"Do Not Be Afraid"
Are you having a share in the vital Kingdom-preaching and disciple making work? If so, you are truly privileged. Indeed, it is through this work that "desirable things' are being drawn by Jehovah into his house. (John 6:44) True, you may occasionally be a bit tired or discouraged at times, some-even among faithful servants of Jehovah-struggle with feelings of worthlessness. But take heart! Jehovah views each one of his worshipers as desirable, and he has a keen interest in your salvation. -2 Peter 3:9.
When we feel discouraged, whether because of opposition or other unpleasant circumstances, Jehovah's words to the repatriated Jews can be a source of strength. At Haggai 2:4-6, we read: " "But now be strong, O Zerubbabel,' is the utterance of Jehovah, 'and be strong, O Joshua the son of Jehozadak the high priest. And be strong, all you people of the land,' is the utterance of Jehovah, 'and work. For I am with you people," is the utterance of Jehovah of armies. 'Remember the thing that I concluded with you people when you came forth from Egypt, and when my spirit was standing in among you. Do not be afraid.' For this is what Jehovah of armies has said, 'Yet once-it is a little while-and I am rocking the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry ground.' " Observe that Jehovah not only exhorts us to be strong but also provides us with the means for gaining strength. How? Note the reassuring words: "I am with you people." How faith-strengthening it is to realize that no matter what obstacles we face, Jehovah is with us! -Romans 8:31.
Jehovah has certainly proved that he is with his people. Indeed, it is just as he stated through the prophet Haggai: "Greater will the glory of this later house become than that of the former . . .And in this place I shall give peace." (Haggai 2:9) Truly, the greatest glory today is to be found in Jehovah's spiritual temple. Why, hundreds of thousands flock to true worship each year. These are being well fed spiritually, and even in this turbulent world, they enjoy a peace that will be surpassed only by t hat experienced in God's new world. Isaiah 9:6, 7; Luke 12:42.
Jehovah's rocking of the nations of Armageddon is just ahead. (Revelation 16:14, 16) Let us therefore use the remaining time to help save more lives. May we be strong and have complete trust in Jehovah. Let it be our determination to continue worshiping at his great spiritual temple, filling it with still more "desirable things" until Jehovah says that our work has been completed.
Next time:How Do You View Yourself?
Watchtower, 2000
9.07.2010
"DESIRABLE THINGS" ARE FILLING JEHOVAH'S HOUSE
Conclusion of : Modern-Day "Desirable Things"
In Japan, 12 year-old Megumi views her school as a rich field for preaching and teaching. She has even been able to start many Bible studies. How does Megumi do it? Since she reads the Bible or prepares for meetings during the lunch break, her classmates often ask her what she is doing. Some ask Megumi why she does not participate in certain school activities. Megumi answers their questions and tells them that God has a name. This often stimulates the interest of her listeners. She then offers them a Bible study. Megumi now conducts 20 studies-18 of them with her classmates.
In Cameron, a group of eight men working at a job site called out to a brother who was offering Bible literature to a passerby. Wanting to ridicule the brother, they asked him whey he did not believe in the Trinity, hellfire, or the immorality of the soul. Using the Bible, our brother answered their questions. As a result, three of the men accepted Bible studies. One of them, Daniel began attending the meetings and even destroyed all of his possessions relating to spiritism. (Revelation 21:8) In less than a year, he was baptized.
In El Salvador, one man tied his vicious dog in front of the door whenever he saw Jehovah's Witnesses nearby. The man would wait for the Witnesses to move on, and then he would bring the dog back into the house. The brothers were never able to speak to the man. So one day they decided to try a different approach. Knowing that the man could hear what they were saying, they decided to preach to the dog. they came to the house, greeted the dog, and said how glad they were for the opportunity to speak to it. They talked about the time when there would be a paradise on earth, when no one would be angry-yes, when even the animals would be peaceable. Then they said a polite good-bye to the dog and started down the path. Much to their surprise, the man came out of his house and apologized for never having given the Witnesses the opportunity to speak to him. He accepted the magazines, and a Bible study was started. This man is now our brother-one of the "desirable things."!
Next time: "Do Not Be Afraid"
Watchtower, 2000
In Japan, 12 year-old Megumi views her school as a rich field for preaching and teaching. She has even been able to start many Bible studies. How does Megumi do it? Since she reads the Bible or prepares for meetings during the lunch break, her classmates often ask her what she is doing. Some ask Megumi why she does not participate in certain school activities. Megumi answers their questions and tells them that God has a name. This often stimulates the interest of her listeners. She then offers them a Bible study. Megumi now conducts 20 studies-18 of them with her classmates.
In Cameron, a group of eight men working at a job site called out to a brother who was offering Bible literature to a passerby. Wanting to ridicule the brother, they asked him whey he did not believe in the Trinity, hellfire, or the immorality of the soul. Using the Bible, our brother answered their questions. As a result, three of the men accepted Bible studies. One of them, Daniel began attending the meetings and even destroyed all of his possessions relating to spiritism. (Revelation 21:8) In less than a year, he was baptized.
