Chapter Sixteen - Four Horsemen at the Gallop!

Going Forth Conquering

Why, though, must the newly crowned King ride forth to war?  It is because his kingship is established in the face of bitter opposition from Jehovah's chief adversary,  Satan the Devil, and those on earth  who-knowingly  or unknowingly -serve Satan's ends.  The birth of the Kingdom itself calls  for a major war in heaven. Fighting under the name Michael (meaning  "Who Is Like God?" ), Jesus overcomes Satan and his demons and hurls them down to the earth.  (Revelation 12:7-12)   Jesus' ride of conquest continues through the opening decades of the Lord's day while the  nations and peoples of earth are being judged and sheep-like humans are being gathered to the King's side for salvation.  Though the whole world still lies "in the power of the wicked one," Jesus lovingly continues to shepherd his anointed brothers and their companions, helping each to achieve  the conquest of faith. -1 John 5:19; Matthew 25:31-33. 

What other conquests has Jesus made during the past 70-and more years of the Lord's day?  Around the globe, individually and as a congregation, Jehovah's people have experienced many hardships, pressures, and persecutions, similar to those described by the apostle Paul in giving proof of his ministry.  (2 Corinthian 11:23-28)  Jehovah's Witnesses have needed "power beyond what is  normal," especially in theaters of war and violence, in order to endure.  (2 Corinthians 4:7)  But even in the most trying situations, faithful Witnesses have been able to say as did Paul:  "The Lord stood near me and infused power into me, that through me the preaching might be fully accomplished."  (2 Timothy 4:17)  Yes, Jesus conquered on their behalf. And he will continue to go forth conquering in our behalf, as long as we are resolved to complete our conquest of faith. -1 John 5:4.

The global congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses has shared in many conquests under the guidance of its conquering King. Outstandingly, he protected  these Bible Students from annihilation in 1918, when they themselves were 'conquered' temporarily by Satan's political organization.  In 1919, however, he broke prison bars to rescue them and he then enlivened  them to proclaim the good news "to the most distant part of the earth. -Revelation 13:7; Acts 1:8. 

Next time: Chapter Sixteen -Four Horsemen at the Gallop! - Conclusion of Going Forth Conquering

From the book of Revelation