baptism is his ordination because that is when he is recognized as a fully dedicated servant, a di-a'ko-nos, of God. He must remain separate from the world. (John 17:16; James 4:4) He has presented his whole self "a sacrifice living, holy, acceptable to God" without reserve or condition. (Romans 12:1) he is God's minister, imitating Christ.
Next time: What Is the Christian Ministry?
The Watchtower, 2000
Eventually, the Bible student, having developed a love of Jehovah God and a strong faith in the ransom sacrifice, wishes to dedicate himself completely to his heavenly Father. (John 1q4:1) He makes that dedication in personal prayer and then gets baptized as public symbol of that private act. His baptism is his ordination because that is when he is recognized as a fully dedicated servant, a di-a'ko-nos, of God. He must remain separate from the world. (John 17:16; James 4:4) He has presented his whole self "a sacrifice living, holy, acceptable to God" without reserve or condition. (Romans 12:1) he is God's minister, imitating Christ.
Next time: What Is the Christian Ministry?
The Watchtower, 2000
Ordination As a Minister - When?
As to when and by whom a person is ordained, consider the example of Jesus Christ. He did not have a certificate of ordination or a degree from some seminary to prove that he was a minister, and he was not ordained by any man. Why can we say then, that he was a minister? Because Isaiah's inspired words were fulfilled in him: "Jehovah's spirit is upon me, because he anointed me to declare good news." (Luke 4:17-19; Isaiah 61:1) Those words leave no doubt that Jesus was commissioned to tell forth good news. By whom? Since Jehovah's spirit anointed him for the work, Jesus was clearly ordained by Jehovah God. When did this happen? Jehovah's spirit actually came upon Jesus when he was baptized. (Luke 3:21, 22) Therefore, it was at his baptism that he was ordained.
What of Jesus' first-century followers? Their status as minsters also came from Jehovah. Paul said: "Our being adequately qualified issues from God, who has indeed adequately qualified us to be ministers pf a new covenant." (2 Corinthians 3:5, 6) How does Jehovah qualify his worshipers to be ministers? Consider the example of Timothy, whom Paul called "God's minister in the good news about the Christ." -1 Thessalonians
The following words addressed to Timothy help us to understand how he became a minister: "You, however, continue in the things that you learned and were persuaded to believe, knowing from what persons you learned them and that from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through the faith in connection with Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 3:14, 15) The foundation of Timothy's faith, which would move him to make a public declaration, was knowledge of the Scriptures. Was personal reading all that was needed for this? No. Timothy needed to help to gain accurate knowledge and spiritual understanding of what he read. (Colossians 1:9) Thus Timothy was "persuaded to believe." Since he had known the Scriptures "from infancy," his first instructors must have been his mother and grandmother, his father evidently not being a believer. -2 Timothy 1:5.
However, more was involved in Timothy's becoming a minister. For one thing, his faith was strengthened by association with Christians in nearby congregations. How do we know? Because when Paul first met Timothy, the young man was "well reported on by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium." (Acts 16:2) Additionally, in those days certain brothers wrote letters to the congregations in order to strengthen them. And overseers visited them in order to build them up. Such provisions helped Christians like Timothy to progress spiritually. -Acts 15:22-32; 1 Peter 1:1.
In view of Jesus' command recorded at Matthew 28:19, 20, we can be sure that at some point Timothy's faith moved him to imitate Jesus and be baptized. (Matthew 3:15-17; Hebrews 10:5-9) This was a symbol of Timothy's whole-souled dedication to God. At his baptism Timothy became a minister. From then on, his life, his strength and everything he had belonged to God. This was an integral part of his worship, "a sacred service." However, Timothy did not then rest on his laurels. He continued to grow spiritually, becoming a mature Christian minister. This occurred because of Timothy's close association with such mature Christians as Paul, his own personal study, and his zealous preaching activity. -1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 2:2; Hebrews 6:1.
Next time: Conclusion of Ordination As a Minister - When?
The Watchtower, 2000
What of Jesus' first-century followers? Their status as minsters also came from Jehovah. Paul said: "Our being adequately qualified issues from God, who has indeed adequately qualified us to be ministers pf a new covenant." (2 Corinthians 3:5, 6) How does Jehovah qualify his worshipers to be ministers? Consider the example of Timothy, whom Paul called "God's minister in the good news about the Christ." -1 Thessalonians
The following words addressed to Timothy help us to understand how he became a minister: "You, however, continue in the things that you learned and were persuaded to believe, knowing from what persons you learned them and that from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through the faith in connection with Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 3:14, 15) The foundation of Timothy's faith, which would move him to make a public declaration, was knowledge of the Scriptures. Was personal reading all that was needed for this? No. Timothy needed to help to gain accurate knowledge and spiritual understanding of what he read. (Colossians 1:9) Thus Timothy was "persuaded to believe." Since he had known the Scriptures "from infancy," his first instructors must have been his mother and grandmother, his father evidently not being a believer. -2 Timothy 1:5.
However, more was involved in Timothy's becoming a minister. For one thing, his faith was strengthened by association with Christians in nearby congregations. How do we know? Because when Paul first met Timothy, the young man was "well reported on by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium." (Acts 16:2) Additionally, in those days certain brothers wrote letters to the congregations in order to strengthen them. And overseers visited them in order to build them up. Such provisions helped Christians like Timothy to progress spiritually. -Acts 15:22-32; 1 Peter 1:1.
In view of Jesus' command recorded at Matthew 28:19, 20, we can be sure that at some point Timothy's faith moved him to imitate Jesus and be baptized. (Matthew 3:15-17; Hebrews 10:5-9) This was a symbol of Timothy's whole-souled dedication to God. At his baptism Timothy became a minister. From then on, his life, his strength and everything he had belonged to God. This was an integral part of his worship, "a sacred service." However, Timothy did not then rest on his laurels. He continued to grow spiritually, becoming a mature Christian minister. This occurred because of Timothy's close association with such mature Christians as Paul, his own personal study, and his zealous preaching activity. -1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 2:2; Hebrews 6:1.
Next time: Conclusion of Ordination As a Minister - When?
The Watchtower, 2000
2.19.2012
Who Really Are God's Ministers?
According to the Bible, all of Jehovah's worshipers-heavenly and earthly-are ministers. Angels ministered to Jesus. (Matthew 4:11; 26:53; Luke 22:43) Angels also "minister for those who are going to inherit salvation." (Hebrews 1:14; Matthew 18:10) Jesus was a minister. He said: "The Son of man came, not to be ministered to, but to minister." (Matthew 20:28; Romans 15:8) Therefore, since Jesus' followers were to "follow his steps closely," it is not surprising that they too must be ministers. -1 Peter 2:21.
Shortly before his ascension to heaven,Jesus said to his disciples: "Go . . . make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19, 20) Jesus' disciples were to be disciple-makers-ministers. The new disciples they make would learn to observe all the things Jesus commanded, including the command to go forth and make disciples. Man or woman, adult or child, a true disciple of Jesus Christ would be a minister. Joel 2:28, 29.
In harmony with this, on the day of Pentecost 33 C.E. , all of Jesus' disciples present, men and women, joined in telling forth "the magnificent things of God." (Acts 2:1-11) Further, the apostle Paul wrote: "With the heart one exercises faith for righteousness, but with the mouth one makes public declaration for salvation." (Romans 10:10) Paul addressed those words, not to a restricted clergy class, but "to all those who [were] in Rome as God's beloved ones." (Romans 1:1, 7) Similarly, all 'the holy ones in Ephesus and faithful ones in union with Christ Jesus were to have their "feet shod with the equipment or the good news of peace." (Ephesians 1:1; 6:15) And all those who heard the letter addressed to the Hebrews were to 'hold fast the public declaration of their hope without wavering.' -Hebrews 10:23.
When, though, does a person become a minister? In other words, when is he ordained?And who ordains him?
Next time: Ordination As A Minister -When?
The Watchtower, 2000
Shortly before his ascension to heaven,Jesus said to his disciples: "Go . . . make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19, 20) Jesus' disciples were to be disciple-makers-ministers. The new disciples they make would learn to observe all the things Jesus commanded, including the command to go forth and make disciples. Man or woman, adult or child, a true disciple of Jesus Christ would be a minister. Joel 2:28, 29.
In harmony with this, on the day of Pentecost 33 C.E. , all of Jesus' disciples present, men and women, joined in telling forth "the magnificent things of God." (Acts 2:1-11) Further, the apostle Paul wrote: "With the heart one exercises faith for righteousness, but with the mouth one makes public declaration for salvation." (Romans 10:10) Paul addressed those words, not to a restricted clergy class, but "to all those who [were] in Rome as God's beloved ones." (Romans 1:1, 7) Similarly, all 'the holy ones in Ephesus and faithful ones in union with Christ Jesus were to have their "feet shod with the equipment or the good news of peace." (Ephesians 1:1; 6:15) And all those who heard the letter addressed to the Hebrews were to 'hold fast the public declaration of their hope without wavering.' -Hebrews 10:23.
When, though, does a person become a minister? In other words, when is he ordained?And who ordains him?
Next time: Ordination As A Minister -When?
The Watchtower, 2000
WHO ARE GOD'S MINISTERS TODAY?