In El Salvador, one man tied his vicious dog in front of the door whenever he saw Jehovah's Witnesses nearby. The man would wait for the Witnesses to move on, and then he would bring the dog back into the house. The brothers were never able to speak to the man. So one day they decided to try a different approach. Knowing that the man could hear what they were saying, they decided to preach to the dog. they came to the house, greeted the dog, and said how glad they were for the opportunity to speak to it. They talked about the time when there would be a paradise on earth, when no one would be angry-yes, when even the animals would be peaceable. Then they said a polite good-bye to the dog and started down the path. Much to their surprise, the man came out of his house and apologized for never having given the Witnesses the opportunity to speak to him. He accepted the magazines, and a Bible study was started. This man is now our brother-one of the "desirable things."!
Next time: "Do Not Be Afraid"
Watchtower, 2000
9.06.2010
"DESIRABLE THINGS" ARE FILLING JEHOVAH'S HOUSE
Modern-Day "Desirable Things"
It seems that by the year 1935, the general thinking of the anointed was complete. But Jehovah was not finished glorifying his house. No "desirable things" would yet come into it. Remember that the high priest in Israel offered two animals-a bull for the sins of the priests and a goat for the sins of the nonpriestly tribes. Since the priests pictured the anointed ones who would be with Jesus in the heavenly Kingdom, whom did the nonpriestly tribes represent? The answer is found in Jesus' words recorded at John 10:16: "I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; those also I must bring, and they will listen to my voice, and they will become one flock, one shepherd." Hence, Jesus' shed blood benefits two groups of people-first, those Christians whose hope is to rule with Jesus in heaven and second, those who look forward to everlasting life on a paradise earth. Evidently, it is this second group that is pictured by the "desirable things" of Haggai's prophecy. - Micah 4:1, 2; 1 John 2:1, 2.
These "desirable things" are still filling Jehovah's house. In recent years, restrictions have been lifted in Eastern Europe, parts of Africa, and other lands, allowing the good news of God's established Kingdom to flourish in hitherto untouched territories. As desirable ones come into God's temple arrangement, they in turn strive to make further disciples, in obedience to Jesus' command. (Matthew 28:19, 20) As they do so, they encounter many individuals, both young and old, who have the potential for becoming "desirable things" that will glorify Jehovah's house. Consider just a few examples of how this is taking place.
In Bolivia, a five-year -old girl is being raised by Witness parents asked her teacher for permission to be excused from school during the week of the circuit overseer's visit. Why? She wanted to share in the ministry during this entire special week of activity. This surprised her parents, but they were happy that she had such a fine attitude. This little girl now conducts five home Bible studies, and some of these students attend Christian meetings. She has even brought her schoolteacher to the Kingdom Hall. Perhaps in time, some of her Bible students will show themselves to be "desirable things that will glorify Jehovah's house.
While waiting at a train station, a Christian woman in Korea approached a student who was listening to music on his headphones. Do you have a religion?" She asked. "I am not interested in any religion." The student replied. The sister was not deterred. "With the passing of time," She continued, "a person may want to choose a religion. But if he has no knowledge about religion, he might choose the wrong one." The student's expression changed, and he began to listen to our sister with interest. She offered him the book Is There A Creator Who Cares About You? and said that this publication would be a great help when the time came for him to choose a religion. He readily accepted the book. The next week, he began studying the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses, and now he attends all congregation meetings.
Next time: Conclusion of Modern-Day "Desirable Things"
Watchtower, 2000
It seems that by the year 1935, the general thinking of the anointed was complete. But Jehovah was not finished glorifying his house. No "desirable things" would yet come into it. Remember that the high priest in Israel offered two animals-a bull for the sins of the priests and a goat for the sins of the nonpriestly tribes. Since the priests pictured the anointed ones who would be with Jesus in the heavenly Kingdom, whom did the nonpriestly tribes represent? The answer is found in Jesus' words recorded at John 10:16: "I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; those also I must bring, and they will listen to my voice, and they will become one flock, one shepherd." Hence, Jesus' shed blood benefits two groups of people-first, those Christians whose hope is to rule with Jesus in heaven and second, those who look forward to everlasting life on a paradise earth. Evidently, it is this second group that is pictured by the "desirable things" of Haggai's prophecy. - Micah 4:1, 2; 1 John 2:1, 2.
These "desirable things" are still filling Jehovah's house. In recent years, restrictions have been lifted in Eastern Europe, parts of Africa, and other lands, allowing the good news of God's established Kingdom to flourish in hitherto untouched territories. As desirable ones come into God's temple arrangement, they in turn strive to make further disciples, in obedience to Jesus' command. (Matthew 28:19, 20) As they do so, they encounter many individuals, both young and old, who have the potential for becoming "desirable things" that will glorify Jehovah's house. Consider just a few examples of how this is taking place.
In Bolivia, a five-year -old girl is being raised by Witness parents asked her teacher for permission to be excused from school during the week of the circuit overseer's visit. Why? She wanted to share in the ministry during this entire special week of activity. This surprised her parents, but they were happy that she had such a fine attitude. This little girl now conducts five home Bible studies, and some of these students attend Christian meetings. She has even brought her schoolteacher to the Kingdom Hall. Perhaps in time, some of her Bible students will show themselves to be "desirable things that will glorify Jehovah's house.
