The Watchtower — March 15, 1958

A King Shall Reign in Righteousness

WHEN Christ rode humbly into Jerusalem upon the back of an ass, a crowd of people spread their garments and branches of trees on the roadway. They welcomed him as their King and Deliverer by crying out: “Save, we pray, the Son of David! Blessed is he that comes in Jehovah’s name! Save him, we pray, in the heights above!” (Matt. 21:9) These people placed their hope in him for a kingdom of peace.

During the centuries that have passed since that day, multitudes have heard about this King. They have professed faith in him and claimed to be his followers. Many even named their children after the names of his disciples. Thus names like John, James, Peter, Matthew, Thomas and Paul became common among them. That part of the world in which they predominated became known as Christendom.

Although these people professed allegiance to the Prince of Peace, they have not lived in peace. They have ignored his command to have love for one another. Instead they have hated, tortured and killed. Mankind’s fiercest and most destructive wars have been waged among them. Yet these people imagine themselves to be followers of Christ. They think they are Christians. Some even believe that it is up to Christendom to establish Christ’s kingdom on earth.

It is difficult to understand how anyone can imagine that Christ’s kingdom can be established by humans, let alone by humans who have no regard for God’s laws or for the principles Christ taught.

Just because the people of Christendom talk about him in their churches and name their children after his disciples does not mean they are truly following him. It does not mean they will set up Christ’s kingdom or even become subjects of it. Those who are truly Christ’s followers think as he did, live by the same righteous principles as he did and preach the same Scriptural truths as he did. They do not profess love for the King, Christ Jesus, and also seek the friendship of the world, which the Bible identifies as his enemy.

The worsening relations among the nations cause some people to think that Christ’s reign is centuries away. This view was expressed recently by a military analyst when he said: “The millennium still lies beyond the centuries. There is no such thing as a permanent solution to all problems; one may be solved only to be replaced by another. There is no complete or absolute security—and there never will be in a world of life and death.”

The actions of the nations are no sound basis for coming to such a conclusion. Christ’s reign does not wait for them to begin acting like civilized humans instead of unreasoning animals that are ready to jump at one another’s throats. It does not wait for the people of Christendom to begin living by Christian principles. If it did, the wait for his millennial reign would be not only for centuries but for eternity.

God has given Christ the authority and power to begin exercising complete dominion over this earth at his appointed time. The actions of the nations have no bearing upon when his reign will begin. He does not have to wait until heathendom and Christendom become Christians. In fact, Christ is already established in Kingdom power and is ruling in the midst of his enemies, as foretold by Psalm 110.

At God’s appointed time this heavenly King will purge the earth. Heathendom and Christendom will be swept out of existence. “Ask of me, that I may give nations as your inheritance and the ends of the earth as your own possession. You will break them with an iron scepter, as though a potter’s vessel you will dash them to pieces.” (Ps. 2:8, 9) This is the only way to stop them in their mad course of destruction. There can be no coexistence between them and the kingdom under Christ.

A great multitude of people are recognizing Christendom’s hypocrisy and lawlessness and are turning their backs on her. They refuse to have any further part in her hatreds and wars. By laying aside weapons of war to live lives of peace, they have done what was foretold by the Bible: “But in the latter days it shall come to pass, that . . . many nations shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths. . . . he will judge between many peoples, and will decide concerning strong nations afar off: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks.”—Mic. 4:1-3, AS.

These peace-loving people make it known to the world that their King is Christ and that his kingdom is the government they trust in for security, justice and peace. As a people they form a New World society that will realize the promises made in connection with Christ’s millennial reign.

The fact that these people have learned the ways of peace in a war-torn world and are united in love in spite of racial and national differences is proof that a society can exist in peace and security. This was noted by an Australian newspaper that said: “Jehovah’s witnesses is the only world peace movement to succeed. . . . They have proved it is possible to live together in peace.” They are able to live in peace because they follow Christ as the disciples did and not as Christendom does.

After Christ has purged the earth of the present system of things, these meek, peace-loving people will have Jesus’ words fulfilled upon them: “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matt. 5:5, AV) Their security and peace will not be threatened by lawless people, for “the wicked shall not be.” This is assured by the fact that Christ will be ruling the earth in righteousness. He will have fulfilled the hope of those people who hailed him as King on that day he rode into Jerusalem on the back of an ass.

Jehovah himself will give strength indeed to his people. Jehovah himself will bless his people with peace.—Ps. 29:11.

Preparing Yourself for the World’s End

Why should Jehovah destroy the world? What has it done to deserve such a fate? Can we escape the destruction?

“THE complete end of all things has drawn close. Be sound in mind, therefore, and be vigilant with a view to prayers.” This vital warning was penned by the inspired apostle Peter. For those who inquire what ‘end’ of what ‘things’ he had in mind, the apostle clarifies the matter by explaining further: “Yet Jehovah’s day will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a hissing noise, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be discovered.” It is the complete end of the present world of wickedness that has drawn close. What shall we do? How shall we act? Where can we find protection, and how? Many questions quickly come to the mind once the fact comes home that the complete end of this evil world has drawn close.—1 Pet. 4:7; 2 Pet. 3:10.

Many reading the publications of Jehovah’s witnesses see considerable in the message pointing to the troubles in the earth, to the nearness of the great battle of Armageddon and to the terrible wickedness now rampant. Whether anything were published about it or not, the trouble is here. Jehovah’s people did not bring it, are not responsible for it now that it is here, and they have nothing to do with deciding when it will end. However, they do use their time, strength and money to tell others what it means, not to benefit some selfish scheme or organization, but to help their fellow man and to carry out the will of God. Have you ever thought how terrible it would be were the end of the world to come without your being informed or being provided any opportunity to escape it?

And why will Jehovah destroy this evil world? The answer is furnished by pointing to His dealings with Israel. He turned that beautiful land into a howling wilderness. Why did Jehovah do this? He declares: “And the future generation of your sons who will rise up after you will be bound to say, . . . yes, all the nations will be bound to say, ‘Why did Jehovah do like this to this land? Why the heat of this great anger?’ Then they will have to say, ‘It was because they abandoned the covenant of Jehovah the God of their forefathers, . . . And they proceeded to go and serve other gods and to bow down to them, gods that they had not known and he had not apportioned to them. Then Jehovah’s anger blazed against that land by bringing upon it the whole malediction written in this book.’”—Deut. 29:22, 24-27.

Hundreds of years later, in 607 B.C., this destruction actually did take place. The prophet Jeremiah warned Israel in advance and explained to those then seeking a reason: “Because your fathers have forsaken me, saith Jehovah, and have walked after other gods, and have served them, and have worshipped them, and have forsaken me, and have not kept my law; and ye have done evil more than your fathers; for, behold, ye walk every one after the stubbornness of his evil heart, so that ye hearken not unto me.” (Jer. 16:11, 12, AS) The Lord Jesus pronounced the same judgment on false worshipers of his day. “Serpents, offspring of vipers, how are you to flee from the judgment of Gehenna? . . . there may come upon you all the righteous blood spilled on earth from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. Truly I say to you, All these things will come upon this generation.”—Matt. 23:33, 35, 36.

FORSAKING JEHOVAH TODAY

This modern-day evil world has likewise forsaken Jehovah God. The many professing Christian nations are that in name only. The Word of Jehovah is pushed on one side, worship of Jehovah is forsaken. Idolatry is everywhere. The people will not listen to the warning. They are rebellious. They refuse to forsake their abominable ways and turn and serve only the true God. So-called Christendom is guilty of all the sins committed by Israel of old that brought on the well-merited destructions of Jerusalem in 607 B.C. and A.D. 70. So God’s judgments are upon this evil world now.

His prophetic Word describing the sins of the typical people of old applies now with greater force to the nations of the world today. Note how the prophecies of Scripture make this certain: “And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.” “Fear ye not me? saith Jehovah: will ye not tremble at my presence, . . . this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart.” “The earth also is polluted under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are found guilty: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.” (Isa. 13:11; Jer. 5:22, 23; Isa. 24:5, 6, AS) The nations not only reject the truth but fight against Jehovah, against his Anointed and against Christ’s kingdom, form a conspiracy to thwart Jehovah’s purpose, become agents and mouthpieces of Satan, are lovers of evil, blasphemers, covenant breakers, scoffers, having a form of godly devotion but denying the power. (Psalm 2; Isa. 8:9-15, AV; Rev. 16:13, 14; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 2 Pet. 3:3, 4) The doom of destruction, therefore, is justly decreed upon all nations, including Christendom.

How widespread will be this destruction? The apostle Peter says, “the complete end of all things.” He also speaks of the whole world being destroyed. Jeremiah foretells its extent, saying: “Thus saith Jehovah of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great tempest shall be raised up from the uttermost parts of the earth. And the slain of Jehovah shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the face of the ground.” (Jer. 25:32, 33, AS) Speaking of this same devastating event, Jesus said: “Keep praying that your flight may not occur in wintertime nor on the sabbath day; for then there will be great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again.” (Matt. 24:20, 21) Thus do the Scriptures graphically describe the “end of all things”—a destruction that will strike at all nations.

THE WISE COURSE

The apostle Peter says: “Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of persons ought you to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion.” (2 Pet. 3:11) Again he writes: “Be sound in mind, therefore, and be vigilant with a view to prayers.” (1 Pet. 4:7) To be sound in mind means to be sober, self-controlled and temperate. It means doing justice to one’s neighbor, duly honoring and worshiping Jehovah God. The mind affects everything we do, what we hear and read, how we converse, how we pray, how we teach, preach, follow up interest on back-calls, conduct Bible studies, meet adversity. By soundness of mind we avoid credulity, presumption, pride, covetousness, materialism, excesses and impatience. In these days when the world is being shaken to its foundations, we need balance, soundness of mind. Know what you are doing and why you are doing it.

“Be vigilant with a view to prayers.” To be vigilant means to be awake, watchful. How can this be with a view to prayers? The Lord Jesus said: “Men, keep on the watch and praying, in order that you do not come into temptation. The spirit, of course, is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mark 14:38) The Devil is always on the prowl to destroy our faith and bring about death-meriting disobedience and disloyalty. Watch lest you fall into his deceptive snares. Pray without ceasing while watching for further opportunities of doing Jehovah’s will and helping His people. We are in the last days. Be vigilant! We must not treat prayer lightly. We are actually speaking to the great Creator and Most High God of the universe. Never slip into a careless state regarding prayer. It is a precious privilege.

