HELPING PEOPLE TO DRAW CLOSE TO JEHOVAH

Whom Does Jehovah Draw?

Jehovah draws to himself and to his Son those seeking Him.  (Acts 17:27) These include people who "are sighing and groaning over all the detestable things that are being done "in Christendom and, in fact, throughout the world.  (Ezekiel 9:4) They are "conscious of their spiritual need."  (Matthew 5:3) Indeed, they are the "meek ["humble,"]  ones of the earth," who will reside on the paradise earth forever. -Zephaniah 2:3.

Jehovah can read a person's heart.  King David told his son Solomon:  "All hearts Jehovah is searching, and every inclination of the thoughts he is discerning.  If you search for him, he will let himself be found by you." (1 Chronicles 28:9)  Ont the basis of an individual's heart condition and spirit, or dominant attitude, Jehovah can see whether he or she is likely to respond to divine provisions for the forgiveness of sins and the hope of everlasting life in God's righteous new system.  (2 Peter 3:13)  By means of his Word, preached and taught by his Witnesses, Jehovah draws to himself and to his Son 'all those who are rightly disposed for everlasting life,' and these 'become believers.' -Acts 13:48.

Does Jehovah's drawing of some and not others involve a form of predestination?  Absolutely not! God's drawing of people is contingent on their own aspirations.  He respects their free will.  Jehovah places before earth's inhabitants today the same choice that set before the Israelites over 3,000 years  ago, when Moses said:  "I do put before you today life and good, and death and bad . . . I do take the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you today, that I have put life and death before you, the blessing and the malediction; and you must choose life in order that you may keep alive, you and your offspring, by loving Jehovah your God, by listening to his voice and by sticking to him; for he is your life and the length of your days." -Deuteronomy 30:15-20.

Notice that the Israelites were to choose life 'by loving Jehovah, by listening to his voice, and by sticking to him.'  When those words were spoken, the people of Israel had not yet taken possession of the Promised Land.  They were poised on the Plains of Moab, readying themselves to cross the Jordan River and enter Canaan.  While it was natural for them to turn their thoughts toward the "good and gracious" land  "flowing with milk and honey" that they would soon receive, the realization of their dreams depended on their love for Jehovah, their listening to his voice, and their sticking to him.  (Exodus 3:8)  Moses made this clear, stating:  'If you will listen to  the commandments of Jehovah your God, which I am commanding you today, so as to love Jehovah your God, to walk in his ways and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judicial decisions, then you will be bound to keep alive and to multiply, and Jehovah your God must bless you in the land to which you are going to take possession of it." -Deuteronomy 30:16.

Should the foregoing not teach us something about our preaching and teaching work in  this time of the end?  We think about the coming Paradise earth and talk about it in our ministry.  But neither we nor the disciples we make will see the fulfillment of the promise if we or they are serving God for selfish reasons.  Like the Israelites, we and those whom we teach must learn to 'love Jehovah, listen to his voice, and stick to him  'If we remember this when carrying out our ministry, we will actually be collaborating with God in drawing people to him.

Next time: God's Fellow Workers

Watchtower, 2000

HELPING PEOPLE TO DRAW CLOSE TO JEHOVAH

Our Role in Jehovah's Work

Writing to fellow anointed Christians, the apostle Paul speaks of  "the ministry of the reconciliation" and says that God reconciles people to himself on the basis of Jesus Christ's ransom sacrifice.  Paul says that it is "as though God were making entreaty through us" and that "as substitutes for Christ we beg:  'Become reconciled to God.' " What a heartwarming thought!  Whether we are anointed  "ambassadors substituting for Christ" or are envoys with earthly hopes, we should never forget that this is Jehovah's work,  not ours.  (2 Corinthians 5:18-20) It is really God who draws people and teaches those who come to Christ.  Jesus stated:  "No man can come to me unless the Father, who sent me, draws him; and I will resurrect him in the last day.   It is written in the Prophets, 'And they will all be taught by Jehovah.'  Everyone that has heard from the Father has learned comes to me." -John 6:44, 45.