While waiting at a train station, a Christian woman in Korea approached a student who was listening to music on his headphones. Do you have a religion?" She asked. "I am not interested in any religion." The student replied. The sister was not deterred. "With the passing of time," She continued, "a person may want to choose a religion. But if he has no knowledge about religion, he might choose the wrong one." The student's expression changed, and he began to listen to our sister with interest. She offered him the book Is There A Creator Who Cares About You? and said that this publication would be a great help when the time came for him to choose a religion. He readily accepted the book. The next week, he began studying the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses, and now he attends all congregation meetings.
Next time: Conclusion of Modern-Day "Desirable Things"
Watchtower, 2000
9.05.2010
"DESIRABLE THINGS" ARE FILLING JEHOVAH'S HOUES
A First Century Fulfillment
The temple in Jerusalem foreshadowed a greater arrangement for worship. It is God's spiritual temple, which Jehovah established in 29 C.E. with Jesus as High Priest. (Hebrews 5:4-10; 9:11, 12) Consider a parallel between the duties of Israel's high priest and the actions of Jesus. Each year on Atonement Day, the high priest approached the altar in the temple courtyard and offered up a bull to atone for the sins of the priests. Later, he entered the temple with the blood of the bull, passed through the doors that separated the courtyard from the Holy and then through the curtain separating the Holy from the Most Holy. Once inside the Most Holy, the high priest spattered the blood before the ark of the covenant, then, following the same procedure, he offered up a goat to atone for Israel's nonpriestly tribes. (Leviticus 16:5-15) How does this observance relate to God's spiritual temple?
In effect, Jesus was offered up on the altar of God's will when he was baptized and anointed by God's holy spirit in 29 C.E. (Luke 3:21, 22) Indeed, this event marked the beginning of a sacrificial life course for Jesus that lasted for three and a half years. (Hebrews 10:5-10) During that period, Jesus enjoyed a spirit-begotten relationship with God. This unique standing that Jesus had with his heavenly Father could not be fully comprehended by other humans. It was as if a screen blocked their eyes of discernment, just as a screen shielded the Holy from the view of those in the tabernacle courtyard. -Exodus 40:28.
Despite his being a spirit-anointed Son of God, the man Jesus could not attain to life in heaven. Why not? Because flesh and blood cannot inherit God's heavenly Kingdom. (1 Corinthians 15:44, 50) Since, Jesus' human flesh was a barrier, it was well symbolized by the curtain that separated the Holy from the Most Holy In God's ancient temple. (Hebrews 10:20) But three days after his death, Jesus was resurrected by God as a spirit. (1 Peter 3:18) Then he could enter the Most Holy compartment of God's spiritual temple-heaven itself. And this is precisely what happened. Paul writes: "Christ entered, not into a holy place [evidently referring to the Most Holy] made with hands, which is a copy of the reality, but into heaven itself, now to appear before the person of God for us." -Hebrews 9:24.
In heaven, Jesus 'spattered the blood' of his sacrifice by presenting the ransoming value of his lifeblood to Jehovah. Yet, Jesus did more. Shortly before his death, he had told his followers: "I am going my way and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will receive you home to myself, that where I am you also may be." (John 14:2, 3) So by gaining entrance into the Most Holy, or heaven, Jesus opened the way for others to follow. (Hebrews 6:19, 20) These individuals, would number 144,000, would serve as underpriests in God's spiritual temple arrangement. (Revelations 7:4; 14:1; 20:6) Just as the high priest of Israel first took the blood of the bull into the Most Holy to atone for the sins of the priests, the value of Jesus' shed blood was first applied to these 144,000 underpriests.
Next time: Modern day "Desirable Things"
Watchtower, 2000
The temple in Jerusalem foreshadowed a greater arrangement for worship. It is God's spiritual temple, which Jehovah established in 29 C.E. with Jesus as High Priest. (Hebrews 5:4-10; 9:11, 12) Consider a parallel between the duties of Israel's high priest and the actions of Jesus. Each year on Atonement Day, the high priest approached the altar in the temple courtyard and offered up a bull to atone for the sins of the priests. Later, he entered the temple with the blood of the bull, passed through the doors that separated the courtyard from the Holy and then through the curtain separating the Holy from the Most Holy. Once inside the Most Holy, the high priest spattered the blood before the ark of the covenant, then, following the same procedure, he offered up a goat to atone for Israel's nonpriestly tribes. (Leviticus 16:5-15) How does this observance relate to God's spiritual temple?
In effect, Jesus was offered up on the altar of God's will when he was baptized and anointed by God's holy spirit in 29 C.E. (Luke 3:21, 22) Indeed, this event marked the beginning of a sacrificial life course for Jesus that lasted for three and a half years. (Hebrews 10:5-10) During that period, Jesus enjoyed a spirit-begotten relationship with God. This unique standing that Jesus had with his heavenly Father could not be fully comprehended by other humans. It was as if a screen blocked their eyes of discernment, just as a screen shielded the Holy from the view of those in the tabernacle courtyard. -Exodus 40:28.