Pray that you may escape the destruction coming now on the world, for your neighbor, whom you must love as yourself. Pray with purpose in mind. Watch unto prayer, be frequent in your prayers. Never let one day go by without offering prayer with thanksgiving. Have a clear conscience before Jehovah God so your prayers will not be hindered. Pray and continue praying.

If you go along with this old world, if now you do not get clear of its ways, then you will not be able to pray properly, for you will try to have your eyes on two things at one time, and that cannot be. You would be double-minded. Look for the new world of righteousness. Look for the end of the old world of wickedness. Pray to Jehovah through Christ Jesus that you may be one found approved to escape these terrible things coming upon the old world. Always keep in mind, the old world has been condemned and is to be destroyed and “the complete end of all things has drawn close.” How close? Who can state the day or hour? Surely sufficient it should be that we see these things prophesied now coming to pass. Also these signs will be fulfilled during this generation, signs that began in 1914. Yes, the complete end has drawn close. Let us, therefore, be sound in mind, be vigilant with a view to prayers. Let all be sober in thought and action and pray unceasingly. So may we live out our lives as God’s children in holiness and purity and perform our ministry, to the blessing of ourselves and yet further multitudes of sheeplike persons, and to the vindication of the Sovereign Lord, Jehovah.

Memorable Assemblies of God’s People

MORE than fifteen centuries before the Christian era an unforgettable assembly of Jehovah’s worshipers took place at the base of Mount Sinai. A crowd of over two million were assembled there for nearly a year. Before their astonished eyes God manifested his presence in a striking manner. “And on the third day when it became morning it came about that thunders and lightnings began occurring, and a heavy cloud upon the mountain and a very loud sound of a trumpet, so that all the people who were in the camp began to tremble. Moses now brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they went taking their stand at the base of the mountain. And Mount Sinai smoked all over, due to the fact that Jehovah came down upon it in fire, and its smoke kept ascending like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain was quaking very much.”—Ex. 19:16-18.

This great assembly was marked not only by a manifestation of Jehovah’s presence but also by the personal instruction he gave them. He communicated with them and even gave them a detailed law. This was indeed an outstanding assembly.

Many centuries later another memorable gathering took place in Jerusalem. It was at the time the completed temple was dedicated by Solomon. Here was another assembly in which God manifested his presence in a visible way. “The house itself was filled with a cloud, the very house of Jehovah, and the priests were not able to stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of Jehovah filled the house of The [true] God.” (2 Chron. 5:13) This unforgettable gathering lasted fifteen days.

A much smaller but very noteworthy assembly took place A.D. 33. This was the gathering of Christ’s disciples in an upper room on the day of Pentecost. It was during this small assembly that God’s active force visibly manifested itself by what looked like tongues of fire. “Suddenly there occurred from heaven a noise just like that of a rushing stiff breeze, and it filled the whole house in which they were sitting. And tongues as if of fire became visible and were distributed to them, and one sat upon each one of them, and they all became filled with holy spirit and started to speak with different tongues, just as the spirit was granting them to make utterance.”—Acts 2:2-4.

Because of the miraculous power they received they could speak the good news of God’s King and kingdom in the native tongues of the many people who had gathered in Jerusalem for the feast of Pentecost. This amazing manifestation of God’s power made this a memorable assembly.

The modern-day worshipers of Jehovah God also have had unforgettable assemblies, even though God’s power has not been manifested in the awesome manner that it was in the ancient gatherings. There was, for example, the nine-day gathering at Cedar Point, Ohio, in 1922. It was at this assembly that God’s spirit stirred up his people to move forward in an earth-wide work of advertising the King, Christ Jesus, and the Kingdom. Today this good news is being proclaimed by more than 700,000 zealous witnesses.

The first big international assembly of Jehovah’s witnesses was held at Cleveland, Ohio, in 1946. It set the pattern for future mass gatherings of Jehovah’s people. It was a foretaste of the immense conventions held in New York city in 1950 and 1953. The New York assemblies were remarkable in that they had more than 100,000 people in attendance.

It was at the 1950 assembly that Jehovah’s witnesses were thrilled with the release of a new translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures, by the New World Bible Translation Committee. The assembly in 1953 proved to be the greatest gathering of Jehovah’s modern-day witnesses. The world’s largest mass immersion took place at this assembly when more than 4,600 people symbolized by water baptism their dedication to serve God. But even though these two assemblies were great, the one planned for this summer will be greater. It will be the third international assembly held in New York city and will undoubtedly be another great milestone in the history of memorable assemblies of God’s people.

Wisdom and Happiness Under New World Administration

People who want to be free, happy and prosperous are always seeking for good government. Why? The answer is obvious. Good government spreads happiness. Bad government spreads misery. This principle is aptly stated in these words: “When the righteous are in power, the people rejoice; but when the wicked bear rule, the people groan.”—Prov. 29:2, AT.

The new world will be full of rejoicing because its government is wholly righteous. An examination of the written Word of Jehovah will bring to view ample evidence that this is true.

Good government existed in the days of Solomon, king of Israel, while he was faithful toward Jehovah, whom he represented as king. Solomon put into operation the principles he learned from David his father, who preceded him on the throne. David had said: “‘When one ruling over mankind is righteous, ruling in the fear of God, then it is as the light of morning, when the sun shines forth, a morning without clouds. From brightness, from rain, there is grass out of the earth.’ For is not my household like that with God?” Evidently Solomon’s household was “like that with God,” for every day was a happy day. The record states: “Judah and Israel were many, like the grains of sand that are by the sea for multitude, eating and drinking and rejoicing. And Judah and Israel continued to dwell in security, everyone under his own vine tree and under his own fig tree, from Dan to Beer-sheba, all the days of Solomon.”—2 Sam. 23:3-5; 1 Ki. 4:20, 25.

Solomon’s reputation for righteous administration spread throughout all the ancient world. Foreigners who came to see for themselves soon found out that the reputation did not do justice to the reality. The queen of Sheba said: “I did not put faith in the words until I had come that my own eyes might see, and, look! I had not been told the half. You have surpassed in wisdom and prosperity the things heard to which I listened. Happy are your men, happy are these servants of yours who are standing before you constantly, listening to your wisdom!” More important than her words of praise was the blessing she invoked upon Jehovah because of what she had seen. “May Jehovah your God come to be blessed, who has taken delight in you by putting you upon the throne of Israel, because Jehovah loves Israel to time indefinite, so that he appointed you as king to render judicial decision and righteousness.”—1 Ki 10:7-9.

Jehovah rightly deserved to be blessed. All that Solomon had came as a gift from God. In his youth and inexperience Solomon had requested Jehovah: “You must give to your servant an obedient heart to judge your people, to discern between good and bad.” Jehovah replied: “Look! I shall certainly give you a wise and understanding heart, . . . And also what you have not requested I shall certainly give you, both riches and glory, so that there will not have happened to be any among the kings like you, all your days.”—1 Ki. 3:9, 12, 13.

THE ONE GREATER THAN SOLOMON

Great as Solomon was, there is one who is greater. That one is Christ Jesus, upon whose shoulders rests the government of the entire new world. He is spoken of as “something more than Solomon” and “the most high of the kings of the earth” because of his endowments from the Most High God. His administration brings permanent happiness to all obedient mankind. In fact, Solomon’s wise and righteous administration was only a faint foregleam of the perfect administration of the new world by Christ Jesus.—Matt. 12:42; Ps. 89:27; Isa. 9:6, 7, AV.

Christ Jesus is the very embodiment of wisdom. “Carefully concealed in him are all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge.” Foretelling the admirable qualities of the Administrator of the new world, Jehovah said: “And there shall come forth a shoot out of the stock of Jesse, and a branch out of his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of Jehovah shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Jehovah. And his delight shall be in the fear of Jehovah; and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither decide after the hearing of his ears; but with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth.”—Col. 2:3; Isa. 11:1-4, AS.

In the year 1914 Jehovah began the administration of the new world by enthroning Christ Jesus and authorizing him to rule in the midst of his enemies. Shortly thereafter the beneficial effects of the New World administration began to be felt on earth. In 1919 the remnant of the members of the body of Christ on earth were freed from spiritual captivity to modern “Babylon,” Satan’s world organization. They were formed into a clean service organization and sent forth throughout the earth to spread abroad the wisdom of God, which brings happiness. True to his promise, Jehovah uses only one service organization, which is appropriately named “the faithful and discreet slave.” The spiritual prosperity of Jehovah’s visible organization today is ample proof of the discreet manner in which the slave class has administered all the King’s “belongings.”—Ps. 110:2; Isa. 48:20; 6:5-12; 52:11-13, AS; Matt. 24:45.

WISE PROVISIONS

Accurate knowledge and true wisdom are the forerunners of real happiness. It is written: “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the gaining of it is better than the gaining of silver, and the profit thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and none of the things thou canst desire are to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.” (Prov. 3:13-18, AS) The government of the new world has made ample provision for mankind to gain wisdom that is even greater than that of Solomon. Through its visible representative, the “faithful and discreet slave” class, it has provided two of the finest magazines in existence today, namely, The Watchtower and Awake! These magazines contain New World wisdom. The reading and study of them brings New World happiness. No other magazines on earth can stir up such surging hope and confident assurance of life and happiness in a new world free of misery.

Other wise provisions of the New World administration are meetings, where the treasures of spiritual knowledge and wisdom are freely shared by all in attendance. These are conducted in Kingdom Halls and in homes of Jehovah’s witnesses. People who really want wisdom do not stay at home. They are not satisfied with just reading about it or hearing about it in their homes. They are like the queen of Sheba. She heard about the wisdom of Solomon in her own home country, but she was not satisfied with that. She wanted to go and see for herself whether all that she heard was really true. After personal investigation she found that she had heard only the half of what could be learned. So it is with those today who are not satisfied with what they hear at home. They investigate further by getting as close as possible to the source of the divine wisdom. They get in association with the “faithful and discreet slave” class by going to the Kingdom Hall or meeting place near their home. There they find that they have heard ‘only the half’ of what there is to learn. They increase their happiness by taking in more knowledge of God. They constantly marvel at the new things revealed by Jehovah through his one service organization under the supervision of Christ Jesus, who is greater than Solomon.

