CULTIVATE OBEDIENCE AS THE END DRAWS NEAR

Blessed for Obeying God's "Steward"

Jehovah has always provided teachers for his people. For example, after the Jews returned from Babylon, Ezra and a number of other qualified men did not just read God's Law to the people, they "expounded" that law, 'putting meaning into it and giving understanding of God's Word. -Nehemiah 8:8. 

In the first century, when the issue of circumcision arose in 49 C.E., the governing body of that early slave class prayerfully considered the matter and came to a Scriptural conclusion.  When they announced their decision by letter, the congregations obeyed the direction given and enjoyed God's rich blessing.  (Acts 15:6-15, 22-29; 16:4, 5 ) Likewise in modern times, the faithful slave through its Governing Body has clarified such important issues as Christian  neutrality, the sanctity of blood, and the use of drugs and tobacco.  (Isaiah 2:4; Acts 21:25; 2 Corinthians 7:1)  Jehovah blessed his people for their obedience to his Word and the faithful slave.

By admitting to the slave class, God's people also show their subjection to the Master, Jesus Christ. Such subjection has taken on additional significance in modern times because of Jesus' enlarged authority, as foretold in Jacob's deathbed prophecy. 

Next time: CULTIVATE OBEDIENCE AS THE END DRAWS NEAR - Shiloh Becomes Earth's Rightful Ruler

From the Watchtower magazine, 2002