Despite his being a spirit-anointed Son of God, the man Jesus could not attain to life in heaven. Why not? Because flesh and blood cannot inherit God's heavenly Kingdom. (1 Corinthians 15:44, 50) Since, Jesus' human flesh was a barrier, it was well symbolized by the curtain that separated the Holy from the Most Holy In God's ancient temple. (Hebrews 10:20) But three days after his death, Jesus was resurrected by God as a spirit. (1 Peter 3:18) Then he could enter the Most Holy compartment of God's spiritual temple-heaven itself. And this is precisely what happened. Paul writes: "Christ entered, not into a holy place [evidently referring to the Most Holy] made with hands, which is a copy of the reality, but into heaven itself, now to appear before the person of God for us." -Hebrews 9:24.
In heaven, Jesus 'spattered the blood' of his sacrifice by presenting the ransoming value of his lifeblood to Jehovah. Yet, Jesus did more. Shortly before his death, he had told his followers: "I am going my way and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will receive you home to myself, that where I am you also may be." (John 14:2, 3) So by gaining entrance into the Most Holy, or heaven, Jesus opened the way for others to follow. (Hebrews 6:19, 20) These individuals, would number 144,000, would serve as underpriests in God's spiritual temple arrangement. (Revelations 7:4; 14:1; 20:6) Just as the high priest of Israel first took the blood of the bull into the Most Holy to atone for the sins of the priests, the value of Jesus' shed blood was first applied to these 144,000 underpriests.
Next time: Modern day "Desirable Things"
Watchtower, 2000
9.04.2010
"DESIRABLE THINGS" ARE FILLING JEHOVAH"S HOUSE
WHAT desirable things fill your house? Do you have plush furniture, a state-of-the-art computer, a new car in your garage? Even if you have all these things, would you not agree that the most precious things in your home are the people-the members of your family? Imagine that one night you awake to the smell of smoke. Your house is on fire, and you have just minutes to escape! what is your first concern? Your furniture? Your computer? Your car? Would you not, rather, think of your loved ones? Of course you would, for people are more valuable than things.
Now think about Jehovah God and his Son, Jesus Christ. Jehovah is "the One who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all the things in them." (Acts 4:24) His Son, the "master worker," was the agent through whom Jehovah made all other things. (Proverbs 8:301, 31; John 1:3; Colossians 1:15-17) Surely both Jehovah and Jesus value all that was created. (Compare Genesis 1:31) But which aspect of creation do you think means the most to them-things or people? In the role of wisdom personified, Jesus states: "The things I was fond of were with the sons of men," or as William F. Beck's translation renders it, Jesus was "delighted with human beings."
Jehovah unquestionably places high value on people. One indication of this is found in the prophetic words that he spoke in the year 520 B.C.E. through his prophet Haggai. Jehovah declared: "I will rock all the nations, and the desirable things of all the nations must come in; and I will fill this house with glory. . .Greater will be the glory of this later house become than that of the former." -Haggai 2:7, 9.
What "desirable things" would fill Jehovah's house and bring it unprecedented glory? Lavish furnishings and ornate decorations? Gold, silver and precious stones? This would hardly seem reasonable. Remember, the former temple, inaugurated some five centuries earlier, was a multibillion-dollar edifice! Surely, Jehovah would not expect the temple built by this relatively small band of repatriated Jews to surpass Solomon's temple in material splendor!
What, then, are the "desirable things" that would fill Jehovah's house? Clearly, they must be people. After all, what makes Jehovah's heart rejoice is not silver and gold but people who serve him out of love. (Proverbs 27:11; 1 Corinthians 10:26) Yes, Jehovah treasures all men, women and children who worship him acceptably. (John 4:23, 24) These are "desirable things," and they are far more precious to Jehovah than all the finery that adorned Solomon's temple.
Despite relentless opposition,the temple was completed in 515 B.C.E. Until the time of Jesus' sacrifice, the temple in Jerusalem remained the center of pure worship for many "desirable things," consisting of natural Jews and Gentile proselytes. But the temple represented something far grander, as we shall see.
Next time: A First-Century Fulfillment
Watchtower, 2000
Now think about Jehovah God and his Son, Jesus Christ. Jehovah is "the One who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all the things in them." (Acts 4:24) His Son, the "master worker," was the agent through whom Jehovah made all other things. (Proverbs 8:301, 31; John 1:3; Colossians 1:15-17) Surely both Jehovah and Jesus value all that was created. (Compare Genesis 1:31) But which aspect of creation do you think means the most to them-things or people? In the role of wisdom personified, Jesus states: "The things I was fond of were with the sons of men," or as William F. Beck's translation renders it, Jesus was "delighted with human beings."
Jehovah unquestionably places high value on people. One indication of this is found in the prophetic words that he spoke in the year 520 B.C.E. through his prophet Haggai. Jehovah declared: "I will rock all the nations, and the desirable things of all the nations must come in; and I will fill this house with glory. . .Greater will be the glory of this later house become than that of the former." -Haggai 2:7, 9.
What "desirable things" would fill Jehovah's house and bring it unprecedented glory? Lavish furnishings and ornate decorations? Gold, silver and precious stones? This would hardly seem reasonable. Remember, the former temple, inaugurated some five centuries earlier, was a multibillion-dollar edifice! Surely, Jehovah would not expect the temple built by this relatively small band of repatriated Jews to surpass Solomon's temple in material splendor!