"Our being adequately qualified issues from God, who has indeed adequately qualified us to be ministers of a new covenant." -2 Corinthians 3:5, 6.
IN THE first century of our Common Era, all Christians shared an important responsibility-the duty to preach the good news. All of them were anointed and were ministers of the new covenant. Some had additional responsibilities, such as teaching in the congregation. (1 Corinthians 12:27-29; Ephesians 4:11) Parents had weighty obligations within the family. (Colossians 3:18-21) But all shared in the basic and vital work of preaching. In the original Greek o the Christian Scriptures, this responsibility was a di-a--ko-ni'a-a service, of ministry . -Colossians 4:17.
As time went by, things changed. A class developed, known as the clergy, who reserved for themselves the privilege of preaching. (Acts 20:30) The clergy were a small minority of those calling themselves Christians. The great majority became known as the laity. While the laity have been taught that they have certain obligations, including the making of contributions for the upkeep of the clergy, most have become little more than passive listeners in the matter of preaching.
The clergy claim to be ministers (from minister, a Latin translation of di-a'ko-nos,"servant") For this, they graduate from colleges or seminaries and are ordained. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia says: "Ordain' and 'ordination' ordinarily refer to special status accorded ministers or priests through officially sanctioned rites, with associated emphasis on authority to proclaim the Word or to administer sacraments, or to do both." Who obtains the ministers? The New Encyclopedia Britannica says: "In churches that have retained the historic episcopate, the ordaining minister is always a bishop. In Presbyterian churches, ordination is conferred by ministers of the presbytery."
Hence, in the churches of Christendom, the privilege of being a minister has been severely restricted. Yet, this is not the case among Jehovah's Witnesses. Why not? Because it was not that way in the first-century Christians congregation.
Next time: Who Really Are God's Ministers?
The Watchtower, 2000
IN THE first century of our Common Era, all Christians shared an important responsibility-the duty to preach the good news. All of them were anointed and were ministers of the new covenant. Some had additional responsibilities, such as teaching in the congregation. (1 Corinthians 12:27-29; Ephesians 4:11) Parents had weighty obligations within the family. (Colossians 3:18-21) But all shared in the basic and vital work of preaching. In the original Greek o the Christian Scriptures, this responsibility was a di-a--ko-ni'a-a service, of ministry . -Colossians 4:17.
As time went by, things changed. A class developed, known as the clergy, who reserved for themselves the privilege of preaching. (Acts 20:30) The clergy were a small minority of those calling themselves Christians. The great majority became known as the laity. While the laity have been taught that they have certain obligations, including the making of contributions for the upkeep of the clergy, most have become little more than passive listeners in the matter of preaching.
The clergy claim to be ministers (from minister, a Latin translation of di-a'ko-nos,"servant") For this, they graduate from colleges or seminaries and are ordained. The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia says: "Ordain' and 'ordination' ordinarily refer to special status accorded ministers or priests through officially sanctioned rites, with associated emphasis on authority to proclaim the Word or to administer sacraments, or to do both." Who obtains the ministers? The New Encyclopedia Britannica says: "In churches that have retained the historic episcopate, the ordaining minister is always a bishop. In Presbyterian churches, ordination is conferred by ministers of the presbytery."
Hence, in the churches of Christendom, the privilege of being a minister has been severely restricted. Yet, this is not the case among Jehovah's Witnesses. Why not? Because it was not that way in the first-century Christians congregation.
Next time: Who Really Are God's Ministers?
The Watchtower, 2000
2.18.2012
Sacred Service That Is Unacceptable
In the days of ancient Israel, sacred service had to be rendered in harmony with Jehovah's laws. (Exodus 30:9; Leviticus 10:1, 2) Likewise today, there are requirements to observe if our sacred service is to be acceptable to Jehovah. That is why Paul wrote to the Colossians: "We . . .have not ceased praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension,in order to walk worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing him as you go on bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the accurate knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:9, 10) It is not up to us to determine the proper way to worship God. Accurate Scriptural knowledge, spiritual comprehension, and godly wisdom are vital. Otherwise, things can go terribly wrong.
Remember the Israelites in the days of Moses. We read: "God turned and handed them over to render sacred service to the army of heaven." (Acts 7:42) Those Israelites had seen Jehovah's powerful acts in their behalf. Yet, they turned to other gods when they thought this would be to their advantage. They were not loyal, and loyalty is a must if our sacred service is to be pleasing to God. (Psalm 18:25) True, few today would turn from Jehovah to worship stars or golden calves, but there are other forms of idolatry. Jesus warned against serving "Riches," and Paul called covetousness idolatry. (Matthew 6:24; Colossians 4:4) Such kinds of idolatry are rampant and are a snare. Think, for example, of someone who claims to follow Jesus but whose real goal in life is to become wealthy or whose real trust is in himself and his own ideas. Who is really serving? How different is he from the Jews of Isaiah's day who swore in Jehovah's name but credited his great acts to unclean idols? -Isaiah 48:1, 5.
Jesus also warned: "The hour is coming when everyone that kills you will imagine he has rendered a sacred service to God." (John 16:2) Saul, who become the apostle Paul, doubtless thought that he was serving God when he 'approved the murder of Stephen' and 'breathed threat and murder against the discipline of the Lord.' (Acts 8:1, 9) Today, some perpetrators of ethnic cleansing and genocide also claim to worship God, but their worship is really directed to the gods of nationalism, tribalism, wealth, self, or some other deity.
Jesus said: "It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is him alone you must render sacred service." (Matthew 4:10) He was speaking to Satan, but how vital it is that all of us heed his words! Rendering sacred service to the Sovereign Lord of the universe is an elevated, fear-inspiring privilege. And what can be said about performing public service that is linked to our worship? Doing this in behalf of our fellowman is a joyful work that brings great happiness. (Psalm 41:1, 2; 59:616) Still, such service brings real happiness only if it is offered wholeheartedly and in the right way. Who are really worshiping God properly? Whose sacred service does Jehovah accept? We can answer such questions if we consider the third Bible word that has to do with our worship. This we will do in the following article.
Next time: WHO ARE GOD'S MINISTERS TODAY?
The Watchtower, 2000
Remember the Israelites in the days of Moses. We read: "God turned and handed them over to render sacred service to the army of heaven." (Acts 7:42) Those Israelites had seen Jehovah's powerful acts in their behalf. Yet, they turned to other gods when they thought this would be to their advantage. They were not loyal, and loyalty is a must if our sacred service is to be pleasing to God. (Psalm 18:25) True, few today would turn from Jehovah to worship stars or golden calves, but there are other forms of idolatry. Jesus warned against serving "Riches," and Paul called covetousness idolatry. (Matthew 6:24; Colossians 4:4) Such kinds of idolatry are rampant and are a snare. Think, for example, of someone who claims to follow Jesus but whose real goal in life is to become wealthy or whose real trust is in himself and his own ideas. Who is really serving? How different is he from the Jews of Isaiah's day who swore in Jehovah's name but credited his great acts to unclean idols? -Isaiah 48:1, 5.
Jesus also warned: "The hour is coming when everyone that kills you will imagine he has rendered a sacred service to God." (John 16:2) Saul, who become the apostle Paul, doubtless thought that he was serving God when he 'approved the murder of Stephen' and 'breathed threat and murder against the discipline of the Lord.' (Acts 8:1, 9) Today, some perpetrators of ethnic cleansing and genocide also claim to worship God, but their worship is really directed to the gods of nationalism, tribalism, wealth, self, or some other deity.
Jesus said: "It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is him alone you must render sacred service." (Matthew 4:10) He was speaking to Satan, but how vital it is that all of us heed his words! Rendering sacred service to the Sovereign Lord of the universe is an elevated, fear-inspiring privilege. And what can be said about performing public service that is linked to our worship? Doing this in behalf of our fellowman is a joyful work that brings great happiness. (Psalm 41:1, 2; 59:616) Still, such service brings real happiness only if it is offered wholeheartedly and in the right way. Who are really worshiping God properly? Whose sacred service does Jehovah accept? We can answer such questions if we consider the third Bible word that has to do with our worship. This we will do in the following article.
Next time: WHO ARE GOD'S MINISTERS TODAY?
The Watchtower, 2000
Where Do We Render Sacred Service
To anointed Christians, Paul wrote: "Seeing that we are to receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us continue to have undeserved kindness, through which we may acceptably render God sacred service with godly fear and awe." (Hebrews 12:38) With confident expectation of inheriting the Kingdom, anointed ones are unmovable in faith as they worship the Most High. Only they can render him sacred service in the Holy compartment and the inner courtyard of Jehovah's spiritual temple, and they look forward with eager anticipation to serving with Jesus in the Most Holy, heaven itself. Their companions, the other sheep class, rejoice with them in their marvelous hope. -Hebrews 6:19, 20; 10:19-22.
What, though, of those other sheep? As the apostle John foresaw, a great crowd of them as appeared in these last days, and "they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." (Revelation 7:14) This means that, like their anointed fellow worshipers, they exercise faith in Jesus' public service, his offering of his perfect human life in behalf of mankind. The other sheep also benefit from Jesus' public service in that they ar3e "laying hold of [Jehovah's] covenant." (Isaiah 56:6) No, they are not parties to the new covenant, but they lay hold of it in that they obey the laws related to it and cooperate with arrangements made through it. They associate with the Israel of God, feeding at the same spiritual table and working along with its members praising God publicly and offering spiritual sacrifices that are pleasing to him. -Hebrews 13:15.
