The Watchtower — May 15, 1984

1914​—Just History? Or Does It Affect You?

“IN THE Bosnian town of Sarajevo on the morning of June 28, 1914, a chauffeur misunderstood his instructions, made the wrong turn, . . . and so doing delivered his passengers to a point where a waiting assassin did not have to take aim to gun them down.

“Two rounds from one pistol and the world rocked. The crime was the small stone that, loosened, brings the avalanche. There followed four years of universal violence. Millions met untimely death.”​—The American Heritage History of World War I.

That assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand of Austria and his wife, Sophie, precipitated events that have marked 1914 as a turning point in mankind’s history. And those events have affected you. Why? Because the “avalanche” was the Great War of 1914-18. Since then the “rocks” of war and violence have not ceased to fall.

A Marked Generation

Regarding the significance of World War I, English author J. B. Priestley wrote: “If you were born in 1894, as I was, you suddenly saw a great jagged crack in the looking-glass. After that your mind could not escape from the idea of a world that ended in 1914 and another one that began about 1919, with a wilderness of smoke and fury . . . lying between them.”

The survivors of the “sacrificed generation” of 1914, as it has been called,a have lived through momentous times that started with trenches and cannons and that are ending with intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of causing world destruction. This “progress” fits in with Jesus Christ’s prophetic words: “Nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; . . . and on the earth there will be dismay among the nations and bewilderment at the roar of the surging sea. Men’s courage will fail completely as they realise what is threatening the world, for the very powers of heaven will be shaken.”​—Luke 21:10, 25, 26, Phillips.

These words of Jesus are part of the composite sign that marks “the end of this world.” As has often been shown in this journal, since 1914 this prophecy has been undergoing fulfillment on a grand scale. But Jesus added something very significant about the generation of 1914. What was it? He said: “When you see these things occurring, know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I say to you, This generation will by no means pass away until all things occur.”​—Matthew 24:3, Ph; Luke 21:29-32.

How do these words apply to the fast-disappearing generation of 1914? What events are awaited? And how will they affect you?

[Footnotes]

1914​—The Generation That Will Not Pass Away

“THIS generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur,” said Jesus. (Matthew 24:34) But what is meant by the word “generation”?

In his book The Generation of 1914, professor of history Robert Wohl presents an unusual definition when he states: “A historical generation is not defined by its chronological limits or its borders. It is not a zone of dates . . . It is more like a magnetic field at the center of which lies an experience or a series of experiences. . . . What is essential to the formation of a generational consciousness is some common frame of reference that provides a sense of rupture with the past . . . This frame of reference is always derived from great historical events like wars, revolutions, plagues, famines, and economic crises.”

From that point of view, the Great War of 1914-18 and its aftermath certainly formed a “frame of reference” to mark a generation. As professor Wohl comments: World War I created “an overwhelming sense of rupture with the past. Those who lived through the war could never rid themselves of the belief that one world had ended and another begun in August 1914.”

Jesus used the word “generation” many times in different settings and with various meanings. But what did he mean when he spoke of a ‘generation that would not pass away’? Some have interpreted “generation” to mean a period of 30, 40, 70 or even 120 years. However, a generation is really related to people and events, rather than to a fixed number of years.

The Greek word rendered “generation” in the Bible has been defined as, “Those born at the same time . . . Associated with this is the meaning: the body of one’s contemporaries, an age.” (The New International Dictionary of New Testament Theology) “The sum total of those born at the same time, expanded to include all those living at a given time generation, contemporaries.” (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament from Walter Bauer’s Fifth Edition, 1958) These definitions embrace both those born around the time of a historic event and all those alive at that time.

If Jesus used “generation” in that sense and we apply it to 1914, then the babies of that generation are now 70 years old or older. And others alive in 1914 are in their 80’s or 90’s, a few even having reached a hundred. There are still many millions of that generation alive. Some of them “will by no means pass away until all things occur.”​—Luke 21:32.

Since 1914 we have already lived through two world wars and many other major conflicts, along with famines, earthquakes, pestilences and the like. (Luke 21:10, 11) Yet Jesus said: “This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.” (Matthew 24:34) Therefore, you might ask: What other major events remain to be seen by the generation of 1914? And can these actually take place in the time period that remains for that generation?

What Happens Next?

Especially since 1919 have Jehovah’s Witnesses been fulfilling on a remarkable scale and against earth-wide opposition Jesus’ prophecy: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14) Yes, this is the work that has to be completed to Jehovah’s satisfaction before the end comes.

What other events must take place in the period left for the generation of 1914? The Bible clearly points to certain major developments that will lead into and form a part of the “great tribulation” that culminates in Armageddon, “the war of the great day of God the Almighty.” (Matthew 24:21; Revelation 16:14, 16) It is urgent that you know what these developments are and that you take necessary protective action before it is too late.​—Zephaniah 2:3.

One of these developments was prophesied by the apostle Paul when he stated: “You yourselves know quite well that Jehovah’s day is coming exactly as a thief in the night. Whenever it is that they are saying: ‘Peace and security!’ then sudden destruction is to be instantly upon them.” This prophecy makes it clear that, just prior to the end of this system of things, “peace and security” will be declared in some exceptional way, whether by the United Nations or independently by political and religious leaders. What will follow that declaration? Paul said: “Then sudden destruction is to be instantly upon them.”​—1 Thessalonians 5:2, 3.

Does Your Religion Matter?

Could that destruction affect you? Well, do you belong to one of the world’s many religions? Do you know how God views those religions? What is their future?

Under the symbol of a “great harlot” named “Babylon the Great,” the inspired apostle John described a system that has benefited for centuries from intimate association with “the kings of the earth” who wield political power. This “harlot” has also benefited from dealings with “the traveling merchants,” that is, the world’s commercial element. What system is this that has also lorded it over the “peoples and crowds and nations and tongues”? It is false religion! Yes, all religions that are false from Jehovah God’s standpoint constitute this “great harlot,” who is actually a world empire. But what does the immediate future hold for her?​—Revelation 17:1-8, 15; 18:15-17.

Revelation 17:16 indicates that radical political elements within the United Nations (the “scarlet-colored wild beast”) will hate the religious harlot and devastate her. Already, powerful atheistic and antireligious elements in the UN have taken steps to stamp out religion within their domain. But more drastic action is expected in the near future when these political elements devastate not only Christendom but also the other great religious systems. Logically, the anti-God forces will also attack Jehovah’s Witnesses who faithfully proclaim God’s Kingdom. This will be tantamount to attacking God himself and will provoke retaliation​—God’s war of Armageddon!​—Revelation 17:3, 12-16; 16:14-16; Ezekiel 38:10-12, 18-23; Zechariah 2:8.

Is There Enough Time?

From a purely human viewpoint, it could appear that these developments could hardly take place before the generation of 1914 disappears from the scene. But fulfillment of all the foretold events affecting the generation of 1914 does not depend on comparatively slow human action. Jehovah’s prophetic word through Christ Jesus is: “This generation [of 1914] will by no means pass away until all things occur.” (Luke 21:32) And Jehovah, who is the source of inspired and unfailing prophecy, will bring about the fulfillment of his Son’s words in a relatively short time.​—Isaiah 46:9, 10; 55:10, 11.

Are there any past examples of Bible prophecies’ being fulfilled in the face of human disbelief and skepticism? Yes, and we can briefly examine one of these. In the year 33 C.E., Jesus foretold regarding Jerusalem and its temple: “As for these things that you are beholding, the days will come in which not a stone upon a stone will be left here and not be thrown down. Furthermore, when you see Jerusalem surrounded by encamped armies, then know that the desolating of her has drawn near.”​—Luke 21:6, 20.

