The preaching activity has also benefited from periods of relative peace. Though Jesus accurately foretold that in the times involved 'nation would rise against nation,' there were intervals of stability that made possible intense Kingdom preaching . (Matthew 24:7) First-century Christians lived under the Pax Romana or Roman peace. One historian wrote: "Rome had so completely subjugated the peoples of the mediterranean world that she ended for them ages of almost constant war." This stability opened the way for early Christians to travel in relative safety throughout the Roman world.
The Roman Empire strove to unite people under its strong hand. This policy promoted not only travel, tolerance and the exchange of ideas but also the concept of international brotherhood. The book On The Road To Civilization states: "The unity of the [Roman] Empire made the field[for Christian preaching] a favorable one. National barriers had been broken down. A Roman citizen was a citizen of the world.... Moreover, a religion that taught the brotherhood of man could be understood in a state which had developed the idea of universal citizenship." -Compare Acts 10:34, 35; 1 Peter 2:17.
What of our time? The 20th century has seen the most destructive wars in history, and regional wars continue to rage in some lands. (Revelation 6:4) Yet, there have also been periods of relative peace. The major powers of the world have not battled one another in all-out war for more than 50 years. This situation has greatly helped in the preaching of the good news in those lands.
The horrors of 20th century warfare have led many people to recognize the need for a world government. Fear of world war led to the formation of both the League of Nations and the United Nations. (Revelation 13:14) A proclaimed aim of both organizations has been the promoting of international cooperation and peace. People sensing such a need often respond favorably to the good news of the world government that will bring genuine and lasting peace-God's Kingdom.
Though Christians have been ferociously persecuted at times, both the first and the 20th centuries have seen periods of religious tolerance. (John 15:20; Acts 9:31) the Romans freely adopted and adapted to the gods and goddesses of the people they conquered. Wrote Professor Rodney Stark: "In many respects Rome provided for a greater level of religious freedom than was seen again until after the American Revolution." In modern times, people in many lands have become more open to other viewpoints, with the result that they have been willing to listen to the Bible message that Jehovah's Witnesses bring.
Next time: The Role Of Technology
Watchtower, 1999
6.19.2010
6.18.2010
The Benefits Of Law
Christian preaching has often benefited from governmental law. The Roman Empire dominated the first-century world, and its written laws had a profound influence on daily life. These laws provided safe-guards, and the early Christians benefited from them. For example, Paul's appeal to Roman law led to his release from prison and saved him from being flogged. (Acts 16:37-39; 22:25, 29) Reference to the provision of the Roman legal system helped to calm an angry mob in Ephesus. (Acts 19:35-41) Once, Paul was rescued from violence in Jerusalem because he was a Roman citizen. (Acts 23:27) Later, Roman law allowed him to make a legal defense of his faith before Caesar. (Acts 25:11) Though several of the Caesars ruled as tyrants, the laws in the first century usually allowed for "the defending and legally establishing of the good news." -Philippians 1:7.
The same hold true in many lands today. Though there have been those who would 'frame trouble by decree,' written laws in most countries regard freedom of religion as a basic right. (Psalm 94:20) Recognizing that Jehovah's Witnesses pose no threat to the social order, many governments have granted us legal recognition. In the United States, where much of the Witnesses' printing has been done, existing laws have made it possible for the Watchtower magazine to be produce continuously for 120 years and to be read worldwide.
Next time: Periods Of Peace And Tolerance
Watchtower, 1999
The same hold true in many lands today. Though there have been those who would 'frame trouble by decree,' written laws in most countries regard freedom of religion as a basic right. (Psalm 94:20) Recognizing that Jehovah's Witnesses pose no threat to the social order, many governments have granted us legal recognition. In the United States, where much of the Witnesses' printing has been done, existing laws have made it possible for the Watchtower magazine to be produce continuously for 120 years and to be read worldwide.
