The "Septuagint" Useful in the Past and the Present

Useful Today

The Septuagint remains valuable today and is used to help uncover copyists' errors that might have crept into Hebrew manuscripts copied at a later date. For example, the account at Genesis 4:8 reads:   "After that Cain said to  to Abel his brother:  ['Let us go over into the field.'] So it came about that while they were in the field Cain proceeded to assault Abel his brother and kill him."

The bracketed clause "let us go over into the field" is not found in Hebrew manuscripts dating from the tenth century C.E.   However, it is included in older Septuagint manuscripts and in a few other other early references.  The Hebrew text has the word that usually introduces speech, but no words follow.   What could have happened?  Genesis 4:8 contains two consecutive clauses that end with the expression "in (to) the field."  McClintock and Strong's Cyclopedia suggests:  "The Hebrew transcriber's eye was probably misled by the [same]word . . . terminating both the clauses."  Thus the transcriber may have skipped over the earlier instance of the clause  ending with the expression "into the field."   Clearly,the Septuagint, as well as other older extant manuscripts, can be  useful in identifying errors in later copies of the Hebrew text.

On the other hand, copies of the Septuagint are also subject to error, and at times the Hebrew text is referred to in correcting the Greek.  Thus, comparing the Hebrew manuscripts with the Greek and with other language translations results in finding translations errors as well as copyists' mistakes and assures us of an accurate rendering of God's Word.

Next time: Conclusion of Useful Today

Watchtower, 2002

WHEN DOES THE THIRD MILLENNIUM BEGIN?

Will Their Millennial Hopes Be Dashed?

Nevertheless, some religious fundamentalist have great expectations for the year 2000. They believe that during the next few months, portions of the book of Revelation will have a literal fulfillment. Indeed, they see themselves as sharing personally in that fulfillment. For example, they point to the prophecy recorded at Revelation 11:3, 7, 8, which tells of two witnesses who prophesy in a "great city which is in a spiritual sense called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was also impaled." When they finish their witnessing, the two witnesses are killed by a ferocious wild beast that comes out of an abyss.

According to the report in The New York Times Magazine of December 27, 1998, the leader of one religious group "has foretold followers he is one of the two witnesses who is fated to announce the destruction of the earth and coming of the Lord-and then be slain by Satan in the streets of Jerusalem." Israeli authorities are understandably worried. They fear that certain extremists may try to "fulfill" the prophecy on their own-even if that means provoking an armed conflict! However, God does not need man's "help" to bring his purpose to fruition. All of the Bible's prophecies will be fulfilled in God's own time and in God's own way.

The book of Revelation was written "in signs." According to Revelation 1:1, Jesus wanted to reveal to "his slaves" (not the world in general) what would shortly take place. To understand the book of Revelation, Christ's slaves, or followers, would need God's holy spirit, which Jehovah gives to those who please him. If the book of Revelation is to be understood literally, even faithless people could read it and understand it. Then there would be no need for Christians to pray for holy spirit in order to understand it. -Matthew 13:10-15.

We have seen that according to Biblical evidence, the third millennium from Jesus' birth begins in the fall of 1999 and that neither the date nor January 1, 2000, nor January 1, 2001, has any special significance. Still, there is a millennium that deeply interests Christians. If not the third millennium, which one? The final article in this series will answer this question.

Next time: PREPARE FOR THE MILLENNIUM THAT MATTERS!

Watchtower, 1999

What Can Be Done About Discouragement?

HOW can a person fight discouragement? This was the question put to several traveling overseers, who regularly visit congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses. Their answers can help us to analyze the causes of discouragement and the remedies for this condition that can affect any Christian.

More than analysis is needed to deal with discouragement, but the symptoms may include a lack of interest in prayer or in personal study, a slacking off in meeting attendance, the absence of enthusiasm, and even a certain coldness toward Christian companions. One of the most telling signs, however, is a drop in zeal for evangelizing. Let us examine the symptoms and consider some remedies.