Thirty-three years later, the Roman army, under Cestius Gallus, attacked Jerusalem and was at the point of victory. Inexplicably, however, General Gallus ordered his troops to retreat. As a consequence, some of the Jews must have thought that their sacred city would not suffer destruction. But such a thought was short-lived. Four years later, the Roman armies under Titus came back and destroyed Jerusalem and its temple.

Thus Jesus’ prophecy came true right down to fine detail. As G. A. Williamson said in his introduction to Josephus’ The Jewish War: “Had we no other sources of information than the gospels we should be tempted to suspect that the warnings of Jesus were couched in hyperbolical [exaggerated] language . . . Was it possible that of that mighty Temple not one stone should be left upon another, that should not be cast down? It was indeed possible; it is historical fact. The destruction was utter and complete . . . The whole tragic story had been foretold with startling accuracy.”

Just as Jesus’ prophecies regarding Jerusalem were fulfilled within the life span of the generation of the year 33 C.E., so his prophecies regarding “the time of the end” will be fulfilled within the life span of the generation of 1914. (Daniel 12:4) This means that marvelous prospects lie before not only that generation but all those living today. Why? Because Jesus also said regarding the significant events affecting that generation: “When you see these things occurring, know that the kingdom of God is near.”​—Luke 21:28, 31.

The nearness of God’s Kingdom today spells the end of the present divisive political, religious and commercial systems. It means the ushering in of a righteous new government for all obedient mankind. You can choose everlasting life under this arrangement of “new heavens and a new earth.” (2 Peter 3:13; John 17:3) Yes, you may live to see this promised New Order, along with survivors of the generation of 1914​—the generation that will not pass away.

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“One world had ended and another begun in August 1914”

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‘When they say “Peace and security!” sudden destruction will be upon them’

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You, along with survivors of the generation of 1914, may live to see a New Order

Keep Your Balance​—How?

AFTER many years as a manager for a large construction company, Kenneth suddenly lost his job. Now he is trying to start his own company, sometimes putting in long hours of work. “It’s been a strain,” he admits, as he seeks to balance his family life and business affairs with congregational responsibilities.

David is trying to cope with a new life-style and a new baby. After years of office work in New York City, he and his little family moved to the country, where he is struggling to learn a trade while serving as a Christian elder and pioneer minister (a full-time Kingdom proclaimer).

Bill has been working for several years to reduce his expenses so that he can pioneer, as his two children already are doing. For several months, however, he has spent most of his time working on the local congregation’s new Kingdom Hall. Now his bills have mounted up again. “It seems like my pioneering keeps receding into the distance,” he says wistfully. “It’s frustrating.”

These men and their families, like Jehovah’s Witnesses everywhere, are fighting to maintain spiritual balance in these “last days” with their “critical times hard to deal with.” (2 Timothy 3:1) Do the problems of these Christians sound familiar?

Business Pressures

The apostle Paul warned that in these “last days” people would be “lovers of money, . . . not open to any agreement, . . . betrayers.” (2 Timothy 3:1-4) Christians in the business world can attest to the truthfulness of these words. “I’ve never seen it so bad,” lamented one Witness. “People are unreasonable, you can’t please them, and they won’t pay their bills.” Such conditions make it hard to keep spiritual balance.

Personal discipline is essential if we are to maintain our balance. “Whenever I’m tempted to buy something I don’t need, or take on work I don’t need,” said one Christian businessman, “I stop myself with the reminder to Keep It Simple. . . . Sometimes I have to be blunt with myself, but I’ve been able to get my overhead down, and I’ve avoided large-scale business commitments that may look attractive but would tie me down and make me too dependent on a single customer.”

Success in the business world requires determination and drive. But watch out! No dedicated servant of Jehovah can afford to ignore the pointed warning found at 1 Timothy 6:9, 10: “Those who are determined to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and hurtful desires, which plunge men into destruction and ruin. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things, and by reaching out for this love some have been led astray from the faith and have stabbed themselves all over with many pains.”

It is so easy to let the world’s materialistic thinking gradually change your definition of “success,” until you are no longer satisfied merely to provide for your family. Soon your definition of success can mean being bigger than your chief competitor, or even putting him out of business. Subtly, your good motives can be eroded and, perhaps without realizing it, you can become “determined to be rich.” Then you will have lost your spiritual balance.

“Love of money” can likewise sneak up on unwary Christians. The Bible acknowledges that “money is for a protection,” but it also warns against “the deceptive power of riches.” (Ecclesiastes 7:12; Matthew 13:22) A Christian in business can easily reason, ‘Oh, if only I had a little more money, just as a protection against the uncertainties of today’s business world.’ But money has a way of becoming an end in itself. A larger office must be rented “to attract customers” and new equipment must be purchased “to get a big job.” But as the bills add up, so do the pressures for the unwary one to work more and more, neglecting spiritual things and losing Christian balance.

Of particular concern are certain large business organizations that prey on unsuspecting people, promising them riches for just a few hours of work per week. Some sincere individuals have been led to believe that they would soon be able to make a comfortable living working part time, and that they could “even pioneer,” serving as full-time Kingdom proclaimers. Such business ventures may lead a Christian to try to recruit fellow believers into the sales organization of the company.

Most of these ventures involve sales meetings and assemblies where the “love of money” is cultivated as “successful” salesmen show off their diamond rings and brag about their new cars. Can you imagine the apostle Paul sitting in the audience and cheering such a presentation? Would he be putting pressure on fellow Christians to sell products for him, perhaps improperly encouraging them to do so right in the congregation’s meeting place? (Philippians 3:7-9) Even as materialistic desires are being fed, Christians involved in these organizations may well find that congregational activities are crowded out of their lives. Weekly sales seminars replace congregation meetings; large pep rallies and sales assemblies replace conventions of God’s people, and worldly associates replace spiritually wholesome fellowship. Such drastic loss of spiritual balance has tragic results!

Maintaining Balance

Of course, materialism is not the only obstacle to maintaining spiritual balance. Much could be said about the problems caused by unbalanced attention to hobbies and entertainment, as well as the potentially unbalancing effect on Christians of the world’s sex madness. Amid the many challenges of life today, how can the Christian maintain his spiritual equilibrium?

It is useful to compare spiritual and physical balance. Babies cannot balance themselves, and dizziness often accompanies illness. Likewise, people who are either spiritually immature or spiritually sick lack spiritual balance. Even a healthy, mature person can lose his balance on dangerous, slippery terrain. Accordingly, a spiritually healthy, mature Christian must continually avoid “dangerous ground,” not taking his spiritual balance for granted.

Furthermore, those who have tried to balance a bicycle that is standing still appreciate the importance of forward momentum in maintaining balance. This point is vital because in recent years some have misused or misunderstood the expression “spiritual balance.” “Do not spend so much time in the field ministry,” they have said. “Spend more time at home with your family. Be balanced!” Following such improper advice has slowed the forward momentum of some and has hurt them spiritually, causing them to fall prey to self-indulgence.​—2 Peter 2:3; 3:11, 12.

Certainly, Christian balance does not mean putting down the torture stake of Jesus Christ! (Luke 9:23-25) Such an unfaithful course would really amount to stumbling over him, which would be anything but balanced.​—Matthew 11:6.

The kind of balance needed by servants of Jehovah God is discussed in the book of Proverbs, where we read: “Wisdom is the prime thing. Acquire wisdom; and with all that you acquire, acquire understanding. When you walk, your pace will not be cramped; and if you run, you will not stumble. Take hold on discipline; do not let go. Safeguard it, for it itself is your life.”​—Proverbs 4:7, 12, 13.

Wisdom, understanding and self-discipline are key elements in maintaining spiritual balance. They are acquired by regular and careful study of God’s Word and by application of the things learned. “Jehovah himself gives wisdom,” says an inspired proverb. “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.”​—Proverbs 2:6, 7.