In these last days, how does Jehovah draw people and open to them the "door of faith?"  (Acts 14:27; 2 Timothy 3:1)  A key way is by having his Witnesses proclaim his messages of salvation and of judgment against this wicked system of t hings.  (Isaiah 43:12; 61:1, 2)  This worldwide proclamation is sending a tremor through the  nations-a portent of the judgmental shattering soon to come.  At the same time, people who are "precious in God's eyes are being drawn out of this system and are finding security in his "house" of true worship.  Jehovah is thus fulfilling his prophetic words recorded by Haggai:  "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." -Haggai 2:6, 7; Revelation 7:9, 15.

Jehovah opens the hearts of these God-fearers-"the choicest things of all nations"-that they may "pay attention to the things being spoken" by his Witnesses.  (Haggai 2:7,  Jewish Publication Society; Acts 16:14)  As in the first century, Jehovah at times uses his angels to direct his Witnesses to sincere people who have cried out to him for help.  (Acts 8:26-31)  As individuals learn about the wonderful provisions God  has made for them through his Son, Jesus Christ, they are drawn to Jehovah by his love.  (1 John 4:9, 10) Yes, God draws people to himself and to his Son by means of his "loving-kindness," or "loyal love." -Jeremiah 31:3.

Next time: Whom Does Jehovah Draw?

Watchtower, 2000

HELPING PEOPLE TO DRAW CLOSE TO JEHOVAH

The Purpose of Our Preaching

In this "time of the end," Jesus' disciples have the commission to spread "true knowledge"  concerning "this good news of the kingdom." (Daniel 12:4; Matthew 24:14) Their mission coincides with that of the angel who "had everlasting good news to declare as glad tidings to those who dwell on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people."  (Revelation 14:6)  In this world that is so preoccupied with mundane matters, generally the most effective way to interest people in God's Kingdom and help them to draw close to Jehovah is to tell them about the hope of everlasting life on a paradise earth.  While this is understandable, those who associate with God's people solely to gain entrance into Paradise do not have their feet firmly set on the narrow road leading to life. -Matthew 7:13, 14.

Jesus stated:  "This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ."  (John 17:3) The angel flying in midheaven declares "everlasting  good news" and tells those dwelling on the earth:  "Fear God and give him glory,  because the hour of judgment by him has arrived, and so worship the One who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and fountains of waters."  (Revelation 14:7) It follows that the ultimate purpose of our preaching the good news is to help people to draw close to Jehovah through Christ Jesus.

Next time: Our Role in Jehovah's Work

Watchtower, 2000

HELPING PEOPLE TO DRAW CLOSE TO JEHOVAH

JESUS CHRIST commanded his followers to "make disciples of people of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit." (Matthew 28:19) In the last ten years, Jehovah's Witnesses have helped well over three million people to come to God, in time baptizing them in symbol of their dedication to him to do his will.  How glad we are to help them draw close to God! -James 4:8.

In some lands where many new disciples have been baptized, however, there has not been a corresponding increase in the number of Kingdom publishers.  Of course, allowance must be made of those who died, the  annual mortality rate being about 1 percent.  Yet, in the last few years, quite a number have fallen away for some reason. Why?  This and the next article will examine how people are drawn to Jehovah and possible reasons why some fall away.

Next time: The Purpose of Our Preaching

Watchtower, 2000

WHY YOU CAN TRUST BIBLE PROPHECY

Will  You Trust Bible Prophecy?

You can trust Bible prophecy.  In fact, you can build your life around  Jehovah and the fulfillment of his prophetic word.  Bible prophecy is not a dead record of already fulfilled predictions.  Many prophecies found in the Scriptures are now in the course of fulfillment or await realization in the near future.  Judging from the past, we can be fully confident that they too will  be fulfilled.  Since such prophecies focus on our times and involve our very future, we do well to take them seriously.