Next time: Periods Of Peace And Tolerance
Watchtower, 1999
6.17.2010
Religious Environment
Consider the timing of the global preaching campaigns. As to the setting in the first century, the prophecy of the 70 weeks of years, found at Daniel 9:24-27, pinpointed the year when the Messiah was to appear -29 C.E. Though first-century Jews did not understand the exact timing of matters, they were in expectation , awaiting the Messiah. (Luke 3:15) The French Manuel Biblique states: "People knew that the seventy weeks of years fixed by Daniel were drawing to a close; nobody was surprised to hear John the Baptist announce that the kingdom of God had drawn near."
What about the setting in modern times? Well, a monumental development was the enthronement of Jesus in heaven, which marked the beginning of his presence in Kingdom power. Bible prophecy shows that this took place in 1914. (Daniel 4:13-17) Anticipation of this event also caused some religious people in modern times to be filled with expectation. Expectation was evident also among the sincere Bible Students who began to publish this magazine in 1879 as Zion's Watchtower and Herald of Christ's Presence. Thus, both in the first century and in modern times, religious expectation prepared the environment for the preaching of the good news."
Another factor that helped the work of Christians in both eras was that many people were familiar with the Sacred Scriptures. In the first century, Jewish communities were scattered throughout the surrounding Gentile nations. Those communities had synagogues where people regularly met to hear the Scriptures read and discussed. Thus, early Christians were able to build on the religious knowledge that people already had. (Acts 8:28-36; 17:1, 2) Early in our era, Jehovah's people enjoyed a similar environment in many lands. The Bible was widely available throughout the realm of Christendom, especially in Protestant lands. It was read in many churches; millions owned a copy. The Bible was already in people's hands, but they needed help to understand what they possessed.
Next time: The Benefits Of Law
Watchtower, 1999
What about the setting in modern times? Well, a monumental development was the enthronement of Jesus in heaven, which marked the beginning of his presence in Kingdom power. Bible prophecy shows that this took place in 1914. (Daniel 4:13-17) Anticipation of this event also caused some religious people in modern times to be filled with expectation. Expectation was evident also among the sincere Bible Students who began to publish this magazine in 1879 as Zion's Watchtower and Herald of Christ's Presence. Thus, both in the first century and in modern times, religious expectation prepared the environment for the preaching of the good news."
Another factor that helped the work of Christians in both eras was that many people were familiar with the Sacred Scriptures. In the first century, Jewish communities were scattered throughout the surrounding Gentile nations. Those communities had synagogues where people regularly met to hear the Scriptures read and discussed. Thus, early Christians were able to build on the religious knowledge that people already had. (Acts 8:28-36; 17:1, 2) Early in our era, Jehovah's people enjoyed a similar environment in many lands. The Bible was widely available throughout the realm of Christendom, especially in Protestant lands. It was read in many churches; millions owned a copy. The Bible was already in people's hands, but they needed help to understand what they possessed.
Next time: The Benefits Of Law
Watchtower, 1999
6.16.2010
A Difficult Assignment
As was the building of the Ark in Noah's day, the work of the Kingdom preaching has been an enormous project-both in the first century and in modern times. The task of reaching all peoples with any message is difficult enough, but this task was especially challenging. In the first century, the disciples were relatively few. Their Leader, Jesus, had been executed as an alleged seditionist. The Jewish religion was well established. A magnificent temple stood in Jerusalem. Non-Jewish religions in the Mediterranean area were also well established, with temples and priesthoods. Similarly, as "the time of the end" began in 1914, the anointed Christians were few, and adherents to other religions claiming to serve God were many.-Daniel 12:9.
Jesus had warned his followers that they would be persecuted. He said: " People will deliver you up to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be objects of hatred by all the nations on account of my name." (Matthew 24:9) Added to such problems particularly in "the last days," Christians would find themselves amid "critical times hard to deal with." (2 Timothy 3:1) The magnitude of the work, the certainty of persecution, and the difficult of the times have made the work of preaching challenging and difficult. Great faith has been needed.
While Jehovah knew that there would be difficulties, he also knew that nothing would stop the work. Success was foretold in a well-known prophecy having a remarkable fulfillment in both the first and the 20th centuries: "This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth." -Matthew 24:14.