Next time: Discouragement in Our Evangelizing Work

Watchtower, 1999

Searching for Jehovah With a Prepared Heart

Honesty and Godly Fear

The prophet Jeremiah wrote: "The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9) This treachery manifests itself in various way, such as when we make excuses for ourselves when we do wrong. It also appears when we rationalize away serious personality flaws. Honesty, however, will help us to gain the victory over a treacherous heart by assisting us to face the truth about ourselves so that we can improve. The psalmist displayed such honesty when he prayed: "Examine me, O Jehovah, and put me to the test; refine my kidneys and my heart." Clearly, the psalmist had prepared his heart to accept refining and testing by Jehovah, even though it may have meant acknowledging the existence of drosslike traits, so that these could be overcome. -Psalm 17:3; 26:2.

Godly fear, which includes "the hating of bad," is a powerful aid in this refining process. (Proverbs 8:13) While appreciating Jehovah's loving-kindness and goodness, a person who truly fears Jehovah is ever aware that Jehovah has the power to inflict punishment, even death, upon those who disobey him. Jehovah showed that those who fear him would also obey him when he said about Israel: 'If only they would develop this heart of theirs to fear me and to keep all my commandments always, in order that it might go well with them and their sons to time indefinite!" -Deuteronomy 5:29.

Clearly, the object of godly fear is, not to keep us in a state of terrified submission, but to move us to obey our loving Father, who we know has our very best interest at heart. In fact, such godly fear is elevating and even joy inspiring, which was amply demonstrated by Jesus Christ himself. -Isaiah 11:3; Luke 12:5.

Next time: A Prepared Heart Is Rich in Faith

Watchtower, 2000

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

JEHOVAH -THE ONE WHO IS VIGOROUS IN POWER

God's Power Is Manifest in Creation

The apostle Paul explained that our Creator's eternal power can be clearly perceived in the things he has made.' (Romans 1:20) Centuries earlier, the psalmist David, who as a shepherd must frequently have looked up at the night sky, perceived the grandeur of the universe and the might of its Maker. He wrote: "When I see your heavens, the works of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have prepared, what is mortal man that you keep him in mind, and the son of earthling man that you take care of him?" (Psalm 8:3, 4) Despite his limited knowledge of celestial bodies, David understood that he was very insignificant in comparison with the Creator of our vast universe. Today, astronomers know much about the immensity of the universe and the power that sustains it. For example, they tells us that our sun, every second emits 100,000 million megatons of TNT. A very small fraction of that energy reaches the earth; yet that is enough to sustain all life on our planet. Still, our sun is by no means the most powerful star in the heavens. Some stars radiate in only one second the energy that the sun radiates in a whole day. Imagine, then, the power at the disposal of the One who created such heavenly bodies! Elihu rightfully exclaimed: "As for the Almighty, we have not found him out; he is exalted in power." -Job 37:23.

If we 'search for God's works as David did, we will see evidence of his power everywhere -in wind and waves, in thunder and lightning,in mighty rivers and majestic mountains. (Psalm 111:2; Job 26:12-14) Furthermore, as Jehovah reminded Job, animals testify to his strength. Among these is Behemoth, or the hippopotamus. Jehovah told Job: "Its power is in its hips. . .its strong bones are like wrought iron rods." (Job 40:15-18) The fearsome power of the wild bull was also well-known in Bible times, and David prayed that he might be spared from "the mouth of the lion, and from the horns of wild bulls." -Psalm 22:21;Job 39:9-11.

Because of its strength, the bull is used in the Bible to symbolize Jehovah's power. The apostle John's vision of Jehovah's throne depicts four living creatures, on of which had a fact like a bull. (Revelation 4:6, 7) Evidently, one of the four principle attributes of Jehovah portrayed by these cherubs is power. The others are love, wisdom and justice. Since power is such an important facet of God's personality, a clear understanding of his power and how he uses it will draw us closer to him and help us to imitate his example by using well any power at our disposal. -Ephesians 5:1.

Next time: "Jehovah of Armies, the Powerful One"

Watchtower, 2000

God Does Answer Prayers

Modern-Day Examples

A young woman in India was in serious need of comfort. Married at 21, she had two children. But soon after the birth of the second child, her husband died. Suddenly, at the age of 24, she was a widow with a 2-month old daughter and a 22-month old son. No wonder she needed comfort! Where could she turn? One night. In deep distress, she prayed, saying, 'Heavenly Father, please comfort me through your Word."