You can surely trust the Bible prophecy found at Isaiah 2:2, 3:  "It must occur in the final part of the days that the mountain of the house of Jehovah will become firmly established above the top of the mountains . . . And many peoples will certainly go and say:  'Come, you people, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, . . . and he will instruct  us  about his ways, and we will walk in his paths.' "  Today, millions of people are indeed  embracing Jehovah's elevated worship and are learning to walk in his paths.  Will you grasp the opportunity to learn more about  God's ways and take in accurate knowledge respecting him and his purposes so as to walk in his paths? -John 17:3.

The fulfillment of another Bible prophecy requires urgent action on  our part.  Regarding the near future, the psalmist prophetically sang:  "Evildoers themselves will be cut off . . .Just a little while longer, and the wicked one will be no more."  (Psalm 37:9, 10)  What do you think is needed in order to avoid  the impending destruction of the wicked, including those who scoff at the Bible's prophecies?   The same psalm answers:   "Those hoping in Jehovah are the ones that will possess the earth."  (Psalm 37:9)  To hope in Jehovah means to conform our life to his standards. -Proverbs 2:21, 22.

What will life be like when those hoping in Jehovah possess the earth?  Again, Bible prophecies reveal what a glorious future is in store for obedient mankind.  The prophet Isaiah wrote:  "At that time the eyes of the blind ones will be opened, and the very ears of the deaf ones will be  unstopped.  At that time the lame one will climb up just as a stag does, and the tongue of the speechless one will cry our in gladness.   For in the wilderness waters will have burst out, and torrents in the desert plain."  (Isaiah 35:5, 6)  The apostle John penned these reassuring words:  "He [Jehovah] will wipe  out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.  The former things have passed away.  And the One seated on the throne said: . . . 'Write, because these words are faithful and true.' " -Revelation 21:4, 5.

Jehovah's Witnesses know that the Bible is a book of reliable prophecy. And they fully agree with the apostle Peter's exhortation:  "We have the prophetic word made more sure; and you are doing well in paying attention to it as to a lamp shining in a  dark place  until day dawns and a daystar rises, in your hearts." (2 Peter 1:19)  Our sincere hope is that you will be heartened by the splendid prospects that Bible prophecy hold out for the future!

Next time: HELPING PEOPLE TO DRAW CLOSE TO JEHOVAH

Watchtower, 2000 

WHY YOU CAN TRUST BIBLE PROPHECY

Conclusion of Points of Contrast

To illustrate: Jehovah's prophet Nathan did not hold back from reproving erring King David.  (2 Samuel 12:1-12)  During the reign of Jeroboam II over the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel,the prophets Hosea and Amos delivered stern criticism to the rebellious king and his supporters because of their apostasy and God-dishonoring conduct.  (Hosea 5:1-7; Amos 2:6-8)  Especially caustic was Jehovah's warning to the king by the mouth of the prophet Amos:  "I will rise up against the house of Jeroboam with a sword."  (Amos 7:9)  Jeroboam's house was  annihilated. -1 Kings 15:25-30; 2 Chronicles 13:20.

Most of the time, oracles were give for a price. The one who paid more would receive the oracle he liked.  Those consulting the oracles at Delphi paid dearly for worthless information, thereby filling the temple of Apollo and additional edifices with great treasures.  In contrast, Bible prophecies and warnings were given without cost and with no partiality whatsoever.  That was the case regardless of the position or wealth of the person to whom they were directed, for a true prophet could not be bribed.  The prophet and judge Samuel could sincerely ask:  "From whose hand have I accepted hush money that I should hide my eyes with it?" -1 Samuel 12:3.

Since Oracles were available only at specific places, an individual had to put forth considerable effort to travel there in order to receive them.  For the average person, most of those places were extremely difficult to reach because they were situated  in such locations as Dodona in mountainous central Greece. Usually, only the rich and powerful were able to consult the gods at such oracles.  Moreover,  "the will of the gods" was revealed only a few days during the year.  In striking contrast, Jehovah God sent his prophetic messengers directly to the people in order to proclaim the prophecies that they needed to hear.  During the Jew's Babylonian exile, for instance, God had at least three prophets  serving among his  people-Jeremiah in Jerusalem, Ezekiel with the exiles, and Daniel in the capital of the Babylonian Empire. -Jeremiah 1:1, 2; Ezekiel 1:1; Daniel 2:48.

