Dark Times in Israel

Isaiah's words about darkness covering the earth were first fulfilled when Judah lay desolate  and her peo0ple were in exile in Babylon.  However,  even before that, in Isaiah's own day, much of the nation was already shrouded in spiritual darkness, a fact that moved him to urge his fellow countrymen: "O men of the house of Jacob, come and let us walk in the light of Jehovah"! -Isaiah 2:5; 5:20.

Isaiah prophesied in Judah "in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah, kings of Judah." (Isaiah 1:1) It was a turbulent time of political unrest, religious hypocrisy, judicial corruption and oppression of the poor.  Even during the reigns of faithful kings. such as Jotham, altars of false gods could be seen on many hilltops.  Under the unfaithful kings, the situation was worse.  Wicked King Ahaz, for example, went so far as to offer up his offspring in a ritual sacrifice to the god Molech.  That was darkness indeed! -2 Kings 15:31-34; 16:2-4.

The international situation was also gloomy.  Moab, Edom and Philistia stood menacingly at Judah's borders.  The northern kingdom of Israel, although related by blood, was an avowed enemy.  Farther north, Syria threatened Judah's peace.  Even more dangerous was cruel Assyria, ever on the lookout for opportunities to expand its power.  During the period of Isaiah's prophesying, Assyria took the nation of Israel  completely off the map and almost destroyed Judah.  At one time every fortified city in Judah except Jerusalem was in Assyrian hands. -Isaiah 1:7, 8; 36:1.

God's covenant people suffered such disasters because Israel and Judah were disloyal to him. Like those mentioned in the book of Proverbs, they were "leaving the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness."  (Proverbs 2:13) Yet, wile Jehovah was angry with his people, he did not completely abandon them.  Instead, he raised up Isaiah and other prophets to provide spiritual light for any in the nation who still sought to serve Jehovah faithfully.  The light provided through these prophets was precious indeed.  It was life-giving.

Next time: Times of Darkness Today

The Watchtower, 2000

An Exemplary Man Who Accepted Correction

Relationship With God Came First

Job was a wealthy man.  Besides gold, he had 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 she-asses, 1,000 head of cattle, and a very large body of servants.  (Job 1:3) But Job trusted in Jehovah not in riches.  He reasoned:  "If i have put gold as my confidence, or to gold I have said, 'You are my trust!' If I used to rejoice because my property was much, and because  my hand had found a lot of things . . ., that too would be an error for attention by the justices, for I should have denied the true God above."  (Job24-28) Like Job,we should value a close relationship with Jehovah God far more than material things.

Next time: Just Dealings With Fellow Humans

Watchtower, 2000

THE BIBLE - A Textbook for Living

Counsel That Endures

Wise King Solomon said: "Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding.  In all  your ways take notice of him, and he himself will make your paths straight."  (Proverbs 3:5, 6)  How uncomplicated, yet profound, those works are!

The Bible is a force for good.  It enable lovers of God to bring their life in harmony with his will and to find happiness in "walking in the law of Jehovah."  (Psalm 119:1)  No matter what our circumstances, the Bible contains the direction and counsel that we need.  (Isaiah 48/:17, 18) Read it daily, meditate on what  you read, and apply it.  It will keep  your mind clear and focused on things that are pure and wholesome.  (Philippians 4:8, 9)  You will learn not only how to live and enjoy life but also how to love the Creator of life.

By following such a course, the Bible will become for you-as it has for millions of others-more than just a good book.  It will truly prove to be a textbook of living!

Next time: Jehovah Provides His People a Resting-Place

Watchtower, 2000

THE BIBLE - A Textbook for Living

Help in Overcoming Emotional Problems

George was seven when his mother died.  He dreaded going to sleep at night, not knowing if he would wake up the next day.  Then he read what Jesus said about death and the resurrection:  "The hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tomb will hear [Jesus'] voice and come out."  He was also touched by Jesus' words:  "I am the resurrection and the life.  He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life."   (John 5:28, 29; 11:25)  Such thoughts sounded reasonable logical, and comforting.  "This truth,"  says George, "not only appeals to the mind but also to touches the heart."