Wisdom involves the practical application of knowledge. Most Christians who lose their spiritual balance do so because they fail to apply what they know about the dangers of materialism or self-indulgence, or even self-righteousness. (Proverbs 3:5-7) It is especially wise to work on applying what you know about your own weaknesses in order to head off spiritual trouble. “I have to work extra hard on balance,” admits one elder, “because I know that I have a one-track mind and something of an extremist personality. It is very easy for me to get totally involved, first in one thing, then in another, while neglecting my other responsibilities.”

A priceless balancing influence for all Christians is provided by our spiritual brothers and sisters. Often they can discern when we are drifting off course spiritually before we realize it ourselves. How important it is humbly to accept counsel at such times! Sadly, the converse is also true: “One isolating himself will seek his own selfish longing; against all practical wisdom he will break forth.” (Proverbs 18:1) So avoid isolation from fellow believers and readily respond to sound Scriptural counsel.

Maintain Your Spiritual Balance

Here, then, are some keys to maintaining spiritual balance. (1) Stay spiritually healthy, cultivating wisdom, understanding and self-control. (2) Avoid dangerous spiritual terrain, such as the subtle trap of materialism. (3) Know and work on your own weak or unbalanced areas. (4) Do not slack off in the field ministry, but keep up your forward momentum in Jehovah’s service. (5) Humbly accept counsel from God’s organization and those whom it is using. (6) Do not isolate yourself from the Christian congregation.

It may seem difficult to maintain good spiritual balance in these critical times, but do not quit trying. As Jehovah’s Witnesses, we are to be imitators of a God whose superb and holy qualities are in perfect balance. (Ephesians 5:1; Revelation 4:8) As long as sincere love for Jehovah God motivates us to go on imitating him, and as long as we accept the help we need from fellow believers and Jehovah’s organization, we can keep our spiritual balance.

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The Kingdom Hall is not intended for commercial activities

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Maintaining spiritual balance also requires forward movement

God’s Word Is Alive

From Prostitute to Beloved of God

MANY people do what is bad without realizing that what they are doing is displeasing to God. For example, they may have sexual relations with persons to whom they are not married, a thing that is against God’s law. (Exodus 20:14; Hebrews 13:4) Consider the Canaanite woman Rahab who lived in Jericho.

That is Rahab there welcoming a Canaanite man into her house. He is visiting from another city. She may feed him, make him comfortable for the night and provide him sexual favors. Rahab is a prostitute. It is an acceptable profession among the Canaanites to receive payment from a man for the provision of sexual pleasure.

Sometime later these two Israelite men come to Rahab’s house, and she takes them in. They are spies from the Israelite camp located across the Jordan River from Jericho. They have not come to Rahab to purchase sexual favors. Rather, they realize that Rahab’s house may be a good place to come without arousing too much suspicion.

However, the spies are recognized entering Rahab’s home. A report about this is made to the king of Jericho. Right away he sends these men you see to Rahab. They command: ‘Bring out the men that came to your house.’ But Rahab says: ‘Yes, men did come here, but just as it was getting dark they left. Chase after them.’ Actually, Rahab has hidden the spies on her roof.

What will Rahab do now? She expresses faith in Jehovah God and makes the spies promise that she and her family will be spared when Jehovah gives Jericho into the hand of the Israelites. When the spies make that promise, Rahab helps them escape by a rope over the wall.

Shortly thereafter, the Israelite army comes and marches around Jericho. On the seventh day they march around the city seven times, and, miraculously, its walls fall. But as the spies had promised, Rahab and her family are spared alive. Later, Rahab becomes the wife of an Israelite man named Salmon. In time, they have a son named Boaz who becomes the great-grandfather of King David. Surely Rahab is a fine example of a person who did bad things but changed her life-style and became beloved by Jehovah God.​—Joshua 2:1-24; 6:1-25; Ruth 4:21, 22; Matthew 1:5; Hebrews 11:31.

Empowered With Strength Beyond Normal

“The power beyond what is normal [is] God’s and not that out of ourselves.”​—2 CORINTHIANS 4:7.

1. What did Jehovah foreknow about our present period of history, and how did he warn his servants about it?

JEHOVAH long ago foreknew the critical times that would come upon all nations of earth. He foreknew that the selfishness and wickedness of humankind would finally produce a grim harvest of corruption and violence. The apostle Paul was moved by Jehovah’s spirit to voice this clear warning: “But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, self-assuming, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, having a form of godly devotion but proving false to its power.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Surely a dangerous climate for those seeking to serve the God of truth!

2. Would it be easy for witnesses of Jehovah to carry out his purpose for them, and what would they need in order to be successful?

² Yet it was amid such conditions that Jehovah purposed to have his name and Kingdom declared throughout the earth. By whom? By a people to whom he revealed his significant name and purpose​—Jehovah’s Witnesses. (Isaiah 43:10-12) He foreknew that they would encounter opposition from rulers who would view God’s Kingdom as a challenge and a rival. (Psalm 2:2, 3) He knew also that his witnesses would be subject to the problems and sufferings common to all men. They would need power beyond what they could of themselves muster. Did their God make provision for that very need?

3. Jehovah’s provision for his servants at this critical time is like what provision made for the apostle Paul?

³ The experiences of the apostle Paul supply the answer to that question. Some of the dangers to which he was exposed are cataloged for us at 2 Corinthians 11:23-27. Since Paul was commissioned by Jehovah as an apostle and a teacher of the nations, that teaching work received his prime attention. (Romans 11:13) But how was he able to survive all the perils and finish the work he had been given to do? Jehovah kept his eye upon his loyal servant and delivered him, often at the last minute, at each critical juncture. So that Paul could successfully perform the Christian ministry, God granted him “power beyond what is normal.” (2 Corinthians 4:7) This enabled the apostle to bear up under sufferings and privations. Paul freely acknowledged such divine help when he wrote: “For all things I have the strength by virtue of him who imparts power to me.”​—Philippians 4:13.

4. Did Paul recognize this divine assistance, and what effect did it have upon him?

⁴ Thus it appears that in addition to miraculous interventions by God in Paul’s behalf, there was an ‘imparting of power’ to him. This made it possible for the apostle to endure successfully and accomplish his ministry. Accordingly, he wrote: “I am not ashamed of the good news; it is, in fact, God’s power for salvation to everyone having faith.” (Romans 1:16) Along with the meaning and application of many prophecies of old times, the good news was revealed to Paul, and he was convinced of its truthfulness. Undoubtedly, knowledge of the truth and appreciation for it also became sources of strength to him.

Jehovah’s Marvelous Provisions

5. Has Jehovah been any less attentive to the needs of his witnesses now on earth?

⁵ But what about Jehovah’s servants on earth in these last days? Has God provided for them? He has indeed! In common with the apostle Paul, we have the many marvelous prophecies in the Holy Scriptures. Since Jehovah had advance knowledge of the needs of his people, he generously provided these writings for their assurance and comfort. These prophecies would be clarified as the days of their fulfillment arrived.

6. How has the prophecy God gave to Isaiah comforted and strengthened Jehovah’s people today?

⁶ One of those prophecies was recorded by Isaiah the son of Amoz some 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 1:1) Isaiah wrote strong denunciations against not only his own nation of Israel but also the many surrounding lands, great and small. Interspersed with these judgment messages the prophet also delivered good news for the loyal worshipers of Jehovah​—news that would bring them comfort in all their tribulations. And just as faithful Jews back in Isaiah’s time drew power and hope from Jehovah’s good news, so today loyal ones are consoled, strengthened and blessed by the fulfillment toward them of Jehovah’s grand promises.

7, 8. (a) How did the words of Isaiah 32:1, 2 bring strength and encouragement to the reverent Jews of Isaiah’s time, and particularly in view of what circumstances? (b) How are those same words applicable among Jehovah’s Witnesses now?

