"Let There Be No SIlence on Your Part"

The figurative new name given by Jehovah makes his people feel secure.  They know that he acknowledges them and that they are owned by him.  Now using a different illustration, Jehovah speaks to his people as to a walled city:  "Upon your walls, O Jerusalem, I have commissioned watchmen.  All day long and all night long, constantly, let them not keep still.  You who are making mention of Jehovah, let there be no silence on your part,  and do not give him any silence until he fixes solidly, yes, until he sets Jerusalem as a praise in the earth." (Isaiah 62:6, 7)  In Jehovah's due time after the return of the faithful remnant from Babylon, Jerusalem does become "a praise in the earth"-a walled city providing safety to her inhabitants. Day and night, watchmen on those walls are alert to ensure the security of the city and to relay warning messages to her citizens. -Nehemiah 6:15; 7:3;  Isaiah 52:8. 

In modern times Jehovah has used his anointed watchmen to show meek ones the way to freedom from bondage to false religion.  These ones have been invited to come within his organization, where they find protection from spiritual contamination, ungodly influences, and Jehovah's displeasure.  (Jeremiah 33:9; Zephaniah 3:19)  Vital to such protection is the role of the watchmen class, "the faithful and discreet slave," which provides  spiritual "food at the proper time."  (Matthew 24:45-47) Working with the watchmen class, the "great crowd" also plays a significant role in making Zion "a praise in the earth." -Revelation 7:9.

 The service of the watchmen class and their companions continues!  Their whole-souled attitude is seen in the zealous activity of millions of faithful individuals supported by traveling overseers and their wives; volunteers in the various Bethel homes and printing facilities of Jehovah's Witnesses; missionaries; and special, regular, and auxiliary pioneers.  In addition, they work hard in constructing new Kingdom Halls, visiting the sick, assisting individuals who face challenging medical situations,  and providing timely relief of disasters and accidents. Many of these self-sacrificing individuals often serve literally "day and night"! -Revelation 7:14, 15.

Jehovah's servants are encouraged to pray without ceasing to ask God that his "will take place, as in heaven, also upon the earth."  (Matthew 6:9, 10; 1 Thessalonians  5:17)  They are exhorted:  "Do not give [Jehovah]any silence" until the desires and hopes regarding the restoration of true worship are granted.  Jesus stressed the need to pray constantly, urging his followers to "cry out to [God] day and night." -Luke 18:1-8.

Next time: Service to God Will Be Rewarded

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