No greater proof of New World wisdom bringing such happiness could be presented than the hundreds of thousands who attended the “Triumphant Kingdom” assemblies of Jehovah’s witnesses held in 1955 throughout North America and Europe. The moving picture “The Happiness of the New World Society,” produced by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, is a record of the evidence. Nowhere on earth is there another international group that enjoys such happiness today. All credit and honor goes to Jehovah, who gave the throne of the New World government to his Son, who rules with excelling wisdom, bringing happiness.

However, the greatest happiness under the New World administration does not come from just hearing and accepting words of divine wisdom. There is a greater happiness. The apostle Paul spoke of this to the older men of the congregation of Ephesus. He said: “You must assist those who are weak and must bear in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, when he himself said, ‘There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.’” Yes, that is the way to fill up the full measure of one’s happiness. Knowing this to be true, the King Christ Jesus directs all his followers on earth to give as freely as they have received of the divine wisdom. They “go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations,” spreading happiness amid an old world of gloom. As one united body of ministers they form a New World society. They dwell in a spiritual climate that is as refreshing as a beautiful dawn. “It is as the light of morning, when the sun shines forth, a morning without clouds.”—Acts 20:35; Matt. 28:19; 2 Sam. 23:4.

For Jehovah himself gives wisdom; out of his mouth there are knowledge and discernment. And for the upright ones he will treasure up practical wisdom; for those walking in integrity he is a shield.—Prov. 2:6, 7.

Freedom-loving Christians

The Battle for Religious Freedom

Religious freedom is not secure in any country in the world, not even in the United States. So the fight for religious freedom goes on, as Chief Justice Earl Warren of the United States Supreme Court recently said: “The fact remains that we do have a battle today to keep our freedoms from eroding, just as Americans in every past age were obliged to struggle for theirs.” Who have won a great number of battles in this struggle? Who have become molders of constitutional law more than others? Writers are more and more discussing the matter.

Molding Constitutional Law

“Seldom, if ever, in the past, has one individual or group been able to shape the course, over a period of time, of any phase of our vast body of constitutional law. But it can happen, and it has happened, here.” So said The Bill of Rights Review, published by the American Bar Association. “The group is Jehovah’s witnesses,” continued the Review. “Through almost constant litigation this organization has made possible an ever-increasing list of precedents concerning the application of the Fourteenth Amendment to freedom of speech and worship.”

Advancing the Cause of Religious Freedom

In 1950 Harper & Brothers published Anson Phelps Stokes’ three-volume Church and State in the United States. In volume three, page 546, the author says: “It would not be fair to dismiss this brief survey of the troubles of Jehovah’s Witnesses with the State without referring to the service to the cause of religious freedom under our Constitution which has been rendered as a result of their persistence. In recent years they have taken the time of the courts more than any other religious group, and they have appeared to the public to be narrow-minded, but they have been true to their conscientious convictions, and as a result the Federal courts have rendered a series of decisions which have secured and broadened the religious-freedom guarantees of American citizens, and have protected and extended their civil liberties. Some thirty-one cases in which they were involved came before the Supreme Court in the five years from 1938 to 1943, and the decisions in these and later cases have greatly advanced the cause of the freedom of the Bill of Rights in general, and the protection of religious freedom in particular.”

“The Debt of Constitutional Law to Jehovah’s Witnesses”

An article under the above title appeared in the March, 1944, issue of the Minnesota Law Review. It was written by Edward F. Waite, a retired Minnesota district court judge. “It is plain that present constitutional guarantees of personal liberty,” wrote Judge Waite, “are far broader than they were before the spring of nineteen thirty-eight, and that most of this enlargement is to be found in the thirty-one Jehovah’s witnesses cases.”

‘More than Any Other Group’

On page 173 of his book The Republic Charles A. Beard says: “Whatever may be said about the Witnesses, they have the courage of martyrs. . . . As a result, in recent days they have made more contributions to the development of the constitutional law of religious liberty than any other cult or group. Believe me, they are making it fast.”

Helpful to Other Nations

The legal battles won by Jehovah’s witnesses, which have advanced religious liberty, are not limited in value to Americans. As the Watch Tower Society’s booklet Defending and Legally Establishing the Good News points out: “The court decisions in the United States, where the issues have been thoroughly litigated, should be helpful and persuasive precedent to assist courts and judges in other nations. . . . It is recognized that American decisions are not binding and do not force the judges to the same conclusions in countries outside the United States, yet there can be no question that they are of persuasive value and should be used to assist the courts in reaching a reasonable conclusion.”

Biblical Word Sketches on Temple Service

INSPIRED Bible spokesmen and writers were master painters of word sketches. They conveyed powerful messages by means of colorful words that sketched in the minds of men unforgettable pictures. Many of these brilliant word sketches contained background scenes that added force to the original utterances. For example, Jesus and his disciples frequently referred to the activities conducted in the temple of Jerusalem as backdrop views for their many vivid word pictures.

Centuries before the day of Jesus, zealous King David had organized the hundreds of Aaronic priests and the thousands of their Levitical assistants into a vast efficient service organization. The entire staff was divided into twenty-four divisions, each taking turns to operate the detailed departments of the great temple service organization from sabbath to sabbath. Each division of more than a thousand expertly trained workers, proportionately of priests and Levites, served at least twice a year for one full week at a time. However, at the festival of booths all twenty-four divisions were required to be on hand for duty to undertake the rush of business.^a Likewise, additional help was necessary at passover festivals. Josephus reports that at passover times the number of lambs slain was found to be about 256,500, which, at the lowest figure of ten persons to every sacrificial lamb, would mean that approximately 2,565,000 worshipers were required to be served at the temple.^b—1 Chron. 24:1-18.

The priests of an assigned division were responsible to lead in uttering the congregational prayers, to offer the sacrifices of the day and to enter the temple itself to perform the sanctuary duties. The far greater number were Levites who, as assistant ministers, served as custodians of all the valuable utensils, as valets to the priests in making and keeping their official garments, as cooks and bakers of all the holy bread and cakes, as police guards of the courtyards, as treasurers of the money contributions, as keepers of the storehouses to contain the produce tithes, as gatekeepers, as supervisors of the dining rooms, as cleaners and as singers and musicians. After Ezra’s time each division also included non-Jewish temple workers known as Nethinim, who were assigned the menial duties.—1 Chron. 9:2; Ezra 7:24.

During the division’s week of assigned service, all were to be prepared to serve day and night in the temple. At night the workers could recline on the couches, but they had to remain fully dressed and ready at a moment’s call.^c This gives background scenery to the statement in Revelation 7:15 concerning the “great crowd” of nonanointed temple ministers today in God’s service organization, of whom it says: “They are rendering him sacred service day and night in his temple.”

Two hundred and forty of the Levites and thirty of the priests of the entire serving division had to stay awake all night long, keeping guard to prevent any unclean ones from entering the temple courtyards. There were twenty-four stations covering the complete temple area, where ten of the Levites stood guard at each station as night watchers.^d There was no relief of guard during the night, as there seemed to be for the Roman soldier guards around the neighboring Castle of Antonia. As the “captain of the temple” (Acts 4:1) made his rounds during the night, any guard found asleep when on duty was immediately beaten and his garments were set on fire. This gives setting to the clear warning to the anointed ministers today of Jehovah’s service organization to remain spiritually awake, or otherwise they will lose out and become naked before the inspecting Captain, Christ Jesus, who makes his rounds in this day of judgment: “Look! I am coming as a thief. Happy is the one that stays awake and keeps his outer garments, that he may not walk naked and people look upon his parts of shame.”—Rev. 16:15.

Those of the priests who were not on guard duty but reclining on the couches during the night had to be ready at any moment for the knock at the door to rise and begin the preparations for the service of the morning.^c Such a messenger came to the temple suddenly and unexpectedly, no one knew exactly when. “And the Lord, whom ye seek, will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant, whom ye desire.”—Mal. 3:1, AS; Mark 13:33.

Upon the messenger’s sudden arrival, orders were given for the customary bath for the day of all the ministering priests. There were well-appointed bathrooms in adjoining chambers to the temple sanctuary where the priests immersed themselves. After this early morning bathing, they were not required to wash again that day except their hands and feet.^e What a picturesque backdrop for Jesus’ remarks to his chosen twelve associate priests of the likeness of Melchizedek on the night of his last passover celebration. “‘He that has bathed does not need to have more than his feet washed, but is wholly clean. And you men are clean, but not all.’ He knew, indeed, the man betraying him. This is why he said: ‘Not all of you are clean.’”—John 13:10, 11.

So from these few Biblical word sketches, what additional powerful admonition we receive! Whether we are of the anointed or nonanointed ministers in Jehovah’s service organization today, we are his living representatives night and day, upholding his name and his worship. At all times let us keep spiritually awake that none lose their priceless ministerial privileges in any of the many departments of Jehovah’s global house of service. And in keeping awake, let us always keep spiritually clean in our standing before Jehovah.

REFERENCES

^a The Temple, by Alfred Edersheim, p. 66.

^b Wars of the Jews, by Flavius Josephus Book VI, Chapter 9, par. 3.

^c The Temple, by Alfred Edersheim, p. 120.

^d Ibid., p. 119.

^e Ibid., p. 121.

Spreading Light in Dark Nyasaland

NYASALAND, in case you have forgotten, is a British protectorate in the southeastern part of Africa. It is just a little bigger than the state of Indiana, or about ten percent larger than the country of Portugal. As with some 160 other places on this globe, the good news of God’s established kingdom is being preached there in obedience to Matthew 24:14. Especially effective in enlightening its people, many of whom are uneducated, has been the showing of the two films produced by the Watch Tower Society.

These films have even been taken to the isolated bush regions, being shown in schoolyards, court areas of the national authorities and government compounds. Their accompanying narratives have been given in such local dialects as Yao, Lomwe, Tumbuka and Citonga, in addition to the principal language, Cinyanja. To date at least one person in every twenty in Nyasaland has seen these films, making a total of more than 130,000 in about eighteen months.

We bring these films into the bush country by means of a panel truck that carries all the equipment. This often requires the witnesses to cut down trees, build bridges, widen footpaths to eight-foot roads, reinforce swampy ground, as well as repeat unloading and reloading of equipment. Sometimes it takes five hours to cover ten miles; in fact, once it took five hours to cover ten yards! In one instance, the overcoming of all such obstacles, which to most of the chiefs had seemed to be insurmountable, caused one chief to conclude that this work must be of Jehovah, and so from now on the witnesses are always welcome in his village!

