"SALVATION BELONGS TO JEHOVAH"

Refrain Respectfully

In an effort to strengthen the unity of his empire, King Nebuchadnezzar of ancient Babylon set up a huge golden image on the plain of Dura. He then arranged for an inauguration ceremony to which he invited his satraps, prefects, governors, counselors and other high officials. At the sound of music, all gathered were to bow down and worship the image. Among those who had to be present were three young Hebrews-Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. How did they show that they were not participating in this religious ceremony? As the music began and those gathered prostrated themselves before the image,the three Hebrews remained standing. -Daniel 3:1-12.

Today, flags are usually saluted with outstretched arm or with the hand held to the forehead or over the heart. At times, some special bodily position may be assumed in some lands, children at school are expected to kneel and kiss the flag. By standing quietly while other salute the flag, true Christians make it evident that they are respectful observers.

What if a flag ceremony is conducted in such a way that simply standing gives evidence of participation? For example, suppose one student in a school is selected to represent the whole school and he salutes the flag outside at a flag pole while the other students are expected to stand at attention inside the classroom. The mere act of standing in this instance signifies agreement with having the student on the outside act as a personal representative in saluting the flag. Standing in any manner would then denote joining in the ceremony. If this was the case, those desiring to be only respectful observers would remain quietly seated. What if the class is already standing as such a ceremony starts? In this case, participation would not be indicated if we were to remain standing.

Suppose one is not asked to salute the flag but merely to hold it, either in a parade or in a classroom or elsewhere, so that others can salute. Rather than 'fleeing from idolatry,' as commanded in the Scriptures, this would actually mean being at the very center of the ceremony. The same is true of marching in patriotic parades. Because doing this would mean giving support to what is honored by the parade, true Christians conscientiously decline.

When national anthems are played,usually all a person has to do to show that he shares the sentiments of the song is to stand up. In such cases, Christians remain seated. If they are already standing when the national anthem is played, however, there is no need for them to take the special action of sitting down. ( I disagree. I myself would prefer to sit down, I believe that is the way God would want it, because standing up with the crowd would still say that you supported it as well ) it is not as though they had specifically chosen to stand for the anthem. On the other hand, if a group are expected to stand and sing, then merely standing up out of respect but not singing would not constitute sharing in the sentiments of the song.

Next time: "Hold a Good Conscience"

Watchtower, 2002

MESSENGERS OF GODLY PEACE PRONOUNCED HAPPY

Conclusion of Jehovah's Organization on the Move

In some parts of the world, strikingly large crowds of meek ones are responding to this message of godly peace. To mention just a few examples, last year Ukraine reported a 17-percent increase in publishers. Mozambique reported a 17-percent increase, Lithuania a 29-percent increase. Russia had a 31-percent increase, while Albania experienced a 52-percent increase in publishers. These increases represent tens of thousands of honesthearted individuals who want to enjoy godly peace and who have taken their stand for righteousness. Such rapid growth brings joy to the whole Christian brotherhood.

Do people respond so readily where you live? If so, we rejoice with you. In some territories, though, it takes many, many hours of hard work before even one interested person is found. Do those serving in such territories slack their hands or lose heart? No, Jehovah's Witnesses remember God's Words to Ezekiel when he first commissioned the young prophet to preach to his Jewish compatriots: "As for them, whether they will hear or refrain-for they are a rebellious house-they will certainly know also that a prophet himself happened to be in the midst of them." (Ezekiel 2:5) Like Ezekiel, we keep telling people about godly peace whether they respond or not. If they listen, we are thrilled. If they turn their backs on us, mock us, even persecute us, we persevere. We love Jehovah, and the Bible says: "Love . . .endures all things." (1 Corinthians 13:4, 7) Because we preach with endurance, people know who Jehovah's Witnesses are. They know our message. When the end comes, they will know that Jehovah's Witnesses tried to help them to enjoy godly peace.

Is there any greater privilege than serving Jehovah? No! Our greatest happiness comes from our relationship with God and the knowledge that we are doing his will. "Happy are the people knowing the joyful shouting. O Jehovah , in the light of you face they keep walking." (Psalm 89:15) May we diligently play our part in this work until Jehovah says that it is done.

Next time: What Draws People to the Occult?

Watchtower, 1997

MESSENGERS OF GODLY PEACE PRONOUNCED HAPPY

Jehovah's Organization on the Move


In 613 B.C.E., Ezekiel saw in vision Jehovah's heavenly, chariotlike organization on the move. (Ezekiel 1:4-28) Afterward, Jehovah said to him: "Son of man, go, enter in among the house of Israel, and you must speak with my words to them." (Ezekiel 3:4) In this year of 1997, we discern that Jehovah's heavenly organization is still moving inexorably to fulfill God's purposes. Hence, we still feel impelled to tell others about those purposes. In his day, Ezekiel spoke words that were directly inspired by Jehovah. Today, we speak words from Jehovah's inspired Word, the Bible. And what a message that book has for mankind! while many are worried about the future, the Bible shows that things are far worse-and at the same time, far better-than they imagine.