Thus, the great crowd are seen "standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes." Further, "they are before the throne of God; and they are rendering him sacred service day and night in his temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread his tent over them." (Revelation 7:9, 15) In Israel, proselytes worship in the outer courtyard of Solomon's temple. In a similar way, the great crowd worships Jehovah in the outer courtyard of his spiritual temple. Serving there causes them to rejoice. (Psalm 122:1) Even after the last day of their anointed associates receives his heavenly sacred service to Jehovah as his people. -Revelation 21:3.
Next time: Sacred Service That Is Unacceptable
The Watchtower, 2000
What, though, of those other sheep? As the apostle John foresaw, a great crowd of them as appeared in these last days, and "they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." (Revelation 7:14) This means that, like their anointed fellow worshipers, they exercise faith in Jesus' public service, his offering of his perfect human life in behalf of mankind. The other sheep also benefit from Jesus' public service in that they ar3e "laying hold of [Jehovah's] covenant." (Isaiah 56:6) No, they are not parties to the new covenant, but they lay hold of it in that they obey the laws related to it and cooperate with arrangements made through it. They associate with the Israel of God, feeding at the same spiritual table and working along with its members praising God publicly and offering spiritual sacrifices that are pleasing to him. -Hebrews 13:15.
Thus, the great crowd are seen "standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes." Further, "they are before the throne of God; and they are rendering him sacred service day and night in his temple; and the One seated on the throne will spread his tent over them." (Revelation 7:9, 15) In Israel, proselytes worship in the outer courtyard of Solomon's temple. In a similar way, the great crowd worships Jehovah in the outer courtyard of his spiritual temple. Serving there causes them to rejoice. (Psalm 122:1) Even after the last day of their anointed associates receives his heavenly sacred service to Jehovah as his people. -Revelation 21:3.
Next time: Sacred Service That Is Unacceptable
The Watchtower, 2000
2.17.2012
Render Sacred Service
Another Greek word having to do with our worship is la-trei'a, translated "sacred service" in the New World Translation. Sacred service has to do with acts of worship. For example, the 84-year old widow and prophetess Anna is described as "never missing from the temple, rendering sacred service [a Greek word related to la-trei'a] night and day with fastings and supplications." (Luke 2:36, 37) Anna worshiped Jehovah with constancy. She is a fine example for us-young and old, men and women. Even as Anna prayed to Jehovah earnestly and worshiped him regularly at the temple, our sacred service includes prayer and meeting attendance. -Romans 12w:12; Hebrews 10:24, 25.
The apostle Paul mentioned a major feature of our sacred service when he wrote: "God, to whom I render sacred service with my spirit in connection with the good news about his Son, is my witness of how without ceasing I always make mention of you in my prayers." (Romans 1:9) Yes, the preaching of the good news is not only a public service to those who hear it but also an act of worship to Jehovah God. Whether we find a receptive ear or not, the preaching work is sacred service rendered to Jehovah. Our endeavoring to tell others about the fine qualities and beneficent purposes of our beloved heavenly Father certainly brings us great joy. -Psalm 71:23.
Next time: Where Do We Render Sacred Service
The Watchtower, 2000
The apostle Paul mentioned a major feature of our sacred service when he wrote: "God, to whom I render sacred service with my spirit in connection with the good news about his Son, is my witness of how without ceasing I always make mention of you in my prayers." (Romans 1:9) Yes, the preaching of the good news is not only a public service to those who hear it but also an act of worship to Jehovah God. Whether we find a receptive ear or not, the preaching work is sacred service rendered to Jehovah. Our endeavoring to tell others about the fine qualities and beneficent purposes of our beloved heavenly Father certainly brings us great joy. -Psalm 71:23.
Next time: Where Do We Render Sacred Service
The Watchtower, 2000
Christians Also Render Public Service
No human performs a public service as exalted as that of Jesus. When anointed Christians receive their heavenly reward, however, they take their place alongside Jesus and share in his public service as heavenly kings and priests. (Revelation 20:6; 21:1-5) Yet, Christians on earth do perform public service, and they find great joy in doing so. For example, when there was a food shortage in Palestine, the apostle Paul carried donations from brothers in Europe to help alleviate the distress of Jewish Christians in Judea. That was a public service. (Romans 15:27; 2 Corinthians 9:12) Today, Christians are happy to render a similar service, giving prompt assistance when their brothers experience affliction, natural disasters, or other calamities. - Proverbs 14:21.
Paul referred to another public service when he wrote: "Even if I am being poured out like a drink offering upon the sacrifice and public service to which faith has led you, I am glad and I rejoice with all of you." (Philippians 2:17) Paul's hard work in behalf of the Philippians had been a public service rendered with love and diligence. A similar public service is being rendered today, especially by anointed Christians, who serve as "the faithful and discreet slave," supplying spiritual food at the proper time. (Matthew 24:45-47) Further, as a group, these are "a holy priesthood," commissioned "to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to god through Jesus Christ" and to"declare abroad the excellencies of the one that called [them] out of the darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:5, 9) Like Paul, they rejoice in such privileges even as they 'pour themselves out' in fulfilling their responsibilities. And their "other sheep" companions join them and support them in the work of telling mankind about Jehovah and his purposes. (John 10:16; Matthew 24:14) What a grand and joyful public service that is! -Psalm 107:21, 22.
Next time: Render Sacred Service
The Watchtower, 2000
Paul referred to another public service when he wrote: "Even if I am being poured out like a drink offering upon the sacrifice and public service to which faith has led you, I am glad and I rejoice with all of you." (Philippians 2:17) Paul's hard work in behalf of the Philippians had been a public service rendered with love and diligence. A similar public service is being rendered today, especially by anointed Christians, who serve as "the faithful and discreet slave," supplying spiritual food at the proper time. (Matthew 24:45-47) Further, as a group, these are "a holy priesthood," commissioned "to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to god through Jesus Christ" and to"declare abroad the excellencies of the one that called [them] out of the darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:5, 9) Like Paul, they rejoice in such privileges even as they 'pour themselves out' in fulfilling their responsibilities. And their "other sheep" companions join them and support them in the work of telling mankind about Jehovah and his purposes. (John 10:16; Matthew 24:14) What a grand and joyful public service that is! -Psalm 107:21, 22.
Next time: Render Sacred Service
The Watchtower, 2000
2.16.2012
Conclusion of Jesus' Public Service
Rendering public service under the Law was a real privilege for Israelite priests, but their service ceased to have any value when Israel was rejected because of unfaithfulness. (Matthew 21:43) Jehovah arranged for something far grander-the public service performed by Jesus, the great High Priest. Concerning him, we read: "He because of continuing alive forever has his priesthood without any successors. Consequently he is able also to save completely those who are approaching God through him, because he is always alive to plead for them." -Hebrews 7:24, 25.
Jesus continues as priest forever, without successors. Thus, only he can save completely. He performs that unparalleled public service, not in a man-made temple, but in the anti typical temple. Jehovah's great arrangement for worship that went into operation in 29 C.E. Jesus now serves in the Most Holy of that temple, in heaven. He is "a public servant [lei-tour-gos'] of the holy place and of the true tent, which Jehovah put up, and not man." (Hebrews 8:2; 9:11, 12) Lofty as Jesus' position is, he is still "a public servant." He uses his high authority to give, not to take. And such giving brings him joy. It is par of "the joy that was set before him" and that strengthened him to endure throughout his course on earth. -Hebrews 12:2.
There is another aspect of Jesus' public service. Paul wrote: "Jesus has obtained a more excellent public service, so that he is also the mediator of a correspondingly better covenant, which has been legally established upon better promises." (Hebrews 8:6) Moses mediated the covenant that was the basis of Israel's relationship with Jehovah. (Exodus 19:4, 5) Jesus mediated a new covenant, which made possible the birth of a new nation, "the Israel of God," composed of spirit-anointed Christians from many nations. (Galatians 6:16; Hebrews 8:8, 13; Revelation 5:9, 10) What an excellent public service that was! How happy we are to be acquainted with Jesus, a public servant whom we can render acceptable worship to Jehovah! - John 14:6.
Next time: Christians Also Render Public Service
The Watchtower, 2000
Jesus continues as priest forever, without successors. Thus, only he can save completely. He performs that unparalleled public service, not in a man-made temple, but in the anti typical temple. Jehovah's great arrangement for worship that went into operation in 29 C.E. Jesus now serves in the Most Holy of that temple, in heaven. He is "a public servant [lei-tour-gos'] of the holy place and of the true tent, which Jehovah put up, and not man." (Hebrews 8:2; 9:11, 12) Lofty as Jesus' position is, he is still "a public servant." He uses his high authority to give, not to take. And such giving brings him joy. It is par of "the joy that was set before him" and that strengthened him to endure throughout his course on earth. -Hebrews 12:2.