The witnesses of Jehovah here, of course, are glad to do all this work, being anxious for others to see the wonderful films. However, at times the villagers who are not witnesses show themselves equally willing to work so that the films can be shown in their village. Thus in one instance they readily built a road almost a mile long so that the film could be brought to them! Incidentally, note that all such preparations are made with the constant threat of wild animals. It is a country where lions, leopards, elephants and rhinoceroses abound, not to say anything about countless snakes. So each one must be alert or he may not live to see the film!

Not to be overlooked is another threat to the showing of the films, the “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” Such as one European associated with a nearby Dutch Reformed Church mission who tried very hard to influence the local chief against the witnesses but in vain. The chief emphatically stated that Jehovah’s witnesses were the only ones that were teaching a religion based wholly on the Bible and that in the film “The New World Society in Action” he had seen proof of the things they had told him. He felt that the film was a wonderful provision and that the witnesses should continue to use it wherever possible.

Another young chief, who has an excellent command of English and is a subscriber for The Watchtower, could hardly find words to express his appreciation for the film. After its showing he made a short speech of thanks, recommended that his people follow the example of Christian love they had seen in the film and made arrangements to have the film shown elsewhere. He also invited the Society’s special traveling representatives, the district and the circuit servants, to enjoy tea with him and his subchiefs, during which time they asked many questions, which were answered to their satisfaction.

This paramount chief also attended the public meeting at the circuit assembly of the witnesses. He continually referred to his Bible throughout the lecture and time and again joined enthusiastically in the applause. At the conclusion of this lecture he again addressed his people and thanked the witnesses for the good work they were doing. He also contributed to the expense of showing the film. On making a farewell call upon him the district servant found that this chief had obtained the Bible aid What Has Religion Done for Mankind? and the 1957 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

So here, in this beautiful country of majestic mountains, swift and slow-moving rivers and the vast lake from which it draws its name, the light of God’s Word is penetrating to the most out-of-the-way places by means of the motion picture, and many are the honest hearts, of both educated and uneducated, that are seeing and hearing and rejoicing because of having seen and heard!

Shepherd of Israel

“O Shepherd of Israel, do give ear, you who are conducting Joseph just like a flock. O you who are sitting upon the cherubs, do beam forth.”—Ps. 80:1.

1. How is the relationship between Jehovah God and Christ Jesus and His people illustrated?

JEHOVAH, the great Creator, has established a most marvelous relationship between himself and his dearly beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and that relationship is precious. Men and women on earth are invited to come into the same close relationship with Jehovah God and with Christ Jesus and be blessed. This unity is possible by obedience and dependence upon God, which helps all to be at peace and in happy contentment and to be settled in the assurance of Jehovah’s rich provision for them. This blessed relationship, as revealed through the Scriptures and the work of Jehovah God on behalf of his people, is comparable to a shepherd and his sheep. Jehovah God is the Shepherd of Israel, Christ Jesus is the Right Shepherd, overseers in the congregations are undershepherds and Jehovah’s people are the sheep. As we consider these truths together we shall be made happy.

2. In what way do the assurances as expressed in Psalm 23 give comfort?

² No greater words of comfort are expressed in the Bible than those contained in Psalm 23. The Great Shepherd is Jehovah, the Most High God, the Creator of the universe, and he is the caretaker of his flock. David was the composer of this psalm, and his name, meaning “beloved, dear,” aptly designates the beloved Servant whom God would raise up to be the one Shepherd, namely, Christ Jesus. So the “beloved” one says: “Jehovah is my Shepherd. I shall lack nothing. My soul he refreshes. He leads me in the tracks of righteousness for his name’s sake. . . . I fear nothing bad, for you are with me.” (Ps. 23:1, 3, 4) Those who are of God’s flock now can express the same confidence, for He is our Shepherd. Jehovah is a mighty God, a terrible God, a hater of iniquity; yet he is a God of tenderness and compassion, one keeping constant watch over his flock. He is the Shepherd of Israel, and we are “the flock of your pasturage.” (Ps. 79:13) We shall never want. As mild-tempered, sheeplike members of his drove, let us thoughtfully read the entire twenty-third psalm and meditate upon its sweet and very precious promises.

3. How did Jehovah shepherd natural Israel?

³ Jehovah shepherded natural Israel. “Through the sea your way was, and your path was through many waters, and your very footprints have not come to be known. You have led your people just like a flock, by the hand of Moses and Aaron.” (Ps. 77:19, 20) When this flock strayed or was disobedient, God’s displeasure was manifested, but he was still their shepherd. “O Shepherd of Israel, do give ear, you who are conducting Joseph just like a flock. O you who are sitting upon the cherubs, do beam forth. O God, bring us back and light up your face, that we may be saved.” (Ps. 80:1, 3) For Judah’s and Jerusalem’s pride, the Great Shepherd permitted his typical flock to go into captivity. So Jeremiah said of the unfaithful: “Where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock?”—Jer. 13:20, AS.

4, 5. Explain Isaiah 40:1, 2, 10, 11 as applying (a) to Israel: (b) to God’s people today.

⁴ Following punishments upon natural Israel, Jehovah had comforting words for that flock: “Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. . . . and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned, . . . Behold, the Lord Jehovah will come as a mighty one, and his arm will rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and will gently lead those that have their young.” (Isa. 40:1, 2, 10, 11, AS) What tenderness is expressed in these words, and how pregnant with meaning they are for our times!

⁵ In these last days the Great Shepherd, by the hand of the Right Shepherd, Christ Jesus, and operating through his “faithful and discreet slave” class, has led his spiritual flock out of antitypical Egypt, the modern world. He has delivered his people from the authority of this old world and its dark and abominable conditions, out of slavery, and has transplanted them into his New World organization of light, liberty and happiness. This wonderful saving power of Jehovah toward his people was displayed by his setting of the chosen King upon the heavenly throne in 1914 and by the victorious war in heaven that effected the expulsion of Satan and his wicked angels. Then in 1918 Jehovah, with his King-Son, appeared at his temple for judgment and commenced the separation of his “sheep” from the “goats.”—Rev. 12:7-9; Matt. 25:31-46.

6. What salvation has been brought about today, and how?

⁶ The captivity of his flock is ended. They are no longer knocked about and fleeced by the great enemy of God, Satan. Particularly since 1922 the Great Shepherd and the Right Shepherd have been speaking comfortably to the sheep. “He [the Right Shepherd] will send forth his angels with a great trumpet-sound and they will gather his chosen ones together from the four winds, from one extremity of the heavens to their other extremity.” (Matt. 24:31) All these delivered ones sing the new song of their deliverance from the satanic world into God’s New World society. “Salvation we owe to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb.”—Rev. 7:3, 10.

7. Describe the Great Shepherd’s care of his flock during these last forty years.

⁷ The Great Shepherd, Jehovah, and the Right Shepherd, Christ Jesus, have led the flock into the blessed condition they enjoy today. They, as Jehovah’s witnesses, have been led, fed and protected through many trials and temptations from within and without, from false teachings, from false brothers, from terrors through those who would devour them. Through these past forty years Jehovah’s witnesses have lacked no good thing. Regardless of the most terrible and fear-inspiring world conditions, Jehovah and Christ have protected their flock. Through world wars, prisons, concentration camps, revolutions, disease, epidemics, famines, strikes and race hatreds, as a flock they have been led, continually conscious of the antitypical cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. The presence of Jehovah and his Shepherd-King has been with them. They have feared nothing bad. How favored our lot to have them as our shepherds! “The God of Jacob is a secure height for us.” (Ps. 46:11) Those witnesses of Jehovah who have gone through these forty years have never missed a spiritual meal, nor thirsted for the water of life. In fact, they have had such plenty that they could well afford to proclaim for the benefit of others: “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” (Isa. 55:1, AS) Today, after all these years, are not Jehovah’s witnesses out day by day, yes, even hour by hour, still extending to people of good will the gracious invitation: ‘Come, receive food, come to the pools of water. Here are green pastures. The Shepherd of Israel, he is our shepherd. We shall lack nothing. He arranges a table before us in front of those showing hostility to us. We eat and drink, while the Shepherd protects us’? How like sheep His people are! Are you in this blessed and happy fold? Can you say with certainty, “Jehovah is my Shepherd”? If not, then do not delay, but come into the fold, out of the isolation and cold, and meet with Jehovah’s sheep and be at peace.

THE RIGHT SHEPHERD

8. Who is the Right Shepherd, and why do you so answer?

⁸ The Lord Jesus Christ is the Right Shepherd, for he himself declares: “I am the right shepherd, and I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” (John 10:14) He is good and true. Yes, he is a faithful Shepherd. This Shepherd is the beauty of Israel, the most glorious one in all Jehovah’s organization. He is the delightful one, “altogether desirable,” “the most conspicuous of ten thousand.” (Cant. 5:16, 10) Who cannot but love and adore him? “And thou, O tower of the flock, the hill of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, yea, the former dominion shall come, the kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem.” (Mic. 4:8, AS) Truly the dominion has come to him. He is the “bright morning star,” the joy of all peoples. Not only has he been given dominion, but he is now in the throne. Hence his sheep “will hunger no more nor thirst any more, neither will the sun beat down upon them nor any scorching heat, because the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them, and will guide them to fountains of waters of life. And God will wipe out every tear from their eyes.”—Rev. 7:16, 17.

9. How do we know the Right Shepherd is true, dependable and faithful?

⁹ Our Shepherd, the Lord Jesus, is a true and dependable one, who has proved himself by being himself a faithful and obedient sheep; and for this reason he is now exalted to the most glorious position in heaven itself. The Scriptures say: “This one was originally with God. All things came into existence through him, and apart from him not even one thing came into existence. What has come into existence by means of him was life, and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:2-4) The proverbial word says: “When [God] prepared the heavens I was there; when he decreed a horizon upon the face of the surging waters, when he made firm the cloud masses above, . . . when he decreed the foundations of the earth, then I came to be beside him as a master worker and I came to be what he was specially fond of day by day, I being glad before him all the time.” (Prov. 8:27-30) In due time this wise Son came to this earth as a man to provide the price for purchasing the flock of God. He himself said: “I have come that they might have life and might have it in abundance. . . . I surrender my soul in behalf of the sheep. And 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. This is why the Father loves me, because I surrender my soul” in behalf of the sheep. (John 10:10-17) The apostle Paul writes: “For you know the undeserved kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich he became poor for your sakes, that you might become rich through his poverty.” “He emptied himself and took a slave’s form and came to be in the likeness of men. More than that, when he found himself in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient as far as death, yes, death on a torture stake. For this very reason also God exalted him to a superior position and kindly gave him the name that is above every other name.” (2 Cor. 8:9; Phil. 2:7-9) What a shepherd! He is the one whom we all look up to and joyfully follow. The Shepherd, who is also the Lamb, is adored by all who are God’s sheep. How blessed we are to know these marvelous things!