Oracles were given in private so that the one receiving them could exploit their interpretation to his own advantage.  In contrast, Bible prophecies were often given in public so that all could hear the message and understand its implications. The prophet Jeremiah many times spoke publicly in Jerusalem, although he knew that his message was unpopular among the leaders and the inhabitants of the city. -Jeremiah 7:1, 2.

Today, oracles are views as a part of ancient history.  They have no practical value for people living in our critical times.  No such oracles deal with our day or with out future.  In notable contrast, Bible prophecies  are part of "the word of God [which] is alive and exerts power."  (Hebrews 4:12)  The already fulfilled prophecies of the Bible provide a pattern of Jehovah's dealings with people and reveal vital features of h is purposes and personality.  Additionally, important Bible prophecies await fulfillment in the near future.  Describing what lies ahead, the apostle Peter  wrote: "There are new heavens [the heavenly Messianic Kingdom] and a new earth [a righteous human society] that we are awaiting according  to [God's] promise, and  in these righteousness is to dwell." - 2 Peter 3:13.

This brief comparison of Bible prophecy and false religion's oracles may well lead you to a conclusion similar to that expressed in the book entitled The Great Ideas:  "So far as the foreknowledge of mortal man is concerned, the Hebrew prophets seem to be unique.  Unlike Pagan diviners or soothsayers,  . . . they do not have to employ arts or devices for penetrating divine secrets. . . . For the most part, their prophetic speeches unlike those of the oracles, seem to be unambiguous. At least the intention seems to reveal, not to conceal, God's plan on such matters as He Himself wishes men to foresee the course of providence."

Next time: Will You Trust Bible Prophecy?

Watchtower, 2000

WHY YOU CAN TRUST BIBLE PROPHECY

Points of Contrast

The trademark of oracles was their ambiguity.  At Delphi, for example, the answers provided were uttered in unintelligible sounds.  This made it necessary for priests to interpret them and create verses  capable of opposite interpretations.  A classic example of this is the answer given to Croesus, king of Lydia.  When he consulted the oracle, he was told:  "If Croesus crosses the Halys, he will destroy a mighty empire."  Actually, the "mighty empire" destroyed was his own! When Croesus crossed the river Halys to invade Cappadocia, he met defeat at the hands of Cyrus the Persian.

In sharp contrast with pagan oracles, Bible prophecies are noted for their accuracy and clarity.  A case in point is the prophecy regarding the fall of Babylon, which is recorded in the Bible book of Isaiah.  Some 200 years before this event took place, the prophet Isaiah predicted in a detailed and accurate way the overthrow of Babylon by Medo-Persia.  The prophecy disclosed that the conqueror would bear the name Cyrus, and it revealed the very strategy  of drying up a moat-like river defense and entering a fortified city through open gates.  All of this was accurately fulfilled.  (Isaiah 44:27-45:2)  It was also correctly prophesied that Babylon would eventually be totally inhabited. -Isaiah 13:17-22.

Consider, too, the explicit nature of this warning declared by the prophet Jonah:  "Only forty days more, and Nineveh will be overthrown."  (Jonah 3:4)  There is no ambiguity here!  The message was so dramatic and straightforward that the men of Nineveh immediately "began to put faith in God, and they proceeded to proclaim a fast and to put on sackcloth."  As a result of their repentance, Jehovah did not bring calamity upon the Ninevites at that time. - Jonah 3:5-10.

Oracles were used as a means of political influence.  Rulers and military leaders often cited the interpretation that they favored in order to promote their own personal interests and undertakings, thereby giving such a "divine cloak."  However, God's prophetic messages were given without deference to personal considerations.