There is another aspect of Jesus' public service. Paul wrote: "Jesus has obtained a more excellent public service, so that he is also the mediator of a correspondingly better covenant, which has been legally established upon better promises." (Hebrews 8:6) Moses mediated the covenant that was the basis of Israel's relationship with Jehovah. (Exodus 19:4, 5) Jesus mediated a new covenant, which made possible the birth of a new nation, "the Israel of God," composed of spirit-anointed Christians from many nations. (Galatians 6:16; Hebrews 8:8, 13; Revelation 5:9, 10) What an excellent public service that was! How happy we are to be acquainted with Jesus, a public servant whom we can render acceptable worship to Jehovah! - John 14:6.
Next time: Christians Also Render Public Service
The Watchtower, 2000
Jesus' Public Service
In the original Greek, one important word having to do with worship is lei-tour-gi'a, which is translated "public service" in the New World Translation. In Christendom lei-tour-gi'a has give rise to the word "liturgy." However, the formalistic liturgies of Christendom are not a truly beneficial service.
The apostle Paul used a Greek word related to lei-tour-gi'a with reference to Israel's priests. He said: "Every priest takes his station from day to day to render public service [a form of lei-tour-gi'a] and to offer the same sacrifices often." (Hebrews 10:11) Levite priests rendered a very valuable public service in Israel. They taught God's Law and offered sacrifices that covered the sins of the people. (2 Chronicles 15:3; Malachi 2:7) When the priests and the people followed Jehovah's Law, the nation had reasons to be joyful. -Deuteronomy 16:15.
Next time: Conclusion of Jesus' Public Service
The Watchtower, 2000
The apostle Paul used a Greek word related to lei-tour-gi'a with reference to Israel's priests. He said: "Every priest takes his station from day to day to render public service [a form of lei-tour-gi'a] and to offer the same sacrifices often." (Hebrews 10:11) Levite priests rendered a very valuable public service in Israel. They taught God's Law and offered sacrifices that covered the sins of the people. (2 Chronicles 15:3; Malachi 2:7) When the priests and the people followed Jehovah's Law, the nation had reasons to be joyful. -Deuteronomy 16:15.
Next time: Conclusion of Jesus' Public Service
The Watchtower, 2000
2.15.2012
CHRISTIANS FIND HAPPINESS IN SERVING
"There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving." -Acts 20:35.
DURING the last decades of the 1900's, the word "me-ism" was frequently heard. "Me-ism" means, in effect, "me first" and denotes an attitude combining selfishness and greed with a lack of concern for others. We can be sure that in the year 2000, me-ism is by no means dead. How many times do you hear the question, "What is in it for me"? Or, "What do I get out of it"? Such a selfish attitude is not conductive to happiness. It is the very opposite of the principle that Jesus stated: "There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving." -Acts 20:35.
is it true that giving brings greater happiness than receiving? Yes. Think of Jehovah God. With him is "the source of life." (Psalm 36:9) He provides everything we need to make us happy and productive indeed, he is the Source of "every good gift and every perfect present." (James 1:17) Jehovah, "the happy God," is constantly giving. (1 Timothy 1:11) He loves his human creation, to whom he gives so much. (John 3:16) Think, too, of a human family. If you are a parent, you know how many sacrifices, how much giving, it takes to raise a child. And for many years the child is unaware of the sacrifices you make. He takes them all for granted. Still, it makes you happy to see your child flourishing as a result of your unselfishly giving. Why? Because you love him.
In a similar way, true worship is characterized by giving that is based on love. Since we love Jehovah and we love our fellow believers, it is a delight to serve them, to give of ourselves to them. (Matthew 22:37-39) Any who worship with selfish motives end up with very little joy. But those who serve unselfishly, being more concerned with what they can give than with what they hope to receive, find happiness indeed. This truth is discerned by considering how certain Bible words related to our worship are used in the Scriptures. We will discuss three of these words in this and the following article.
Next time: Jesus' Public Service
The Watchtower, 2000
DURING the last decades of the 1900's, the word "me-ism" was frequently heard. "Me-ism" means, in effect, "me first" and denotes an attitude combining selfishness and greed with a lack of concern for others. We can be sure that in the year 2000, me-ism is by no means dead. How many times do you hear the question, "What is in it for me"? Or, "What do I get out of it"? Such a selfish attitude is not conductive to happiness. It is the very opposite of the principle that Jesus stated: "There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving." -Acts 20:35.
is it true that giving brings greater happiness than receiving? Yes. Think of Jehovah God. With him is "the source of life." (Psalm 36:9) He provides everything we need to make us happy and productive indeed, he is the Source of "every good gift and every perfect present." (James 1:17) Jehovah, "the happy God," is constantly giving. (1 Timothy 1:11) He loves his human creation, to whom he gives so much. (John 3:16) Think, too, of a human family. If you are a parent, you know how many sacrifices, how much giving, it takes to raise a child. And for many years the child is unaware of the sacrifices you make. He takes them all for granted. Still, it makes you happy to see your child flourishing as a result of your unselfishly giving. Why? Because you love him.
In a similar way, true worship is characterized by giving that is based on love. Since we love Jehovah and we love our fellow believers, it is a delight to serve them, to give of ourselves to them. (Matthew 22:37-39) Any who worship with selfish motives end up with very little joy. But those who serve unselfishly, being more concerned with what they can give than with what they hope to receive, find happiness indeed. This truth is discerned by considering how certain Bible words related to our worship are used in the Scriptures. We will discuss three of these words in this and the following article.
Next time: Jesus' Public Service
The Watchtower, 2000
When All Prayers Will Be Answered
Did praying do these people any good? Certainly! And did you notice that in most cases their prayers were answered when someone from the Christian congregation helped them to draw close to Jehovah God by studying the Bible? -Acts 9:11.
So, then, we have good reasons to pray. Soon now, the prayer of God's Kingdom to come and for his will to be done on earth will be answered. (Matthew 56:10) After God has cleansed our globe of those who oppose him, "the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah." (Isaiah 11:9) Then all those who love Jehovah will enjoy "the glorious freedom of the children of God" -and their prayers certainly will be answered. -Romans 8:18-21.
Next time: CHRISTIANS FIND HAPPINESS IN SERVING
The Watchtower, 2000
So, then, we have good reasons to pray. Soon now, the prayer of God's Kingdom to come and for his will to be done on earth will be answered. (Matthew 56:10) After God has cleansed our globe of those who oppose him, "the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah." (Isaiah 11:9) Then all those who love Jehovah will enjoy "the glorious freedom of the children of God" -and their prayers certainly will be answered. -Romans 8:18-21.
Next time: CHRISTIANS FIND HAPPINESS IN SERVING
The Watchtower, 2000
2.14.2012
Conclusion of Prayer Can Solve Problems
Conclusion of Prayer Can Solve Problems
Although Jose' had a beautiful wife and a thriving business in Bolivia, he was unhappy. An extramarital affair caused his wife to leave him. He drank excessively and felt useless. Says Jose': "I began praying with all my heart, asking what I should do to please God. Soon Jehovah's Witnesses visited my business place offering free home Bible studies, but I dismissed them. This happened three time. Every time I prayed for help, there they were. Finally, I resolved that I would listen the next time. I had read the Bible through and had many questions, but they always had answers that satisfied me. Learning about Jehovah gave me a new purpose in life, and my friends among the Witnesses were such encouraging examples! I left my girlfriend and my drinking companions. Before long, I was back with my wife and children. I was baptized early in 1999."
In Italy, Tamara's marriage was in trouble,so she prayed for wisdom. She had developed an aggressive attitude, having been beaten and thrown out of the family at age 14. Says Tamara: "I found a Bible and began to read it. One evening, I read that 'finding wisdom is like finding hidden treasures.' I prayed for that wisdom. (Proverbs 2:1-6) The next morning, Jehovah's Witnesses called. I began studying the Bible with them, but it took me some time to put what I learned into practice. Finally, I decided to follow the Christian way of life and was baptized. Now, along with my husband, I help others to benefit from God's wisdom."
Beatriz had been part of high society in Caracas, Venezuela. Yet, she found herself divorced and distressed. Desperate, she once spent hours in prayer. The next morning, the doorbell rang. Irritated, she looked through the peep hold and saw two people with briefcases. She pretended not to be at home, but the before the couple left, they pushed a handbill under the door. "Know Your Bible," it said. could their visit be connected with her prayers the night before? She called for them to come back. Soon she was studying the Bible, and she later was baptized. Happy at last, Beatriz now teaches others about how to find happiness.
Carmen prayed concerning her struggle with poverty. She had ten children and a drunken husband, Rafael. "I tried to earn money washing clothes," said Carmen. but Rafael's drinking habit got worse. "It wasn't until we began studying the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses that my husband began to change. We learned of the Kingdom promise - that Jehovah will soon rid the world of poverty and depression. My prayers to God were finally answered!" Learning about Jehovah's ways helped Rafael to stop drinking, and he put on "the new personality." (Ephesians 4:24) He and his family were able to improve their standards of living. Says Rafael: "We may not be rich, and we do not own our own home, but we have the necessities of life, and we are happy."
