"This Is the Way You Approved"

Conclusion of A SIMPLER EXPLANATION OF BIBLE ACCOUNTS

Over the years, Jehovah has  helped "the faithful and discreet slave" to become more discreet, or cautious. In what way? Now the faithful slave is careful to say that a Bible account  represents something greater only when there is a clear Scriptural reason to do so.  Some older explanations about types and anti-types were difficult to understand, to remember, and to apply. Most important, when too much focus was put on the possible greater meanings of Bible accounts, the  moral or practical lessons were lost. So, today our literature focuses  more on simple, practical lessons about faith, endurance, godly devotion, and other valuable qualities that we can learn from Bible accounts. 

Our understanding of the account of Naboth is clearer and simpler now. Naboth did not die because he represented Jesus or the anointed. Instead, he died because he  was determined to stay faithful  to God. He remained obedient to Jehovah's Law despite severe persecution from a powerful  ruler.  (Numbers 36:7; 1 Kings 21:3) What a good example for all of God's servants today who may  have to endure similar persecution. (Read 2 Timothy 3:12) All Christians can understand, remember, and apply that lesson and strengthen their faith.

Should we conclude that Bible accounts have only practical lessons and no other meaning? No. But instead of explaining some Bible accounts as types and anti-types, our publications now focus more on how one Bible account relates to another. For example. Naboth's integrity despite persecution and death does remind us of the integrity of Christ and the anointed. However, we are also reminded of the integrity of many of the "other sheep." We can clearly see how Jehovah is teaching us in a simple way.

Next time: "This Is the Way You Approved - A SIMPLER EXPLANATION OF JESUS' ILLUSTRATIONS

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015