Filled with faith and holy spirit, God's servants in the first century went forth to carry out their commission. Because Jehovah proved to be with them, they achieved success far beyond what they might have expected. By the time Paul wrote to the Colossians, about 27 years after the death of Jesus, he could say of the good news that it was "preached in all creation that is under heaven." (Colossians 1:23) Comparably, by the close of the 20th century, the good news is being preached in 233 lands
Millions have embraced the good news in recent decades. Many have done so under unfavorable circumstances-during periods of war, ban and intense persecution. That was true also in the first century. On one occasion Paul and Silas were brutally beaten with rods and thrown into prison. What an unlikely situation to do just that. Paul and Silas were released, and the jailer together with his family became believers. (Acts 16:19-33) Such experiences show that the good news cannot be silenced by those who oppose it. (Isaiah 54:17) Still, the history of Christianity had not been one of unrelenting adversity and persecution. Let us now focus on some favorable developments that have helped smooth the way for the successful preaching of the good news in both the first and the 20th centuries.
Next time: Religious Environment
Watchtower, 1999
Jesus had warned his followers that they would be persecuted. He said: " People will deliver you up to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be objects of hatred by all the nations on account of my name." (Matthew 24:9) Added to such problems particularly in "the last days," Christians would find themselves amid "critical times hard to deal with." (2 Timothy 3:1) The magnitude of the work, the certainty of persecution, and the difficult of the times have made the work of preaching challenging and difficult. Great faith has been needed.
While Jehovah knew that there would be difficulties, he also knew that nothing would stop the work. Success was foretold in a well-known prophecy having a remarkable fulfillment in both the first and the 20th centuries: "This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth." -Matthew 24:14.
Filled with faith and holy spirit, God's servants in the first century went forth to carry out their commission. Because Jehovah proved to be with them, they achieved success far beyond what they might have expected. By the time Paul wrote to the Colossians, about 27 years after the death of Jesus, he could say of the good news that it was "preached in all creation that is under heaven." (Colossians 1:23) Comparably, by the close of the 20th century, the good news is being preached in 233 lands
Millions have embraced the good news in recent decades. Many have done so under unfavorable circumstances-during periods of war, ban and intense persecution. That was true also in the first century. On one occasion Paul and Silas were brutally beaten with rods and thrown into prison. What an unlikely situation to do just that. Paul and Silas were released, and the jailer together with his family became believers. (Acts 16:19-33) Such experiences show that the good news cannot be silenced by those who oppose it. (Isaiah 54:17) Still, the history of Christianity had not been one of unrelenting adversity and persecution. Let us now focus on some favorable developments that have helped smooth the way for the successful preaching of the good news in both the first and the 20th centuries.
Next time: Religious Environment
Watchtower, 1999
6.15.2010
Jehovah Prepares The Way
BECAUSE Jehovah is a God of love, it is his will that "all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth." ( 1 Timothy 2:4) This has called for an international preaching and teaching campaign. In the first century, this preaching made the Christian congregation "a pillar and support of the truth." (1 Timothy 3:15) Afterward came a long period of apostasy in which the light of truth became dim. In recent times, during "the time of the end," "True knowledge" has again become abundant, bringing a Bible-based hope of everlasting salvation to millions. -Daniel 12:4.
Despite the unrelenting efforts of Satan to thwart God's purpose , the preaching activity in both the first and the 20th centuries has met with amazing success. It calls to mind the prophecy of Isaiah. Concerning the return of Jewish exiles to Judah in the sixth century B.C.E., Isaiah wrote: "Let every valley be raised up, and every mountain and hill be made low. And the knobby ground must become level land, and the rugged ground a valley plain." (Isaiah 40:4) Jehovah has also prepared and smoothed the way for the great preaching campaigns of both the first and the 20th centuries.