The next morning, she had a visitor. He was one of Jehovah's Witnesses. That day, his house-to-house ministry had been difficult because few had opened the door to him. Tired and rather discouraged, he was about to go home, but somehow he felt impelled to visit just one more house. That was where he met the young widow. She invited him in and accepted a publication that explained the Bible. The woman drew great comfort from reading that publication and from her discussion with the Witness. She learned of God's promise to raise the dead and of God's Kingdom, which will soon make the earth a paradise. Most important, she came to know and love the one true God, Jehovah, who had answered her prayer. Nora, who lives in the city of George. South Africa, set aside a month to share in the full-time evangelizing work. Before starting, she earnestly prayed to Jehovah to help her to find someone who was genuinely interested in studying the Bible. The territory she was assigned to work included the home or a person who had been very rude to Nora on previous visits. Courageously, Nora called at that home again. To her surprise, she found that a new tenant, named Noleen, had moved in. Moreover, Noleen and her mother had been praying to god for help to understand the Bible. "When I offered them a Bible study," explains Nora, "they were delighted." Noleen and her mother progressed quickly. In time, they both began to share with Nora in the spiritual healing work.

Another example showing the power of prayer is that of a couple who live in the South African city of Johannesburg. On a Saturday night in 1996, Dennis and Carol's marriage reached the breaking point. As a last resort, they decided to pray for help, which they repeatedly did until late into the night. The next morning, at 11 o'clock, two of Jehovah's Witnesses knocked at their door. Dennis answered the door and told them to wait until he called his wife. Dennis then warned Carol that if she invited the Jehovah's Witnesses in, it might be hard to get rid of them. Carol reminded Dennis that they had been praying for help and that this might be God's answer to our prayers. So the Witnesses were invited in, and a Bible study was started in the book Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. Dennis and Carol were thrilled with what they learned. That same afternoon, they attended their first meeting at the local Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses. By applying the knowledge they had learned from the Bible, Dennis and Carol found solutions to their marital problems. They are now happy, baptized praisers of Jehovah and regularly share in their Bible - based beliefs with their neighbors.

Next time: What if You Feel Unworthy to Pray?

Watchtower, 2000

The Power of Prayer

A Time for Spiritual Healing

God promises to heal mankind of all physical, mental and emotional maladies during the Thousand Year Reign of his Son over the earth. (Revelation 20:1-3; 21:3-5. Sincere Christians eagerly await this promised future, with full faith in God's power to make it a reality. While not expecting such miraculous healing now, they pray to God for his comfort and strength to cope with trials. (Psalm 55:22) When they fall sick, they may also pray for God's guidance in obtaining the best medical treatment within their economic means.

Some religions encourage the sick to pray to be healed now, pointing to the miraculous cures that Jesus and his apostles performed. But such miracles were done for a special purpose. They served to prove that Jesus Christ was the true Messiah and to show that God's favor had been transferred from the Jewish nation to the young Christian congregation. Back then, miraculous gifts were needed to strengthen the faith of the newly established Christian congregation. When the infant congregation got on its feet, as it were, and became mature, the miraculous gifts were "done away with." -1 Corinthians 13:8, 11.

At this crucial time, Jehovah God is directing his worshipers in the more important work of spiritual healing. While they yet have time, people desperately need to respond to this appeal: "Search for Jehovah, you people, while he may be found. Call to him while he proves to be near. Let the wicked man leave his way, and harmful man his thoughts; and let him return to Jehovah, who will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for he will forgive in a large way." - Isaiah 55:6, 7.

This spiritual healing of repentant sinners is being accomplished through the preaching of the good news of God's Kingdom. (Matthew 24:14) By empowering his servants to carry out his lifesaving work, Jehovah God is helping millions of people from all nations to repent of their sins and come into a favorable relationship with him before the end of this wicked system. All who sincerely pray for such spiritual healing and all who pray for help to perform this healing work are indeed having their prayers answered.

Next time:God Does Answer Prayers

Watchtower,2000

The Power of Prayer

In his unselfish ministry, Paul suffered from what he described as "at thorn in the flesh." (2 Corinthians 12:7) This could have been the mental and emotional distress caused by oppossers and "false brothers." ( 2 Corinthians 11:26; Galatians 2:4) Whatever the case, this "thorn in the flesh" had a weakening effect on Paul. "I three times entreated the Lord that it might depart from me," he wrote. However, Paul's request was not granted. It was explained to Paul that the spiritual benefits he had already received from God, such as power to endure trials, were sufficient. Furthermore, God said: "My power is being made perfect in weakness." - 2 Corinthians 12:8, 9.