What, then, are the "desirable things" that would fill Jehovah's house? Clearly, they must be people. After all, what makes Jehovah's heart rejoice is not silver and gold but people who serve him out of love. (Proverbs 27:11; 1 Corinthians 10:26) Yes, Jehovah treasures all men, women and children who worship him acceptably. (John 4:23, 24) These are "desirable things," and they are far more precious to Jehovah than all the finery that adorned Solomon's temple.
Despite relentless opposition,the temple was completed in 515 B.C.E. Until the time of Jesus' sacrifice, the temple in Jerusalem remained the center of pure worship for many "desirable things," consisting of natural Jews and Gentile proselytes. But the temple represented something far grander, as we shall see.
Next time: A First-Century Fulfillment
Watchtower, 2000
9.03.2010
"KEEP ON THE WATCH"
Keep On The Watch
What does the future hold for us? Exciting times are yet to come. Paul warned that"Jehovah's day is coming exactly as a thief in the night." Referring to men who appear to be worldly-wide, he says: "Whenever it is that they are saying: 'Peace and security!' Then sudden destruction is to be instantly upon them." Hence, Paul urges his readers: "Let us not sleep on as the rest do, but let us stay awake and keep our senses." (Thessalonians5:2, 3, 6) Truly, those who look to human institutions to bring peace and security are ignoring reality. Such individuals are fast asleep!
The destruction of this system of things will come with striking suddenness. Therefore, keep in expectation of Jehovah's day. God himself told Habakkuk: "It will not be late!" Indeed, it has never been more urgent for us to keep on the watch. (spiritually)
Next time: "Desirable Things" Are Filling Jehovah's House
Watchtower, 2000
What does the future hold for us? Exciting times are yet to come. Paul warned that"Jehovah's day is coming exactly as a thief in the night." Referring to men who appear to be worldly-wide, he says: "Whenever it is that they are saying: 'Peace and security!' Then sudden destruction is to be instantly upon them." Hence, Paul urges his readers: "Let us not sleep on as the rest do, but let us stay awake and keep our senses." (Thessalonians5:2, 3, 6) Truly, those who look to human institutions to bring peace and security are ignoring reality. Such individuals are fast asleep!
The destruction of this system of things will come with striking suddenness. Therefore, keep in expectation of Jehovah's day. God himself told Habakkuk: "It will not be late!" Indeed, it has never been more urgent for us to keep on the watch. (spiritually)
Next time: "Desirable Things" Are Filling Jehovah's House
Watchtower, 2000
"KEEP ON THE WATCH"
Six Convincing Lines Of Evidence
First, we clearly see the fulfillment of the apostle Paul's prophecy concerning "the last days." Paul wrote: "In the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, self-assuming, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godly devotion but proving false to its power; and from these turn away. But wicked men and imposters will advance from bad to worse, misleading and being misled." ( 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13) Do we not see this prophecy being fulfilled in our day? Only those who ignore the faces can deny it!
Second, we see the effects of the ouster of Satan and his demons from heaven, in fulfillment of Revelation 12:9. There, we read : "Down the great dragon was hurled, the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth; he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him." This has resulted in great woe for the earth. Truly, there has been much woe for mankind, particularly since 1914. But the prophecy in Revelation adds that when the Devil is cast down to the earth "he has a short period of time." (Revelation 12:12) During this period, Satan wages war with the anointed followers of Christ. (Revelation 12:12) We certainly have seen the effects of his attack in our time. Soon, however, Satan will be confined in the abyss so that "he might not mislead the nations anymore." -Revelation 20:1-3.
Third, we are living in the time of the eighth and final "king" mentioned in the prophecy recorded at Revelation 17:9-11) . Here the apostle John mentions seven kings, representing seven world powers-Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome and the Anglo-American dual world power. He also sees "an eighth king" that "springs from the seven." This eighth king-the last one that John envisions-now represents the United Nations. John says that this eighth king "goes off into destruction," after which no further earthly kings are mentioned.
Fourth, we are living in the period symbolized by the feet of Nebuchadnezzar's dream image. The prophet Daniel interpreted this mysterious dream of an enormous image in human form. (Daniel 2:36-43) The four metallic parts of the image represent various world powers, beginning with the head (the Babylonian Empire) and extending down to the feet and toes (the governments that are ruling today). All the world powers represented in that image have made their appearance. We are living in the period symbolized by the feet of the image. No mention is made of other powers to come.
Fifth, we see a global preaching work being accomplished, which Jesus said would take place just before the end of this system. Jesus stated: "This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14) Today, that prophecy is in the course of fulfillment on an unprecendented scale. True, untouched territories still exist, and it may be that in Jehovah's due time, a large door leading to greater activity will open. ( 1 Corinthians 16:9) Nevertheless, the Bible does not state that Jehovah will wait until every individual on earth has received a personal witness. Rather, the good news must be preached to Jehovah's satisfaction. Then the end will come. -Compare Matthew 10:23.
Sixth, the number of genuine anointed disciples of Christ is dwindling, though some will evidently still be on earth when the great tribulation begins. Most of the remnant are quite elderly, and over the years the number of those who are truly anointed has been getting smaller. Yet, referring to the great tribulation, Jesus stated: "Unless those days will be cut short." (Matthew 24:21, 22) Evidently, then, some of Christ's "chosen ones" will still be on earth when the great tribulation begins.
