LIFE STORY/A PRIVILEGED SHARE IN POSTWAR EXPANSION

Our Family Became United

Following the convention in Copenhagen in 1937, there was a need for temporary help at the literature depot of the Denmark branch office of Jehovah's Witnesses. I had just finished my studies at a commercial college and was free of obligation, so I offered to help out at the depot.  When the service at the depot was finished, I was asked to assist at the branch office. Soon afterward, I left home and move into the branch in Copenhagen, although I was yet unbaptized. Daily association with mature Christians helped me progress spiritually.  The following year, on January 1, 1938, World War II began.  Then on April 9, 1940, German troops occupied Denmark.  Since Danes were allowed considerable personal freedom, we were able to continue our preaching activities.  

Something wonderful then happened. Father became an active, loyal Witness, completing our family happiness. Therefore, when I, along with four Danes, was invited  to attend the eighth class of Gilead School, my whole family supported me. The five month school course, which began in September 1946, was held at the beautiful campus just outside South Lansing in  upstate New York.

Next time: LIFE STORY/A PRIVILEGED SHARE IN POSTWAR EXPANSION-Gilead and Post-Gilead Training

From the Watchtower magazine, 2002

LIFE STORY/A PRIVILEGED SHARE IN POSTWAR EXPANSION AS TOLD BY FILIP S. HOFFMANN

World War II had just ended in May 1945. That December, Nathan H. Knorr, who had oversight of the worldwide preaching activities  of Jehovah's Witnesses, visited Denmark with his 25-year-old secretary, Milton G. Henschel. A large hall was rented for that eagerly anticipated visit. For us young ones, Brother Henschel's talk was especially exciting, since he was our age and had chosen as his theme:  "Remember also thy Creator in the days of thy youth." -ECCLESIASTES 12:1, American Standard Version.

During that visit, we learned that exciting things were taking place to advance the worldwide preaching work and that we could be involved in them.  (Matthew 24:14) For example, a new school to train young men and women for missionary work had been opened in the United States. Brother Knorr stressed that if we were invited, we would get  "only a one-way ticket"  and that would not know  where we would end p. Even so, some of us applied.

Before i describes my post-World War II experiences, let me go back to my birth in 1919. There  were a number of events prior to and during the war that greatly influenced my life. 

Bible Truth From a Black Sheep

When Mother was pregnant with me-her first child-she prayed that if i was a boy, I might become a missionary. Her brother was a Bible Student, as Jehovah's Witnesses were then called, but her family members considered him a black sheep. Our home was near Copenhagen, and when the Bible Students had annual conventions there, Mother would invite Uncle Thomas, who live some distance away, to stay with us. By 1930 his Amazing Bible knowledge  and logical reasoning had convinced Mother to become a Bible Student. 

Mother loved the Bible. Following the command of Deuteronomy 6:7, she taught my sister and me 'when she was sitting in her house, walking on the road, lying down, or getting up.'  In time, I began to share in house-to-house preaching.. I loved discussing such subjects  as the immortal  soul and hell-fire, which the churches were teaching. I could effectively show from the Bible that such teachings were in error. -Psalm 146:3, 4;Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10; Ezekiel 18:4. 

Next time: LIFE STORY'/A PRIVILEGED SHARE IN POSTWAR EXPANSION -Our Family Became United

From the Watchtower magazine, 2002

CULTIVATE OBEDIENCE AS THE END DRAWS NEAR

Commended for Their Obedience

The congregation in Smyrna and Philadelphia stand out as examples in obedience, for Jesus' letters to them contained no reproof.  To those in Smyrna, he said: "I know your tribulation and poverty-but you are rich." (Revelation 2:9) What a contrast to those in Laodicea, who boasted of worldly wealth but who were actually impoverished! Of course, the Devil was not pleased to see anyone showing faithfulness and obedience to Christ.  Hence, Jesus warned:  "Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer.  Look! The Devil will keep on throwing some of you in prison that you may be fully put to the test, and that you may have tribulation ten days. Prove yourself faithful even to death, and I will give you the crown of life." (Revelation 2:10)  Similarly, Jesus commended those in Philadelphia saying: "You kept my word   [or, obeyed me] and did not prove false to my name. I am coming quickly. Keep on holding fast what you have, that no one may take your crown." -Revelation 3:8, 11. 