What do we learn from the examples of Eliezer and Paul? Jehovah God indeed listens to the prayers of those who humbly seek to serve him. But this does not mean that he always grants their requests because God has a long range view of matters. He knows better than we do what is in our best interests. More important, he always acts in harmony with his stated purpose as recorded in the Bible.

Next time: A Time for Spiritual Healing

Watchtower, 2000

ARE YOU MOVED TO ACT AS JESUS WAS?

None of us would view the mind of Christ as unique to the first century-to Jesus and the early disciples of whom the apostle Paul wrote: "We do have the mind of Christ." (1 Corinthians 2:16) And we would readily admit that we are obliged to preach the good news and to make disciples. (Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20) Yet, it is beneficial to reflect on our own motives for doing that work. It should not be out of a mere sense of duty. Love for God is a primary reason why we share in the ministry, and truly being like Jesus includes being moved by compassion to preach and teach. -Matthew 22:37-39.

Granted, it is not always easy to feel compassion for those who do not share our beliefs, especially when we encounter apathy, rejection, or opposition. Yet, if we were to lose our love and compassion for people, we could lose a vital motivation for sharing in the Christian ministry. How, then, may we cultivate compassion? We can try to see people as Jesus saw them, as "skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd." (Matthew 9:36) Does that not describe many today? They have been neglected and blinded spiritually by false religious shepherds. As a result, they do not know of the sound guidance found in the Bible nor of the Paradise conditions that God's Kingdom will soon bring to our earth. They face the problems of daily life-including poverty, family discord, sickness and death- without having the Kingdom hope. We have what they need: "the life-saving good news of God's Kingdom now established in heaven!

When you thus ponder the spiritual needs of those around you, does not your heart move, you want to do all you can to tell them about God's loving purpose? Yes, ours is a work of compassion. When we feel for people as Jesus did, it will be evident in our tone of voice, our facial expression, our manner of teaching. All of that will make our message more appealing to those who are "rightly disposed for everlasting life." -Acts 13:48.

Our love and compassion should, of course, be manifest in our whole life course. This includes our being kind to the disadvantage, sick and poor-doing what we reasonably can to relieve their suffering. It encompasses our efforts in word and deed to dispel the grief of those who have lost loved ones in death. (Luke 7:11-15; John 11:33-35) Yet, such manifestations of love, kindness and compassion must not become the main focus of out good works, as they are with some humanitarians. Of much more lasting significance are efforts motivated by similar divine qualities but manifested in sharing in the work of Christian preaching and teaching. Recall what Jesus said about the Jewish religious leaders: "You give the tenth of the mint and the dill and the cumin, but you have disregarded the weightier matters of the Law, namely, justice and mercy and faithfulness. These things it was binging to do, yet not to disregard the other things." (Matthew 23:23) With Jesus it was not one or the other-either helping people with their physical needs or teaching them the life-giving spiritual matters. Jesus did both. Still, it is clear that his teaching work was foremost because the good he thus accomplished could be of everlasting help. - John 20:16.

How grateful we can be that Jehovah has revealed the mind of Christ to us! By means of the Gospels, we can come to know better the thoughts, feelings, qualities, activities and priorities of the greatest man who ever lived. it is up to us to read , meditate upon, and put into practice what the Bible reveals about Jesus, we must first learn to think, feel, and evaluate matters as he did, to the best of our ability as imperfect humans. Let us, then, be determined to cultivate and demonstrate the mind of Christ. There is no better way to live, no better way to treat people,and no better way for us and others to draw close to the one whom he perfectly reflected, our tender God, Jehovah. -2 Corinthians 1:3; Hebrews 1:
3.

Next time: The Power of Prayer

Watchtower, 2000

ARE YOU MOVED TO ACT AS JESUS WAS?

He Urged Others to Witness

Priority put on preaching and teaching-as an expression of love and compassion-was not for Jesus alone. He urged his followers to imitate his motives, priorities and actions. For instance, after Jesus selected his 12 apostles, what were they to do? Mark 3:14, 15 tells us: "He formed a group of twelve, whom he also named 'apostles,' that they might continue with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to expel the demons." Do you see any priority for the apostles?