Next time: Conclusion of Points of Contrast

Watchtower, 2000

WHY YOU CAN TRUST BIBLE PROPHECY

KING PYRRHUS of Epirus in northwestern Greece was engaged in a long-term conflict wih the Roman Empire.  Desperately desiring a clue regarding its outcome, he went to consult the oracle of Delphi. But the answer he received could be understood in either of the following two  ways: (1) "I say  that thou son of Eacus canst conquer the Romans.  Thou shalt go, thou shalt return, never shalt thou perish  in war." (2) "I say that the Romans can conquer  thee, son of Eacus.  Thous shalt go, thou shalt never return, thou shalt perish in war."  He chose to understand the oracle in the former way and therefore waged war against Rome.  Pyrrhus was  utterly defeated.

Such cases made ancient oracles notorious for being vague and enigmatic.  But what about Bible prophecy?  Some critics maintain that the prophecies found in the Bible are no better than the oracles.  These critics  speculate that Bible predictions were merely shrewd foretelling of future events by very clever and keenly perceptive individuals, usually of the priestly class.  Supposedly, just by experience or through their special connections, these men foresaw the natural development of certain situations.  By comparing the various characteristics of Bible prophecies with those of oracles, we will be better equipped to draw proper conclusions.

Next time: Points of Contrast

Watchtower, 2000

IN SEARCH OF TRUSTWORTHY PREDICTIONS

An Inherent Human Need

King or commoner, ancient or modern-man has felt the need for trustworthy predictions regarding the future.  As intelligent creatures, we humans study the past, are aware of the present, and are especially interested in the future.  A Chinese proverb aptly says:  "He who could foresee affairs three days in advance would be rich for thousands of years."

Throughout the ages, millions have attempted to peer into he future by consulting what they perceived as being divine.  Take the ancient Greeks as an example.  They had scores of sacred oracles, such as those of Delphi, Delos,m and Dodona, where they could go and inquire of their gods with regard to political or military developments as well as such private affairs as travel, marriage and children.  Not just kings and military leaders but entire tribes and city-states sought guidance from the spirit realm through these oracles.

 According to one professor, there is now a "sudden proliferation of organizations devoted to the study  of the future."  Yet, many prefer to ignore the only accurate   source of prophecy-the Bible.  They pointedly dismiss any possibility that Bible prophecies contain the very information they are seeking.  Some scholars go so far as to equate Bible prophecy with the predictions given by ancient oracles.  And modern-day skeptics are  usually biased against Bible prophecy.

We invite you to check the record for yourself.  What does a careful comparison of Bible  predictions and human oracles reveal?  Can you trust Bible prophecy more than ancient oracles?  And can you reliably build your life around Bible prophecies?

Next time: WHY YOU CAN TRUST BIBLE PROPHECY

IN SEARCH OF TRUSTWORTHY PREDICTIONS

SOON after the Macedonian king who came to be known as Alexander the Great ascended the throne in 336 B.C.E., he visited the oracle of Delphi, in central Greece.  His ambitious plans for the future were nothing less than to conquer much of the world of that time.  But he desired divine assurance that  his tremendous undertaking would succeed.  According to legend, on the day he happened  to visit Delphi, it was not permissible to consult the oracle.  Not wanting to leave without an answer, Alexander insisted, forcing the priestess to give a prediction:  "Oh, child,  you are invincible!" The young king took that as a favorable omen-one promising a victorious military campaign.

However, Alexander would have been much better informed about the outcome of his campaign if he had examined prophecies found in the Bible book of Daniel.  With remarkable accuracy, they foretold his speedy conquests.  Tradition has it that Alexander  eventually got an opportunity  to see what Daniel had recorded about him.  According to the Jewish historian Josephus, when the Macedonian king entered Jerusalem, he was show Daniel's prophecy-presumably chapter 8 of that book.  (Daniel 8:5-8, 20, 21)  Reportedly, because of this, the city was spared by Alexander's destructive armies.

Next time: An Inherent Human Need

Watchtower, 2000