In "the Lord's day," beginning in 1914, a faithful remnant and their other sheep companions, now numbering millions,  have also kept Jesus' word by holding fast to their integrity. Like their first-century brothers, some have suffered for their obedience to Christ, even being thrown into prisons and concentration camps. Others have kept Jesus' word by maintaining a "simple eye," despite being surrounded by affluence and greed. (Matthew 6:22, 23) Yes, in every environment and in every circumstance, true Christians, through their obedience, continue to make Jehovah's heart rejoice. -Proverbs 27:11. 

As we approach the great tribulation, "the faithful and discreet slave" remains resolved not to compromise its obedience to the Master, Christ.  This includes preparing timely spiritual food for God's household. So let us continue to appreciate Jehovah's wonderful theocratic organization and what it provides. In this way, we demonstrate our submission to Shiloh, who will reward all his obedient subjects with everlasting life. -Matthew 24:45-47; 25:40; John 5:22-24. 

Next time: LIFE STORY/A PRIVILEGED SHARE IN POSTWAR EXPANSION 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2002

CULTIVATE OBEDIENCE AS THE END DRAWS NEAR

Avoid Apathy, Immorality, Materialism

Jesus' first letter was to the congregation in Ephesus. After commending the congregation for its endurance, Jesus stated:  "Nevertheless, I hold this against you, that you have left the love you had at first." (Revelation 2:1-4)  Today, some once-zealous Christians have likewise lost the fervent love they formerly had for God. Such a loss can  weaken one's relationship with God and be urgently addressed. How can such love be reinvigorated?  By regular Bible study, meeting attendance, prayer, and meditation.  (1 John 5:3)  True, this takes "earnest effort," but it is surely worth it.  (2 Peter 1:5-8) If honest self-examination reveals that your love has cooled off, then correct the situation promptly, in obedience to Jesus' exhortation:  "Remember from what you have fallen, and repent and do the former deeds." -Revelation 2:5. 

The Christians in Pergamum and Thyatira were commended for their integrity, endurance and zeal.  (Revelation 2:12, 13, 18, 19) Yet, they were influenced by certain ones manifesting the wicked spirit of Balaam and Jezebel, who by means of sexual immorality and Baal worship acted as corrupting influences in ancient Israel.  (Numbers 13:16; 1 Kings 16:30, 31; Revelation 2:14, 16, 20-23)  But what about our time-"the Lord's day"? Are the same evil influences evident?  Yes, for immorality is by far the leading cause for disfellowshipping among God's people.  How important, therefore, that we avoid association with all individuals-inside and outside the congregation-who are a  morally  corrupting influence! (1 Corinthians 5:9-11; 15:33)  Those who want to be Shiloh's  obedient subjects will also eschew questionable entertainment as well as printed and Internet pornography. -Amos 5:15; Matthew 5:28,29. 

With the exception of a few individuals, the  congregation in Sardis received no commendation at all.  It had "the name," or the appearance, of being alive, but spiritual apathy had taken such a hold that to Jesus it was "dead."  Obedience to the good news was all but perfunctory. What an  indictment!  (Revelation 3:1-3) The congregation in Laodicea was in a similar state. It boasted material wealth, saying, "I am rich," yet to Christ it was "miserable and pitiable and poor and blind and naked." -Revelation 3:14-17. 