Next time: When All Prayers Will Be Answered
The Watchtower, 2000
Although Jose' had a beautiful wife and a thriving business in Bolivia, he was unhappy. An extramarital affair caused his wife to leave him. He drank excessively and felt useless. Says Jose': "I began praying with all my heart, asking what I should do to please God. Soon Jehovah's Witnesses visited my business place offering free home Bible studies, but I dismissed them. This happened three time. Every time I prayed for help, there they were. Finally, I resolved that I would listen the next time. I had read the Bible through and had many questions, but they always had answers that satisfied me. Learning about Jehovah gave me a new purpose in life, and my friends among the Witnesses were such encouraging examples! I left my girlfriend and my drinking companions. Before long, I was back with my wife and children. I was baptized early in 1999."
In Italy, Tamara's marriage was in trouble,so she prayed for wisdom. She had developed an aggressive attitude, having been beaten and thrown out of the family at age 14. Says Tamara: "I found a Bible and began to read it. One evening, I read that 'finding wisdom is like finding hidden treasures.' I prayed for that wisdom. (Proverbs 2:1-6) The next morning, Jehovah's Witnesses called. I began studying the Bible with them, but it took me some time to put what I learned into practice. Finally, I decided to follow the Christian way of life and was baptized. Now, along with my husband, I help others to benefit from God's wisdom."
Beatriz had been part of high society in Caracas, Venezuela. Yet, she found herself divorced and distressed. Desperate, she once spent hours in prayer. The next morning, the doorbell rang. Irritated, she looked through the peep hold and saw two people with briefcases. She pretended not to be at home, but the before the couple left, they pushed a handbill under the door. "Know Your Bible," it said. could their visit be connected with her prayers the night before? She called for them to come back. Soon she was studying the Bible, and she later was baptized. Happy at last, Beatriz now teaches others about how to find happiness.
Carmen prayed concerning her struggle with poverty. She had ten children and a drunken husband, Rafael. "I tried to earn money washing clothes," said Carmen. but Rafael's drinking habit got worse. "It wasn't until we began studying the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses that my husband began to change. We learned of the Kingdom promise - that Jehovah will soon rid the world of poverty and depression. My prayers to God were finally answered!" Learning about Jehovah's ways helped Rafael to stop drinking, and he put on "the new personality." (Ephesians 4:24) He and his family were able to improve their standards of living. Says Rafael: "We may not be rich, and we do not own our own home, but we have the necessities of life, and we are happy."
Next time: When All Prayers Will Be Answered
The Watchtower, 2000
Prayer Can Solve Problems
Developing a close relationship with Jehovah will help us to solve problems. Notice how this was so in each of the following circumstances. They illustrate that those praying were able to strengthen their relationship with Jehovah.
In Brazil, a woman named Maria prayed to God for help. She had wanted to rebel against accepted standards of conduct partly because of the hypocrisy she saw in society. Mariah had even left her husband, children and home. She also started to use drugs. But when she failed to find happiness, she opened her heart to God and prayed for help.
Soon, two of Jehovah's Witnesses called and left with Maria an issue of The Watchtower containing material on the value of accepting divine guidance. It touched her heart, and she began studying the Bible with the Witnesses that very day. This ultimately led to the restoration of her family life. As she learned about Jehovah, she wanted to express her love for him. "I made changes for the better," said Maria. "My husband and family first objected to my study of the Bible. But as they saw the changes I was making, they began to encourage me." Later, Maria dedicated her life to the Hearer of prayer in order to serve him.
Next time: Conclusion of Prayer Can Solve Problems
The Watchtower, 2000
In Brazil, a woman named Maria prayed to God for help. She had wanted to rebel against accepted standards of conduct partly because of the hypocrisy she saw in society. Mariah had even left her husband, children and home. She also started to use drugs. But when she failed to find happiness, she opened her heart to God and prayed for help.
Soon, two of Jehovah's Witnesses called and left with Maria an issue of The Watchtower containing material on the value of accepting divine guidance. It touched her heart, and she began studying the Bible with the Witnesses that very day. This ultimately led to the restoration of her family life. As she learned about Jehovah, she wanted to express her love for him. "I made changes for the better," said Maria. "My husband and family first objected to my study of the Bible. But as they saw the changes I was making, they began to encourage me." Later, Maria dedicated her life to the Hearer of prayer in order to serve him.
Next time: Conclusion of Prayer Can Solve Problems
The Watchtower, 2000
2.13.2012
WHY Should You PRAY?
"YOU do ask, and yet you do not receive, because you are asking for a wrong purpose . . .Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you." (James 4:3, 8) Those words of Jesus' disciple James may well prompt us to consider our reasons for praying.
Prayer is not just a means of telling God what we need. In his famous Sermon on the mount, Jesus said: "Your Father knows what things you are needing before ever you ask him." Yet, Jesus also said: "Keep in asking, and it will be given you." (Matthew 6:8, 7:7) So Jehovah does want us to tell him what we feel we need. But there is much more to payer than that.
True friends do not communicate only when they need something. They are interested in each other, and their friendship grows when they express their feelings. Similarly, prayer has a greater purpose than merely asking for necessities. It affords opportunity to strengthen our relationship with Jehovah by expressing our heartfelt devotion to him.
Yes, God has granted us the privilege of prayer so that we might draw close to him. This can happen only if we express our own feelings to God instead of reciting memorized prayers. What a delight is is to talk to Jehovah in prayer! Moreover, a Bible proverb says: "The prayer of the upright ones is a pleasure to him." -Proverbs 15:8.
"As for me, the drawing near to God is good for me,"sang the psalmist Asaph. (Psalm 73:28) But to draw near to God, we must do more than pray. Notice how the following account indicates this:
"A certain one of [Jesus'] disciples said to him: 'Lord, teach us how to pray.' " Father, let your name be sanctified. Let your kingdom come.' " (Luke 11:1, 2) could we pray meaningfully int his way without first learning what God's name is and how it will be sanctified? and could we pray in harmony with these words of Jesus if we did not understand what God's Kingdom is? An understanding of these matters is available if we examine the Bible carefully. The knowledge thus gained will help us to know God and understand his ways. Furthermore, becoming acquainted with Jehovah God will make us feel closer and more devoted to him. In turn, this will help us to speak to him more freely in prayer.
Next time: Prayer Can Solve Problems
The Watchtower, 2000
Prayer is not just a means of telling God what we need. In his famous Sermon on the mount, Jesus said: "Your Father knows what things you are needing before ever you ask him." Yet, Jesus also said: "Keep in asking, and it will be given you." (Matthew 6:8, 7:7) So Jehovah does want us to tell him what we feel we need. But there is much more to payer than that.
True friends do not communicate only when they need something. They are interested in each other, and their friendship grows when they express their feelings. Similarly, prayer has a greater purpose than merely asking for necessities. It affords opportunity to strengthen our relationship with Jehovah by expressing our heartfelt devotion to him.
Yes, God has granted us the privilege of prayer so that we might draw close to him. This can happen only if we express our own feelings to God instead of reciting memorized prayers. What a delight is is to talk to Jehovah in prayer! Moreover, a Bible proverb says: "The prayer of the upright ones is a pleasure to him." -Proverbs 15:8.
"As for me, the drawing near to God is good for me,"sang the psalmist Asaph. (Psalm 73:28) But to draw near to God, we must do more than pray. Notice how the following account indicates this:
"A certain one of [Jesus'] disciples said to him: 'Lord, teach us how to pray.' " Father, let your name be sanctified. Let your kingdom come.' " (Luke 11:1, 2) could we pray meaningfully int his way without first learning what God's name is and how it will be sanctified? and could we pray in harmony with these words of Jesus if we did not understand what God's Kingdom is? An understanding of these matters is available if we examine the Bible carefully. The knowledge thus gained will help us to know God and understand his ways. Furthermore, becoming acquainted with Jehovah God will make us feel closer and more devoted to him. In turn, this will help us to speak to him more freely in prayer.
Next time: Prayer Can Solve Problems
The Watchtower, 2000
Are All Prayers Heard?
King David of ancient Israel was a man of prayer. As a divinely inspired psalmist, he sang: "O Hearer of prayer, even to you people of all flesh will come." (Psalm 65:2) Jehovah is able to understand prayers uttered in any of the thousands of languages spoken by mankind. The fact that no human mind could process so much information does not mean that God cannot pay attention to all who pray to him in an acceptable way.
Yet, Jesus Christ-also a man of prayer- revealed that not all prayers please God. Note what Jesus said about the then popular practice of repeating memorized prayers. According to the Catholic Jerusalem Bible, he stated: "In your prayers do not babble as the pagans do, for they think that by using so many words they will make themselves heard." (Matthew 6:7) We cannot expect Jehovah to listen to prayers that do not express our true feelings.
Indicating why some prayers do not please God, a Bible proverb says: "He that is turning his ear away from hearing the law-even his prayer is something detestable." (Proverbs 28:9) Another proverb says: "Jehovah is far away from the wicked ones, but the prayer of the righteous ones he hears." (Proverbs 15:29) At a time when the leaders of ancient Judah bore heavy guilt, Jehovah declared: "When you spread out your palms, I hide my eyes from you. Even though you make many prayers, I am not listening; with bloodshed your very hands have become filled." -Isaiah 1:1, 15.