In time, Jesus did enable the 12 to heal others and to expel demons. (Matthew 10:1; Luke 9:1) He then sent them on a tour to "the lost sheep of the house of Israel." To do what? Jesus directed them: "As you go, preach, saying, 'The kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.' Cure sick people, raise up dead persons, make lepers clean, expel demons." (Matthew 10:5-8; Luke 9:2) What, in fact, did they do? "So they set out and [1] preached in order that people might repent; and [2] they would expel many demons and grease many sickly people with oil and cure them." -Mark 6:12, 13.

Since teaching is not in every instance mentioned first,is noting the above sequence reading too much into the matter of priorities or the motives involved? (Luke 10:1-9) Well, we should not discount the frequency with which teaching is mentioned before healing. Consider the context in this case. Just before sending out the 12 apostles, Jesus had been touched by the condition of the crowds. We read: "Jesus set out on a tour of all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the good news of the kingdom and curing every sort of disease and every sort of infirmity. On seeing the crowds he felt pity for them, because they were skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples: 'Yes, the harvest is great, but the workers are few. Therefore, beg the Master of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.' " -Matthew 9:35-38.

By being with him. The apostles could absorb some of the mind of Christ. They could sense that their being truly loving and compassionate toward people included preaching and teaching about the Kingdom- that was to be a principal aspect of their good works. In line with that, the fine deeds of a physical nature, such as healing the sick, did more than help the needy. As you can imagine, some people might be drawn by cures and miraculously provided food. (Matthew 4:24,25; 8:16; 9:32, 33; 14:35, 36; John 6:26) Beyond being of physical help, however, those works actually moved observers to recognize that Jesus was the Son of God and "the prophet" that Moses had foretold. -John 6:14; Deuteronomy 18:15.

Why was it significant that Jesus was "the prophet?" Well, what was the key role foretold for that one? Was "the prophet" to be famous for performing miraculous healings or compassionately producing food for the hungry? Deuteronomy 18:18 predicted: "A prophet I shall raise up for them from the midst of their brothers, like you [Moses]; and I shall indeed put my words in his mouth, and he will certainly speak to them all that I shall command him." So even as the apostles learned to have and express tender feelings, they could conclude that the mind of Christ was to be evidenced also in their preaching and teaching activity. that would be the very best that they could do for his people. By that means, the sick and the poor could gain permanent benefits, not just those limited to a shore human life span or a meal or two. -John 6:26-30.

Next time: Develop the Mind of Christ Today

Watchtower, 2000

DO YOU HAVE"THE MIND OF CHRIST?"

Conclusion of He Expressed Belief in His Disciples

What does this revealing account teach us about the mind of Christ? Jesus had seen his apostles at their worst, yet he "loved them to the end." (John 13:1) Despite their shortcomings, he let them know that he believed in them. Notice that Jesus' confidence was not misplaced. The confidence and faith that he had expressed in them no doubt strengthened them to be resolved in their hearts to carry out the work he commanded them to do.

How can we demonstrate the mind of Christ in this regard? Do not be pessimistic about fellow believers. If you think the worst, your words and actions will likely reveal it. (Luke 6:45) However, the Bible tells us that love "believes all things." ( 1 Corinthians 13:7) Love is positive, not negative. It builds up rather than tears down. People respond more readily to love and encouragement than to intimidation. We can build up and encourage other by expressing confidence in hem. (1 Thessalonians 5:11) If, like Christ, we have a positive view of our brothers, we will treat them in ways that build them up and draw out the best in them.

Cultivating and demonstrating the mind of Christ goes deeper than just imitating certain things Jesus did. As mentioned in the preceding article, if we are truly to act like Jesus, we must first learn to view things as he did. The Gospels enable us to see another aspect of his personality, his thoughts and feelings about is assigned work, as the next article will discuss.

Next time: ARE YOU MOVED TO ACT AS JESUS WAS?

Watchtower, 2000

DO YOU HAVE"THE MIND OF CHRIST?"

He Expressed Belief in His Disciples

Jesus demonstrated a positive view of his disciples in another important way. He let them know that he had confidence in them. This was clearly evident in the reassuring words he spoke to his apostles on the final night of his earthly life. Notice what happened.

