A Multitudinous Great Crowd - Making the Calling Sure

What a magnificent vista these words open up to us!   Jehovah himself is on his throne, and all his servants, heavenly and earthly, unite in praising him.  His earthly servants appreciate what an awesome privilege it is to share in this swelling chorus of praise.  Very soon, Jehovah  and Christ Jesus will execute judgment, and the cry will be heard:  "The great day of their  wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" (Revelation 6:17)  The answer? Only a minority of mankind, including  any of the sealed 14,000 who might still be remaining in the flesh and a great crowd of other sheep who will "stand," that is, survive with them. - JEREMIAH 35:19.

In view of this face,  anointed Christians of the John class exert themselves vigorious in  "pursuing down toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God by means of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:14)  They are fully aware that events during these days call for special endurance on their part.  (Revelation 13:10)    After loyally serving Jehovah for so many years, they hold fast to the faith, rejoicing that their names  are "inscribed in the heavens." (Luke 10:20; Revelation 3:5)  Those of the great crowd too know  that only "he that has endured to the end of the one that will be saved."  (Matthew 24:13)  While the great crowd as a group is marked to come out of the great tribulation, individuals thereof must exert themselves to remain clean and active. 

There is no evidence that any apart from these two groups will "stand" in a day of Jehovah's wrath.  What does this mean for the millions who each year show a certain respect for Jesus' sacrifice by attending the celebration of the Memorial of his death but who have not yet exercised faith in Jesus's  sacrifice to the point of  of becoming dedicated, baptized servants of Jehovah, active in his service?  Further, what about those who were once active but who have allowed their hearts to "become weighed down  with . . .  anxieties of life"?  May all of such awaken, and stay awake, in order to "succeed in escaping all these things that are destine to occur, and in standing before the Son of man"- Jesus Christ.  The time is short! - LUKE 21:34-36. 

Interpretations Belong to God

For many decades the John class inquired as to the identify of the great crowd but without finding a satisfactory explanation.  Why?  We find the answer in the words of faithful Joseph, when he said:  "Do not interpretations belong to God?"  (Genesis 40:8) When and how does God interpret the fulfillment of his prophesies ?  Usually, it is when they are due to be fulfilled or are in course of fulfillment so that their message can be clearly discerned  by his searching servants.  This  understanding is given "for our instruction, that though our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope." -ROMANS 15:4.

Next time: Jehovah's Plagues on Christendom

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