10. What position does the Lamb of God now occupy?

¹⁰ He is now King of kings, the true Shepherd-King, the Lamb on the throne, the “darling” of Jehovah and the Lamb slain: “And I heard a voice of many angels . . . saying with a loud voice: ‘The Lamb that was slaughtered is worthy to receive the power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.’” (Rev. 5:11, 12) For doing his Father’s will and being obedient and sheeplike, he has these great honors. The slaughtered Lamb of God raised from death is now the great King and most powerful Ruler under the Supreme Sovereign, Jehovah.

11. (a) Why is a hired man not given the work of shepherding? (b) Show David’s care for his father’s sheep.

¹¹ Do you want to be a true and faithful undershepherd and also an obedient sheep? If you do, then you must follow the Leader, Christ Jesus. Consider further now his course, so that his steadfastness, humility and courage may become your example. Said he: “The hired man, who is no shepherd and to whom the sheep do not belong as his own, beholds the wolf coming and abandons the sheep and flees—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them—because he is a hired man and does not care for the sheep.” (John 10:12, 13) In ancient days sheep were preferably entrusted to the care of the sons or the daughters, and not to hirelings. For example, David cared for his father’s sheep and on one occasion reported on his assignment, saying: “Your servant became a shepherd of his father among the flock, and there came a lion, and also a bear, and [each] carried off a sheep from the drove. And I went out after it and struck it down and made the rescue from its mouth. When it began rising against me, I grabbed hold of its beard and struck it down and put it to death.” (1 Sam. 17:34, 35) David was a true shepherd. His foremost consideration was to protect the sheep. The Lord Jesus Christ did just that for the flock of his heavenly Father, endangering and finally giving his own life for them.

12, 13. Explain, with examples, how the Right Shepherd protected his sheep.

¹² From the false leaders in his day he protected them. Here are two examples in point. One, recorded by the apostle Matthew, was the occasion when the Pharisees and scribes endeavored to hurt Jesus’ disciples with a smear campaign by finding fault with their breaking with the traditions. They asked Jesus: “Why is it your disciples overstep the tradition of the men of former times? For example, they do not wash their hands when about to eat a meal.” Note how he watched for his sheep and gave them protection. In answer he said: “Why is it you also overstep the commandment of God because of your tradition?” He further rebuked them by quoting Scripture from Isaiah. These false religionists knew they were being set back in their attack, for the disciples came to him and said: “Do you know that the Pharisees stumbled at hearing what you said?” Yes, the Right Shepherd was on the job, looking after the interests of the sheep.—Matt. 15:1-4, 12.

¹³ The other occasion was when he was in the garden of Gethsemane, on his last evening with his little flock. He had been offering prayer in their behalf, and now his own disciple Judas proceeded to betray him there in the garden. “Judas took the soldier band and officers of the chief priests and of the Pharisees and came there with torches and lamps and weapons. Jesus, therefore, knowing all the things coming upon him, went forth and said to them: ‘Whom are you looking for?’ They answered him: ‘Jesus the Nazarene.’ . . . Therefore he asked them again: ‘Whom are you looking for?’ They said: ‘Jesus the Nazarene.’ Jesus answered: ‘I told you I am he. If, therefore, it is I you are looking for, let these go’; in order that the word might be fulfilled which he said: ‘Of those whom you have given me I have not lost a single one.’” (John 18:3-9) Here we witness the Right Shepherd in action protecting the sheep. Even at this time he was thinking more of them than of himself when he said, ‘Take me, but let them free.’ He came to surrender his life for the sheep, and he did. Not one of them was lost.

14. To attend to his Father’s business, what roles did he fill?

¹⁴ Just why did he say that? First, we must understand that he was not on earth for private business, but as Jehovah’s great agent and ambassador. Yet he is the key to all world affairs, for what he says and does affects every person living and every authority and power. He can keep alive, he can destroy. He is the new world’s very foundation. Yet Jehovah’s will was the beginning and the end of everything to him. He was completely obedient. He said: “Because I have come down from heaven to do, not my will, but the will of him that sent me. This is the will of him that sent me, that I should lose nothing out of all that he has given me but that I should resurrect it at the last day. For this is the will of my Father.”—John 6:38-40.

15. What perfect example does the Right Shepherd give to all other shepherds?

¹⁵ The true Shepherd lost none of his Father’s sheep: “When I was with them I used to watch over them out of respect for your own name which you have given me, and I have kept them, and not one of them is destroyed except the son of destruction, so that the scripture has been fulfilled.” (John 17:12) A perfect record! While we cannot attain perfection we can certainly go a long way toward it, if we follow his example. His constant concern was with doing one thing, namely, “the will of him that sent me.” (John 4:34) Notice that he too was under instruction to look after, lead and feed sheep. He must not lose any. To understand this very close relationship between Father and Son should make our hearts overflow in gratitude. Jesus serves Jehovah in love and in fear. “In the days of his flesh Christ offered up supplications and also petitions to the one who was able to save him out of death, with strong outcries and tears, and he was favorably heard for his godly fear.”—Heb. 5:7.

16. Did the Right Shepherd perform his work in the fear of Jehovah?

¹⁶ In the hour of his greatest trial, standing alone, with none on earth to help, he prayed: “Father, if you wish, turn this cup aside from me. Nevertheless, let, not my will, but yours take place.” (Luke 22:42) Again he said: “Rather be in fear of him that can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.” (Matt. 10:28) He lived in the fear of Jehovah God, recognizing his responsibility toward the sheep. Think! Are we as much affected, anxious to render a good account of our work as a shepherd caring for the sheep of God? He is the perfect example. Do we desire, above all things, Jehovah’s approval? Are we putting the care of God’s flock above every other consideration today?

Shepherding the Flock of God

1. What instruction does the apostle Peter give to overseers in the congregation?

THE apostle Peter instructed: “Therefore, to the older men among you I give this exhortation, . . . Shepherd the flock of God in your care, not under compulsion, but willingly, neither for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly, neither as lording it over those who are God’s inheritance, but becoming examples to the flock. And when the chief shepherd has been made manifest, you will receive the unfadable crown of glory.” (1 Pet. 5:1-4) Let these words sink deep into your minds; go over them time and again until you have made them yours, because this exhortation by the apostle must be obeyed by every shepherd in God’s organization. Otherwise he will be disqualified and disapproved.

2. To whom do the sheep belong? Explain.

² The dedicated brothers are God’s flock. They are his inheritance. A great trust is confided in shepherds who are given the care of God’s flock. These sheep have been redeemed by the precious blood of God’s Lamb, his only-begotten Son; so they are a purchased possession, a treasure owned by Jehovah. The sheep are not the property of the undershepherd, but are placed in his custody by the Chief Shepherd. Therefore they must be cared for as something done to Jehovah himself. All who hold appointment as shepherds (or overseers) over any part of the flock must realize the tremendous responsibility to Jehovah God and Christ Jesus. Remember how Jehovah himself handled his own sheep, feeding, leading, protecting, patiently bearing with them at all times. Also, keep ever before you how our Lord Jesus cared for his Father’s sheep, losing none of them and serving continually in the fear of God, though serving in love and for love.

3. How must God’s sheep be handled by the shepherds?

³ The sheep must be handled by the undershepherds in the same way as the Chief Shepherd handled them. This must be by leading the sheep to pastures where they will be fed spiritually and so grow strong and in time be able to help the weaker ones. They must be encouraged to attend the weekly congregational meetings, as well as the assemblies, and be helped to preach the truth with effective door-to-door and back-call sermons. They must be kept inside the theocratic arrangements of the New World society. Handle them gently with love and great consideration, for sheep quickly scare and run; and with tenderness, for they bruise by harsh or rough treatment. They have no means of defense, as do other animals, when they are attacked. They just run out of the way, and sometimes run into greater dangers.

4. How are the shepherds appointed, and why must they live in the fear of Jehovah?

⁴ Shepherds are a gift to the congregation of God. They are God’s gift. The apostle Paul wrote: “He gave some as apostles, . . . some as shepherds.” (Eph. 4:11) To such shepherds he said: “Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the holy spirit has appointed you overseers, to shepherd the congregation of God, which he purchased with the blood of his own [Son].” (Acts 20:28) If, now, you are a shepherd among the sheep, ask yourself the question, Am I paying attention to the flock over whom I am responsible? You were appointed as a shepherd by holy spirit; therefore you must not neglect such an appointment. You must not sin against the spirit. Jesus said: “Blasphemy against the spirit will not be forgiven. . . . whoever speaks against the holy spirit, it will not be forgiven him.” (Matt. 12:31, 32) You dare not go contrary to the holy spirit, dare you? For you will be held responsible. Therefore you have cause for fear if you are not attending to your duties in a proper manner. Question yourself to see if you are living in fear of Jehovah God, or has it not forced itself on your mind that he holds you responsible for the shepherd’s work? Do you truly fear God?

5. Does shepherding mean hard work? What do we learn from Jacob’s experience?

⁵ The work of a shepherd was very arduous. It was not for weaklings. Attached to it were such hardships as attacks from lions, bears, wolves, robbers who would sometimes murder rather than risk being identified, exposure to all kinds of weather, keeping the sheep in the fold and hunting the ones who became lost—always being on the watch for danger. Jacob’s experience of long ago is illuminating, for it truly gives some glimpse into a shepherd’s work. He said to his father-in-law Laban: “Your female sheep and your she-goats did not suffer abortions, and the rams of your flock I never ate. Any animal torn I did not bring to you. I myself would stand the loss of it. Whether one was stolen by day or was stolen by night, you would put in a claim for it from my hand. It has been my experience that by day the heat consumed me and the cold by night, and my sleep would flee from my eyes.” (Gen. 31:38-40) Likewise today the care of the sheep is no light task.

6, 7. When a shepherd loves his sheep, what does he do? And how is the care of them shown by Psalm 23?