It was a full evening for Jesus. He gave his apostles an object lesson in humility by washing their feet. Afterward, he instituted the evening meal that would be a memorial of his death. Then, the apostles became embroiled once again in a heated argument over which one of them seemed to be the greatest. Ever patient, Jesus did not berate them but reasoned with them. He told them what lay ahead: "All of you will be stumbled in connection with me on this night, for it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will will be scattered about.' " (Matthew 26:31; Zechariah 13:7 ) He knew that his closest companions would abandon him in his moment of need. still, he did not condemn them. Quite the contrary, he told them: "But after I have been raised up, I will go ahead of you into Galilee." (Matthew 26:32) Yes, he assured them that although they would abandon him, he would not abandon them. When this terrible ordeal had passed, he would meet them again.

Jesus kept his word. Later, in Galilee, the resurrected Jesus appeared to the 11 faithful apostles, who evidently had gathered with many others. (Matthew 28:16, 17; 1 Corinthians 15:6) There, Jesus gave them a weighty commission: "Go therefore and make disciples of people of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19, 20) The book of Acts give us clear evidence that the apostles followed through on that commission. They faithfully spearheaded the work of preaching the good news in the first century. -Acts 2:41, 42, 4:33; 5:27-32.

Next time: Conclusion of He Expressed Belief in His Disciples

Watchtower, 2000

DO YOU HAVE"THE MIND OF CHRIST?"

Willing to Trust Others

Jesus had a balanced, realistic view of his disciples. He well knew that they were not perfect, after all, he could read human hearts. (John 2:24, 25) Even so, he saw them not simply in terms of their imperfection but in terms of their good qualities. He also saw the potential in these men whom Jehovah had drawn. (John 6:44) Jesus' positive view of his disciples was evident in the way he dealt with and treated them. For one thing he showed a willingness to trust them.

How did Jesus demonstrate that trust? When he left the earth, he delegated a heavy responsibility to his anointed disciples. He placed in their hands the responsibility of caring for the worldwide interests of his Kingdom. (Matthew 25:14, 15; Luke 12:42-44) During his ministry, he showed even in small, indirect ways that he trusted them. When he miraculously multiplied food to feed the crowds, he delegated to his disciples the responsibility of distributing the food. -Matthew 14:15-21; 15:32-37.

Consider too, the account recorded at Mark 4:35-41. On this occasion Jesus and his disciples boarded a boat and sailed east across the Sea of Galilee. Shortly after they shoved off, Jesus lay down in the back of the boat and fell fast asleep. Soon, however, "a great violent windstorm broke out." Such storms were not uncommon on the Sea of Galilee. Because of its low elevation (some 700 feet below sea level), the air is much warmer there than in the surrounding area, and this creates atmospheric disturbances. Added to this, strong winds rush down the Jordan Valley from Mount Hermon situated to the north. The calm of one moment may well yield to the raging storm of the next. Think about this: Jesus undoubtedly knew of the common storms, for he was raised in Galilee. Yet, he slept in peace, trusting in the skills of his disciples,some of whom were fishermen. -Matthew 4:18, 19.

Can we imitate Jesus' willingness to trust his disciples? Some find it difficult to delegate responsibilities to others. They must always be at the helm, so to speak. They may think, 'if I want something done right, I must do it myself!' But if we have to do everything ourselves, we are in danger of wearing ourselvs out and perhaps taking unnecessary time away from our family. Besides, if we do not delegate appropriate tasks and responsibilities to others, we may be depriving them of needed experience and training. It would be wise to learn to trust others, delegating matters to them. We do well to ask ourselves honestly 'Do I have the mind of Christ on this matter? Do I willingly delegate certain tasks to others, trusting them to do their best?'

Next time: He Expressed Belief in His Disciples

Watchtower, 2000

DO YOU HAVE"THE MIND OF CHRIST?"

Easy to Approach

People felt drawn to Jesus. On various occasions, Individuals of differing ages and backgrounds freely approached him. Consider the incident recorded at Mark 10:13-16) It took place near the end of his ministry as he was heading toward Jerusalem for the last time, to face an agonizing death. -Mark 10:32-34.

Picture the scene. People begin bringing children including infants, for Jesus to bless these. The disciples feel that Jesus surely does not want to be bothered with children during these crucial weeks. But they are wrong. When Jesus realizes what the disciples are doing, he is not pleased. Jesus calls the children to him saying: "Let the young children come to me; do not try to stop them." (Mark 10:14) Then he does something that reveals a truly tender and loving manner. The account says: "He took the children into his arms and began blessing them." (Mark 10:16) The children obviously are at ease with Jesus takes them into his caring arms.

