ARE THESE REALLY THE LAST DAYS?

YOU are in the bow of a canoe as it enters a rough stretch of river.  Huge boulders loom up through cascades of foam  and spray.  You try to fend them off.  The person behind you is suppose to help steer the craft, but he has little experience.  Worse yet, you have no map, so you have no idea whether these rapids will end in a calm pool or in a waterfall.

Not a pleasant scenario, is it?  So let us change it. Imagine that you have an experienced guide with you, one who knows this river's every rock, every bend.  He knew far ahead that this white water was approaching, he knows how it will end, and he knows how to negotiate his way through it.  Would you not feel far more secure?

Really, all of us are in a similar predicament.  We find ourselves, through no fault of our own, in a rough stretch of human history.  Most people have no idea how long things will be this way, whether conditions will improve, or how best to survive in the meanwhile.  But we do not have to feel lost or helpless.  Our Creator has provided us with a guide-one that foretold this dark period of history, predicts how it will end, and offers us the guidance we need in order to survive.  That guide is a book, the Bible and its Author, Jehovah God, calls himself the Grand Instructor, and through Isaiah he says reassuringly:  "Your own ears will hear a word behind you saying:  'This is the way. Walk in it, you people,' in case you people should go to the right or in case you should go to the left."  (Isaiah 30:20, 21) Would you welcome such guidance?  Then let us consider if the Bible really foretold what our days would be like.

Next time: ARE THESE REALLY THE LAST DAYS? - Jesus' Followers Ask a Meaningful Question

The Watchtower, 1997

WHY ARE THESE TIMES SO BAD?

WHEN you sit down to read a newspaper or watch the TV news or listen to a radio news broadcast, you expect  some bad news, do you not?  (because there is more of that than good) You are probably not surprised to learn that an ongoing war is still raging, that violent crime is still rampant, or that a famine is  still sapping the strength of a developing land.

If you live some distance from these happenings, you probably do not constantly feel over distressed by such reports.  After all, who can afford to feel for all those suffering masses?  Even so, it is very difficult to remain unmoved when we are brought  face-to-face with the way suffering affects individuals.  In other words, while it is one thing to read about a war and ponder statistics  on fatalities, it is quite another to read about little Adnan, a nine-year-old Bosnian boy whose mother was killed when a bomb destroyed their home. Adnan's father was fatally shot by a sniper just months later as they walked down a street together.  His sister bled to death before his eyes just a few weeks later, victim of an artillery shell in the school yard.  Doctors who treated Adnan for trauma found that the boy was numb, devoid of all feelings-even curiosity.  Fears and flashbacks blighted his waking hours; nightmares robbed his sleep of any restfulness. Adnan is no statistic.  He is a suffering child; we  cannot help but feel for him.

So it is also with other world maladies. It is one thing to read about famine; it is quite another to see a picture of a five-year-old girl with a bloated belly and matchstick limbs, a barely living victim of starvation. It is one thing to read of crime statistics; it is quite another to hear of an elderly widow being brutally beaten, robbed, and raped.  It is one thing to read of the decline of the family; it is quite another to learn that a mother deliberately starved and viciously abused her own child.

It is painful to read about such things.  But how much worse when one of these global plagues afflicts us directly!  When you personally suffer evil, the bigger picture presented by the world news can become overwhelming.  It is terrifying to face the fact that suffering from crime, war, famine and disease is increasing on a  scale unprecedented in human history.  The effects of dealing with the realities of this 20th century can be profound  indeed-bewilderment, fear, and depression are common.

People of many religions are seeking answers to such troubling questions as, Why are things so bad? Where is mankind heading? Sadly, religions today rarely offer satisfying answers.  Fundamentalist religions often try to force from the Bible what it simply does not contain-the very day and hour of this world's demise.  (See Matthew 24:36)  The publishers of this journal prefer to let the Bible explain itself.   You may be surprised to learn that the Bible's discussion of the last days is factual and reasonable.  And the Bible does more than explain whey things are so bad.  It also provides a hope for the future, one that is truly comforting. We invite you to consider the following articles to see how this is so.  (note: you need to know one thing, Jehovah's version of time is not the same as ours, so only He knows when that time will come, no one else!  This is something that  having a Bible study and wanting to know the true knowledge will tell you, not those false prophets out there. )



Next time:  ARE THESE REALLY THE LAST DAYS? 