⁶ The sheep do not know how many hours have to be devoted to the shepherding work. They do not know of the constant care, the vigilance of the faithful overseer who watches over them as parents watch over their little children. A loving parent does not continually impress upon a child how hard he has to work to provide a home, food and clothes, does he? He wants his children to be carefree and happy, yet realizing some measure of responsibility. Out of love the parent serves long hours for the family and never looks for reward. So also it is with a faithful shepherd and his sheep. Serve because you love.

⁷ You do not want to lose any of the sheep in your care, do you? Their safety lies in keeping in the fold and depending on the true and right shepherd watching over them. Psalm 23 assures us: “Jehovah is my Shepherd. I shall lack nothing. . . . Even though I walk in the valley of deep shadow, I fear nothing bad, for you are with me.” Therefore you must watch that the sheep do not stray from the fold. Your work is to keep out marauders. Look after the sheep. Be careful of wolves in sheep’s clothing. Today multitudes are flocking into the New World society and all kinds of men are coming. We want to help all kinds of men to clean up and dedicate their lives to Jehovah God. Those who do not, and are determined not to do so, you are to keep your eye on, for the protection of the sheep. Shepherds, watch the flock of God among you.

8. Show how a shepherd should refrain from burdening the sheep.

⁸ You must lead them out to pasture, or else they will weaken and die. Show the sheep where they can browse upon the Word of Jehovah. Teach them how to study. Break up the food for them while they are young. Go into necessary explanations so they will understand. They will chew it later for themselves. Show them the precious truths of God’s Word. Open out to them the purposes of Jehovah. As they eat they will want to move about in the pasture. Show them how they can help yet ‘other sheep’ to eat good food and grow strong. Train them to preach constantly. Lead them in the way they should go. Do not burden them with your problems. Rather, discuss yours with other shepherds, and if they cannot help you, take your problems to the Good Shepherd and to the Chief Shepherd, Jehovah God. “Cast all your anxiety upon him, because he cares for you. Keep your senses, be watchful.” (1 Pet. 5:7, 8) He will take your burden and answer your prayers, but certainly carry your own load and do not unload them on the sheep. You bear the load and keep them happy and in good spiritual health.

9. Relate how Peter was saved by his Shepherd’s care and prayer.

⁹ Remember the experience of the apostle Peter, when Jesus said to him: “Simon, Simon, look! Satan has demanded to have you men to sift you as wheat. But I have made supplication for you that your faith may not give out; and you, when once you have returned, give support to your brothers.” (Luke 22:31, 32) Peter was saved from Satan’s power through his Shepherd’s supplication for him. Jesus could not help him because of his own near trial and death; so he prayed to the Chief Shepherd, Jehovah. Jehovah heard and answered the prayer by bringing Peter to his senses, and Peter became a tower of strength to his brothers. This consideration shown by the Lord Jesus for Peter should make you very happy, for “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, and forever.” (Heb. 13:8) He is our Intercessor. When you see danger coming, pray to Jehovah for his sheep, so they will not get lost. If one of his sheep is enduring great trial, do not aggravate the situation, but try to ease it with cheerfulness, with reminders of God’s good Word of promise. Pray for your brothers that Satan will not sift them as wheat. True, we must mind our own business, but we must help spiritually. That is your business; if not, why are you a shepherd?

10. How must a shepherd be found ‘spending and being spent’?

¹⁰ Our service as shepherds should be unstinting. The apostle Paul, a faithful shepherd, did not think of his personal comforts. Read of his experiences at 2 Corinthians 11:21-33. He was beaten with rods, was stoned, was in danger from his own race, from the nations, was in dangers at sea, in the cities, spent sleepless nights—and why? So he might give a good account to Jehovah God, who, through Christ, had charged him: “I am sending you, to open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light and from the authority of Satan to God.” (Acts 26:17, 18) He said: “For my part, I will most gladly spend and be completely spent for your souls.” (2 Cor. 12:15) Do you shrink from giving your strength, your time, or from suffering, or giving up your own comforts for the sheep? Are you ‘spending and being spent’ for the flock of God? All the apostles spent and were spent.

11, 12. How is it possible to lose sheep? And how can the shepherd prevent this?

¹¹ The Lord Jesus Christ set the example for all, and his record is perfect. As a faithful shepherd he did not lose one sheep. Examine your record. Have you been guilty of losing any of the sheep of God? It is known that some leave because their hearts are not set on Jehovah, and some may go away speaking evil. But how about all the others? Have you lost any because of your neglect or carelessness, or by offending them, or by not leading them into the ways and ministry of Jehovah and Christ? Has there been failure to feed them, not following up on the back-calls, not conducting Bible studies with them, not helping them at the meetings? When they have been weak, have you quickly gone to their aid, or just shown indifference? If they have been sick spiritually, have you cared for them? Let each examine himself and consider this shepherding work more thoroughly and carefully for himself, and not for another.

¹² Sometimes the deplorable condition of sheep calls for urgent help. Prove yourself to be a true and faithful shepherd to the flock. Have you tried to understand their problem, to consider their real difficulty, their upbringing, domestic circumstances, or opposition in the home? Are they in the cold? If you can, help them personally or through someone else. If you cannot reach them, always keep in mind that you can pray. Our Lord Jesus prayed for Peter when he could not help Peter personally. Do not think lightly of the power of prayer. The Scriptures state: “And the prayer of faith will make the indisposed one well, and Jehovah will raise him up. Also if he has committed sins, it will be forgiven him. Therefore openly confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may get healed. A righteous man’s supplication when it is at work has much force.” (Jas. 5:15, 16) Always keep in mind how considerate and tender Jehovah, the Great Shepherd, and Jesus, the Right Shepherd, have been toward you.

GATHERING DURING THE “TIME OF THE END”

13. How will the Great Shepherd gather all his sheep?

¹³ The Great Shepherd promised that at the “time of the end” he would gather together all his sheep. From all parts of the world they would be gathered. (Ezek. 34:11-16, AS) These lost sheep have to be found by Jehovah’s undershepherds. The sheep know the shepherd’s voice; so you have to keep calling out to them. Not any voice, for sheep do not answer a strange voice. Jesus said: “The sheep follow him, because they know his voice. A stranger they will by no means follow but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers. . . . I am the right shepherd, and I know my sheep and my sheep know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father.” Then respecting the “other sheep” he had this to say: “Those also I must bring, and they will listen to my voice, and they will become one flock, one shepherd.”—John 10:4-16.

14, 15. What is the voice of the Right Shepherd? How is it being amplified?

¹⁴ Today the voice of the Right Shepherd is being amplified everywhere in over 160 countries. What is that voice? Why, the good Word of Jehovah and Christ Jesus. Not only our publishing of the holy Word itself, but our causing it to speak by our showing its fulfillment in conditions among God’s people and in the world. Call to mind the first time you perceived how God’s Word was being fulfilled. Did not your heart rejoice? You knew there is a God in heaven. He really exists. Possibly you have had doubts, but now you know that God is. What a joy and happiness! The Word was speaking to you. It was alive, a living Word, with power to make you think and act.

¹⁵ Multitudes are gathering to Jehovah’s witnesses today, and these persons of good will are coming in so fast that it is difficult to take care of them all. Why are they coming? Because they have heard the “voice” of the Right Shepherd. They have heard that God is with the true shepherd-organization. Our work, then, as faithful shepherds, is to make sure the voice is heard, and to do that we have to carry that voice into every place possible. The sheep are lost, so we have to search for them and keep on calling out so they will know the Right Shepherd is near. They want him, but they have lost their way.

16. Describe what we learn from the illustration of the one “lost sheep” today.

¹⁶ If we knew where to find these lost sheep it would be comparatively easy, would it not? But we have to search for them in house after house, street after street, village after village, city after city. There is really great happiness when they are found. Jesus gave the illustration of a shepherd with his one hundred sheep, and one was lost. So he left the ninety-nine and went after the one that was lost. “And when he has found it he puts it upon his shoulders and rejoices. And when he gets home he calls his friends and his neighbors together, saying to them: ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep that was lost.’” (Luke 15:4-7) Often it takes strength, time and money to keep on looking for the lost sheep, but oh the joy when they are found! Keep on sounding aloud the message of Jehovah’s truth, making the voice of his praise to be heard. You heard his voice and now you are happy. So keep on looking for the other lost sheep. Be a fruitful shepherd and gain approval.

CHARACTERISTICS OF TRUE SHEEP

17. What is the first responsibility of a true sheep?

¹⁷ Let us now consider the sheep themselves. As you read these words, why not ask yourself, Am I one of the Lord’s “other sheep”? Am I part of the flock of God? If your answer is in the affirmative, then you are a very privileged person to belong to such a marvelous inheritance. As one of God’s sheep you are not the possession of any man, but you belong to Jehovah God and His beloved Son. Therefore your first responsibility is to hear and follow their “voice,” and certainly you will not listen to the voice of anyone who is not speaking with their authority. Do not go after a strange “voice.” The Right Shepherd will certainly conduct you by well-watered resting places, refreshing your soul, greasing your head with oil, making you lie down in grassy pastures in safety. You shall never lack anything.—Psalm 23.

18, 19. What arrangement does the Right Shepherd make for the shepherding of the flock, and how may the sheep distinguish who are the “true shepherds”?

¹⁸ The Lord Jesus Christ, the true and right Shepherd, is invisible to your sight, but you are not left without his visible shepherds, whom he has given to look after the interests of the flock. Follow faithful shepherds. They will never lead you astray, nor cause any harm to come to you. But, you ask, how may true shepherds be identified? Of greatest importance, they must be appointed to the position by Jehovah God and Christ Jesus, and must have their approval, and that means they have the spirit of God. You will know this by their faith, their conduct and their works. One who just professes to be a shepherd is not necessarily one. The shepherds of the Lord God are not to be identified by some peculiar garb or by some high-sounding title or through the obtaining of some degrees of higher learning. They must be “taught of God.” True and faithful shepherds you may trust, but merely professing ones you may not. You must be careful, because your life could be in jeopardy. False shepherds can lead you astray. They are seeking, not your interests, but their own. A “hireling” shepherd will run when danger comes; a true shepherd will stay with you and will be thinking only of how he can help you to be at peace and to live for the service of Jehovah God. So never listen to a strange “voice.”