Things are worse because, as we learned in the previous articles, Christendom and all other false religions will soon be destroyed, as completely as was Jerusalem in 607 B.C.E. Furthermore, the whole global political entity, pictured in the book of Revelation as wild beast with seven heads and ten horns is about to be wiped out, as were many of the pagan neighbors of Jerusalem. (Revelation 13:1, 2; 19:19-21) In Ezekiel's day Jehovah vividly described the terror inspired by the approaching destruction of Jerusalem. But his words will have far more meaning when people discern the imminent destruction of this world. Jehovah said to Ezekiel: "As for you, O son of man, sigh with shaking hips. Even with bitterness you should sigh before their eyes. And it must occur that, in case they say to you, 'On account of what are you sighing?" You must say, 'at a report.' For it will certainly come, and every heart must melt and all hands must drop down and every spirit must become dejected and all knees themselves will drip with water. 'Look! It will certainly come and be brought to occur,' is the utterance of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah." (Ezekiel 21:6, 7; Matthew 24:30) Fear-inspiring events lie just ahead. Our deep concern for fellow humans moves us to sound the warning, to tell the "report" of Jehovah's coming wrath.

At the same time, for meek ones things are far better than most people imagine. In what way? In that Jesus Christ has died for our sins and now rules as King of God's Kingdom. (1 Timothy 1:15; Revelation 11:15) The seemingly intractable problems of mankind will soon be overcome by means of that heavenly Kingdom. Death, sickness, corruption, hunger and crime will become things of the past, and God's Kingdom will rule unopposed over a paradise earth. (Revelation 21:3, 4) Mankind will enjoy godly peace-a peaceful relationship with Jehovah God and with one another. -Psalm 72:7.

Next time: Conclusion of Jehovah's Organization on the Move

Watchtower, 1997

BENEFITS FROM LOVING GOD'S WORD

Prove Yourself to Be "Good Soil"

The importance of having a right view of God's Word was highlighted in one of Jesus' parables. As Jesus proclaimed the good news throughout Palestine, crowds gathered to hear him. (Luke 8:1, 4) Not at all, however, really loved God's Word. No doubt, many came to hear him because they wanted to see miracles or because they enjoyed his marvelous way of teaching. Hence, Jesus told the crowds an illustration: "A sower went out to sow his seed. Well, as he was sowing, some of it fell alongside the road and was trampled down, and the birds of heaven ate it up. Some other landed upon the rock-mass,and, after sprouting, it dried up because of not having moisture. Some other fell among the thorns, and the thorns that grew up with it choked it off. Some other fell upon the good soil, and, after sprouting it produced fruit a hundredfold." -Luke 8:5-8.

Jesus' parables showed that there would be different responses to the preaching of the good news, depending on the heart condition of the hearer. The seed being sown is "the word of God." (Luke 8:11) Or, as another record of the parable says, the seed is "the word of the kingdom." (Matthew 13:19) Jesus could use either expression, since the theme of God's Word is the heavenly Kingdom under Jesus Christ as King by means of which Jehovah will vindicate his sovereignty and sanctify his name. (Matthew 6:9, 10) In effect, then,the seed is the message of the good news in God's Word, the Bible, Jehovah's Witnesses highlight this Kingdom message as they sow seed in imitation of the original Sower, Jesus Christ. What response do they find?

Jesus said that some seed falls by the roadside and is trodden down. This refers to people who are too preoccupied for the Kingdom seed to take root in their hearts. Before they can develop a love of God's Word, "the Devil comes and takes the word away from their hearts in order that they may not believe and be saved." (Luke 8:12) Some seed falls on a rock-mass. This refers to people who are attracted to the Bible's message but do not let it affect their hearts. When opposition comes or when they find it hard to apply Bible counsel, "they fall away," because they have no root. (Luke 8:13) Then there are those who hear the word but are overwhelmed by the "anxieties and riches and pleasured of this life." Eventually, like plants entangled by thorns, "they are completely choked." -Luke 8:14.

Next time: Conclusion of Prove Yourself to Be "Good Soil"

Watchtower, 1999

WHEN DOES THE THIRD MILLENNIUM BEGIN?

Does that matter? For example, would the start of the third millennium mark the beginning of the Thousand Year Reign of Jesus Christ, referred to in the book of Revelation? No. The Bible nowhere indicates any link between the third millennium and the Thousand Year Reign of Christ.

Jesus warned his followers against speculating about dates. He told disciples: "It does not belong to you to get knowledge of the times or seasons which the Father has placed in his own jurisdiction." (Acts 1:7) Earlier, Jesus revealed that even he did not then know when God would execute judgment on this wicked system, paving he way for Christ's Millennial Rule. He said: "Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens n or the Son, but only the Father." -Matthew 24:36.

Is it reasonable to expect that Christ will return exactly 2,000 years from the date of his birth as a human? No, it is not. Jesus must have known the date of his own birth. And he certainly knew how to count 2,000 years from that date. Yet, he did not know the day and hour of his coming. Obviously, it would not be that simple to pinpoint the date of his return! The 'times and seasons' were in the Father's jurisdiction-the time-table his alone to know.