Daniel, mentioned earlier, also had fears.  His mother could not raise him on her own, so he was sent to live in many foster homes.  He always felt like an outsider and longed for the security of belonging to a loving family.  Eventually, he found what he was looking for through his study of the Bible.  Daniel came into association with the Christian congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses and became part  of a spiritual family, where he experienced the feeling of acceptance and of being loved by others.  Indeed, the Bible is beneficial in a practical and an emotionally satisfying way.

Remember, Jehovah sees what is in our heart and knows what we are looking for.  God is "making an estimate of hearts," and he gives "to each one according to his ways." -Proverbs 21:2; Jeremiah 17:10.

Next time: Practical Counsel on Family  Life

Watchtower, 2000

MAKE YOUR LIFE SUCCESSFUL!

Watch Your Associations!

Let us look again at the description of the successful man, recorded at Psalm 1:1-3:  "Happy is the man that has not walked in the counsel of the wicked ones, and in the way of sinners has not stood and in the seat of ridiculers  has not sat.  But his delight is in the law of Jehovah, and in his law he reads in an undertone day and night and he will certainly become like a tree planted by streams of water, that gives its own fruit in its season and the foilage of which does not wither, and everything he does will succeed."

Notice first of all your associations play a big part.  Proverb 13:20 says:  "He that is walking with the wise persons will become wise, but he that is having dealings with the stupid ones will fare badly."  This does not mean being cold, unfriendly, or rude to youths who are not Jehovah's Witnesses.  The Bible urges us to love our neighbors and to "be peaceable with all men."  (Romans 12:18; Matthew 22:39)  However, you may find  yourself  'walking in the counsel' of those who do not follow Bible standards if you associate too closely with them.

Next time: The Benefits of Bible Reading

Watchtower, 1999

"SALVATION BELONGS TO JEHOVAH"

AT TIMES, of national crisis and international tension, people look to their government for safety and security. Governments for their part step up programs designed to rally the support of the populace. The more the feeling of patriotism is fostered by such programs, the more spirited and frequent become the observances of patriotic ceremonies.

During a national emergency, patriotic fervor often gives people a sense of unity and strengthen and may promote a spirit of cooperation and civic-mindedness among them. However, "patriotism is as volatile as any emotion," states an article in the New York Times Magazine, since "once released, it can assume ugly forms." Expressions of it may take a turn that can encroach on the civil liberties and religious freedom of certain citizens of the country. True Christians particularly come under pressure to compromise their beliefs. How do they conduct themselves when such an atmosphere engulfs the world around them? What Scriptural principles help them to act with insight and to maintain integrity to God?

Next time: "You Must Not Bow Down to Them"

Watchtower, 2002

IDENTIFYING THE RIGHT KIND OF MESSENGER

Conclusion of The Messenger's Good News for Zion!

Yes, Jehovah's chosen people had great reason for joy. They were now going to reoccupy those once desolate places, making them become like the garden of Eden. Jehovah had "bared his holy arm" for them. He rolled up his sleeve, so to speak, to work at bringing them back to their beloved homeland. This was not some minor, inconspicuous incident in history. No, all people living then saw God's 'bared arm' exerting power in human affairs in order to bring about the astounding salvation of a nation. They were given umimpeachable proof that Isaiah and Ezekiel were Jehovah's true messengers. No one could doubt that Zion's God was he only living and true God in all the earth. At Isaiah 35:2, we read: "There will be those who will see the glory of Jehovah, the splendor of our God." Those who accepted this proof of Jehovah's Godship turned to worshiping him.

How thankful we should be that Jehovah identifies his true messengers! He is indeed "the One making the word of his servant come true, and the One that carries out completely the counsel of his own messengers." (Isaiah 44:26) The restoration prophecies he gave Isaiah and Ezekiel magnify his great love, undeserved kindness, and mercy toward his servants. Surely, Jehovah deserves all our praise for this! And we today should be especially thankful that he exposes false messengers. This is because there are many of them now on the world's scene. Their grandiose messages ignore Jehovah's announce purposes. The next article will help us identify those false messengers.

Next time:NO PEACE FOR THE MESSENGERS!

Watchtower, 1997

"SEARCH FOR JEHOVAH AND HIS STRENGTH"

The Power to Hurt and the Power to Heal

Not all the power we possess comes directly from God. The tongue, for example, has the power to hurt as well as to heal. "Death and life are in the power of the tongue," warns Solomon. (Proverbs 18:21) The results of Satan's brief conversation with Eve show how much havoc can be wrought by words. (Genesis 3:1-5; James 3:5) We too can do much damage with the tongue. Disparaging remarks about a young girl's weight could launch her on the road to anorexia. A thoughtless repetition of some slander might ruin a lifelong friendship. Yes, the tongue needs to be controlled.