¹⁹ The true shepherds are faithful servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. They are preachers of the truth, sincere and honest, students of God’s holy Word. They are serving the Most High God and Christ Jesus, not for what they can get out of their service, but for what they can give to Jehovah in gratitude for what he has done. All their conversation is toward righteousness, toward holiness and toward peace. These shepherds will gladly suffer for the sheep. They will endure persecution and even be prepared to die for the sheep. True shepherds appointed by Jehovah God have his approval, and this is made manifest by their devoted lives. These are the ones who will lead you into “grassy pastures” and assist you to have a true and accurate knowledge of the Eternal Creator and of his Son, the Lamb of God. They will help you to praise and magnify the name of Jehovah and to exalt the name of his Son as King of kings and Lord of lords. Such shepherds you can depend upon, because they are serving in purity and in love.

20. True sheep will not have what characteristics? What must they do?

²⁰ As one of the Lord’s sheep, you must have the right disposition or mental attitude, because you must recognize your service to the Great Shepherd and his Son in heaven. What is your disposition, your mental attitude? Are you proud? Are you presumptuous? Do you have the spirit of a boaster? Are you one that is always bragging? Are you selfish, pushing others to one side so you can get ahead? Are you materialistically inclined? Are you only concerned with yourself? Are you unthankful, ungrateful, unappreciative of all of Jehovah’s undeserved kindness? Do you disesteem others? Are you always inclined to be criticizing, belittling others, grumbling at what you have to do? If you have the goatish disposition or mental attitude reflecting any of these characteristics, then you will have to change, because you will not find happiness, neither will you find peace or contentment with the Lord’s sheep while you remain in such condition. No, you will have to make your mind over.

21. Describe the characteristics and the twofold protection of (a) natural sheep; (b) “other sheep.”

²¹ Let us consider the natural sheep. They are harmless creatures, are they not? They are often foolish, but they are inoffensive, docile and completely lacking in guile. They respond to kindness and are obedient to the call of their shepherd. All the shepherd has to do is to call the name of the sheep, and the sheep go running toward him. Sheep are quite defenseless on their own, yet they are exposed to many dangers, such as wild animals, robbers, etc. Where, then, does their defense lie? First, by keeping together with the other sheep in the fold, and, secondly, by trusting a faithful shepherd who keeps watch over them. So it is with the Lord’s sheep at the present time. You really know no means of defending yourselves against attack of ferocious men and organizations of this world. Then where is your defense? It is by keeping with the flock of God, within the fold, and by trusting with all your heart in Jehovah God, the Shepherd of spiritual Israel, and in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Right Shepherd, and in your faithful brothers who are appointed to be shepherds of the flock.

22. Belonging to the New World society means what? And how are you protected?

²² Today Jehovah God has a theocratic organization. The Lord Jesus is the King-Shepherd and Overseer of all that organization, and those who are appointed in the organization to be overseers have the responsibility of looking after the sheep belonging to the New World society. Those who are enlightened and who have their eyes opened to understand the truth know of the blessed arrangement created today for association together inside this theocratic fold, the organization of the people of God, Jehovah’s witnesses, who are governed by faithful shepherds working under the legal governing body of this organization, the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. Keep within its confines. Remember, there is no protection outside the provision Jehovah God has made for his people. Sometimes evil-minded men will try to take advantage of you; the faithful shepherds will be on the watch and will stop them. Organizations of this world will sometimes try to break through and hurt, but you are still protected by the Shepherds in heaven, and they have at their bidding the angels, “ten thousand times ten thousand.” You are protected, therefore, by faithful men here and by the invisible forces under the direction of the Lord Jesus Christ. You need have no fear, because you are God’s flock.

TRUSTING FAITHFUL HERDSMEN

23. (a) Why can you trust faithful shepherds? (b) If one becomes unfaithful, what measure is taken to protect you?

²³ Can you trust your faithful brothers? Yes, for this reason: They will not be appointed to be shepherds by those having the responsibility in the Lord’s organization unless they have the proper qualifications. They must measure up to the right standards and have the proper ability to serve as shepherds of the flock. In the first place, they must shepherd the flock in the fear of God. If they do not really fear Jehovah God and Christ Jesus, then they are not true shepherds, and they will not be appointed to care for God’s flock. Sometimes it may be found that one so appointed has not been caring for the flock, and perhaps has been oppressing them. If this is so, and if in any way the flock has been hurt, he is first counseled and corrected, or disciplined, and if that shepherd does not alter his methods he will be removed from his appointed position as a shepherd and another will be appointed in his place. Why should this be? You are the flock of God, and in your association with God’s people in the New World society you will not be harmed, for only faithful shepherds will continue to serve. This means your brothers in the truth are most anxious on your behalf. They want you to gain everlasting life. They will not drive you, neither will they lord it over you, because you are the inheritance of God. Anyone hurting you is hurting God’s interests, and he will have to reckon with God and not with men.

24. (a) How is it that we are not “men servers” and yet serve under men? (b) And what correct attitude should be taken toward these shepherds?

²⁴ Also, you may have heard some say, “We do not serve men. We serve Jehovah God and Christ.” Does this mean, then, that you can ignore men? Can you serve God without serving under men? No. Even in the days of natural Israel, Israel served under Moses their mediator, as well as under other faithful men. In the days of the apostles, did the sheep not serve under the apostles? “God has set the respective ones in the congregation.” (1 Cor. 12:28) The apostle Paul ruled: “Now we request you, brothers, to have regard for those who are working hard among you and presiding over you in the Lord and admonishing you, and to give them more than extraordinary consideration in love because of their work. Be peaceable with one another.” (1 Thess. 5:12, 13) Again, “Let the older men who preside in a right way be reckoned worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard in speaking and teaching.” (1 Tim. 5:17) From these scriptures it will be clearly seen that it would be wrong to ignore servants of the Lord, or even to treat them lightly, or in just an ordinary way, for they are appointees of Jehovah. They have been chosen to serve the flock of God. Therefore, to think the overseers among the flock could be ignored is God-dishonoring, and it will lead one into wrong paths.

25. Why must the sheep be submissive and obedient to those governing?

²⁵ The sheep have a great responsibility toward the shepherd, which cannot be overlooked or side-stepped. The sheep must not only be submissively obedient to Jehovah God and Christ Jesus but also be submissive and obedient to those who are governing the flock. It is not the prerogative of the undershepherd to make rules for the sheep, but he must explain and apply Jehovah’s will for them. Listen to the good counsel of the apostle Paul: “Be obedient to those who are governing you and be submissive, for they are keeping watch over your souls as those who will render an account, that they may do this with joy and not with sighing, for this would be damaging to you.”—Heb. 13:17.

26. In whose fear has the “faithful and discreet slave” class governed, and why?

²⁶ It is most vital to understand that the interests of the Kingdom pertaining to the earth have been placed entirely in the custody of the “faithful and discreet slave” class. (Matt. 24:45-47) This servant must watch over all the sheep constantly. What a tremendous responsibility! The souls of all these hundreds of thousands of sheep have been placed under the care of God’s shepherd class on earth, the “faithful and discreet slave.” That class must give an accounting to Jehovah God for their shepherding work. Let none of the sheep think that those who compose the shepherd class treat this great responsibility lightly. They know only too well that Jehovah God and Christ Jesus are holding them responsible for the lives of the sheep. You are being served and cared for today by God-fearing men who are aware that their treatment of you is being constantly considered by those in heaven. They are “as sent from God, under God’s view, in company with Christ.” (2 Cor. 2:17) Yes, those of the “faithful and discreet slave” class are serving you sheep in the fear of Jehovah God. You are a protected flock of sheep. No harm will come to you from your faithful brothers.

27. In what manner has the spiritual governing body and their appointees protected, led and fed the sheep?

²⁷ The spiritual governing body of Jehovah’s witnesses, associated with the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania, has performed its service in the fear of Jehovah. The appointees of this governing body, following the Right Shepherd’s example, have been doing the same thing, and have also moved forward and performed their work in the fear of God. And have not the sheep been cared for? Yes, they have. The sheep have been fed all these years with rich spiritual food. There has been no hunger among them. Never have the sheep had to go without one spiritual meal. The faithful shepherd class on earth have never taken the glory to themselves, or tried to turn the hearts and minds of the sheep toward themselves, but always toward the heavenly Shepherds. The sheep have been protected from false doctrines and errors. Warning of the evil devices of Satan has been given to us. The sheep have been protected from straying into immorality, materialism, creature worship, friendships with the evil world, and from so many other dangers too numerous to mention. But why has this been done? The answer is, For your sakes these brothers have gladly given all they had to serve you sheep, so that you may live in the peace and favor of Jehovah God.

28, 29. Why are the sheep so blessed? What will lead to further increase?

²⁸ The sheep have been assisted by the faithful shepherds to know how to serve Jehovah God and Christ Jesus in an acceptable way, how to preach the good news of the Kingdom, how to “tell the good news of salvation by him,” how to speak his praise, how to tell his glorious acts to the children of men, how to publish peace, how to make known the marvelous purposes of our heavenly Father and his Son Christ Jesus. (Ps. 96:2) The sheep have been trained to do these things themselves and have been taught how to train still others to do them. The sheep have been united, and the lost sheep have been brought into the fold. Blessed sheep! How wonderfully favored you are to be God’s sheep and cared for by faithful shepherds, to be confident in the knowledge that they are proved, faithful men! Flock of God, you are protected from harm, because your faithful shepherds on earth must render an account to Jehovah God and Christ Jesus on your behalf.

²⁹ The time has come to increase the flock. All the sheep are to be gathered together, and Jehovah God has commanded his people to bring them from the north and the south and the east and the west. (Isa. 43:1-7, AS) Today the voice of the Right Shepherd is being sounded in more than 160 countries, speaking comfort to yet more of the straying sheeplike ones. They will come in their multitudes. The day is here to gather them all in. The prosperity of the flock is best promoted when shepherds are mindful of their great responsibility to Jehovah God and Christ Jesus. The members of the organization, the Lord’s sheep, facilitate the fulfillment of these duties by obedience and submissiveness.

30. To remain protected, what must sheep continue to do?

³⁰ The flock of God keep together. They do not stray from the New World society. In the old-world organization there are snares and pitfalls. The dangers are everywhere. Men and organizations will take advantage of you, and you will have no protection. Keep inside God’s organization. To do this you must learn God’s will. You must become obedient to theocratic requirements. You must follow peace and obey righteousness. You must be guided and shepherded by those who have been appointed to be the shepherds. As you do these things you will be trained in the right way so you can offer praise to the Almighty God in heaven, whose name Jehovah is worthy of all our praise. Rejoice in your deliverance from the old world into the New World society, and be happy for all the things Jehovah God has done for you and is now performing in your behalf, and for those wonderful things he has in store for you as the new world itself is ushered in following Armageddon’s battle. You who are of this happy flock, rejoice in this Great Shepherd of spiritual Israel and in his Right Shepherd, and know that no harm will befall you, but evermore He will lead you in grassy pastures and by well-watered resting places for his name’s sake.