The Watchtower, 1997

What Does It Mean to Be Loyal? - Conclusion of Prove Your Loyalty With Positive Actions

   Conclusion of  Prove Your Loyalty With Positive Actions

In addition to being loyal to the organization, will we be loyal to one another?  When faced with the threat of brutal persecution, will we remain loyal to our brothers and sisters?  During World  War II, our brothers in the Netherlands set a fine example of loyalty. And elder from the Groningen Congregation, Klaas de Vries, was subjected to cruel merciless interrogation by the Nazi Gestapo, placed in solitary confinement for 12 days with only bread and water, and then questioned again.  With a revolver pointed at him and under threat of death, he was given two minutes to divulge the whereabouts of responsible brothers, as well as other vital information.   The only thing Klaas would say was:  "You will hear nothing more from me. . . .I will not become a traitor."  three times he was threatened with the revolver.  Finally, the Gestapo gave up, and Klaas was sent to another prison.  Never did he betray his brothers.

Will our loyalty extend to our closest relative -our marriage mate? Even as Jehovah honored his convenant relationship with the nation of Israel, are we loyal to our wedding vows?  More than being unswerving in allegiance, actively pursue a close relationship with your mate.  Take the initiative to make your marriage secure.  Spend time together, communicate freely and openly with each other, support and encourage each other, listen to each other, laugh together, cry together, play together, work together to achieve mutual goals, please each other, be friends.  Be especially careful to avoid developing romantic feelings toward  others.  While it is right and proper to develop acquaintances and even close friendships with others outside of your marriage, romantic feelings should be limited to your mate. -Proverbs 5:15-20.

Remain loyal to believing friends and family.  As the years pass, do not forget them.  Keep in touch, write, call, visit.  Wherever life's path may lead you, try not to disappoint them.  Make them happy to say that they know you or are related to you.  Loyalty to them will keep you strong for what is right and will be a source of encouragement for you. -Esther 4:6-16. 

Yes, true loyalty includes positive actions to preserve precious relationships.  do what you can to repay Jehovah's loving-kindness.  Imitate Jehovah's loyalty in your dealings with the Christian congregation, your marriage mate, family and friends.  Loyally proclaim Jehovah's virtues to your neighbors.  The psalmist had it right when he said:  "Jehovah's expressions of loving-kindness I will sing about even to time indefinite.  For generation after generation I shall make your faithfulness known with my mouth."   (Psalm 89:1) Are we not drawn to such a God?  Indeed, "his loving kindness is to time indefinite." -Psalm 100:5.

Next time: WHY ARE THESE TIMES SO BAD?

The Watchtower, 2001

What Does It Mean to Be LOYAL? - Prove Your Loyalty With Positive Actions

Prove Your Loyalty With Positive Actions

Being synonymous with loving-kindness, loyalty also carries a strong sense of mutuality.  If loving-kindness is demonstrated toward you, then the same can be expected in return.  Loyalty is repaid in kind.  That David understood the implications  associated with che'sedh is evident in his words:  "I shall bow down toward you holy temple, and I shall laud your name."  Why?  "Because of your trueness."  (Psalm 138:2) As a recipient of Jehovah's loving-kindness, David was obviously moved to worship and praise him.  Hence, as we contemplate Jehovah's demonstration of loving-kindness toward us, are we moved to reciprocate?  For instance, if Jehovah's name is reproached, does your concern for his reputation motivate you to speak up in his defense? 