The apostle Peter mentioned something else that could make prayers unacceptable to God. Peter wrote: "You husbands continue dwelling in like manner with [your wives] according to knowledge, assigning them honor as to a weaker vessel, the feminine one, since you are also heirs with them of the undeserved favor of life, in order for your prayers not to be hindered." ( 1 Peter 3:7) The prayers of a man who ignored such counsel might get no farther than the ceiling!
Clearly, certain requirements must be met if prayers are to be heard. However, many who pray show little concern about doing what God requires of us. That is why so much earnestness in prayer has not resulted in a better world. What, then, does God require for out prayers to be heard? The answer has to do with our very reason for praying. In fact, if we want to know whether prayers do any good, we must understand their purpose . Why has Jehovah made it possible for us to speak to him?
Next time: WHY Should You PRAY?
The Watchtower, 2000
Yet, Jesus Christ-also a man of prayer- revealed that not all prayers please God. Note what Jesus said about the then popular practice of repeating memorized prayers. According to the Catholic Jerusalem Bible, he stated: "In your prayers do not babble as the pagans do, for they think that by using so many words they will make themselves heard." (Matthew 6:7) We cannot expect Jehovah to listen to prayers that do not express our true feelings.
Indicating why some prayers do not please God, a Bible proverb says: "He that is turning his ear away from hearing the law-even his prayer is something detestable." (Proverbs 28:9) Another proverb says: "Jehovah is far away from the wicked ones, but the prayer of the righteous ones he hears." (Proverbs 15:29) At a time when the leaders of ancient Judah bore heavy guilt, Jehovah declared: "When you spread out your palms, I hide my eyes from you. Even though you make many prayers, I am not listening; with bloodshed your very hands have become filled." -Isaiah 1:1, 15.
The apostle Peter mentioned something else that could make prayers unacceptable to God. Peter wrote: "You husbands continue dwelling in like manner with [your wives] according to knowledge, assigning them honor as to a weaker vessel, the feminine one, since you are also heirs with them of the undeserved favor of life, in order for your prayers not to be hindered." ( 1 Peter 3:7) The prayers of a man who ignored such counsel might get no farther than the ceiling!
Clearly, certain requirements must be met if prayers are to be heard. However, many who pray show little concern about doing what God requires of us. That is why so much earnestness in prayer has not resulted in a better world. What, then, does God require for out prayers to be heard? The answer has to do with our very reason for praying. In fact, if we want to know whether prayers do any good, we must understand their purpose . Why has Jehovah made it possible for us to speak to him?
Next time: WHY Should You PRAY?
The Watchtower, 2000
2.12.2012
Does Anyone Hear Prayers?
Prayers cannot do any real good unless they are heard. When a person prays, he evidently believes that someone in the invisible spirit realm hears. However, prayers are not transmitted by mere sound waves. Many people believe that someone can even read the thoughts of the one praying. Who might that be?
Just how thoughts originate in the billions of neurons that compose the cerebral cortex of our brain is largely a mystery to researchers. Reasonably, though, the One who designed the brain can read such thoughts. That one is none other than our Creator,Jehovah God. (Psalm 83:18; Revelation 4:11) Prayers should be directed to him. But does Jehovah pay attention to all such prayers?
Next time: Are All Prayers Heard?
The Watchtower, 2000
Just how thoughts originate in the billions of neurons that compose the cerebral cortex of our brain is largely a mystery to researchers. Reasonably, though, the One who designed the brain can read such thoughts. That one is none other than our Creator,Jehovah God. (Psalm 83:18; Revelation 4:11) Prayers should be directed to him. But does Jehovah pay attention to all such prayers?
Next time: Are All Prayers Heard?
The Watchtower, 2000
Does PRAYING Do Any GOOD?
AT ONE time or another, nearly everyone feels the need to pray. In fact, people of almost every religious persuasion pray earnestly. For instance, thousands of times a day, a Buddhist may repeat the prayer "I place my faith in Amida Buddha."
Why Do People Pray?
Many Orientals pray to their ancestors and to the gods of Shinto or Tao. They do so in hopes of passing examinations in schools, reaping good crops, or warding of diseases. By their efforts, Buddhists hope to gain enlightenment. Hindus pray devoutly to their favorite gods and goddesses for knowledge, wealth and protection.
Some Catholics hope to benefit mankind by devoting their lives as monks or nuns in closed monasteries or convents, praying continually. Millions of Catholics seek favors from Mary by saying memorized prayers, perhaps with the aid of rosary beads. In Oriental lands, many people use prayer wheels. Protestants repeat the words of the Lord's Prayer, though they may also express their feelings to God spontaneously. Many Jews travel great distances to pray at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, hoping for restoration of the temple and a new age of prosperity and peace. Though Millions exert themselves in prayer, human society is increasingly plagued with problems of poverty, addiction, broken families, crime and war. Could it be that all these people are not praying in the right way? (that is part of it, prayer does work, it has for me, because I am a real believer and have faith that God will answer) For that matter, does anyone really hear prayers?
Next time: Does Anyone Hear Prayers?
The Watchtower, 2000
Why Do People Pray?
Many Orientals pray to their ancestors and to the gods of Shinto or Tao. They do so in hopes of passing examinations in schools, reaping good crops, or warding of diseases. By their efforts, Buddhists hope to gain enlightenment. Hindus pray devoutly to their favorite gods and goddesses for knowledge, wealth and protection.
Some Catholics hope to benefit mankind by devoting their lives as monks or nuns in closed monasteries or convents, praying continually. Millions of Catholics seek favors from Mary by saying memorized prayers, perhaps with the aid of rosary beads. In Oriental lands, many people use prayer wheels. Protestants repeat the words of the Lord's Prayer, though they may also express their feelings to God spontaneously. Many Jews travel great distances to pray at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, hoping for restoration of the temple and a new age of prosperity and peace. Though Millions exert themselves in prayer, human society is increasingly plagued with problems of poverty, addiction, broken families, crime and war. Could it be that all these people are not praying in the right way? (that is part of it, prayer does work, it has for me, because I am a real believer and have faith that God will answer) For that matter, does anyone really hear prayers?
Next time: Does Anyone Hear Prayers?
The Watchtower, 2000
2.11.2012
"A Vineyard of Foaming Wine"
In view of all this light from Jehovah, do we not have every reason to rejoice? Yes, indeed! Isaiah beautifully describes the joy of Jehovah's people when he writes: "In that day sing to her, you people: 'A vineyard of foaming wine! I, Jehovah, am safeguarding her. Every moment I shall water her. In order that no one may turn his attention against her, I shall safeguard her even night and day.' " (Isaiah 27:2, 3) Jehovah has cared for his"vineyard," the remnant of the Israel of God, and for their hardworking associates. (John 15:1-8) The result has been fruitage that brings glory to his name and causes great rejoicing among his servants on earth.
We can be thrilled that Jehovah's earlier anger against his anointed servants-because of which he allowed them to go into spiritual captivity in 1918-has ceased. Jehovah himself says: "There is no rage that I have. Who will give me thornbushes and weeds in battle? I will step on such. I will set such on fire at the same time. Otherwise let him take hold of my stronghold, let him make peace with me; peace let him make with me." (Isaiah 27:4, 5) To ensure that his vines continue to produce an abundance of "foaming wine," Jehovah crushes and consumes any weedlike influence that could corrupt them. Hence, let no one endanger the welfare of the Christian congregation! let all 'take hold of Jehovah's stronghold,' seeking his favor and protection. In so doing, we make peace with God-something of such importance that Isaiah mentions it twice. -Psalm 85:1, 2, 8; Romans 5:1.
The blessings continue: "In the coming days Jacob will take root, Israel will put forth blossoms and actually sprout; and they will simply fill the surface of the productive land with produce." (Isaiah 27:6) This verse has been fulfilled since 1919, providing wonderful evidence of Jehovah's power. Anointed Christians have filled the earth with "produce," nourishing spiritual food. In the midst of a corrupt world, they joyfully preserve God's elevated standards. And Jehovah continues to bless them with increase. As a result, their millions of companions, the other sheep, "are rendering [God] sacred service day and night." (Revelation 7:15) May we never lose sight of the grand privilege of partaking of "produce" and sharing it with others!
In these critical times, when darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the national groups, are we not thankful that Jehovah sheds spiritual light upon his people? (Isaiah 60:2; Romans 2:19; 13:12) For all who accept it, such light means peace of mind and joy now and nothing less than everlasting life in the future. With good reason, then,we who love the light lift up; our hearts in praise to Jehovah and say with the psalmist: "Jehovah is the stronghold of my life. Of whom shall I be in dread? Hope in Jehovah; be courageous and let your heart be strong. Yes, hope in Jehovah." -Psalm 27:1b, 14.
Next time:Does Praying Do Any Good?
The Watchtower,2000
We can be thrilled that Jehovah's earlier anger against his anointed servants-because of which he allowed them to go into spiritual captivity in 1918-has ceased. Jehovah himself says: "There is no rage that I have. Who will give me thornbushes and weeds in battle? I will step on such. I will set such on fire at the same time. Otherwise let him take hold of my stronghold, let him make peace with me; peace let him make with me." (Isaiah 27:4, 5) To ensure that his vines continue to produce an abundance of "foaming wine," Jehovah crushes and consumes any weedlike influence that could corrupt them. Hence, let no one endanger the welfare of the Christian congregation! let all 'take hold of Jehovah's stronghold,' seeking his favor and protection. In so doing, we make peace with God-something of such importance that Isaiah mentions it twice. -Psalm 85:1, 2, 8; Romans 5:1.