Today, some once-faithful Christians have also fallen into the same pattern of disobedience. Perhaps they have allowed the spirit of the world to sap the senses of urgency from their lives, thus developing a spiritually lukewarm attitude toward Bible study, prayer, Christian meetings, and the ministry.  (2 Peter 3:3, 4, 11, 12)  How important  that such ones obey Christ by investing in spiritual riches-yes, "buy from [Christ] gold refined by fire"!  (Revelation 3:18) Such genuine wealth includes  being 'rich in fine works, liberal, ready to share.' By investing in these truly precious assets, we 'safely treasure up for ourselves a fine foundation for the future, in order to get a firm hold on the real life.' -1 Timothy 6:17-19.

Next time: CULTIVATE OBEDIENCE AS THE END DRAWS NEAR - Commended for Their Obedience

From the Watchtower magazine, 2002

CULTIVATE OBEDIENCE AS THE END DRAWS NEAR

Now Is the Time to "Obey the Good News"

All who want everlasting life must learn obedience, for the Bible clearly states that "those who do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus" will not survive God's day of vengeance. (2 Thessalonians 1:8)  However, the present wicked environment and it spirit of rebellion against the Bible laws and principles make obedience to the good news a challenge. 

The Bible describes this God-defying spirit as "the spirit of the world." (1 Corinthians 2:12)  Explaining its effect on people, the apostle Paul wrote to the first-century Christians in Ephesus saying:  "You at one time walked according to  the system of things of this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, the spirit that now operates in the sons of disobedience. Yes, among them we all at one time, conducted ourselves in harmony with the desires of our flesh, doing the things willed by the flesh and the thoughts, and we were naturally children of wrath even as the rest." -Ephesians 2:2, 3. 

Happily, the Ephesian Christians did not remain slaves of that spirit of disobedience. Rather, they became obedient children of God by submitting to his spirit and reaping its abundant and wholesome fruitage.  (Galatians 5:22, 23) Likewise today, God's spirit-the most powerful force in the universe-is helping millions to become obedient  to Jehovah, with the result that they can have "the full assurance of the hope down to the end." -Hebrews 6:11; Zechariah 4:6. 

Keep in mind, too, that we have the powerful backing of Shiloh, who along with his Father will let no enemy-demon or human-test our obedience beyond what we can bear.  (1 Corinthians 10:13) In fact, to aid us in our spiritual warfare, Jesus described  a number of specific problems that we would face during these last days. He did so by way of seven letters, which he gave in a  vision to the apostle John.  (Revelation 1:10, 11) To be sure, they contained vital counsel for Christians back then, but our main application is to "the Lord's day," since 1914.  How fitting, therefore, that we give attention to these messages! 

Next time: CULTIVATE OBEDIENCE AS THE END DRAWS NEAR - Avoid Apathy, Immorality, and Materialism

From the Watchtower magazine, 2002

CULTIVATE OBEDIENCE AS THE END DRAWS NEAR

Shiloh Becomes Earth's Rightful Ruler

Jacob's prophecy foretold that Shiloh would command "the obedience of the peoples."  Clearly, Christ's rulership would extend beyond spiritual Israel.  What would it embrace?  Revelation 11:15 answers:  "The kingdom of the world did become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will rule as king forever and ever."  The Bible reveals that Jesus received that authority at the end of the prophetic "seven times" -in 1914. (Daniel 4:16, 17; Luke 21:24) In that year, Christ's invisible  "presence" as Messianic King began, as did his time to "go subduing in the  midst of [his] enemies." -Matthew 24:3; Psalm 110:2. 

Jesus' first act after receiving kingly power was to hurl the very personification of disobedience -Satan-along with his demons "down to the earth."  Since then,  these wicked spirits have fomented unprecedented woe for mankind, besides fostering an environment that makes obedience to Jehovah a challenge.  (Revelation 12:7-12; 2 Timothy 3:1-5) In fact, the main target of Satan's spiritual warfare consists of Jehovah's anointed ones, "who observe the commandments of God and have the work of bearing witness to Jesus," and "other sheep" companions.  -Revelation 12:17; John 10:16. 