Furthermore, Jesus did not command his followers to wait for him a specific geographic location. He told them, not to gather together and wait, but to scatter to "the most distant part of the earth" and make disciples of people of all the nations. He has never rescinded that command. -Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:19, 20.

Next time: Will Their Millennial Hopes Be Dashed?

Watchtower, 1999

What Can Be Done About Discouragement?

Vanquishing Discouragement

Whatever its causes, discouragement is a scourge that must be fought. Remember, though, that we are not alone in this fight. If we are discouraged, let us accept the help of our Christian companions, especially the elders. By doing so, we may lessen feelings of discouragement.

Above all, we need to turn to God for help in overcoming discouragement. If we prayerfully rely on Jehovah, he may help us to vanquish discouragement entirely. (Psalm 55:22; Philippians 4:6, 7) In any case, as his people we can share the sentiments of the psalmist who sang: "Happy are the people knowing the joyful shouting. O Jehovah, in the light of your face they keep walking. In your name they are joyful all day long and in your righteousness they are exalted. For you are the beauty of their strength; and by your goodwill our horn is exalted." -Psalm 89:15-17.

Next time: 2000 A Marked Year?

Watchtower, 1999

ARE YOU FULFILLING YOUR WHOLE OBLIGATION TO GOD!

Weigh Your Decisions Carefully!

Perhaps you are a young person dedicated to Jehovah Rich blessings will be yours if you keep Kingdom interests first in life. (Proverbs 10:22) With prayer and careful planning, you may be able to spend at least your younger years in some form of full-time service-a fine way to show that you remember your Grand Creator. Otherwise, material interests may begin to occupy most of your time and attention. Like people in general, you may marry early in life and go into debt to acquire material things. A lucrative career may absorb much of your time and energy. If you have children, you will have to shoulder family responsibilities for decades. ( 1Timothy 5:8) You may not have forgotten your Grand Creator, but it is wise to realize that your early planning, or lack of it, may set the course for your adult life In later years, you may look back and wish that at least your young adulthood had been more fully spent in sacred service to our Grand Creator. Why not give your prospects to prayerful thought right now, so that you will find satisfaction in your sacred service to Jehovah in your younger years?

Consider another set of circumstances -those of a man who once served as a shepherd of "the flock of God." (1 Peter 5:2, 3) For some reason, he voluntarily relinquished such privileges. True, he has grown older now, and it may be more difficult for him to carry on in God's service. But could it be that he should again reach out for theocratic privileges? What blessings such a man might bring to others if he is able to shoulder more responsibility in the congregation! And since no one lives with regard to himself only, friends and loved ones will rejoice if he is able to increase his service, to God's glory. (Romans 14:7, 8) Most of all, Jehovah will not forget what anyone does in his service. (Hebrews 6:10-12) So, what can help us to remember our Grand Creator?

Next time: Aids to Remembering Our Grand Creator

Watchtower, 1999

ARE YOU FULFILLING YOUR WHOLE OBLIGATION TO GOD!

JEHOVAH supports those who keep remembering him as their Grand Creator. His inspired Word gives them he knowledge needed to be fulling pleasing to him. God's holy spirit guides them in doing the divine will and in "bearing fruit in every good work." (Colossians 1:9, 10) Moreover, Jehovah provides spiritual food and theocratic direction through "the faithful and discreet slave." (Matthew 24:45-47) In many ways, then, God's people have heaven's blessing as they serve Jehovah and carry out the vital work of preaching the good news of the Kingdom. -Mark 13:10.

True Christians are happy to be occupied in sacred service to Jehovah. Yet, some efforts are meaningless. At times, for instance, dedicated Christians may wonder if their conscientious efforts are really worthwhile. When reflecting on family study and other activities, questions like these my well arise in the mind of a family head: 'Is Jehovah really pleased with what we are doing? Are we fulfilling our whole obligation to God? The congregator's wise words can help to answer such questions.

Next time: Is Everything Vanity?

Watchtower, 1999

Searching for Jehovah With a Prepared Heart

Preparing Our Heart

"To prepare means "to make ready beforehand for some purpose: put into condition for a particular use application, or disposition." Of course, if you have come to an accurate knowledge of God's Word and have dedicated your life to Jehovah, then you heart has certainly proved to be in a prepared state and can be compared to "the fine soil" that Jesus spoke about in his parable of the sower. -Matthew 13:18-23.

Nevertheless, our heart needs constant attention and refinement. Why? For two reasons. First, because harmful tendencies,like weeds in a garden, can readily take root, especially during these "last days" when "the air" of Satan's system is more than ever filled with hurtful seeds of fleshly thinking. (2 Timothy 3:1-5; Ephesians 2:2) The second reason concerns the soil itself. Left untended, soil may soon dry out, harden, and become unfruitful. Or too many people may carelessly walk over the garden and tread down the soil into a hard mass. The figurative soil of our heart is similar. It may become infertile if neglected or trodden down by people who have no interest in our spiritual well-being.

How important it is, then, for all of us to apply the Bible's admonition: "More than all else that is to be guarded, safeguard your heart, for out of it are the sources of life." -Proverbs 4:23.

Next time: Factors That Enrich the "Soil" of Our Heart

Watchtower, 2000