That brief account tells us much about the kind of person Jesus was. Notice that he was approachable. Although he had occupied a lofty position in the heavens, he was neither intimidating nor demeaning to imperfect humans. (John 17:5) Is it not significant , too, that even children felt at ease with him? Surely they would not have felt drawn to a cold, joyless person who never smiled or laughed! People of all ages approached Jesus because they sensed that he was a warm, caring person, and they were confident that he would not turn them away.

Reflecting on this account, we can ask ourselves, 'Do I have the mind of Christ? Am I approachable?" In these critical time, God's sheep need approachable shepherds, men who are like "a hiding place from the wind." (Isaiah 32:1, 2; 2 Timothy 3:1) Elders, if you cultivate a sincere, heartfelt interest in your brothers and are willing to give of yourself in their behalf, they will sense your concern. they will see it in your facial expression, hear it in your tone of voice,and observe it in your kind manner. Such genuine warmth and concern can create a trusting atmosphere in which it is easier for others, including children, to approach you. One Christian woman explains why she was able to open up to a certain elder: "He spoke with me in a tender and compassionate manner. Otherwise, I would probably not have said a word. He made me feel safe."

Next time: Considerate of Others

Watchtower, 2000

DO YOU HAVE"THE MIND OF CHRIST?"

"HE HAS never once been seen to laugh." That is how Jesus is described in a document falsely claiming to be written by an ancient Roman official. This document, which has been known in its present form since about the 11th century,is said to have influenced many artists. In a number of paintings, Jesus appears as a solemn-looking person who rarely, if ever, smiled. But that is hardly a fair depiction of Jesus, whom the Gospels portray as a warm kindhearted man of deep feelings.

Clearly, to know the real Jesus, we must fill our minds and hearts with an accurate understanding of the kind of person Jesus truly was while here on earth. Let us therefore examine some Gospel accounts that give us insight into "the mind of Christ."-that is,his feelings, his perceptions, his thoughts and his reasonings. ( 1 Corinthians 2:16) As we do, let us consider how we might cultivate "the same mental attitude that Christ Jesus had." (Romans 15:5) Thus, we may be better equipped in our lives and in our dealings with others to follow the pattern he set for us. -John 13:15.

Next time: Easy to Approach

Watchtower, 2000

GETTING TO KNOW " THE MIND OF CHRIST"

Earthly Life and Influences

God's Son had more to learn, for Jehovah's purpose was to equip his Son to be a compassionate High Priest, able to "sympathize with our weaknesses." (Hebrews 4:15) to meet the requirements for this role was one of the reasons the Son came to earth as a human. Here, as a man of flesh and blood, Jesus was exposed to circumstances and influences that he previously had only observed from heaven. Now he was able to experience human feelings and emotions firsthand. At times he felt tired,thirsty and hungry. (Matthew 4:2; John 4:6, 7) Even more, he endured all manner of hardships and suffering. He thus "learned obedience" and became completely qualified for his role as High Priest. -Hebrews 5:8-10.

What about Jesus' experiences during his early life on earth? The record of his childhood is very brief. In fact, only Matthew and Luke related the events surrounding his birth. The Gospel writers knew that Jesus had lived in heaven before coming to earth. that prehuman existence, more than anything else, explained what kind of man he became. Nevertheless, Jesus was fully human. though perfect, he still had to grow from boyhood through childhood and adolescence to adulthood, all the while learning. (Luke 2:51, 52) The Bible reveals certain things about Jesus' early life that no doubt affected him.

Evidently, Jesus was born into a poor family. This is indicated by the offering Joseph and Mary brought to the temple about 40 days after his birth. Instead of bringing a young ram as a burnt offering and a young pigeon or a turtledove as a sin offering, they brought either "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons." (Luke 2:24) According to the Mosaic Law, this offering was a provision for the poor. (Leviticus 12:6-8) In time, this humble family grew by natural means after the miraculous birth of Jesus. (Matthew 13:55, 56) So Jesus grew up in a large family, likely in modest circumstances.