Satan is doomed to failure, however, because this is "the Lord's day," and nothing can prevent Jesus from 'completing his conquest.' (Revelation 1:10;  6:2)  He will, for example, ensure the final sealing of the 144,000 spiritual Israelites. He will also protect "a great crowd, which no man was able to  number, out of all nations and tribes and tongues." (Revelation 7:1-4, 9, 14-16)  Unlike their anointed companions, however, these ones will become Jesus' obedient earthly subjects. (Daniel 7:13, 14)  Their very appearance on the world scene already provides tangible evidence that Shiloh truly Ruler over  "the kingdom of the world." -Revelation 11:15.

Next time: CULTIVATE OBEDIENCE AS THE END DRAWS NEAR - Now Is the Time to "Obey the Good News" 

From the Watchtower magazine, 2002

CULTIVATE OBEDIENCE AS THE END DRAWS NEAR

Blessed for Obeying God's "Steward"

Jehovah has always provided teachers for his people. For example, after the Jews returned from Babylon, Ezra and a number of other qualified men did not just read God's Law to the people, they "expounded" that law, 'putting meaning into it and giving understanding of God's Word. -Nehemiah 8:8. 

In the first century, when the issue of circumcision arose in 49 C.E., the governing body of that early slave class prayerfully considered the matter and came to a Scriptural conclusion.  When they announced their decision by letter, the congregations obeyed the direction given and enjoyed God's rich blessing.  (Acts 15:6-15, 22-29; 16:4, 5 ) Likewise in modern times, the faithful slave through its Governing Body has clarified such important issues as Christian  neutrality, the sanctity of blood, and the use of drugs and tobacco.  (Isaiah 2:4; Acts 21:25; 2 Corinthians 7:1)  Jehovah blessed his people for their obedience to his Word and the faithful slave.

By admitting to the slave class, God's people also show their subjection to the Master, Jesus Christ. Such subjection has taken on additional significance in modern times because of Jesus' enlarged authority, as foretold in Jacob's deathbed prophecy. 

Next time: CULTIVATE OBEDIENCE AS THE END DRAWS NEAR - Shiloh Becomes Earth's Rightful Ruler

From the Watchtower magazine, 2002

CULTIVATE OBEDIENCE AS THE END DRAWS NEAR

Jesus' First Kingdom 

When Jesus ascended to heaven, he did not immediately take up the scepter of rulership over the peoples of the world. (Psalm 110:1) However, he did receive a "kingdom" with subjects that obeyed him.  The apostle Paul identified that kingdom when he wrote:"[God}  delivered us [spirit-anointed Christians] from the authority of the darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of his love." (Colossians 1:13) This deliverance began at Pentecost 33 C.E. when holy spirit was poured out on Jesus' faithful followers. -Acts 2:1-4; 1 Peter 2:9.

As "ambassadors substituting for Christ," the spirit-anointed disciples obediently  started to gather others who would become "
fellow citizens" in that spiritual kingdom. (2 Corinthians 5:20; Ephesians 2:19; Acts 1:8) Additionally, these had to remain  "fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought"  in order to enjoy the approval of their King Jesus Christ.  (1 Corinthians 1:10) As a group, they constituted a "faithful and discreet slave," or a faithful steward class. -Matthew 24:45; Luke 12:42. 

Next time: CULTIVATE OBEDIENCE AS THE END DRAWS NEAR - Blessed for Obeying God's "Steward"

From the Watchtower magazine, 2002

CULTIVATE OBEDIENCE AS THE END DRAWS NEAR

"To [Shiloh] the obedience of the peoples will belong." -GENESIS 49:10.

OBEDIENCE to Jehovah has often involved obedience to his representatives.  These have included angels, patriarchs, judges, priests, prophets, and kings. the throne of the kings of Israel was even called Jehovah's throne.  (1 Chronicles 29:23) Sadly, though, many of Israel's rulers disobeyed God, bring woe upon themselves and their subjects.  But Jehovah did not leave his loyal ones without hope; he comforted them with a promise to install an incorruptible King, whom the righteous would delight in obeying. (Isaiah 9:6, 7) The dying patriarch Jacob prophesied about this future ruler, saying:  "The scepter will not turn aside from Judah, neither the commander's staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to him the obedience of the peoples will belong." -Genesis 49:10.

