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