However, the tongue can build up as well as tear down. The Bible proverb says: "There exists the one speaking thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a sword, but the tongue of the wise ones is a healing." (Proverbs 12:18) Wise Christians use the power of the tongue to comfort the depressed and the bereaved. Sympathetic words can encourage teenagers who are battling harmful peer pressure. A thoughtful tongue can reassure elderly brothers and sisters that they are still needed and loved. Kindly words can brighten the day of those who are sick. Above all, we can employ our tongue to share the powerful Kingdom message with all who will listen. Proclaiming the Word of God is within our power if our heart is in it. The Bible says: "Do not hold back good from those to whom it is owing, when it happens to be in the power of your hand to do it." -Proverbs 3:27.

Next time: The Proper Use of Power

Watchtower, 2000

"SEARCH FOR JEHOVAH AND HIS STRENGTH"

POWER can mean a number of things, such as the possession of control, authority, or influence over others; the ability to act or to produce an effect' physical might (strength); or mental or moral efficacy. Humans do not have a good record when it comes to wielding power. Lord Action, a historian, speaking of power in the hands of politicians said: "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Modern history abounds with examples showing the general truth of Lord Action's words. During the 20th century, "man has dominated man to his injury" as never before. (Ecclesiastes 8:9) Corrupt dictators have grossing abused their power and have snuffed out the lives of millions. Power unrestrained by love, wisdom and justice is dangerous.

Unlike may humans, God always uses his power for good. "As regards Jehovah, his eyes are roving about through all the earth to show his strength in behalf of those whose heart is complete toward him." (2 Chronicles 16:9) Jehovah directs his power in a controlled way. Patience hold back God's execution of the wicked to give them the opportunity to repent. Love moves him to make the sun shine upon all kinds of men-righteous and unrighteous. Justice will move him finally to use his unlimited power to bring to nothing the one having the means to cause death, Satan the Devil. -Matthew 5:44, 45; Hebrews 2:14; 2 Peter 3:9.

The awesome power of our heavenly Father is a reason for trust and confidence -both in his promises and in his protection. A small child feels safe among strangers when he clutches the hand of his father, since he knows that his father will not let any harm come to him. Likewise, our heavenly Father,the one "abounding in power to save," will protect us from any permanent harm if we walk with him. (Isaiah 63:1; Micah 6:8 ) And as a good Father, Jehovah always fulfills his promises. His unlimited power guarantees that his 'word will have certain success in that for which he has sent it.' -Isaiah 55:11; Titus 1:2.

Why is it so important that we be determined not to lose sight of the protection of our heavenly Father? Because it is possible to be overwhelmed by circumstances and forget where our real security lies. This is seen in the example of King Asa, a man who generally trusted in Jehovah. During Asa's reign, a million-strong army of Ethiopians attacked Judah. Realizing that the military advantage was on the side of the enemies, Asa prayed" "O Jehovah, as to helping, it does not matter with you whether there are many or those with no power. Help us, O Jehovah, you are our God. Do not let mortal man retain strength against you." (2 Chronicles 14:11) Jehovah granted Asa's request and gave him a decisive victory.

After many years of faithful service, however, Asa's confidence in Jehovah's saving power faltered. To avert a military threat from the northern kingdom of Israel, he turned to Syria for help. (2 Chronicles 16:1-3) Although his bribe to the Syrian King Ben-hadad did result in removing the threat from Israel posed to Judah, Asa's convenant with Syria showed a lack of confidence in Jehovah. Hanani the prophet pointedly asked him: "Did not the Ethiopians and the Libyans themselves happen to be a very great military force in multitude, in chariots and in horsemen; and because of your leaning upon Jehovah did he not give them into your hand?" (2 Chronicles 16:7, 8) Nevertheless, Asa rejected this reproof. ( 2 Chronicles 16:9-12) When faced with problems, let us not rely on Human solutions. Instead, let us display confidence in God, for trusting in the power of men will inevitably lead to disappointment. (Amen to this)-Psalm 146:3-5.

Next time: Seek the Power That Jehovah Gives

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

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

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