The blessings continue: "In the coming days Jacob will take root, Israel will put forth blossoms and actually sprout; and they will simply fill the surface of the productive land with produce." (Isaiah 27:6) This verse has been fulfilled since 1919, providing wonderful evidence of Jehovah's power. Anointed Christians have filled the earth with "produce," nourishing spiritual food. In the midst of a corrupt world, they joyfully preserve God's elevated standards. And Jehovah continues to bless them with increase. As a result, their millions of companions, the other sheep, "are rendering [God] sacred service day and night." (Revelation 7:15) May we never lose sight of the grand privilege of partaking of "produce" and sharing it with others!
In these critical times, when darkness covers the earth and gross darkness the national groups, are we not thankful that Jehovah sheds spiritual light upon his people? (Isaiah 60:2; Romans 2:19; 13:12) For all who accept it, such light means peace of mind and joy now and nothing less than everlasting life in the future. With good reason, then,we who love the light lift up; our hearts in praise to Jehovah and say with the psalmist: "Jehovah is the stronghold of my life. Of whom shall I be in dread? Hope in Jehovah; be courageous and let your heart be strong. Yes, hope in Jehovah." -Psalm 27:1b, 14.
Next time:Does Praying Do Any Good?
The Watchtower,2000
Protection in Dangerous Times
Jehovah's servants always need his protection. Soon, though, he will stretch out his hand for the last time against Satan's world, and his worshipers will need his help as never before. (1 John 5:19) Regarding that dangerous time, Jehovah warns us: "Go, my people, enter into your interior rooms, and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourself for but a moment until the denunciation passes over. For, look! Jehovah is coming forth from his place to call account the error of the inhabitant of the land against him,and the land will certainly expose her bloodshed and will no longer cover over her killed ones." (Isaiah 26:20, 21; Zephaniah 1:14) This warning showed the Jews how to survive the fall of Babylon in 539 B.C.E. Those who heeded it would have stayed in their houses,m safe from the conquering soldiers out in the streets.
Today, the "interior rooms" of the prophecy likely have to do with the tens of thousands of congregations of Jehovah's people around the world. Such congregations are a protection even now, a place where Christians find safety among their brothers , under the loving care of the elders. (Isaiah 32:1, 2; Hebrews 10:24, 25) This is especially true in view of the nearness of the end of this system of things when survival will depend on obedience. -Zephaniah 2:3.
Regarding that time, Isaiah prophesies: "In that day Jehovah, with his hard and great and strong sword, will turn his attention to Leviathan, the gliding serpent,even to Leviathan, the crooked serpent,and he will certainly kill the monster that is in the sea." (Isaiah 27:1) What is the modern-day "Leviathan"? Apparently, it is "the original serpent," Satan himself, along with his wicked system of things, which he uses to wage war against the Israel of God. (Revelation 12:9, 10, 17; 13:14, 16, 17) In 1919, Leviathan lost its hold on God's people. In time, it will disappear altogether. (Revelation 19:19-21; 20:1-3, 10) Thus, Jehovah will "kill the sea monster." Meantime, nothing that Leviathan may try against Jehovah's people will have lasting success. (Isaiah 54:17) How comforting to be assured of that!
Next time: "A Vineyard of Foaming Wine"
The Watchtower, 2001
Today, the "interior rooms" of the prophecy likely have to do with the tens of thousands of congregations of Jehovah's people around the world. Such congregations are a protection even now, a place where Christians find safety among their brothers , under the loving care of the elders. (Isaiah 32:1, 2; Hebrews 10:24, 25) This is especially true in view of the nearness of the end of this system of things when survival will depend on obedience. -Zephaniah 2:3.
Regarding that time, Isaiah prophesies: "In that day Jehovah, with his hard and great and strong sword, will turn his attention to Leviathan, the gliding serpent,even to Leviathan, the crooked serpent,and he will certainly kill the monster that is in the sea." (Isaiah 27:1) What is the modern-day "Leviathan"? Apparently, it is "the original serpent," Satan himself, along with his wicked system of things, which he uses to wage war against the Israel of God. (Revelation 12:9, 10, 17; 13:14, 16, 17) In 1919, Leviathan lost its hold on God's people. In time, it will disappear altogether. (Revelation 19:19-21; 20:1-3, 10) Thus, Jehovah will "kill the sea monster." Meantime, nothing that Leviathan may try against Jehovah's people will have lasting success. (Isaiah 54:17) How comforting to be assured of that!
Next time: "A Vineyard of Foaming Wine"
The Watchtower, 2001
2.10.2012
"You Have Added to the Nation"
God blessed the repentant spirit of his anointed servants in 1919 and gave them increase. First attention was given to gathering the final members of the Israel of God, and then "a great crowd" of "other sheep" began to be gathered . (Revelation 7:9; John 10:16) These blessings were foretold in Isaiah's prophecy: "You have added to the nation; O Jehovah, you have added to the nation; You have glorified yourself. You have extended afar all the borders of the land. O Jehovah, during distress they have turned their attention to you; they have poured out a whisper of prayer when they had your disciplining." -Isaiah 26:15, 16.
Today, the borders of the Israel of God have spread around the earth, and the great crowd that has been added now numbers some six million enthusiastic sharers in the work of preaching the good news. (Matthew 24:14) What a blessing from Jehovah! And what glory this brings to his name! That name is heard today in 235 lands - a wonderful fulfillment of his promise.
Judah needed Jehovah's help to escape from captivity in Babylon. They could not have done it on their own. (Isaiah 26:17, 18) Similarly, the liberation of the Israel of God in 1919 was proof of Jehovah's support. It could not have happened without him. And so startling was the change in their condition that Isaiah likens it to a resurrection: "Your dead ones will live. A corpse of mine-they will rise up. Awake and cry out joyfully, you residents in the dust! For your dew is as the dew of mallows, and the earth itself will let even those impotent in death drop in birth." (Isaiah 26:19; Revelation 11:7-11) Yes, those impotent in death would, as it were be reborn for renewed activity!
Next time: Protection in Dangerous Times
The Watchtower, 2001
Today, the borders of the Israel of God have spread around the earth, and the great crowd that has been added now numbers some six million enthusiastic sharers in the work of preaching the good news. (Matthew 24:14) What a blessing from Jehovah! And what glory this brings to his name! That name is heard today in 235 lands - a wonderful fulfillment of his promise.
Judah needed Jehovah's help to escape from captivity in Babylon. They could not have done it on their own. (Isaiah 26:17, 18) Similarly, the liberation of the Israel of God in 1919 was proof of Jehovah's support. It could not have happened without him. And so startling was the change in their condition that Isaiah likens it to a resurrection: "Your dead ones will live. A corpse of mine-they will rise up. Awake and cry out joyfully, you residents in the dust! For your dew is as the dew of mallows, and the earth itself will let even those impotent in death drop in birth." (Isaiah 26:19; Revelation 11:7-11) Yes, those impotent in death would, as it were be reborn for renewed activity!
Next time: Protection in Dangerous Times
The Watchtower, 2001
Some Choose the Darkness
Jehovah showed great loving-kindness to Judah, but unhappily not all responded Frequently, the majority chose rebellion and apostasy rather than the light of Jehovah's truth. Isaiah said: "Though the wicked one should be shown favor, he simply will not learn righteousness. In the land of straightforwardness he will act unjustly and will not see the eminence of Jehovah." - Isaiah 26:10.
In Isaiah's day when Jehovah's hand protected Judah against her enhemies, the majority refused to recognize this. When he blessed them with his peace, the nation showed no gratitude. Hence, Jehoah abandoned then to serve "other masters," finally letting the Jews be taken off into captivity in Babylon in 607 B.C.E. (Isaiah 26:11-13) Still, eventually a remnant of the nation returned, chastened, to their homeland.
What about Judah's captors? Isaiah prophetically answers: "They are dead; they will not live. Impotent in death, they will not rise up. Therefore you have turned your attention that you might annihilate them and destroy all mention of them." (Isaiah 26:14) Yes, after her fall in 539 B.C.E., Babylon had no future. In time, the city would be no more. She would be "impotent in death," and her huge empire consigned to the history books. What a warning for those who hope in the powerful ones of this world!
Aspects of this prophecy had a fulfillment when God allowed his anointed servants to go into spiritual captivity in 1918 and then liberated them in 1919. From that point on, the future of their former captor, principally Christendom, was bleak. But the blessings in store for Jehovah's people were rich indeed.
Next time: "You Have Added to the Nation"
The Watchtower, 2001
In Isaiah's day when Jehovah's hand protected Judah against her enhemies, the majority refused to recognize this. When he blessed them with his peace, the nation showed no gratitude. Hence, Jehoah abandoned then to serve "other masters," finally letting the Jews be taken off into captivity in Babylon in 607 B.C.E. (Isaiah 26:11-13) Still, eventually a remnant of the nation returned, chastened, to their homeland.