This does not mean that Jehovah directly influenced every development on earth in order to advance the preaching of the good news; nor does it mean that Jehovah exercised his foresight to know in precise detail everything that would occur. Granted, he is able both to foresee and to shape future events. (Isaiah 46:9-11) But he is also able to react to developments as they unfold. Like an experience shepherd who knows both how to direct and how to protect his flock, Jehovah guides his people. He leads them toward salvation, protecting their spirituality and moving them to take advantage of situations and developments that promote the successful preaching of the good news worldwide. -Psalm 23:1-4.
Next time: A Difficult Assignment
Watchtower, 1999
Despite the unrelenting efforts of Satan to thwart God's purpose , the preaching activity in both the first and the 20th centuries has met with amazing success. It calls to mind the prophecy of Isaiah. Concerning the return of Jewish exiles to Judah in the sixth century B.C.E., Isaiah wrote: "Let every valley be raised up, and every mountain and hill be made low. And the knobby ground must become level land, and the rugged ground a valley plain." (Isaiah 40:4) Jehovah has also prepared and smoothed the way for the great preaching campaigns of both the first and the 20th centuries.
This does not mean that Jehovah directly influenced every development on earth in order to advance the preaching of the good news; nor does it mean that Jehovah exercised his foresight to know in precise detail everything that would occur. Granted, he is able both to foresee and to shape future events. (Isaiah 46:9-11) But he is also able to react to developments as they unfold. Like an experience shepherd who knows both how to direct and how to protect his flock, Jehovah guides his people. He leads them toward salvation, protecting their spirituality and moving them to take advantage of situations and developments that promote the successful preaching of the good news worldwide. -Psalm 23:1-4.
Next time: A Difficult Assignment
Watchtower, 1999
6.14.2010
Never Give Up!
Though we live in "critical times hard to deal with," we can be sure that Jehovah is fully in control. He is supporting and sustaining his people as they work to complete the preaching of the good news before God's appointed time to end this wicked system of things arrives. ( 2 Timothy 3:1; Matthew 24:14) Jehovah invites us to be "fellow workers" with him. ( 1 Corinthians 3:9) We are assured too, that Christ Jesus is with us in this work and that we can rely on angelic backing and direction. - Matthew 28:20; Revelation 14:6.
Because Noah and his family exercised faith in Jehovah's promises, they were saved through the flood waters. Those who exercise similar faith will be saved through the coming "great tribulation." (Revelation 7:14) We live in times that are truly exciting. Momentous events lie ahead! Soon, God will act to usher in glorious new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness will dwell. ( 2 Peter 3:13) Never, never give up in your conviction that whatever God says, he is also able to do. -Romans 4:21.
Next time: Jehovah Prepares The Way
Watchtower, 1999
Because Noah and his family exercised faith in Jehovah's promises, they were saved through the flood waters. Those who exercise similar faith will be saved through the coming "great tribulation." (Revelation 7:14) We live in times that are truly exciting. Momentous events lie ahead! Soon, God will act to usher in glorious new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness will dwell. ( 2 Peter 3:13) Never, never give up in your conviction that whatever God says, he is also able to do. -Romans 4:21.
Next time: Jehovah Prepares The Way
Watchtower, 1999
6.13.2010
Jehovah Backs Up His Work
Jesus foretold that our day would parallel days of Noah. God has again determined to destroy the wicked and has set a time for this to happen. (Matthew 24:36-39) He has also set things in motion for the preservation of the righteous. Whereas Noah was to build an ark, God's servants today are to proclaim Jehovah's purposes, teach his Word, and make disciples. - Matthew 28:19.
If Jehovah has not been with Noah to support and sustain him, the ark would not have been built. (Compare Psalm 127:1) Similarly, without Jehovah's backing, true Christianity would be unlikely to survive much less prosper. This was recognized in the first century by Gamaliel, and esteemed Pharisee and teacher of the Law. When the Jewish Sanhedrin wanted to do away with the apostles, he cautioned that court: "Do not meddle with these men, but let them alone; (because, if this scheme or this work is from men, it will be overthrown; but if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them.)" -Acts 5:38/, 39.