Next time: What Lies Ahead?
Watchtower, 2000
First, we clearly see the fulfillment of the apostle Paul's prophecy concerning "the last days." Paul wrote: "In the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, self-assuming, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godly devotion but proving false to its power; and from these turn away. But wicked men and imposters will advance from bad to worse, misleading and being misled." ( 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13) Do we not see this prophecy being fulfilled in our day? Only those who ignore the faces can deny it!
Second, we see the effects of the ouster of Satan and his demons from heaven, in fulfillment of Revelation 12:9. There, we read : "Down the great dragon was hurled, the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth; he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him." This has resulted in great woe for the earth. Truly, there has been much woe for mankind, particularly since 1914. But the prophecy in Revelation adds that when the Devil is cast down to the earth "he has a short period of time." (Revelation 12:12) During this period, Satan wages war with the anointed followers of Christ. (Revelation 12:12) We certainly have seen the effects of his attack in our time. Soon, however, Satan will be confined in the abyss so that "he might not mislead the nations anymore." -Revelation 20:1-3.
Third, we are living in the time of the eighth and final "king" mentioned in the prophecy recorded at Revelation 17:9-11) . Here the apostle John mentions seven kings, representing seven world powers-Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Rome and the Anglo-American dual world power. He also sees "an eighth king" that "springs from the seven." This eighth king-the last one that John envisions-now represents the United Nations. John says that this eighth king "goes off into destruction," after which no further earthly kings are mentioned.
Fourth, we are living in the period symbolized by the feet of Nebuchadnezzar's dream image. The prophet Daniel interpreted this mysterious dream of an enormous image in human form. (Daniel 2:36-43) The four metallic parts of the image represent various world powers, beginning with the head (the Babylonian Empire) and extending down to the feet and toes (the governments that are ruling today). All the world powers represented in that image have made their appearance. We are living in the period symbolized by the feet of the image. No mention is made of other powers to come.
Fifth, we see a global preaching work being accomplished, which Jesus said would take place just before the end of this system. Jesus stated: "This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14) Today, that prophecy is in the course of fulfillment on an unprecendented scale. True, untouched territories still exist, and it may be that in Jehovah's due time, a large door leading to greater activity will open. ( 1 Corinthians 16:9) Nevertheless, the Bible does not state that Jehovah will wait until every individual on earth has received a personal witness. Rather, the good news must be preached to Jehovah's satisfaction. Then the end will come. -Compare Matthew 10:23.
Sixth, the number of genuine anointed disciples of Christ is dwindling, though some will evidently still be on earth when the great tribulation begins. Most of the remnant are quite elderly, and over the years the number of those who are truly anointed has been getting smaller. Yet, referring to the great tribulation, Jesus stated: "Unless those days will be cut short." (Matthew 24:21, 22) Evidently, then, some of Christ's "chosen ones" will still be on earth when the great tribulation begins.
Next time: What Lies Ahead?
Watchtower, 2000
9.02.2010
"KEEP ON THE WATCH"
Illustrating The Need To Be Watchful
In emphasizing the need to be watchful, Jesus compared his disciples to slaves awaiting their master's return from his marriage. They knew that he would return on a certain night-but at what hour? During the first watch of the night? The second? The third? They did not know Jesus said: "If [the master] arrives in the second watch, even if in the third, and finds them thus [watchful], happy are they!" (Luke 12:35-38) Just imagine, every flickering shadow would surely heighten their expectation: 'Could this be our master?'
What if the master arrived during the second watch of the night, which extended from about nine o'clock till midnight? Would all the slaves, including those who had worked hard since early morning, be poised to greet him, or would some be asleep? what if the master returned during the third watch of the night-the period from midnight till about three in the morning? Would some of the slaves have become discouraged, even disgruntled at their master's seeming delay?" Only those who were found watching when the master arrived would be pronounced happy. To them the words of Proverbs 13:12 would certainly apply: "Expectation postponed is making the heart sick, but the thing desired is a tree of life when it does come."
During the period of seeming delay, what would help Jesus' followers to keep on the watch? While in the garden of Gethsemane shortly before his arrest, Jesus told three of his apostles: "Keep on the watch and pray continually, that you may not enter into temptation." (Matthew 26:41) Years later, Peter, who was present on that occasion, gave similar counsel to fellow Christians. He wrote: "The end of all things has drawn close. Be sound in mind, therefore, and be vigilant with a view to prayers. ( 1 Peter 4:7) Clearly, fervent prayer should be a part of our Christian routine. Indeed, we continually need to beg Jehovah to help us keep on the watch. - Romans 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
Note that Peter also said: "The end of all things has drawn close." How close? There is no way for humans to pinpoint the exact day and hour. (Matthew 24:36) But there is a difference between indulging in speculation, which the Bible does not encourage, and keeping in expectation of the end, which it does encourage. (Compare 2 Timothy 4:3, 4; Titus 3:9) What is one way that we can keep in expectation of the end? It is by paying close attention to the evidence that the end is near. Let us therefore, review six lines of evidence proving that we are living in the last days of this ungodly world.