That was what happened to one relatively new Christian and his wife when they attended  the funeral of a relative who had been killed in a motorcycle accident.  It was a non-religious service, and those in attendance were allowed to say something about the deceased.  One speaker proceeded to blame God for this young man's untimely death by saying,'God wanted him in heaven, so he took him.' Our Christian brother found it impossible  to remain silent.  He stepped up to the podium, even though he had neither Bible  nor notes.  "Do you think a merciful, compassionate, almighty God approves of situations like this?  He asked.  He then proceeded with a ten-minutes impromptu discourse with Scripture quotations explaining why we die, what God has done to rescue mankind from death, and the marvelous  prospect of a resurrection to everlasting life on  a paradise earth.  The more than 100 people in attendance broke out in extended applause.  The brother later recalled:  "I felt and inner joy that I had never felt before. I thanked Jehovah for educating me in his wisdom and for giving me the opportunity to defend his holy name."

Loyalty to God also includes loyalty to his organization. Necessarily, over the years there have been corrections and adjustments to our understanding o certain scriptures. The fact is that no one is as spiritually fed as we are.  (Matthew 24:45-47) Unquestionably, Jehovah has stuck with his modern-day organization.  Can we not do likewise?  A.H. Macmillan did.  Shortly before his death,  he said:  "I have seen Jehovah's organization  grow from a small beginning of twenty-three in September 1900, to a  worldwide society of happy people who are zealously  proclaiming his truths. . . .I am convinced more than ever before, as I see the end of my service to God on earth approach, that Jehovah  has directed his people and given them just what they needed at the proper time."  Brother Macmillan served faithfully and loyally for nearly 66 years, until his death on August 26, 1966.  He was a fine example of loyalty to God's visible organization. 

Next time: What Does It Mean to Be LOYAL? - Conclusion of Prove Your Loyalty With Positive Actions

The Watchtower, 2001

What Does It Mean to Be LOYAL? - Jehovah Demonstrated Loyalty

Jehovah Demonstrated Loyalty

Of course, David was not a perfect man.  In fact, he sinned gravely.  However, rather than abandoning him, Jehovah extended loyal love toward  a deeply repentant David.  Throughout David's life, Jehovah repeatedly acted to preserve and promote life.  He intervened in behalf of the one suffering distress.  Loving-kindness, indeed! -2 Samuel 11:1-12:25; 24:1-17)

The nation of Israel as a whole entered into a special dedicated relationship with Jehovah when they agreed to the terms of the Mosaic Law covenant at Mount Sinai. (Exodus 19:3-8)  Hence, Israel is depicted as being in a marriage relationship with Jehovah.  To Israel it was said:  "Jehovah called you as if you were a wife."  And Jehovah said to her: "With Loving-kindness to time indefinite I will have mercy on you." (Isaiah 54:6, 8) How did Jehovah demonstrate loyalty in this special relationship?

Jehovah took the initiative to provide for the needs of the Israelites and to strengthen their ties with him.  He delivered them from Egypt, organized them into a nation, and brought them into "a land flowing with milk and honey."  (Exodus 3:8)  He provided regular spiritual instruction through the priests, Levites and a steady stream of prophets and messengers.  (2 Chronicles 17:7-9; Jeremiah 7:25)  When the nation turned to serving other gods, Jehovah corrected them.  When they repented, he forgave them. Admittedly, the nation of Israel was a difficult "wife."  Yet, Jehovah was not quick to cast her off.  Because of his promises to Abraham, He loyally stuck with the Israelites until His purposes in connection with them were fulfilled.  (Deuteronomy 7:7-9)  What a sterling example for married folk today!  (If only they would follow it)

Jehovah also demonstrated loyalty toward mankind in general in that he provides the basic necessities of life for all men, righteous and unrighteous.  (Matthew 5:45; Acts 17:25)  More than that, he has provided the ransom sacrifice of his Son so that all mankind might have the opportunity to be released from bondage of sin and death and to enjoy the glorious prospects of perfect, everlasting life in Paradise.  (Matthew 20:28; John 3:16) The ransom provision was the ultimate act to preserve and promote life.  It was indeed "intervention on behalf of someone suffering misfortune or distress.