Next time: Conclusion of Earthly Life and Influences

Watchtower, 2000

GETTING TO KNOW " THE MIND OF CHRIST"

His Prehuman Existence

Our close associates can have an effect on us, influencing our thoughts, feelings and actions for good or for bad. (Proverbs 13:20) Consider the association that Jesus had in the heavens before coming to earth. The Gospel of John calls attention to Jesus' prehuman existence as "the Word, or Spokesman, of God. Says John: "In the beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god. This one was in the beginning with God." (John 1:1, 2) Since Jehovah had no beginning, the Word's being with God from "the beginning" must refer to the start of God's creative works. (Psalm 90:2) Jesus is "the firstborn of all creation." Hence, he existed before other spirit creatures and the physical universe were created.- Colossians 1:15; Revelation 3:14.

According to some scientific estimates,the physical universe has existed for at least 12 billion years. If those estimates are anywhere near correct, God's firstborn Son enjoyed close association with his Father for eons before the creation of Adam. (Compare Micah 5:2) A tender and deep bond thus developed between the two of them. As wisdom personified, this firstborn Son in his prehuman existence is represented as saying: "I cam to be the one [Jehovah]was specially fond of day by day, I being glad before him all the time. (Proverbs 8:30) Surely spending countless ages in intimate association with the Source of love had a profound effect on God's Son! (1 John 4:8) This S0on came to know and reflect his Father's thoughts, feelings and ways as no one else could. -Matthew 11:27.

Next time: Earthly Life and Influences

Watchtower, 2000

LET US BE THE SORT THAT HAVE FAITH

THE next time you are in a Kingdom Hall full of worshipers of Jehovah, pause to look at those around you. Think of the many ways in which they show faith. You may see elderly ones who have served God for decades, youths who daily stand up to peer pressure and parents who work hard to raise God-fearing children. There are congregation elders and ministerial servants, who shoulder many responsibilities. Yes, you may see spiritual brothers and sisters of every age who surmount all manner of obstacles in order to serve Jehovah. How precious the faith of each one! -1 Peter 1:7.

Few imperfect humans, if any, have understood the importance of faith better than did the apostle Paul. In fact, he noted that genuine faith leads to the preserving alive of the soul." (Hebrews 10:39) Paul knew, though, that faith is subject to attack and erosion in this faithless world. He was deeply concerned about the Hebrew Christians in Jerusalem and Judea, who were struggling to preserve their faith. As we look at parts of Hebrew chapters 10and 11, let us take note of the methods that Paul used to build up their faith. In the process, we will see how we can build stronger faith in ourselves and in those around us.

Next time: Express Confidence in One Another

Watchtower, 1999

MAY WE NEVER SHRINK BACK TO DESTRUCTION

Conclusion of Why We Should Never Shrink Back to Destruction

Now, consider a contrast. Today, pure worship has already lasted longer than the period until the apostles died. From the time of the publication of the first issue of this journal back in 1879, Jehovah has blessed us with increasingly purified worship. Jehovah and Christ Jesus entered the spiritual temple in 1918 for the purpose of cleansing it. (Malachi 3:1-5) Since 1919, the arrangement for worshiping Jehovah God has been progressively refined. Our understanding of Bible prophecies and principles has become clearer. (Proverbs 4:18) To whom does the credit go? Not to mere imperfect humans. Only Jehovah, with his Son as head of the congregation, could protect his people from corruption, during these corrupt times. Let us never fail, then, to thank Jehovah for allowing us to take part in pure worship today. And let us be firmly resolved never to shrink back to destruction!

Like those Hebrew Christians, we have a second reason for rejecting a cowardly , shrinking course-our own record of endurance. Whether we have begun to serve Jehovah in recent years or have been doing so, faithfully for decades, we have built up a record of Christian works. Many of us have suffered persecution, be it imprisonment, ban, brutality, or loss of property. Many more have faced family opposition, scorn, ridicule and indifference. All of us have endured continuing our faithful service to Jehovah despite life's challenges and tests. By doing so, we have built up a record of perseverance that Jehovah will not forget, a storehouse of treasures in heaven. Surely, then, this is no time to shrink back to the corrupt old system we left behind! why render all our hard work worthless? Especially is this true today, w hen only "a very little while" is left behind before the end. -Hebrews 10:37.

Yes, let us be resolved that "we are not the sort that shrink back to destruction!" Let us, rather, be "the sort that have faith." (Hebrews 10:39) How can we make sure that we fit that description, and how can we help fellow Christians to do the same? Our next article will consider this matter.

Next time: LET US BE THE SORT THAT HAVE FAITH

Watchtower, 1999