For unto as a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: . . . Of the increase of his government and of peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom.—Isa. 9:6, 7, AS.

Questions From Readers

● Is it mere wordiness or overdoing matters or downgrading to Jehovah for us to speak of him as Jehovah God?

Evidently this question is raised because Jehovah is the exclusive name of the Creator of heaven and earth, and God is his title as Creator; as we read in Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” It is true that the name Jehovah immediately identifies who he is, but it is not unusual in Scripture for an individual to be designated by his name and also have his title affixed. As an instance of this we may take the only-begotten Son of God himself. Many times in the Holy Bible he is called Jesus Christ. Jesus is the personal name that was given to the Son of God on earth as a man; and Christ is the title, meaning Anointed One, that was conferred upon him immediately after he was baptized in the Jordan River and God poured out his holy spirit upon him, thus anointing him.

Ah, but someone may object, the name Jesus is not exclusive to the Son of God. “Jesus” is the way that the Greeks pronounce the Hebrew name Joshua, which is the shortened form for the longer name Jehoshua, meaning “Jehovah is salvation.” The name of the successor of Moses the prophet was Joshua, the son of Nun; and in the book of Hebrews (which was originally written in Greek) the inspired author speaks of this Joshua as Jesus. Today also there are many men in Latin America who are called Jesus. So to distinguish Jesus the Son of God from all these other men, who anciently and modernly were called Jesus, it is necessary to designate Him as Jesus Christ, Jesus the one anointed of God.

But such bestowal of a name upon many men is not true of the name Jehovah. That is the name that God gave to himself and that is exclusively his own. It is given to none of his creatures in the universe. Some of their names may include the name Jehovah in a combination, but not one of these persons is called by the bare name Jehovah. So that name Jehovah is the exclusive designation that applies to the only living and true God. And when one pronounces the name Jehovah it automatically means God, the Creator of the heavens and the earth.

That is a true statement. In spite of that fact our use of the expression Jehovah God to designate him would not be a downgrading of the Creator of heaven and earth. Why not? Because the Bible, inspired by the Creator himself, uses that expression many times, beginning with Genesis 2:4, which reads: “This is a history of the heavens and the earth in the time of their being created, in the day that Jehovah God made earth and heaven.”

But some may object that the title “God” was inserted after the name Jehovah by an unknown later editor of the Bible manuscripts. They may refer to the fact that the word “God” appears exclusively in the first chapter of Genesis in connection with the account of earthly creation, and that the name Jehovah does not appear until the second chapter of Genesis, beginning with its Ge 2 verse 4. They claim that the book of Genesis was compiled from two sets of documents; from one set of documents that refer to the Creator only as God, and from a second set of documents that refer to the Creator as Jehovah. In the Hebrew language the word for God is Elohím; and his personal name is represented by the four Hebrew consonants, together known as the Tetragrammaton, which combination of consonants is popularly pronounced today Jehovah. Thus they say that there was an Elohistic document and there was a Jehovistic document, and that these two documents were combined together, or blended together, in the book of Genesis. Thus the editor of the two documents making up the book of Genesis inserted the word Elohím (or God) after the name Jehovah, beginning with the second chapter of Genesis, to form the combination “Jehovah Elohím” or Jehovah God.—See Genesis 2:4, Darby.

However, this argument concerning an Elohistic document and a Jehovistic document is merely a theory, which has been invented in recent times, and nothing in the history of the Jews down till Jesus’ day makes even a hint of such a thing. Jesus and his apostles plainly tell us that the book of Genesis was written by the one inspired writer, the prophet Moses. It was Moses, therefore, who wrote down this combination of the Creator’s name and his title, Jehovah God; and he did so under the activity of God’s holy spirit. This proves that this combination is approved by the Almighty God himself, who commands us that nothing be added to his holy Word nor anything be taken away from it.—Deut. 4:2; 12:32.

This truth is supported by the fact that in the Hebrew Scriptures the combination “Jehovah Elohím” (or Jehovah God) occurs thirty-six times from Genesis 2:4 onward, through Jonah 4:6, which reads: “And Jehovah God prepared a gourd, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to deliver him from his evil case.” (AS) In Genesis, chapter 2, the expression “Jehovah Elohím” occurs eleven times; and in chapter 3 nine times, making a total of twenty times for just those two chapters. The other occurrences of the expression “Jehovah Elohím” are in Exodus 9:30; 2 Samuel 7:22, 25; 2 Kings 19:19; Jonah 4:6; Psalms 72:18; 84:12; 1 Chronicles 17:16; 28:20; 29:1; 2 Chronicles 1:9 (twice); 2Ch 6:41, 42; 26:18, and Jeremiah 10:10. Besides this, the Hebrew expression “Jehovah ha-Elohím” (meaning Jehovah, The [true] God) occurs six times, namely, in 1 Samuel 6:20; Nehemiah 8:6; 9:7; 1 Chronicles 22:1, 19; 2 Chronicles 32:16, as shown in the New World Translation.

Hence the expression Jehovah God, which he himself has caused to be recorded in his holy Word by the inspiration of his spirit, we are divinely authorized to use with reference to him. We are not belittling him when we use an expression that has proceeded out of his own mouth. We should not call “defiled” and “belittling” the thing that God has presented as clean and honoring to himself. Not all people throughout the earth know what the name of God is; nor do all people know that the name Jehovah applies to God, the Creator of heaven and earth, and the Maker of man. Therefore the expression Jehovah God is a help to them in showing that this Jehovah about whom we preach is the only living and true God, whom all mankind must worship through Jesus Christ his Son to gain everlasting life in his new world.

The publications of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania and the representatives of this Society will therefore continue to use the expression Jehovah God to his honor and exaltation, together with all the other expressions that Jehovah’s spirit moved his holy men of old to employ for identifying Him in his sacred Record, the Bible.

Israel’s Attraction Not Religious

Many professed Christians claim to see an analogy between the return of the Jews from Babylon to Jerusalem in 537 B.C. and the return of the Jews to Israel today. However, back there the incentive was religious; the Jews who returned and those who remained all lived in the same land of Babylon, and those who returned had to face hardships rather than improved economic and political conditions. Today, however, it is quite apparent that the opposite is true; the main reasons are political and economic. Proof for this is seen, on the one hand, in the fact that as anti-Semitism rises immigration to Israel increases, as noted in the recent and current returning of Jews from Hungary, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia and Poland, all of whom have reason to hope to improve their economic and political condition. On the other hand, the records show that during the first seven years of the existence of the State of Israel, upward of 5,000 more Jews returned from Israel to Western lands, where conditions are more favorable, than went from those lands to Israel during that time. Obviously, no comparison can be made between the purposes and motives of those who returned to Israel in 537 B.C. and those who are returning in modern times.

Indonesian Official Evaluates “The Watchtower”

When the Society’s branch at Djakarta, Indonesia, applied for a paper license to begin printing Awake! magazine there in the Indonesian language, an official of the Ministry of Information said: “I consider the Menara Pengawal [The Watchtower] one of the best magazines in Indonesia and I am only too glad to help with the paper license for your new magazine.”—1958 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Announcements

WISE SAYINGS FOR OUR DAY A GUIDE TO ACTION

These are perplexing times, times of crisis. It calls for knowledge, understanding and wisdom to meet the situation effectively. Wisdom of the highest kind is available, having been provided by the great Creator in advance. and contained in his Word, the Bible. Failure to avail oneself of the opportunity to gain wisdom would mark one as willfully unwise. Jehovah’s witnesses, appreciating the privilege of passing valuable information on to others, will present throughout April the Watchtower magazine, accepting subscriptions at $1 for the year. Three free Bible-study aids in booklet form will be given to new subscribers.

OBSERVE THE LORD’S EVENING MEAL

All persons of good will are invited to be present when Jehovah’s witnesses throughout the world assemble on Thursday evening, April 3, after 6 p.m., Standard Time, to observe the Memorial. The meeting will be opened with song and prayer. A discourse will follow, setting forth the significance of the occasion. At the appropriate time the emblems, unleavened bread and red wine, will be served after Jehovah’s blessing has been asked separately in connection with each. Service announcements for the weekend will be made. Song and prayer will conclude the meeting.

GOD’S PURPOSE WAITS FOR NO ONE

Time and tide wait for no man. Yet some of us fail to appreciate that the Creator of time and tide has a mighty purpose toward this earth that also waits for no man. What is it? The Watchtower magazine has said: “He purposes to clean out all rebellion and iniquity, destroy those who now wreck and ruin the earth and establish a new world wherein will dwell righteousness.” Like time and tide, that marvelous purpose of the Creator moves irresistibly ahead, waiting for no man. Do you want to enjoy life in God’s new world? Then you must obtain and act on accurate knowledge of God. That means you must study the Bible. The Watchtower can help you. Send $1 for a year’s subscription and receive three free booklets.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES FOR THE WEEKS

April 27: Shepherd of Israel, and Shepherding the Flock of God, ¶1-7. Page 176.

May 4: Shepherding the Flock of God, ¶8-30. Page 183.

Check Your Memory

After reading this issue of “The Watchtower,” do you remember—

✔ Why Christendom cannot claim to be Christian? P. 163, ¶3.

✔ Why God will destroy this world? P. 165, ¶3.

✔ When the world’s largest mass baptism took place? P. 168, ¶8.

✔ Why there was good government under the reign of Solomon? P. 169, ¶3.

✔ How Jehovah’s witnesses have secured and broadened the religious-freedom guarantees of American citizens? P. 172, ¶3.

✔ What people set fire to the clothing of their night watchmen who fell asleep while on guard? P. 174, ¶2.

✔ Why it took some travelers five hours to cover ten yards? P. 175, ¶3.

✔ Whom God used to create all things? P. 178, ¶9.

✔ Who singlehandedly killed a lion and a bear to protect some sheep? P. 179, ¶11.

✔ Why the work of a shepherd is not easy? P. 182, ¶5.

✔ How to identify true spiritual shepherds? P. 186, ¶19.

✔ Whether it is possible to serve God without serving under men? P. 187, ¶24.

✔ Why it is proper to use the term “Jehovah God” when referring to the Creator? P. 190, ¶5.