Next time: What Does It Mean to Be LOYAL? - Prove Your Loyalty With Positive Actions

The Watchtower, 2001

What Does It Mean to Be LOYAL? - Jehovah Demonstrated Loyalty

Jehovah Demonstrated Loyalty

Jehovah told his friend Abraham:  "I am a shield for you."  (Genesis 15:1; Isaiah 41:8)  These were not mere words Jehovah protected and delivered Abraham and his household from Pharaoh and from Abimelech.  He helped Abraham rescue Lot from a four-king confederacy.  Jehovah restored the procreative powers of a 100-year-old Abraham and 90-year-old Sarah so that through them might come the promised Seed.  Jehovah regularly communicated with Abraham through visions, dreams, and angelic messengers.  In fact, Jehovah demonstrated loyalty to Abraham while he was alive and also long after his death.  Over the centuries, Jehovah kept his promises to Abraham's descendants, the nation of Israel, despite their waywardness.  Jehovah's relationship with Abraham was a demonstration of what true loyalty is-love translated into action. -Genesis, chapters 12 to 25.

It was said that "Jehovah spoke to Moses face to face, just as a man would speak to his fellow."  (Exodus 33:11) Yes, Moses had a relationship with Jehovah (people, get your mind out of the gutter, not that kind of relationship! It was faith, friendship etc.)  that was more intimate than that of other prophet prior to Jesus Christ.  (Again, not what you think! Tis the same as I said, only like a brother or son to Father) How did Jehovah demonstrate loyalty toward Moses? 

As a 40-year-old man with power and ability, Moses presumptuously took it upon himself to liberate his people.  But it was not yet time.  He had to flee for his life.   For 40 years he herded sheep in Midian.  (Acts 7:23-30)  Still, Jehovah did not abandon him. When the time was right,m Moses was brought back to lead Israel out of Egypt.

Similarly, Jehovah demonstrated loyalty to David, the famous second king of Israel.  While David was only youth, Jehovah told the prophet Samuel:  "Get up, anoint him, for this is he!"   From then on, Jehovah loyally protected and guided David while he matured as the future king of all Israel.  Jehovah delivered him "from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear" and from the hand of the Philistine giant Goliath.  He gave David victory over Israel's enemies, and Jehovah delivered David from the spear of jealous hateful Saul. -1 Samuel 16:12; 17:37; 18:11; 19:10.

Next time: What Does It Mean to Be LOYAL? -Conclusion of Jehovah Demonstrated Loyalty

The Watchtower, 2001

What Does It Mean to Be LOYAL?

THE Jewish Hasidim from the second century B.C.E. viewed themselves as truly loyal.  Their name comes from cha-sidh', the basic Hebrew term for "loyal."  It is derived from the noun che'sedh, which is frequently translated "loving-kindness,"  "loyal love,"  "kindness,"   "goodness,"  "mercy."  According to the Theological Dictionary of the Old Testament, che'sedh  " is active, social and enduring [and] designates not just a human attitude, but also the act that emerges from this attitude.  it is an act that preserves or promotes life.  It is intervention on behalf of someone suffering misfortune or distress.  It is demonstration of friendship." 

Obviously, in many languages no one word can express the full meaning associated with this Hebrew term as used in the Bible.  In any case, loyalty in the Biblical sense means more than faithful adherence to commitments.  It includes  the idea of loving attachment along with the taking of positive action so as to benefit others.  To understand what true loyalty means, consider how Jehovah demonstrated it toward Abraham, Moses, David, the nation of Israel, and mankind in general.

Next time: What Does It Mean to Be LOYAL? - Jehovah Demonstrated Loyalty

The Watchtower, 2001

Reaching Those Hard to Reach

Reaching Those Hard to Reach

JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES  strive to contact everyone they can with the Kingdom message.  At times, it takes and extraordinary effort to reach those who are seldom at home.  (Mark 13:10)  In this regard, a special pioneer minister in a South American country relates the following experience.