The success of this preaching activity both in the first and today, has proved that this is not a work from men, but is of God. The following article will discuss some of the exciting circumstances and developments that have helped to make this work so successful on such a vast scale.
Next time: Never Give Up!
Watchtower, 1999
If Jehovah has not been with Noah to support and sustain him, the ark would not have been built. (Compare Psalm 127:1) Similarly, without Jehovah's backing, true Christianity would be unlikely to survive much less prosper. This was recognized in the first century by Gamaliel, and esteemed Pharisee and teacher of the Law. When the Jewish Sanhedrin wanted to do away with the apostles, he cautioned that court: "Do not meddle with these men, but let them alone; (because, if this scheme or this work is from men, it will be overthrown; but if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them.)" -Acts 5:38/, 39.
The success of this preaching activity both in the first and today, has proved that this is not a work from men, but is of God. The following article will discuss some of the exciting circumstances and developments that have helped to make this work so successful on such a vast scale.
Next time: Never Give Up!
Watchtower, 1999
6.12.2010
A Colossal Building Project
To my readers: Sorry for not having any blogs the last few days, but I have been in the process of moving back here to Colorado and unpacking things so that I can start doing my blogs again. Unless something unforseen happens, I will be doing my blogs everyday again as I did about a year ago, so please forgive me. Thank you for reading my blogs. I would like to reach out to as many of you as possible because the days are coming and we all need to be awake in faith and working for God, so that those who are strong in Faith and work for God can enjoy his promises for everlasting life on Paradise earth after the Resurrection.
Consider this assignment from Noah's viewpoint. Because Noah''s was a man of God, he knew that Jehovah could destroy the ungodly. Before that would happen, however, there was work to be done-a work that required faith. The construction of the ark would be a colossal project. God had specified its dimensions. The ark would be longer than some modern day sports fields and as high as a five-story building. (Genesis 6:15) The builders would be inexperienced and few. They would not have the sophisticated tools and equipment available today. Moreover, since he did not have Jehovah's ability to foreknow the future, Noah had no way of knowing what situations would develop over the years that might either help or hinder the building project. Noah likely pondered many questions. How would he gather the animals? What food would be needed and how much? When, exactly would the foretold Deluge occur?
Then there were the social conditions. Wickedness abounded. The mighty Nephilim-the hybrid offspring of wicked angels and women- filled the earth with violence. (Genesis 6:1-4, 13) Furthermore, ark building would not be a project that could be carried out in secret. People would wonder what Noah was doing, and he would tell them. ( 2 Peter 2:5) Could they be expected to approve? Hardly! Some years earlier, faithful Enoch had proclaimed the destruction of the wicked. So unpopular was his message that God "took him," or cut his life short, evidently to prevent him from being slain by His enemies. (Genesis 5:24; Hebrews 11:5; Jude 14, 15) Not only was Noah to proclaim a similarly unpopular message but he was also to build an ark. As that ark was being constructed, it would serve as a powerful reminder of Noah's faithfulness in the face of wicked contemporaries!
Noah knew that the project had the backing and blessing of Almighty God. Had not Jehovah himself assigned the work? Jehovah had assured Noah that the and his family would enter a completed ark and be preserved alive through the global Flood. God even underscored the certainty of that with a solemn agreement. (Genesis 6:18, 19) Likely, Noah recognized that Jehovah both anticipated and evaluated all that was involved before making the assignment. Moreover, Noah knew that Jehovah had the power to step in to help him when needed. So Noah's faith moved him to action. Like his descendant Abraham, Noah was "fully convinced that what [God] had promised hie was also able to do."-Romans 4:21.
As the years passed and the ark took shape, Noah's faith was fortified. Construction and logistic problems were resolved. Trials were overcome. No opposition could halt the work. Noah's family experienced Jehovah's support and protection. As Noah pressed on, 'the tested quality of his faith worked out endurance." (James 1:2-4) Eventually, the ark was completed, the Flood came, and Noah and his family survived. Noah experience the fulfillment of God's promises, as Joshua did later. Noah's faith was rewarded.
