Conclusion of "The Year of Goodwill"

There is a timetable for preaching the good news, Jesus and his followers were commissioned:   "Proclaim the year of goodwill on the part of Jehovah and the day of vengeance  on the part of our God; to comfort  all the mourning ones."  (Isaiah 61:2)  A year is a long time, but it has  a beginning and an end.  Jehovah's "year of goodwill" is the period during which he gives meek ones the opportunity to respond to his proclamation of freedom. 

In the first century, the year of goodwill for the Jewish nation started  in 29 C.E. when Jesus began his earthly ministry. He told the Jews:  "Repent, you people, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near."  (Matthew 4:17) That year of goodwill lasted until "the day of vengeance"  of Jehovah, which climaxed in 70 C.E. when Jehovah allowed the Roman armies to destroy Jerusalem and its temple.  (Matthew 24:3-22) We today are living in another year of goodwill, one that began  with the establishment of God's Kingdom int he heavens in 1914.  This year of goodwill will conclude with another, more widespread day of vengeance when Jehovah brings about the destruction of this entire world system of things at the "great tribulation." -Matthew 24:21.

Who today benefit from God's year of goodwill? Those who accept the message, demonstrate meekness, and zealously support the proclamation of God's Kingdom in "all the nations."  (Mark 13:10)  such ones find that the good news brings real comfort.  However, those who reject the message, refusing to take advantage of Jehovah's year of goodwill, will soon have to face the reality of his day of vengeance. -2 Thessalonians 1:6-9.

Next time: Spiritual Fruitage That Glorifies God

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, Volume II, 2001