Next time: Six Convincing Lines Of Evidence
Watchtower, 2000
In emphasizing the need to be watchful, Jesus compared his disciples to slaves awaiting their master's return from his marriage. They knew that he would return on a certain night-but at what hour? During the first watch of the night? The second? The third? They did not know Jesus said: "If [the master] arrives in the second watch, even if in the third, and finds them thus [watchful], happy are they!" (Luke 12:35-38) Just imagine, every flickering shadow would surely heighten their expectation: 'Could this be our master?'
What if the master arrived during the second watch of the night, which extended from about nine o'clock till midnight? Would all the slaves, including those who had worked hard since early morning, be poised to greet him, or would some be asleep? what if the master returned during the third watch of the night-the period from midnight till about three in the morning? Would some of the slaves have become discouraged, even disgruntled at their master's seeming delay?" Only those who were found watching when the master arrived would be pronounced happy. To them the words of Proverbs 13:12 would certainly apply: "Expectation postponed is making the heart sick, but the thing desired is a tree of life when it does come."
During the period of seeming delay, what would help Jesus' followers to keep on the watch? While in the garden of Gethsemane shortly before his arrest, Jesus told three of his apostles: "Keep on the watch and pray continually, that you may not enter into temptation." (Matthew 26:41) Years later, Peter, who was present on that occasion, gave similar counsel to fellow Christians. He wrote: "The end of all things has drawn close. Be sound in mind, therefore, and be vigilant with a view to prayers. ( 1 Peter 4:7) Clearly, fervent prayer should be a part of our Christian routine. Indeed, we continually need to beg Jehovah to help us keep on the watch. - Romans 12:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:17.
Note that Peter also said: "The end of all things has drawn close." How close? There is no way for humans to pinpoint the exact day and hour. (Matthew 24:36) But there is a difference between indulging in speculation, which the Bible does not encourage, and keeping in expectation of the end, which it does encourage. (Compare 2 Timothy 4:3, 4; Titus 3:9) What is one way that we can keep in expectation of the end? It is by paying close attention to the evidence that the end is near. Let us therefore, review six lines of evidence proving that we are living in the last days of this ungodly world.
Next time: Six Convincing Lines Of Evidence
Watchtower, 2000
9.01.2010
"KEEP ON THE WATCH"
Ignoring God's Prophets
Centuries after the Deluge, the kingdom of Judah faced a serious state of affairs. idolatry, injustice, oppression and even murder were common. Jehovah raised up Habakkuk to warn the people that if they did not repent, calamity would befall them at the hands of the Chaldeans, or Babylonians. (Habakkuk 1:5-7) But the people refused to listen. Perhaps they reasoned, 'why, over a hundred years ago, the prophet Isaiah sounded a similar warning, but nothing has yet happened!' (Isaiah39:6, 7) Many of the officials of Judah were not only indifferent to the message but also hostile to the messengers. On one occasion, they tried to put the prophet Jeremiah to death, and they would have succeeded were it not for the intervention of Ahikam. Angered by yet another prophetic message, King Jehoiakim had the prophet Urijah slain. -Jeremiah 26:21-24.
Habakkuk's message was no less bold, and it was just as unpopular as that of Jeremiah, who was divinely inspired to foretell the 70-year desolation of Judah. (Jeremiah 25:8-11) Therefore, we can understand Habakkuk's distress as he cried out: "How long, O Jehovah, must I cry for help, and you do not hear? How long shall I call to you for aid from violence, and you do not save?" (Habakkuk 1:2) Jehovah graciously answered Habakkuk with these faith-strengthening words: "The vision is yet for the appointed time, and it keeps panting on to the end, and it will not tell a lie. Even if it should delay, keep in expectation of it; for it will without fail come true. It will not be late." (Habakkuk 2:3) So Jehovah had an "appointed time" for bringing an end to injustice and oppression. If there seemed to be a delay, Habakkuk was not to be discouraged, nor was he to slow down. Instead, he was to "keep in expectation," in living each day with a sense of urgency. Jehovah's day would not be late!
About 20 years after Jehovah spoke to Habakkuk, Judah's capital city, Jerusalem, was destroyed. Later it was rebuilt, and many of the wrongs that so distressed Habakkuk were set right. In the first century C.E., however, the city was once again slated for destruction because of the unfaithfulness of its inhabitants. Mercifully, Jehovah arranged for righthearted ones to survive. This time, he used not less a prophet than Jesus Christ to deliver the message. In 33 C.E., Jesus told his followers: "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by encamped armies, then know that the desolation of her has drawn near. Then let those in Judea begin fleeing to the mountains." -Luke 21:20, 21.
As the years passed, some Christian in Jerusalem may have wondered just when Jesus' prophecy was going to be fulfilled. After all, consider the sacrifices some of them had undoubtedly made. Perhaps they had turned down attractive business offers because of their determination to keep on the watch. As time wore on, did they grow weary? Did they conclude that they were wasting their time, reasoning that Jesus' words applied to the future generation not to their own? In 66 C.E., Jesus' prophecy began to be fulfilled when the Roman armies surrounded Jerusalem. Those who kept on the watch recognized the sign, fled the city, and were spared experiencing the desolating of Jerusalem.
