Make Sure of the More Important Things (w13 4/15 p. 22)
Do Not Tire Out (w13 4/15 p. 27)
These two articles seem to be published with the goal of encouraging continued support and obedience to those leading us today. Consider this statement from paragraph 11:
“How do we demonstrate our support for the arrangements made by Jehovah’s organization? One important way is by always putting our confidence in the ones whom Jehovah and Jesus are trusting to lead us in our preaching work.”
Let’s be clear before we get underway. The various members of this forum have no problem supporting those taking the lead whether it be in the preaching work, regular attendance at and participation in meetings, or following their administrative direction so that the work is carried out smoothly and harmoniously. However, it is becoming increasingly evident that more than that is being demanded of us.
Consider the foregoing article excerpt. How does that pair up with what Psalm 146:3 says? “Do not put YOUR trust in nobles, Nor in the son of earthling man, to whom no salvation belongs.” We are talking about our salvation here, are we not? Is there some special exception to this divine command when dealing with the men of the Governing Body? Pause for a moment, open your copy of the Watchtower Library program and do a search on “trust” and “confidence”. Scan every occurrence of these words in the Christian Scriptures and see if you can find any text that contradicts the direction found at Psalm 146:3.
On what basis can any man or group of men claim that Jehovah and Jesus are putting trust in them? You will notice that no Scriptural reference is provided to support this statement, simply because none exists.
What does the Bible actually counsel us to do with regard to those taking the lead? It says that we are to “contemplate how their conduct turns out,” and then based on that, we are to “imitate their faith.” Nothing there about trusting them willy-nilly, is there? They have to prove themselves to us by their conduct, and after observing them and seeing the right fruits, we then, and only then, are to imitate their faith. Not give them unconditional obedience. No. Imitate their faith.
Those at the highest levels of the “organization”, perhaps with the best of intentions, have let us down on numerous occasions. There are just too many prophetic and interpretive failures to list here. But we can overlook all that as the failings of imperfect men. At least, we can if they do not demand of us our unconditional obedience and unflagging trust.
We used to refer to the brotherhood in general and the leadership specifically as “the society”. Elders would say, “Well, the direction of the society is…” meaning the direction from the Governing body or the branch office. Not too long ago that term was deprecated and we were told that the more proper term would be the Christian Congregation. Branch letterhead was changed to read “Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” If you still have your Watchtower Library program open, do a search on “Christian” and another on “congregation”. You get a number of hits in the Bible, particularly on “congregation”. Now do a search on “organization”. Not a single hit in the Holy Scriptures. The word is not used anywhere by Bible writers. However, these two articles alone use it 48 times. “Christian congregation” makes a single appearance, but only because the article is referring to the first century congregation.
Okay, you might say, the word is not there, but the concept certainly is. Ah, but we are not referring in these articles—and elsewhere in our publications—to the concept of organization. Any logical person will readily admit that people need to be organized to accomplish anything worthwhile. No, the term is used by us to refer to something else. What we mean is “organized religion”; specifically our organized religion. When we say “Jehovah’s earthly organization”, we mean the religious entity that is Jehovah’s Witnesses with all its administrative structure and leadership hierarchy as depicted graphically in the last article of this issue.
As proof that this is Jehovah’s organization—as distinct from Jehovah’s people or congregation—we have advanced the concept that Ezekiel’s vision depicting God’s Celestial Chariot is actually a representation of his heavenly organization. Then we extrapolate that since there is a heavenly organization, there must also be an earthly one. Then we conclude that Jehovah is directing his earthly organization.
Congregation, people, organization…are we not just talking about the same thing? Not really. The congregation is headed up by Christ. He is the head, not of the Governing Body, but of the man. (1 Cor. 11:3) That is the spiritual arrangement. God, Christ, man, woman. There is no six-part hierarchy depicted anywhere in the Bible such as you will find on page 29 of the April 15, 2013 Watchtower. That works fine if we limit things to an administrative role, but once we cross the line to spiritual leadership, it breaks down because one is our leader, the Christ. (Mt. 23:10)
By focusing on the organization, not the people or congregation, we focus on the ones who do the organizing, the leaders.