What about Judah's captors? Isaiah prophetically answers: "They are dead; they will not live. Impotent in death, they will not rise up. Therefore you have turned your attention that you might annihilate them and destroy all mention of them." (Isaiah 26:14) Yes, after her fall in 539 B.C.E., Babylon had no future. In time, the city would be no more. She would be "impotent in death," and her huge empire consigned to the history books. What a warning for those who hope in the powerful ones of this world!
Aspects of this prophecy had a fulfillment when God allowed his anointed servants to go into spiritual captivity in 1918 and then liberated them in 1919. From that point on, the future of their former captor, principally Christendom, was bleak. But the blessings in store for Jehovah's people were rich indeed.
Next time: "You Have Added to the Nation"
The Watchtower, 2001
2.09.2012
"The Path of the Righteous One is Uprightness"
Jehovah provides salvation for those who turn to his light, and he guides their path as Isaiah next shows: "The path of the righteous is uprightness. You being upright, you will smooth out the very course of a righteous one. Yes, for the path of your judgments, O Jehovah, we have hoped in you. For your name and for your memorial the desire of the soul has been." (Isaiah 26:7, 8) Jehovah is a righteous God, and those who worship him must observe his righteous standards. When they do, Jehovah guides them, smoothing their course. By heeding his guidance, these meek ones show that they hope in Jehovah and wholeheartedly cherish his name-his "memorial." -Exodus 3:15.
Isiah cherished Jehovah's name. That is evident from his next words: "With my soul I have desired you in the night; yes, with my spirit within me I keep looking for you; because, when there are judgments from you for the earth, righteousness is what the inhabitants of the productive land will certainly learn." (Isaiah 26:9) Isaiah desired Jehovah 'with his soul'-with his whole being. Picture the prophet using the quiet times of the night to pray to Jehovah, expressing his deepest thoughts and ardently seeking Jehovah's guidance. What a fine example! Moreover, Isaiah learned righteousness from Jehovah's judgment acts. In this, he reminds us of the need for constant vigilance, keeping alert to discern Jehovah's will.
Next time: Some Choose the Darkness
The Watchtower, 2001
Isiah cherished Jehovah's name. That is evident from his next words: "With my soul I have desired you in the night; yes, with my spirit within me I keep looking for you; because, when there are judgments from you for the earth, righteousness is what the inhabitants of the productive land will certainly learn." (Isaiah 26:9) Isaiah desired Jehovah 'with his soul'-with his whole being. Picture the prophet using the quiet times of the night to pray to Jehovah, expressing his deepest thoughts and ardently seeking Jehovah's guidance. What a fine example! Moreover, Isaiah learned righteousness from Jehovah's judgment acts. In this, he reminds us of the need for constant vigilance, keeping alert to discern Jehovah's will.
Next time: Some Choose the Darkness
The Watchtower, 2001
Humiliation for God's Enemies
What if those who trust in Jehovah suffer tribulation? They need not fear. Jehovah allows such things for a time, but eventually he brings relief, and those causing the tribulation face his judgment. ( 2 Thessalonians 1:4-7; 2 Timothy 1:8-10) Consider the case of a certain "elevated town." Isaiah says: "[Jehovah] has laid low those inhabiting the height, the elevated town. He abases it, he abases it to the earth; he brings it in touch with the dust. The foot will trample it down, the feet of the afflicted one, the steps of the lowly ones." (Isaiah 26:5, 6) The elevated town here mentioned may be Babylon. That city certainly afflicted God's people. But what happened to Babylon? In 539 B.C.E., it fell to the Medes and the Persians. What an abasement!
In our day Isaiah's prophetic words well describe what happened to "Babylon the Great" since 1919. That elevated town suffered a humiliating fall in that year when it was forced to release Jehovah's people from spiritual captivity. (Revelation 14:8) What occurred next was even more humiliating. That small band of Christians turned to 'trampling down' their captor. In 1922 they began to announce the coming end of Christendom, publicizing the four angelic trumpet blasts of Revelation 8:7-12 and the three woes foretold at Revelation 9:1-11:15.
Next time: "The Path of the Righteous One Is Uprightness"
The Watchtower, 2001
In our day Isaiah's prophetic words well describe what happened to "Babylon the Great" since 1919. That elevated town suffered a humiliating fall in that year when it was forced to release Jehovah's people from spiritual captivity. (Revelation 14:8) What occurred next was even more humiliating. That small band of Christians turned to 'trampling down' their captor. In 1922 they began to announce the coming end of Christendom, publicizing the four angelic trumpet blasts of Revelation 8:7-12 and the three woes foretold at Revelation 9:1-11:15.
Next time: "The Path of the Righteous One Is Uprightness"
The Watchtower, 2001
2.08.2012
The Happiness of Those in the Light
"We have a strong city. [God] sets salvation itself for walls and rampart. Open the gates, you men, that the righteous nation that is keeping faithful conduct may enter." (Isaiah 26:1, 2) These are the exultant words of people who trusted in Jehovah. Faithful Jews in Isaiah's day looked to Jehovah, not to the false gods of their fellow countrymen,a s the only real Source of security. Today, we have the same confidence. Moreover, we love Jehovah's "righteous nation" -"the Israel of God." (Galatians 6:16; Matthew 21:43) Jehovah too loves this nation because of its faithful conduct. With his blessing, the Israel of God has 'a strong city," a city like organization that supports and protects it.
Those within this "city" are well aware that "the inclination that is well supported [Jehovah] will safeguard in continuous peace, because it is in [Jehovah] that one is made to trust." Jehovah supports those mentally inclined to trust in his righteous principles. Thus, the faithful ones in Judah heeded Isaiah's exhortation: "Trust in Jehovah, you people, for all times, for in Jah Jehovah is the Rock of times indefinite." (Isaiah 26:3, 4; Psalm 9:10; 37:3; Proverbs 3:5) Those with that mind-set look to "Jah Jehovah" as the only secure Rock. They enjoy "continuous peace" with him. -Philippians 1:2; 4:6, 7.
Next time: Humiliation for God's Enemies
The Watchtower, 2001
Those within this "city" are well aware that "the inclination that is well supported [Jehovah] will safeguard in continuous peace, because it is in [Jehovah] that one is made to trust." Jehovah supports those mentally inclined to trust in his righteous principles. Thus, the faithful ones in Judah heeded Isaiah's exhortation: "Trust in Jehovah, you people, for all times, for in Jah Jehovah is the Rock of times indefinite." (Isaiah 26:3, 4; Psalm 9:10; 37:3; Proverbs 3:5) Those with that mind-set look to "Jah Jehovah" as the only secure Rock. They enjoy "continuous peace" with him. -Philippians 1:2; 4:6, 7.
Next time: Humiliation for God's Enemies
The Watchtower, 2001
SALVATION FOR THOSE WHO CHOOSE THE LIGHT
"Jehovah is my light and my salvation, of whom shall I be in fear?" -Psalm 27:1.
JEHOVAH is the Source of the sunlight that makes life possible on earth. (Genesis 1:2, 14) He is also the Creator of spiritual light, which dispels the death-dealing darkness of Satan's world. (Isaiah 60:2; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Ephesians 5:8-11; 6:12) Those who choose the light can say with the psalmist: "Jehovah is my light and my salvation. Of whom shall I be in fear?" (Psalm 27:1a) However, as happened in Jesus' time, those who prefer the darkness can only expect an unfavorable judgment. -John 1:9-11; 3:19-21, 36.
In the days of Isaiah, most of Jehovah's covenant people rejected the light. as a result, Isaiah saw the destruction of the northern kingdom of Israel as a nation. And in 607 B.C.E., Jerusalem and its temple were destroyed and the inhabitants of Judah carried off into exile. However, those who listened to Jehovah's word were strengthened to resist apostasy of those days. Regarding 607 B.C.E., Jehovah promised that those who listened to him would survive. (Jeremiah 21:8, 9) Today, we who love the light can learn much from what happened back then. -Ephesians 5:5.
Next time: The Happiness of Those in the Light
The Watchtower, 2001
JEHOVAH is the Source of the sunlight that makes life possible on earth. (Genesis 1:2, 14) He is also the Creator of spiritual light, which dispels the death-dealing darkness of Satan's world. (Isaiah 60:2; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Ephesians 5:8-11; 6:12) Those who choose the light can say with the psalmist: "Jehovah is my light and my salvation. Of whom shall I be in fear?" (Psalm 27:1a) However, as happened in Jesus' time, those who prefer the darkness can only expect an unfavorable judgment. -John 1:9-11; 3:19-21, 36.
In the days of Isaiah, most of Jehovah's covenant people rejected the light. as a result, Isaiah saw the destruction of the northern kingdom of Israel as a nation. And in 607 B.C.E., Jerusalem and its temple were destroyed and the inhabitants of Judah carried off into exile. However, those who listened to Jehovah's word were strengthened to resist apostasy of those days. Regarding 607 B.C.E., Jehovah promised that those who listened to him would survive. (Jeremiah 21:8, 9) Today, we who love the light can learn much from what happened back then. -Ephesians 5:5.
Next time: The Happiness of Those in the Light
The Watchtower, 2001
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