Next time: Illustrating The Need To Be Watchful
Watchtower, 2000
Centuries after the Deluge, the kingdom of Judah faced a serious state of affairs. idolatry, injustice, oppression and even murder were common. Jehovah raised up Habakkuk to warn the people that if they did not repent, calamity would befall them at the hands of the Chaldeans, or Babylonians. (Habakkuk 1:5-7) But the people refused to listen. Perhaps they reasoned, 'why, over a hundred years ago, the prophet Isaiah sounded a similar warning, but nothing has yet happened!' (Isaiah39:6, 7) Many of the officials of Judah were not only indifferent to the message but also hostile to the messengers. On one occasion, they tried to put the prophet Jeremiah to death, and they would have succeeded were it not for the intervention of Ahikam. Angered by yet another prophetic message, King Jehoiakim had the prophet Urijah slain. -Jeremiah 26:21-24.
Habakkuk's message was no less bold, and it was just as unpopular as that of Jeremiah, who was divinely inspired to foretell the 70-year desolation of Judah. (Jeremiah 25:8-11) Therefore, we can understand Habakkuk's distress as he cried out: "How long, O Jehovah, must I cry for help, and you do not hear? How long shall I call to you for aid from violence, and you do not save?" (Habakkuk 1:2) Jehovah graciously answered Habakkuk with these faith-strengthening words: "The vision is yet for the appointed time, and it keeps panting on to the end, and it will not tell a lie. Even if it should delay, keep in expectation of it; for it will without fail come true. It will not be late." (Habakkuk 2:3) So Jehovah had an "appointed time" for bringing an end to injustice and oppression. If there seemed to be a delay, Habakkuk was not to be discouraged, nor was he to slow down. Instead, he was to "keep in expectation," in living each day with a sense of urgency. Jehovah's day would not be late!
About 20 years after Jehovah spoke to Habakkuk, Judah's capital city, Jerusalem, was destroyed. Later it was rebuilt, and many of the wrongs that so distressed Habakkuk were set right. In the first century C.E., however, the city was once again slated for destruction because of the unfaithfulness of its inhabitants. Mercifully, Jehovah arranged for righthearted ones to survive. This time, he used not less a prophet than Jesus Christ to deliver the message. In 33 C.E., Jesus told his followers: "When you see Jerusalem surrounded by encamped armies, then know that the desolation of her has drawn near. Then let those in Judea begin fleeing to the mountains." -Luke 21:20, 21.
As the years passed, some Christian in Jerusalem may have wondered just when Jesus' prophecy was going to be fulfilled. After all, consider the sacrifices some of them had undoubtedly made. Perhaps they had turned down attractive business offers because of their determination to keep on the watch. As time wore on, did they grow weary? Did they conclude that they were wasting their time, reasoning that Jesus' words applied to the future generation not to their own? In 66 C.E., Jesus' prophecy began to be fulfilled when the Roman armies surrounded Jerusalem. Those who kept on the watch recognized the sign, fled the city, and were spared experiencing the desolating of Jerusalem.
Next time: Illustrating The Need To Be Watchful
Watchtower, 2000
"KEEP ON THE WATCH"
A Warning Example
In many respects, people today are like the men and women who lived in Noah's day. At that time the earth was filled with violence, and the inclination of the heart of man was "only bade all the time." (Genesis 6:5) Most were consumed with the daily affairs of life. Before he brought the great Deluge, though, Jehovah gave people an opportunity to repent. He commissioned Noah to preach, and Noah obeyed-serving as "a preacher of righteousness" perhaps for 40 or 50 years or more. ( 2Peter 2:5) However, the people ignored Noah's warning message. 'They were not on the watch. In the end, therefore, only Noah and his family survived the execution of Jehovah's judgment. -Matthew 24:37-39.
Was Noah's ministry a success? Do not judge by the small number that responded . Really, Noah's preaching fulfilled its purpose regardless of the response. Why? Because it gave people ample opportunity to choose whether they would serve Jehovah or not. What about your preaching territory? Even if there is little positive response, you are having great success. Why? Because by preaching you are fulfilling the commission that Jesus gave his followers. -Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20.
Next time: Ignoring God's Prophets
Watchtower, 2000
In many respects, people today are like the men and women who lived in Noah's day. At that time the earth was filled with violence, and the inclination of the heart of man was "only bade all the time." (Genesis 6:5) Most were consumed with the daily affairs of life. Before he brought the great Deluge, though, Jehovah gave people an opportunity to repent. He commissioned Noah to preach, and Noah obeyed-serving as "a preacher of righteousness" perhaps for 40 or 50 years or more. ( 2Peter 2:5) However, the people ignored Noah's warning message. 'They were not on the watch. In the end, therefore, only Noah and his family survived the execution of Jehovah's judgment. -Matthew 24:37-39.
Was Noah's ministry a success? Do not judge by the small number that responded . Really, Noah's preaching fulfilled its purpose regardless of the response. Why? Because it gave people ample opportunity to choose whether they would serve Jehovah or not. What about your preaching territory? Even if there is little positive response, you are having great success. Why? Because by preaching you are fulfilling the commission that Jesus gave his followers. -Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20.
Next time: Ignoring God's Prophets
Watchtower, 2000
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