Why Does God Have an Organization?

1.Why did God organize Israel?

     God organized descendants of the patriarch Abraham into a nation and gave them a body  of laws.  He called the nation "Israel" and made it the custodiaqn of true worship and of his word.  (Psalm 147:19, 20) So people of all nations could benefit from Israel. Read Genesis 22:18. 

    God chose the Israelites to be his witnesses.  Their ancient history provides a demonstration of how people benefit  by obeying God's Laws.  (Deuteronomy 4:6)  Thus, through the Israelites , others could get to know the true God. Read Isaiah 43:10, 12.

2. Why are true Christians organized?

      In time, Israel lost God's favor, and Jehovah replaced that nation with the Christian congregation.  (Matthew 21:43; 23:37, 38) This work is reaching its climax now, in the conclusion of the present system of things. For the first time in history, Jehovah has united millions from all nations in true worship.  (Revelation 7:9, 10) True Christians are organized  to encourage and help one another. Worldwide, they enjoy the same program of Bible instruction at their meetings.  Read Hebrews 10:24, 25. 


3. How did the modern-day organization of Jehovah's Witnesses begin?

      In the 1870's a small group of Bible students began rediscovering lost-lost Bible truths. they knew that Jesus had organized the Christian congregation  to preach, so they began  an international Kingdom preaching campaign. In 1931 they adopted  the name Jehovah's Witnesses. Read Acts 1:8; 2:1, 4; 5:42. 

4. How are Jehovah's Witnesses organized?

      In the first century, the Christian congregaton in many lands benefited from a central governing body that recognized Jesus as the Head of the organization .  (Acts 16:4, 5)  Similarly today, Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide benefit from a Governing Body of experienced elders. It oversees branch offices of Jehovah's Witnesses that translate,  print, and distribute Bible-study material in over 6000 languages.  Thus the Governing Body can provide Scriptural encouragement and direction for over 100,000 congregations worldwide.  In each congregation, qualified men served as elders, or overseers.  These men lovingly care for God's flock. Read 1 Peter 5:2, 3.

     Jehovah's Witnesses are organized to preach the good news and make disciples. Like the apostles, we preach from house to house.  (Acts 20:20) We also offer to study the Bible with sincere lovers of truth. But Jehovah's Witnesses are not just an organization. We are a family with a loving Father. We are brothers and sisters  who care for one another.  (2 Thessalonians 1:3) Since Jehovah's people are organized to please God and to help others, they form the happiest family on earth. Read Psalm 33:12; Acts 20:35. 

Next time: Why Should You Continue?

From the Awake! magazine, 2014