Next time: Jehovah Backs Up His Work
Watchtower, 1999
Consider this assignment from Noah's viewpoint. Because Noah''s was a man of God, he knew that Jehovah could destroy the ungodly. Before that would happen, however, there was work to be done-a work that required faith. The construction of the ark would be a colossal project. God had specified its dimensions. The ark would be longer than some modern day sports fields and as high as a five-story building. (Genesis 6:15) The builders would be inexperienced and few. They would not have the sophisticated tools and equipment available today. Moreover, since he did not have Jehovah's ability to foreknow the future, Noah had no way of knowing what situations would develop over the years that might either help or hinder the building project. Noah likely pondered many questions. How would he gather the animals? What food would be needed and how much? When, exactly would the foretold Deluge occur?
Then there were the social conditions. Wickedness abounded. The mighty Nephilim-the hybrid offspring of wicked angels and women- filled the earth with violence. (Genesis 6:1-4, 13) Furthermore, ark building would not be a project that could be carried out in secret. People would wonder what Noah was doing, and he would tell them. ( 2 Peter 2:5) Could they be expected to approve? Hardly! Some years earlier, faithful Enoch had proclaimed the destruction of the wicked. So unpopular was his message that God "took him," or cut his life short, evidently to prevent him from being slain by His enemies. (Genesis 5:24; Hebrews 11:5; Jude 14, 15) Not only was Noah to proclaim a similarly unpopular message but he was also to build an ark. As that ark was being constructed, it would serve as a powerful reminder of Noah's faithfulness in the face of wicked contemporaries!
Noah knew that the project had the backing and blessing of Almighty God. Had not Jehovah himself assigned the work? Jehovah had assured Noah that the and his family would enter a completed ark and be preserved alive through the global Flood. God even underscored the certainty of that with a solemn agreement. (Genesis 6:18, 19) Likely, Noah recognized that Jehovah both anticipated and evaluated all that was involved before making the assignment. Moreover, Noah knew that Jehovah had the power to step in to help him when needed. So Noah's faith moved him to action. Like his descendant Abraham, Noah was "fully convinced that what [God] had promised hie was also able to do."-Romans 4:21.
As the years passed and the ark took shape, Noah's faith was fortified. Construction and logistic problems were resolved. Trials were overcome. No opposition could halt the work. Noah's family experienced Jehovah's support and protection. As Noah pressed on, 'the tested quality of his faith worked out endurance." (James 1:2-4) Eventually, the ark was completed, the Flood came, and Noah and his family survived. Noah experience the fulfillment of God's promises, as Joshua did later. Noah's faith was rewarded.
Next time: Jehovah Backs Up His Work
Watchtower, 1999
6.04.2010
God Forsees The Future
So far, we have seen that while God allows for free will and independent human rulership, he has both the power and the will to act to accomplish his purpose. Yet, there is another factor that contributes to the certain fulfillment of God's promises. Jehovah can foresee the future. (Isaiah 42:9) Through his prophet, God said: " Remember the first things of a long time ago, that I am the Divine One and there is no other God, nor anyone else like me; the One telling from the beginning the finale, and from long ago the things that have not been done; the One saying, 'My own counsel will stand, and everything that is my delight I shall do.' " (Isaiah 46:9, 10) An experienced farmer knows when and where to plant seed, but there still might be some uncertainty about how things will develop. However, "the King of eternity" has accurate knowledge to foresee precisely when and where he should act to carry out his purpose. -1 Timothy 1:17.
Consider how God exercised foreknowledge in the days of Noah. Because of the widespread badness that had filled the earth, God determined to bring an end to disobedient humankind. He set a time when he would do this, 120 years into the future. (Genesis 6:3) In setting that specific period, Jehovah took into consideration more than the destruction of the wicked, something that he could do at any time. Jehovah's timetable also provided for the preservation of the righteous. (Compare Genesis 5:29) In his wisdom, God foreknew when to assign the work that he would lead to that end. He gave sufficiently detailed information to Noah. Noah was to build an ark "for the saving of his household," and the wicked were to be destroyed by a global deluge. - Hebrews 11:7; Genesis 6:13, 14, 18, 19.