⁷ In Isaiah chapter 32 we find just such encouragement. The first two verses present a promise that is even now undergoing fulfillment: “Look! A king will reign for righteousness itself; and as respects princes, they will rule as princes for justice itself. And each one must prove to be like a hiding place from the wind and a place of concealment from the rainstorm, like streams of water in a waterless country, like the shadow of a heavy crag in an exhausted land.” What good news that must have been for honest-hearted worshipers of God in Isaiah’s time, after their long experience with faithless kings and princes!

⁸ But what good news this is for Jehovah’s Witnesses today! Especially since 1919, the enthroned King Jesus Christ has developed a fine condition amid his followers on earth. He has placed among them “princes” (Hebrew, sarim) who do indeed furnish just and loving oversight. In contrast with the oppressive and self-serving rulers so general throughout the world, the King in God’s organization has raised up responsible men who are not revered as hierarchical “princes of the church,” or the like. Rather, they are humble servants, men truly concerned about the well-being of all the sheeplike ones whom Jehovah has gathered together in one flock. The supervision by these men, who are also prospective “princes” of the New Order, proves to be truly refreshing.a

9. What transformation has taken place among Jehovah’s people?

⁹ What a transformation this has brought about in the organization of Jehovah’s earthly servants! It is just as stated at Isaiah 32:3: “And the eyes of those seeing will not be pasted together, and the very ears of those hearing will pay attention.” Because of their keen desire to honor and serve Jehovah, he has opened the eyes of their hearts and the ears of their understanding. He has granted them thrilling discernment as to his will for them. Loyal Witnesses do not lean toward democratic attitudes and procedures. They are awake to the fact that they serve in a theocratic organization, an organization in which God’s will is ascertained and then carried out. To the Great Theocrat goes the credit for revealing his purposes to humble, willing servants on earth.

10. What are some of the marvelous blessings Jehovah’s enlightened people enjoy?

¹⁰ Count, if you will, the blessings that Jehovah’s slaves have received. Among other things, they enjoy accurate knowledge concerning Jesus Christ’s kingly presence since 1914; the clear demarcation between God’s visible organization and Satan’s; the far-reaching nature of the preaching work to be done before the end of Satan’s world; the sacredness of blood; and the significance of giving God’s things to God. In the organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses there has been a restoration of administration like that among first-century Christians. A rich blessing, too, is the present paradisaic condition among true worshipers. All of this and many other gifts from Jehovah impart not only power but also peace, unity and contentment to his people, even at this crucial time in history.

11. How has Jehovah disciplined or taught his earthly representatives, and what scripture texts show that this was necessary?

¹¹ Jehovah’s servants have been given a Bible-oriented conscience, so that they hear and hearken to his reminders, putting them into practice in their daily lives. (Psalm 25:10) They have been warned against the unclean and filthy practices that God hates. The selfish, immoral, underhanded things that some of them have done in the past are now put behind them, having been renounced completely. (1 Peter 4:3) This must be so for all who would continue to have any share in Kingdom blessings. All must be clean mentally, morally and physically in order to enjoy the privilege of presenting to Jehovah the sacrifices of praise, “a gift offering in righteousness.” (Malachi 3:3; Isaiah 52:11) What a wonderful sense of security is experienced by all loyal Witnesses as they associate with multitudes who are truly united in the happy service of the Creator!

Divine Education

12. How has Isaiah 32:4 found fulfillment among Jehovah’s modern-day servants?

¹² Isaiah 32:4 goes on to say: “And the heart itself of those who are overhasty will consider knowledge, and even the tongue of the stammerers will be quick in speaking clear things.” During World War I, Jehovah’s anointed remnant lacked proper understanding, were still tainted with Babylonish ideas and did not have the theocratic method in operation among them. But in 1919 God released them from Babylonish bondage and proceeded to give them greater knowledge of his truths. By such truths they have learned to be reasonable, not overhasty. They now speak with a certainty of belief, no longer stammering in fear and uncertainty. And how can we personally be mature, courageous preachers of the good news? By taking full advantage of divine instruction, much of which is dispensed during meetings at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. For instance, there is no doubt that the Theocratic Ministry School is one of the means whereby Jehovah has blessed his servants and empowered them to speak the truth boldly and clearly.

13. Against what speech must we be on guard?

¹³ Along similar lines, divine education has taught God’s servants not to make promises they do not intend to keep and not to talk slanderously or hurtfully about someone. God’s blessing is assuredly with those who heed this counsel, recorded at Ecclesiastes 5:2: “Do not hurry yourself as regards your mouth; and as for your heart, let it not be hasty to bring forth a word before the true God. For the true God is in the heavens but you are on the earth. That is why your words should prove to be few.” So important is it never to raise the voice in bitter criticism of the Lord’s organization or its appointed representatives. Jehovah is the omniscient Judge before whom accounting must be made for these and other unprofitable sayings.​—Matthew 12:36, 37; Leviticus 19:16; Jude 8.

14. What warning is here provided for Jehovah’s people, and how does Proverbs 29:20 underline it?

¹⁴ Those who despise Jehovah’s teaching include individuals who criticize and complain about Jehovah’s clean organization and its rules for maintaining peace and good order. There is only a fine line of demarcation between such and those who are outright rebels. Korah and his supporters found that out to their complete undoing when they dared to be hasty in speaking against God’s servant Moses. (Numbers 16:1-40) On this same subject, Proverbs 29:20 states: “Have you beheld a man hasty with his words? There is more hope for someone stupid than for him.”

15. How have the words of Isaiah 32:5, 6 become applicable to Jehovah’s servants today?

¹⁵ Jehovah has also blessed his people with wisdom to discern between what is good and what is bad. They are on guard against any who come to them with soft words and fair speeches, and perhaps even bearing gifts, with a view to beguiling the hearts of the unwary. (Compare 1 Timothy 6:20, 21; Jude 16.) Religionists may try to bring them good news other than that which they already have received from Jesus Christ and his apostles. Moreover, any senseless and unprincipled individuals are rejected for appointment as servants in Jehovah’s organization. This is in harmony with the words: “The senseless one will no longer be called generous; and as for the unprincipled man, he will not be said to be noble; because the senseless one himself will speak mere senselessness, and his very heart will work at what is hurtful, to work at apostasy and to speak against Jehovah what is wayward [“insane,” Delitzsch], to cause the soul of the hungry one to go empty, and he causes even the thirsty one to go without drink itself.”​—Isaiah 32:5, 6.

16. (a) What are some of the ideas that apostates have promoted? (b) In this regard, what is said at Isaiah 32:7?

¹⁶ Is it not true that those who have gone out from us over the years because “they were not of our sort,” and who try to induce others to follow the same life-imperiling course, have cut themselves off from the source of solid spiritual food and refreshing spiritual waters? (1 John 2:19) And these senseless ones, far from being generous and openhanded toward those of mankind who hunger and thirst after righteousness, do not see any urgent need for an organized preaching work in our time. They would allow each one to be guided by his own private reading and interpretation of the Bible instead of being brought into a unity of people trained to live and act according to the lofty principles and reminders of God’s Word. (Psalm 133:1-3; 1 Corinthians 1:10) They would mislead others into believing that Jehovah will indefinitely keep on forgiving sinners as long as they make an outward show of repentance. Interesting in this regard is what Isaiah 32:7 says about apostates of ancient Israel: “As for the unprincipled man, his instruments [means of accomplishing his purpose] are bad; he himself has given counsel for acts of loose conduct, to wreck the afflicted ones with false sayings, even when someone poor speaks what is right.”

17. (a) Jesus has selected whom as his followers? (b) What questions arise about their future activities amid the worsening conditions of this evil world?

¹⁷ Jesus’ genuine followers, whom he has selected because they are conscious of their spiritual need, certainly ‘speak what is right.’ But the senseless opposers are not interested in the real welfare of those seeking the truth. They are intent on drawing away followers after themselves, regardless of the jeopardy in which they put themselves and others. However, will Jehovah permit honest-hearted ones to become ensnared by false reasoning? Has he made provision for the blessing of his own servants and their worldwide preaching service?