"One day I became aware that the state governor would be visiting the territory to which my wife and I are assigned.  Since he was obviously one of those who are rarely at home, I wrote a letter to him and enclose several Bible publications, including the brochure What Does God Require of Us?  And the books Mankind's Search for God and Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life.  My letter explained the purpose of each of these publications.

"Because I was interested in finding out his reaction to the literature, I requested a meeting with him.  Some weeks later I was granted a meeting, and I took along a copy of the video Jehovah's Witnesses-The Organization Behind the Name.  The meeting lasted about two hours. After watching the video with the governor, I asked him what he thought of it.  He replied:  "There is no other organization on earth like yours.  I wish I had people like you who could help me complete my government projects!"  Then he asked if I had ever been to the world headquarters of our organization.  I told him that although it had been my goal since I was 14 years old, I had not had the opportunity to visit our world headquarters, in Brooklyn, New York.  It was one of  those hard-to-reach goals.  He looked at me intently for a moment.  Then he said that he wanted me to have that opportunity.  He took care of our legal permits and gave us the airplane tickets as a gift!  

"The governor now regularly receives the Watchtower and Awake!  magazines.  We hope that soon we will be able to start a Bible study with him."

Next time: What Does It Mean to Be LOYAL?

The Watchtower, 2001

HOW CAN YOU HELP A "PRODIGAL" CHILD? - Do Not Give Up

 Helping a "prodigal" child  'come to his senses' requires patience and can be a challenge to parents and others.  But do not give  up.  "Jehovah is not slow respecting his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance."  (2 Peter 3:9) We have the Scriptural assurance that Jehovah wants people to repent and live.  In fact, he has taken the initiative in making an arrangement to reconcile humans to himself.   (2 Corinthians 5:18, 19)  His patience has made it possible for millions to come to their senses. -Isaiah 2:2, 3.

Should not parents, then, use every Scriptural method possible to help their prodigal minor come to his senses?  Imitating Jehovah, be long-suffering as you take positive steps to help your child come back to Jehovah.  Firmly stick to Bible principles, and try to reflect Jehovah's qualities of love, justice, and wisdom while you pray to him for his help.  Just as many hardened rebels have responded to Jehovah's loving invitation to come back, your prodigal son or daughter may well return to God's protective flock. -Luke 15:6, 7.

Next time: Reaching Those Hard to Reach

The Watchtower, 2001

HOW CAN YOU HELP A "PRODIGAL" CHILD? - How Others Can Help

How Others Can Help

What about a youth who is not disfellowshipped from the Christian congregation but who has become weak in faith?  "If one member suffers," wrote the apostle Paul, "all the other members  suffer with [him]."  (1 Corinthians 12:26) Others can take an active interest in such a youth.   Of course, a measure of caution is needed, since  a spiritually ailing youth could adversely influence other young ones.  (Galatians 5:7-9)  In one congregation, well-meaning adults who wanted to help some youths who had become spiritually weak invited them to gatherings to play popular music together .  Though the youths readily complied and enjoyed such sessions, their influence on one another eventually led them to cut their ties with the congregation.  (1 Corinthians 15:33) What can help heal the ailing child is, not social gatherings with no spiritual direction, but association that helps him to cultivate a taste for spiritual things.

When a youth who has left the congregation comes back to the Kingdom Hall or attends an assembly, think of how he may feel.  Should we not show the welcoming attitude  of the prodigal's father in Jesus' parable?   (Luke 15:18-20, 25-32)  A teenager who left the Christian congregation and later attended  a district convention stated:  "I thought everybody would ignore a person like me, but the brothers and sisters approached me and welcomed me.  I was deeply moved."  He began studying the Bible again and was later baptized. 

Next time: HOW CAN YOU HELP A "PRODIGAL" CHILD? - Do Not Give Up

The Watchtower, 2001