"Shiloh" is a Hebrew term meaning "He Whose It Is," or "He to Whom It Belongs." Yes, Shiloh would inherit nothing less than the right to rulership, as symbolized by the scepter, and the power to command, as represented by the commander's staff. Moreover, his royal rule would embrace, not just the descendants of Jacob, but all "peoples."  This is in line with Jehovah's promise to Abraham:  "Your seed will take possession of the gate of his enemies. And by means of your seed all nations of the earth will certainly bless themselves." (Genesis 22:17, 18) Jehovah confirmed the identity of this "seed" in 29 C.E., when he anointed Jesus of Nazareth with holy spirit. -Luke 3:P21-23, 34; Galatians 3:16.  

Next time: Jesus' First Kingdom

From the Watchtower magazine, 2002

JEHOVAH BLESSES AND PROTECTS THOSE WHO ARE OBEDIENT

Obedience in the Face of Gog's Attack

Soon, Satan's entire wicked system will be destroyed in an unprecedented "great tribulation."  (Matthew 24:21) No doubt prior to and during that time, God's people will experience  major tests of their faith and obedience. For instance, the Bible tells us that Satan,  in his role as "Gog of the land of Magog," will make an all-out attack  against Jehovah's servants, mobilizing hordes that are described as "a numerous military force . . . , like clouds to cover the land." (Ezekiel 38:2, 14-16) Outnumbered and unarmed God's people will look to the refuge of Jehovah's "pinions," which he extends to shield the obedient. 

This situation reminds us of Israel's Exodus from Egypt. After striking Egypt with ten devastating plagues, Jehovah led his people, not on the shortest route toward the Promised Land, but down to the Red Sea, where they could easily be cornered and attacked.  From a military standpoint, that seemed a disastrous move. If you had been there, would you have obeyed Jehovah's word through Moses and marched down to the Red Sea with full confidence, knowing that the Promised Land lay in a somewhat different direction? -Exodus 14:1-4.

As we read in Exodus 14, we see how Jehovah delivered his people in an awesome display of power.  How such accounts can strengthen our faith when we take the time to study and reflect upon them!  (2 Peter  2:9) Strong faith, in turn fortifies  us to obey Jehovah, even when his requirements seem to go contrary  to human reasoning.  (Proverbs 3:5, 6)  So ask yourself, 'Am I striving to build up my faith through diligent Bible study, prayer and meditation, as well as by regular association with God's people?' -Hebrews 10:24, 25; 12:1-3. f

Obedience Instills Hope

Those who make obedience to Jehovah their way of life experience even now the fulfillment of Proverbs 1:33, which says:  "As for the one listening  [obediently] to me, he will reside in security  and be undisturbed  from dread of calamity." How marvelously these comforting words will apply during Jehovah's coming day of vengeance!  In fact, Jesus told his disciples:  "As these things start to occur, raise yourselves  erect and lift your heads up, because your deliverance is getting near."  (Luke 21:28)  Clearly, only those obedient to God will have the confidence to heed these words. -Matthew 7:21. 

Another reason for confidence is that "the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will not do a thing unless he has revealed his confidential matter to his servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7) Today, Jehovah does not inspire prophets as in the past; instead he has commissioned a faithful slave class to provide timely spiritual food to his household.  (Matthew 24:45-47) How important, therefore, that we have an obedient attitude toward  that "slave"! As the following article will show, such obedience  also reflects our attitude toward Jesus, the 'slave's' master.  He is the One to whom "the obedience of the peoples belongs.' -Genesis 49:10.

Next time: CULTIVATE OBEDIENCE AS THE END DRAWS NEAR

From the Watchtower magazine, 2002