[Footnotes]

How Would You Answer?

◻ How has Jehovah empowered his witnesses today?

◻ How do the words of Isaiah 32:1, 2 apply among Jehovah’s Witnesses?

◻ What are some of the blessings enjoyed by God’s enlightened people?

◻ How does Isaiah 32:5, 6 apply today?

[Picture on page 17]

Do you refuse to listen to bitter criticism of Jehovah’s organization? You should refuse

See the Blessings of Kingdom Unity!

“All those seeing them will recognize them, that they are the offspring whom Jehovah has blessed.”​—ISAIAH 61:9.

1. (a) What modern provision of Jehovah displays his generosity toward multitudes that do not yet know him? (b) How are his own blessed people identified?

SINCE 1914 a heavenly King has been enthroned and empowered to rule. And provision has been made for an earthly organization under “princes” who rule for justice itself. (Isaiah 32:1, 2) In all of this, Jehovah has proved to be generous to all who hunger and thirst after righteousness. And the hungry and thirsty ones come flocking to the people whom Jehovah has thus blessed. But how do they recognize them? Are they prominent socially, politically or financially? No, it is for none of these reasons that they are recognizable. It is because they reflect their generous God by their willingness to share with others the blessings they have already received.

2. In keeping with Isaiah 32:8, what quality is in evidence among Jehovah’s servants on earth today, and that is because they have heeded what counsel of their Leader?

² The generous God has taught his servants to be generous too. Regarding a person of generous disposition Isaiah 32:8 states: “As regards the generous one, it is for generous things that he has given counsel; and in favor of generous things he himself will rise up.” Just as Jesus set aside his own will and denied himself many things in order to carry out his God-given commission to share the glorious good news of the Kingdom with others, so his followers are intent upon doing the same thing. They hearken to Jesus’ counsel: “Practice giving, and people will give to you. They will pour into your laps a fine measure, pressed down, shaken together and overflowing. For with the measure that you are measuring out, they will measure out to you in return.” (Luke 6:38) Jehovah and Christ Jesus are the ones who can and will return such generosity on the part of their servants by granting them satisfaction, peace of mind and joy in the fruitage of their loyal service involving the Kingdom interests.

3. How does the attitude of Jehovah’s loyal servants contrast with that of those of Christendom and her abettors?

³ The generous, industrious attitude of openhanded spreaders of the good news contrasts with that of others. God’s prophet speaks of calamity for women who were careless ‘lovers of ease’ in unfaithful Jerusalem. (Isaiah 32:9-14) Their attitude may remind us of some who claim to be servants of God and Christ, but who are not industrious or zealous for Jehovah’s service. Indeed, we may think of those in Christendom and those who are not really concerned about the hungering and thirsting multitudes. Their preoccupation with secular matters, with no thought of busying themselves in the work commanded by Jehovah for this very time in history, can only end disastrously for them, even as calamity is associated with a harvest failure.

4. What future awaits all those who continue to deal dishonestly with God’s Word?

⁴ There is only sorrow and destruction ahead for Christendom and her aiders and abettors. Spiritual starvation and consequent depopulation are to be the results of her lack of generosity and fruitfulness in Jehovah’s service. Since all those bogus Christians have failed to plant and water properly, not using the Word of God honestly, Jehovah is under no obligation to ‘keep making it grow.’​—Compare 1 Corinthians 3:6-9.

Good News for the Loyal

5. What was foretold at Isaiah 32:15, and with what wonderful developments right up to this year, 1984?

⁵ Encouragingly for those who wait patiently upon Jehovah while loyally putting to work the Kingdom interests entrusted to them, there is good news. It is recorded at Isaiah 32:15 in these words: “Until upon us the spirit is poured out from on high, and the wilderness will have become an orchard, and the orchard itself is accounted as a real forest.” God’s holy spirit has been poured out upon his modern-day witnesses, much as it was upon the waiting apostles and disciples at Pentecost of 33 C.E. (Acts 2:1-4, 14-18; Joel 2:28, 29) As then, so also now, the result is that Jehovah’s loyal servants on earth have busied themselves in the work of making more disciples. Particularly in 1919 and 1922 were there outpourings of Jehovah’s spirit upon his people, and commencing especially in 1922 great impetus was given to the Kingdom-preaching work. This activity has continued and expanded right up to this year, 1984, despite the troublous conditions that blanket the earth. The number of generous proclaimers of the good news has exploded from the modest figure of 7,000 or 8,000 in 1922 to the grand peak of 2,652,323 today.

6. There have been what other marvelous effects from the pouring out of holy spirit upon Jehovah’s earthly organization?

⁶ The ‘poured-out spirit’ has surely resulted in fruitfulness. We no longer share the wilderness state of Satan’s world, nor the spiritual famine for hearing the Word of Jehovah. (Ezekiel 36:29, 30) From Pentecost of 33 C.E. onward, God has planted “big trees”​—stalwart, steadfast Christians—​in the spiritual estate of his people. Such stately “trees,” fruitful ones, “the planting of Jehovah,” have grown and prospered into a virtual forest as the visible organization of Jehovah’s worshipers extends to all willing ones the refreshing shade and spiritual sustenance from their God.​—Isaiah 61:3.

7. What has moved a great crowd of honest-hearted ones to rally to Jehovah’s visible organization?

⁷ Honest-hearted people who now come streaming into Jehovah’s visible theocratic organization are attracted by the wonders of a spiritual paradise. Nowhere else on earth have they found righteousness and justice. They have had their fill of faithless clergymen, self-serving politicians and greedy commercial moguls. Their eyes have been opened to a society of God-fearing men and women among whom senseless and unprincipled ones are never whitewashed and made to appear noble; where ungodly and unchristian conduct is reproved and the practicers of uncleanness and wickedness are dealt with speedily.

8. How is Isaiah 32:16 fulfilled upon Jehovah’s people today?

⁸ The prophet continues with his divinely given message, stating: “And in the wilderness justice will certainly reside, and in the orchard righteousness itself will dwell.” (Isaiah 32:16) Certainly, justice and righteousness dwell in Jehovah’s visible theocratic organization. Of course, all true servants of God recognize that everything they have and enjoy, including their favorable standing with Jehovah, comes to them as unmerited kindness. Their righteousness is of God.

9. How do the labors of Jehovah’s faithful witnesses contrast with the works and attitude of Christendom’s clergy?

⁹ This is so strikingly different from the self-righteous and sanctimonious stance of Christendom’s prominent ones. It is a righteousness that is proved by works​—works that bring praise to Jehovah and benefits to his obedient creatures of all races and tongues. Not the least of those works is that of proclaiming the King who now reigns according to God’s will. No other organization of people is engaged in publishing that gladdening fact. And each honest-hearted hearer of the message is, in turn, eager to pass on to his neighbors information about the blessings of Kingdom unity.

The Blessing of Peace

10. What does Isaiah go on to describe in his prophecy at Isa chapter 32, verse 17?

¹⁰ This spreading global work, this sacred service, goes forward in an organizational atmosphere of peace, quietness and security such as Isaiah goes on to describe at Isa chapter 32, verse 17, of his prophecy, saying: “And the work of the true righteousness must become peace; and the service of the true righteousness, quietness and security to time indefinite.” It is this true righteousness that God-fearing people of all races and languages have been seeking, and they now find it in the organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Here there is peace, for everyone is cooperative, having “plenty to do in the work of the Lord.”​—1 Corinthians 15:58.

11. (a) Who have no place in Jehovah’s organization? (b) How are they gathered out, and with what result to Jehovah’s loyal servants?

