Holy Spirit at Work Today

A primary reason that God's word prevailed today is that Jehovah's spirit is powerfully at work, just as it was in the first century. Jesus said: "No man can come to me unless the Father, who sent me, draws him." (John 6:44)  These words suggest that God gently attracts those who are rightly disposed, making an appeal to their hearts.  By means of the preaching activity of his Witnesses, Jehovah is drawing out for his service "the desirable things of all the nations"-the meek, sheeplike people of the earth. -Haggai 2:6, 7.

No only has holy spirit empowered God's people to carry the word of God to the most distant part of the earth; it has moved people of all sorts to respond to the good news. Truly, those who have embraced God's word have come from "every tribe and tongue and people and nation." (Revelation 5:9; 7:9, 10)  They are to be found among rich and poor, the highly educated and the illiterate. Some have accepted the word under conditions of war and harsh persecution, while others have done so during times of peace and prosperity. Under every type of government, in all cultures, from concentration camps to palaces, men and women have responded favorably to the good news. 

Despite the amazing diversity of God's people, they dwell in unity with one another. (Psalm 133:1-3)  This adds to the evidence that holy spirit is at work in the lives of those serving God.  His spirit is a powerful force for good that enables his servants to displace love, joy, peace, kindness, and other appealing qualities. (Galatians 5:22, 23) Today, we clearly discern what the prophet Malachi foretold long ago:  "You people will . . .see the distinction between one serving God and one who has not served him." -Malachi 3:18. 

Next time: God's Word Prevails in Zealous Workers

From the Watchtower magazine, 2001