Next time: A Colossal Building Project
Watchtower, 1999
Consider how God exercised foreknowledge in the days of Noah. Because of the widespread badness that had filled the earth, God determined to bring an end to disobedient humankind. He set a time when he would do this, 120 years into the future. (Genesis 6:3) In setting that specific period, Jehovah took into consideration more than the destruction of the wicked, something that he could do at any time. Jehovah's timetable also provided for the preservation of the righteous. (Compare Genesis 5:29) In his wisdom, God foreknew when to assign the work that he would lead to that end. He gave sufficiently detailed information to Noah. Noah was to build an ark "for the saving of his household," and the wicked were to be destroyed by a global deluge. - Hebrews 11:7; Genesis 6:13, 14, 18, 19.
Next time: A Colossal Building Project
Watchtower, 1999
6.01.2010
God Acts To Accomplish His Will
In his dealing with the nation of Israel, God demonstrated that he will accomplish his purpose. For example, Jehovah assured Moses that he would deliver the Israelites from Egypt and bring thm into the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey. (Exodus 3:8) This was a momentous and reassuring proclamation. It would involve releasing those Israelites-numbering with their companions about three million-from a mighty nation that strongly opposed their departure. (Exodus 3:19) the land to which they would be brought was inhabited by powerful nations that would strongly resist their arrival. (Deuteronomy 7:1) In between was a wilderness where the Israelites would need food and water. This was a situation that allowed Jehovah to display his supreme power and Godship. -Leviticus 25:38.
God led the Israelites out of Egypt through a series of mighty acts. First, he brought ten devastating plagues on the nation of Egypt. Next, he parted the Red Sea, enabling the Israelites to escape while the pursuing Egyptian army perished. (Psalm 78:12, 13. 43:51) Following that, he cared for the Israelites during their 40 years in the wilderness, feeding them with manna, providing water, and even seeing to it that their mantles did not wear out and that their feet did not become swollen. (Deuteronomy 8:3, 4) After the Israelites entered the Promised Land, Jehovah led them to victory over their enemies. Joshua, who excercised strong faith in Jehovah's promises, was an eyewitness of all these things. Thus, he could confidently say to the older men of his day; "you well know with all your souls that not one word out of all the good words that Jehovah your God has spoken to you has failed. They have all come true for you." - Joshua 23:14.
Like Joshua of old, Christians today are fully confident that God is willing and able to act in behalf of those who serve him. This conviction is an essential part of our faith. The apostle Paul wrote: "Without faith it is impossible to please him well, for he that approaches God must believe that he . . .becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him." -Hebrews 11:6.
Next time: God Forsees The Future
Watchtower, 1999
God led the Israelites out of Egypt through a series of mighty acts. First, he brought ten devastating plagues on the nation of Egypt. Next, he parted the Red Sea, enabling the Israelites to escape while the pursuing Egyptian army perished. (Psalm 78:12, 13. 43:51) Following that, he cared for the Israelites during their 40 years in the wilderness, feeding them with manna, providing water, and even seeing to it that their mantles did not wear out and that their feet did not become swollen. (Deuteronomy 8:3, 4) After the Israelites entered the Promised Land, Jehovah led them to victory over their enemies. Joshua, who excercised strong faith in Jehovah's promises, was an eyewitness of all these things. Thus, he could confidently say to the older men of his day; "you well know with all your souls that not one word out of all the good words that Jehovah your God has spoken to you has failed. They have all come true for you." - Joshua 23:14.
Like Joshua of old, Christians today are fully confident that God is willing and able to act in behalf of those who serve him. This conviction is an essential part of our faith. The apostle Paul wrote: "Without faith it is impossible to please him well, for he that approaches God must believe that he . . .becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him." -Hebrews 11:6.
Next time: God Forsees The Future
Watchtower, 1999
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