¹¹ Among God’s people, there is no room for idle talkers and those who do not wish to work in Jehovah’s service. In fact, the promise implied in Jesus’ illustration at Matthew 13:24-30, 39, 41 is now being fulfilled. The angelic reapers are indeed ‘collecting out from his Kingdom organization all things that cause stumbling and persons who are doing lawlessness.’ The angels can discern who are the true servants of Jehovah and who the false. They are well able to bring about circumstances whereby the workers of iniquity are exposed and dismissed from the association of true Christians. And the result? A healthy organization, functioning to Jehovah’s praise and to the advancement of his Kingdom under Jesus Christ.

12. (a) What strong assurances does Jehovah give his people as expressed at Isaiah 32:18? (b) What coming events cast their shadows in advance, and how are Jehovah’s loyal ones affected thereby?

¹² Isaiah further declares (Isa 32:18): “And my people must dwell in a peaceful abiding place and in residences of full confidence and in undisturbed resting-places.” Jehovah has indeed granted to his faithful servants on earth a place and a work from which no one will be permitted to drive them away. They are here to stay until Jehovah has brought to completion his purpose for them this side of Har–Magedon. (Revelation 16:14, 16) In their case, Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion, has already fallen. Her influence is swiftly diminishing. Even now, elements of the wild beast described in Revelation chapter 17 are eyeing her, preparing to eat her flesh and burn her utterly with fire. (Revelation 17:16) But Kingdom witnesses are not at all disturbed by such events looming on the horizon. They do not share the fear and dismay of worldly people. Since Jehovah has blessed us with advance knowledge of coming developments, we are able to face the future with confidence as to the outcome. “Abundant peace belongs to those loving [Jehovah’s] law, and for them there is no stumbling block.”​—Psalm 119:165.

13. What significant improvement has Jehovah brought about in his visible organization, and what effect has this had on the attitude and work of his people?

¹³ At Isaiah 60:17 the prophet foretold that there would be significant improvements in theocratic order and procedures among Jehovah’s earthly servants. This he illustrated by the replacement of combustible material and inferior metals with copper, silver and gold. Then we read: “And I will appoint peace as your overseers and righteousness as your task assigners.” All in this Kingdom publicity organization are happy to serve together peacefully, for all their tasks, in whatever branch of service they are engaged, are connected with the proclamation of the Kingdom throughout the earth. All see eye to eye, and all are concerned about getting the work done. How completely different from the selfish, continuing war between labor and management that causes so many problems in the world around us! All in Jehovah’s organization, no matter what position they occupy, are taught by Jehovah and so are able to proceed with their work in peace and good order.​—Isaiah 54:13.

14. What very different future faces (a) the industrious people of Jehovah? (b) Christendom and all her political paramours?

¹⁴ This blessed and industrious people will continue undisturbed even as the end of Satan’s system of things arrives with surprising suddenness. Jehovah’s execution of judgment, like a storm of heavy hail upon Christendom and all the world, will completely annihilate the enemy. But God’s people will be safe under his protection when the great “forest” of Satan’s armed hosts is laid low, just as Isaiah 32:19 foretells: “It will certainly hail when the forest goes down and the city becomes low in an abased state.” Through all this world-shaking process Jehovah’s servants will rest in the assurance that “the angel of Jehovah is camping all around those fearing him, and he rescues them.”​—Psalm 34:7.

A Vast Work to Be Completed

15. What work is yet to be done by Jehovah’s people?

¹⁵ Meanwhile, there is yet a vast work to be completed while Jehovah still provides the opportunity for multitudes in all nations to have their eyes opened and their ears unstopped to the significance of the message of salvation. Happy indeed are those giving of themselves unstintingly to such service of the Kingdom, busily sowing the seeds of Kingdom truth among people of all nations! This blessedness is like that described in the final verse of Isaiah 32:20, which reads: “Happy are you people who are sowing seed alongside all waters, sending forth the feet of the bull and of the ass.” These animals were beasts of burden used by the ancient people of God to plow the land for the sowing of seed. Comparably today, Jehovah has provided the equipment needed by his modern witnesses so that the sowing of Kingdom truth may be accomplished rapidly and effectively, with the confident hope that Jehovah will add his blessing in the form of a bumper harvest.

16. What evidences do we have that Jehovah now is richly blessing his Kingdom witnesses in all the earth?

¹⁶ As we survey the field, which is the world, do we not behold Jehovah’s evident blessing on our efforts to preach the Kingdom message with zeal and regularity? Larger and improved branch quarters house the increasing number of willing worker-ministers that are required to care for the Bethel work load in many lands. Modern printing equipment and time-saving procedures have been made available in country after country, so that the production of Bibles, Bible handbooks and magazines has vastly increased. Growing numbers of dedicated, baptized servants of God are volunteering to serve as regular and auxiliary pioneers, spending time each and every day in the vital service of planting Kingdom truth in the hearts of many. Kingdom proclaimers in almost all congregations are striving to increase their ministry, doing so out of deep appreciation for the blessings that Jehovah has already showered upon them.

17. What is unique about Jehovah’s Witnesses and their work in our day?

¹⁷ Only Jehovah’s Witnesses are engaged in this life-imparting work on behalf of God’s Kingdom government. Only they are rejoicing in the harvest returns that are even now manifest. The seed, too, that Jehovah supplies for his willing field workers is so well screened and selected! Our Bible study aids are prepared with a view to stirring the hearts of many who are yet to be harvested and brought into Jehovah’s peaceful organization, the Christian congregation, which at Matthew 13:30 is likened to his Son’s “storehouse.”

18. Why should we be determined to push on in our Kingdom service with satisfaction and joy?

¹⁸ Truly, we are in the day of Jehovah, the day of realization of his “precious and very grand promises” to his devoted people. (2 Peter 1:4) Peace and unity are flourishing among us. We have been granted a clear understanding of the purposes of our God. We have peace of mind amid a fear-stricken and anxious world population. A future filled with still greater blessings awaits us. Are we not overjoyed to be the recipients of all these blessings of Kingdom unity? And are we not determined to forge ahead with our Kingdom work to Jehovah’s everlasting praise?

What Is Your Answer?

◻ How does the attitude of Jehovah’s servants contrast with that of those in Christendom?

◻ In what has the outpouring of God’s spirit resulted?

◻ In harmony with Isaiah 32:17, 18, what blessings do Jehovah’s people now enjoy?

◻ What proof do we have that Jehovah is blessing his Kingdom witnesses?

[Picture on page 20]

The need to ‘advertise the King and Kingdom’ was emphasized during the 1922 convention of Jehovah’s people at Cedar Point, Ohio

[Picture on page 23]

Jehovah has blessed his people with worldwide peace and unity

Insight on the News

Unpopular Bible

For about a hundred years now, the name Jesus has been appearing as “Iesu” in Protestant Bibles in Japan. Catholic Bibles used “Zezu” initially, changing to “Iezusu” in 1895. In an attempt to resolve this long-standing difference, five years ago JBS (Japan Bible Society) published what it calls the Common Bible or Interconfessional Translation. As a compromise, this version uses “Iesusu,” hoping thus to appeal to both groups and bring the two closer together. Has this worked?

According to Mainichi Shimbun, while JBS sells over a million Bibles a year, only 20,000 copies of the new translation have been sold. “The biggest obstacle concerned the pronunciation of Jesus,” says Mainichi Daily News. The unfamiliar rendering made the new version “extremely unpopular among both Catholics and Protestants.” Now JBS is working on a revised edition, to be published next year. It will go back to the Protestant “Iesu” for Jesus. So that Catholics are not completely passed over, it will include the Apocryphal books. Whether this new plan will work, only time will tell.

The apostle Paul admonished his fellow Christians: “Now I exhort you, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that you should all speak in agreement, and that there should not be divisions among you.” (1 Corinthians 1:10) If professing Christians in Japan, and perhaps elsewhere, are having so much difficulty in coming to an agreement on that “name,” what unity could they expect in other things? Thus they, like others, are fulfilling Paul’s prophetic statement that “in the last days” people would “not [be] open to any agreement.”​—2 Timothy 3:1, 3.

