Jehovah Is the God of Love

KINGDOM RULERSHIP NOW IN ACTION

God's love for mankind is evident in the arrangement he has made  for the Messianic Kingdom.  Jehovah has already placed his government in the hands of his Son, who loves mankind and is superbly qualified to rule.  (Proverbs 8:31) A their resurrection, Jesus'  144,000 heavenly joint heirs take with them the experience of human life.  (Revelation 14:1) The Kingdom was the main theme of Jesus' teaching, and he taught his disciples to pray:  "Our Father int he heavens, let you name be sanctified. Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done , in the heavens as well as on the earth." (Matthew 6:9, 10)  What blessings the fulfillment of such prayers will bring to obedient mankind!  

What a contrast there is between Jesus' loving heavenly kingship and the rulership by humans who have led many  millions of people to their death in warfare!  Jesus truly cares for  his subjects and reflects God's marvelous qualities, especially love.  (Revelation 7:10, 16, 17)  "Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you," said Jesus.  "Take my yoke upon you  and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for yourselves.  For my yoke is kindly and my load is light." (Matthew 11:28-30) What loving assurance that is! 

Bible prophecy shows that God's heavenly Kingdom was established when Christ's presence began in 1914.  Since, then, there has been a gathering of the remaining ones who will rule  with Jesus in heaven as well as of "a great crowd" of people who will survive this system's end and be ushered into the new world.  (Revelation 7:9, 14, 14) How large is the great crowd now?  What is required of those making up this group? The next article will examine such questions.

Next time: Do You "Love Your Neighbor as Yourself"?

From The Watchtower magazine