‘Year of Quakes’

Calling 1983 “A Year of Earthquakes,” The New York Times asks: “Might these events, so widely separated in space but so close together in time, have been related?” Just since October, the following major earthquakes, reckoned on the Richter scale, have been reported:

Date Location Magnitude

Oct. 4 Chile 7.3

Oct. 7 United States 5.2

Oct. 28 United States 6.9

Oct. 30 Turkey 7.2

Nov. 6 China 6.0

Nov. 8 Belgium 5.0

Nov. 15 Hawaii 6.7

Dec. 22 Guinea 6.3

Jan. 1 Japan 7.5

While the article went into various explanations for the cause of this “rash of lethal earthquakes,” Bible students are familiar with Jesus Christ’s warning: “There will be . . . earthquakes in one place after another.” Although Jesus did not explain the cause of these earthquakes, he showed that they are definitely “related” because they are a feature of a global composite “sign” marking his invisible “presence” and “the conclusion of the system of things.”​—Matthew 24:3, 7.

A Mormon Play

A play about three young Mormons in wartime Germany has aroused some controversy in the Mormon church, reports The New York Times. In the real-life drama, the youths were arrested by the Gestapo for producing and distributing anti-Nazi literature, one being executed and the others being sent to concentration camps.

But why the controversy? “In the Nazi era, the church authorities in Utah counseled German members to support the Third Reich, making the three boys’ opposition to Hitler a violation of policy, according to Douglas Tobler, a professor at [Brigham Young University],” says the report. Thus “the play raises anew the seeming conflict between two doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” the report adds, “one requiring obedience to the ‘law of the land,’ the other teaching devotion to truth and freedom of choice.”

When before Governor Pilate, Jesus Christ stated clearly: “My kingdom is no part of this world.” (John 18:36) Thus, Christians are to remain neutral in political affairs of the nations. The apostle Paul urged Christians to “be in subjection to the superior authorities . . . on account of your conscience.” When the authorities require Christians to violate their Bible-based conscience, they must “obey God as ruler rather than men.”​—Romans 13:1, 5; Acts 5:29.

Following Jehovah’s Direction Brings Rich Blessings

As told by Donald J. Morrison

THE making of a dedication to Jehovah should mean what for a Christian? For me it meant that ‘I must obey God as ruler rather than men.’ (Compare Acts 5:29.) Despite this, here I was​—single, having no responsibility, holding down a good job with opportunity for advancement, attending Christian meetings and doing some field service as a Kingdom proclaimer.

At the same time, there in Canada, young, single, unencumbered Christian men and women were being encouraged to take up full-time witnessing as pioneers. Months passed, but finally in April 1942 I entered the pioneer service. From then till now I have come to realize that following the direction Jehovah God gives through his Word and the congregation of his people brings many blessings.

The Truth Enters Our Home

My first contact with Bible truth took place while I was still a child. The Bible Students, as Jehovah’s Witnesses then were called, had advertised a meeting to be held in a small one-room schoolhouse one Sunday afternoon in 1921. Since the subject sounded interesting, our whole family attended. After the meeting my parents talked with the speaker, and this resulted in a discussion at our home the following week. My parents readily accepted the truth.

Till then, our family had been Presbyterian, and my younger brother and sister and I attended Sunday School. But with the light of truth illuminating our home, we learned that there is no such thing as hellfire or immortality of the soul. Instead, we learned about the wonderful hope of living forever on a Paradise earth. (Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10; Ezekiel 18:4; Luke 23:43) What a marvelous prospect!

Our home became a center for regular meetings and also a haven for any Bible Students who might be witnessing in the area. Although as children we attended the Bible Students’ Sunday School, much of my early Scriptural education took place at home. When we came home from school for our noon meal, Mother would always have something to tell us about what she had learned at the meetings or had read in the Watch Tower Society’s publications.

Handbills were prepared for one of the public talks to be given in our home. Although only eight years old, I was given the privilege of distributing these leaflets to all the homes in our village. This not only advertised the meeting but also served notice on the villagers as to where we now stood religiously. Thereafter, whenever my schoolmates wanted to get at me, they would call me Never-Die​—this as a result of the talk “Millions Now Living Will Never Die.”

Despite this fine beginning, I really did nothing except learn about the truth. However, the year 1938 brought a change. By then I had spent some years in secular work, had bought a car and was able to take our family to all the congregation meetings. This also opened up the opportunity to engage regularly in the field service. It was a joy to see my father and my mother symbolize their dedication to God by undergoing water baptism at the first assembly I attended. During this zone assembly, held in New Liskeard, Ontario, World War II broke out. Being of military age and single, I would soon be affected. However, a more immediate effect was the banning of our work in Canada.

Adjusting to Service Under Ban

In August 1940, together with my brother and my sister, I symbolized my dedication to Jehovah by being baptized in one of the beautiful clear-water lakes of northern Ontario. Although under ban, we continued holding our meetings in private homes. And during the rest of that summer, as one of a car group of Witnesses, I was privileged each Sunday to conduct Bible studies with interested persons living in the rurals. Most of these individuals and their families came right along and accepted the truth.

In time it was arranged that there would be a big Canada-wide “blitz,” leaving special booklets at the homes of the people at three o’clock in the morning. This was followed by other early-morning distributions. Of course, our family was blamed for this in our community, and some mornings we would find torn booklets on our veranda. Eventually this activity gave way to regular door-to-door witnessing with only the Bible.

During this time two special representatives of the Society visited the congregation, and arrangements were made to have all the brothers and interested persons meet at our home. Some of our neighbors attempted to have the meeting raided by the police. But because we were on the alert, the police arrived to find only a square dance in progress. So the police car just drove slowly past the house and left the area.

In 1940 I was making plans to enter the full-time pioneer service. But the ban disrupted this. However, by 1942 the time had come for me to serve Jehovah full time. My first assignment was at Parry Sound, in the Georgian Bay area of Ontario. An incident there still stands out in my mind.

One afternoon a car came racing up the hill to the house where my partner and I were staying. Inside the car were two policemen and with them two others (one on each running board). They came rushing to the house as if in pursuit of some desperate criminals. But after searching the house and asking many questions, they went away empty-handed. They intimated that what angered them was our door-to-door preaching. Further encounters with the police followed, but our adhering to sound advice received from the Society kept us from being arrested.

In the meantime, with the acceleration of the war the subject of neutrality became a major issue. (John 15:19) Many subtle schemes were devised to try to get us to violate our neutrality. For instance, a Roman Catholic selective-service officer opposed to our activities directed me to work in a sawmill, earning my keep and $75 a month. The proviso was that $50 of this salary had to be donated to the Red Cross. But he was informed that I was fully occupied as a minister. So this directive was ignored and I kept on pioneering.

This was not to last long, however, for shortly thereafter I was arrested. Interestingly, this occurred as I finished conducting the funeral of a Christian sister. I had just concluded the closing prayer at the graveside when the police officer came and marched me out of the cemetery. But the officer could not make up his mind what to do. He kept taking handcuffs out of his pocket and then putting them back again. Finally, I was taken into custody without being handcuffed. At the court trial some days later, I was sentenced to a detention camp and escorted there by an officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in full dress.

Serving in Detention

The two years of my detention were spent in four different camps, two in Ontario and two in Alberta. What happened to our preaching and disciple-making work during this time? It continued but on a limited scale. At the camp in Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies, 80 Witnesses were in detention at one time. We managed to rent a vacant store on the main street in the nearby town of Jasper, and this meeting place was fitted with a large “Kingdom Hall” sign for all to see​—in itself a silent witness.

Just prior to my release, I received an invitation to attend a special meeting to be held at the Cleveland, Ohio, convention in 1946. Happily, I was released just in time. At that meeting I was invited to serve in the circuit work. What a joy and blessing from Jehovah! Later I was invited to work at the Toronto Bethel in Canada, and I served there until 1950 when I married Marjorie, a pioneer in one of the Toronto congregations. We both pioneered until I was invited to serve in the circuit work again. Thereafter we attended the 23rd class of Gilead School, graduating at the 1954 district assembly in Toronto. Our assignment was Rhodesia (now renamed Zimbabwe).

To a Foreign Assignment

A fierce snowstorm was raging when we left my home in Cobalt, northern Ontario. What a delight it was when our ship docked in Cape Town, South Africa, and we felt the warm sunshine. And how pleasant to be witnessing to the people in such a lovely place! Our stay in Cape Town lasted six weeks while we awaited permission to enter our assigned country. Then, for three days we traveled by train through terrain so different from what we had been accustomed to, and we savored the sights and sounds of Zimbabwe, the country that was to become our home. Here was a land of contrasts because of the two ethnic groups. At first we stayed at the missionary home and Society’s branch office in a residential area of Salisbury (now Harare).

Our service began with the English-speaking population, and soon we were conducting a number of Bible studies. One of my early experiences was that of calling on one of Christendom’s missionaries who complained that we did not respect their boundaries. What boundaries was she talking about? Later, we discovered that the various religions had divided the country into areas in which each would operate without interference by the others. Needless to say, Jehovah’s Witnesses would never enter into a boundary agreement with some segment of Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion. (Revelation 18:1-5) So the witness work advanced in all areas as the truth reached them.

It was not long till I was assigned to the circuit work covering the entire English-speaking field. What a joy it was to meet so many witnesses of Jehovah in our new home!

Later, as we became better acquainted with the customs of the country, I was assigned to the district work among our African brothers. This meant studying a new language and covering many miles between congregations and assemblies in a van provided by the Society. It was like going on safari because we had to set up camp in the various places we visited. What a collection of items we carried! Besides Bible literature, we took along a generator, a projector for the Society’s films and the necessary equipment for cooking and sleeping. This was a completely different way of life for us. But it was a wonderful way to get close to our brothers and learn about their problems and how they approached people in the field service. It was also heartwarming to note that some Witnesses walked 15 to 20 miles (24 to 32 km), and even farther, to attend assemblies, and then paid rapt attention so as to miss nothing.​—Hebrews 10:24, 25.

Looking back on the time spent in the district work, many things come to mind. There was the very old and wrinkled African woman who had tears in her eyes when I read her the scripture about the aged ones returning to the days of their youth. (Job 33:25) On another occasion, the headman of a village called his 5 wives and 19 children together to hear what we had to say.

One night we had a puff adder in our tent and, obviously, had to get rid of it before we could get to sleep. Near one home, loud grunts drew our attention to about a dozen hippos basking in the sun at a pool in the river. Then there were the times when, after a day of witnessing on foot, we returned to camp to find several people waiting to receive first aid because there were no doctors or clinics in the area. But above all, we remember the love of our fellow Christians and their appreciation for the arrangement that enabled us to travel to areas, sometimes very remote places, and to associate with them.

Rich Blessings Continue

My life as a servant of Jehovah has really been very rewarding and exciting, and I have had many blessings and privileges. One of these was being able to attend Gilead School a second time as a student in the 37th class. And a number of times I have been able to return to the United States and Canada to attend international assemblies. For some 20 years Marjorie and I have been serving at the Society’s branch office in Harare. During this time some of those with whom we have studied the Bible have been baptized. They, in turn, have helped still others to take their stand for Jehovah.

After many years of full-time service, I have come to appreciate more fully the counsel coming from God through his Word and the congregation of his people. Indeed, following Jehovah’s direction brings rich blessings.​—Proverbs 10:22.

[Picture on page 28]

Our first Kingdom Hall in Jasper, Alberta, Canada

[Picture on page 29]

My “office” as a district overseer in Africa

Questions From Readers

◼ If the child of a congregation elder is guilty of serious wrongdoing, does that automatically disqualify the father from being an elder?

A brother is not ‘automatically disqualified’ from serving as an elder if his minor son or daughter has some serious difficulty. All the factors involved need to be considered in determining whether he qualifies.

Titus 1:6 says that an elder should be “free from accusation,” “having believing children that were not under a charge of debauchery nor unruly.” (Compare 1 Timothy 3:4.) Jehovah’s Witnesses hold to that standard.

Accordingly, The Watchtower of September 1, 1983, made the point that an elder needs to put forth balanced effort to provide for the emotional and spiritual needs of his family, his wife and any children that they have. A man’s being negligent in this regard would likely have a detrimental effect on them. When a child’s spiritual and disciplinary needs are not cared for, he or she may fail to progress spiritually and may get involved in serious wrongdoing. This would disqualify the negligent father from serving the congregation as an appointed elder, for, as 1 Timothy 3:5 says: “If indeed any man does not know how to preside over his own household, how will he take care of God’s congregation?”

A lengthier discussion of this is found on pages 31, 32 of The Watchtower of February 1, 1978. It showed why all the factors involved must be considered. For example, one elder regularly studied the Bible with his five children, shared in recreation, took them to Christian meetings and in other normal ways strove to fulfill his responsibilities as a Christian father. Four of the children did very well, but one son constantly was a problem, in time succumbing to sin. That would not necessarily disqualify the father from being an elder if he still had the congregation’s respect.

The congregation may know that a brother did all that reasonably might be expected of a Christian father in caring for his family, whether he had one child or many. So if a child went bad, they may not feel that this was the father’s fault. They may appreciate that the deflections of Judas Iscariot and the angel who became Satan are not to be blamed on Jesus or Jehovah. It is vital that a brother serving as an elder continue to have the high respect of the congregation so that all can accept his Bible-based counsel and, having observed how his general conduct turns out, can imitate his faith.​—Hebrews 13:7.

◼ Could a Christian accept a bone-marrow transplant, since blood is made in the marrow?

Doctors perform most bone-marrow transplants by withdrawing some marrow from a donor (often a near relative) and then injecting or transfusing it into the sick patient. They hope that the marrow graft will reach the patient’s marrow cavities and later function normally. Usually this procedure is considered only in critical cases (such as aplastic anemia or acute leukemia) for there are acknowledged hazards in preparing a person for a marrow graft and in treating him afterward.

As the question itself notes, red blood cells are formed in the marrow of certain bones such as the ribs, sternum and pelvic bones. Hence, it is understandable why, in the light of the Bible’s prohibition on blood, the question arises whether a Christian could accept a graft of human bone marrow.

The Bible states clearly that God’s servants must ‘abstain from blood.’ (Acts 15:28, 29; Deuteronomy 12:15, 16) But, since red cells originate in the red bone marrow, do the Scriptures class marrow with blood? No. In fact, animal marrow is spoken of like any other flesh that could be eaten. Isaiah 25:6 says that God will prepare for his people a banquet that includes “well-oiled dishes filled with marrow.” Normal slaughtering and drainage procedures never drain all blood cells from the marrow. Yet once a carcass is drained, then any of the tissue may be eaten, including the marrow.

Of course, marrow used in human marrow transplants is from live donors, and the withdrawn marrow may have some blood with it. Hence, the Christian would have to resolve for himself whether​—to him—​the bone-marrow graft would amount to simple flesh or would be unbled tissue. Additionally, since a marrow graft is a form of transplant, the Scriptural aspects of human organ transplants should be considered. See “Questions From Readers” in our issue of March 15, 1980. Finally, writing in Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine (Update I, 1981, page 138), Dr. D. E. Thomas observes that “virtually all marrow transplant recipients will require platelet transfusions” and many are given “packed red blood cells.” So the Christian should consider what additional issues he would have to face if he submitted to a marrow transplant.​—Proverbs 22:3.

Though a personal decision has to be made on this matter, the Bible’s comments about blood and marrow should help the individual to decide.

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