But what about Ezekiel’s vision? Doesn’t that depict Jehovah’s heavenly organization? Maybe, maybe not. Certainly, the Governing Body interprets it that way. But there is nothing in the biblical account itself that says so. In addition, Ezekiel doesn't say anything about Jehovah riding in a chariot. In fact, the whole “Celestial Chariot” idea is more reminiscent of pagan mythology than of anything found in scripture. (For more information see Origins of the Celestial Chariot.) We are free to accept the official interpretation, of course, but that would constitute an admission of belief that the Governing Body has special knowledge to which you and I do not have access. Their rocky record, however, shows this cannot be true. That is not a criticism, it's a historical reality.
Paragraph 7 of the first article gives yet another example of a alarming tendency of late to get loosey-goosey with the application of Scripture. It says, “Daniel also saw “someone like a son of man,” Jesus, being given oversight of the earthly part of Jehovah’s organization.” Really? That is what Daniel is depicting here? Daniel 7:13, 14 shows Jesus being enthroned over all things, after the fourth and final beast is destroyed. (vs. 11) That hasn’t happened yet, but we claim this shows Jesus heading up the organization. We love truth, do we not? We serve the God of truth. (Ps. 31:5) Any flagrant misapplication of Scripture should disturb us.
Let us conclude with the illustration on page 29 of the magazine. The illustrations in the publications are given much thought and reviewed by all the Governing Body, we are told. This one depicts what we claim is God’s celestial chariot, his heavenly organization over the earthly part of his organization. Notice the detail. If you use a magnifying glass, you can actually identify every member of the current Governing Body. Not since the days of Rutherford have we given such prominence to men. But something is missing. Where is the head of the “organization”? How could they have overlooked Jesus Christ in this illustration?
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Comment by apollos0falexandria on 2013-06-26 12:12:32
"How could they have overlooked Jesus Christ in this illustration?"
That was the first thing I noticed when I saw this picture.
The second thing was the chair hierarchy. The higher up in the organization you are, the nicer the chair you get :)
Good article. Thanks for this.Reply by Vassy on 2013-06-27 02:21:02
OH, BROTHER, YOU ARE SO RIGHT!!!
Comment by miken on 2013-06-26 12:15:21
Leaving Jesus Christ out of the illustration on page 29 is no problem for the Governing Body as they have now substituted themselves for Christ. The following quotations substantiate this:-
The Faithful Slave is the channel through which Jesus is feeding his true followers at this time of the end. It is vital that we recognize the Faithful Slave. Our spiritual health and our relationship with God depend on this channel. Matt 4:4; John 17:3.
Watchtower July 15, 2013, page 20, paragraph
The other sheep should never forget that their salvation depends on their active support of Christ's anointed brothers still on earth.
Watchtower March 15, 2012, page 20, paragraph 2.
Through the new covenant, Jehovah makes blessings available to many by means of a few. Those in the covenant are few, 144,000 Through them, (FDS class, now the Governing Body), millions from all nations will be blessed with everlasting life on an earthly paradise......
Watchtower March 1st, 2012, page 17, section 3.
We need to obey the Faithful and Discreet Slave to have Jehovah's approval.
Watchtower July 15, 2011, page 24.
Among those "gifts in men" are the members of the Governing Body, who act in a representative way for the entire Christian congregation, (Acts 15: 2, 6). In fact, our attitude towards Christ's spiritual brothers is a major factor that will determine how we will be judged in the coming great tribulation, (Matt 25:34-40). Thus one aspect of the way we gain a blessing is by giving our loyal support to God's anointed ones.
Watchtower December 15, 2010, page 20, paragrap19.
The anointed and their other sheep companions recognize that by following the lead of the modern-day Governing Body, they are in fact following their leader Christ.
Watchtower September 15, 2010, page 23, paragraph 8.
The Governing Body publishes spiritually encouraging literature in many languages. This spiritual food is based on God's Word. Thus, what is taught is not from men but from Jehovah - Isa 54:13w
Watchtower September 15, 2010, page 13, paragraph 8.
We cannot hope to acquire a good relationship with Jehovah if we ignore those whom Jesus has appointed to care for his belongings. Without the assistance of the "faithful and discreet slave" (now an 8 man Governing Body), we would neither understand the full import of what we read in God's Word nor know how to apply it. (Matt 24:45-47).
Watchtower September 15, 2010. page 8, paragraph 7.
So the last quotation negates John 14:26, James 1:5 and 1John 2:27
Members of the Governing Body are required to be spiritually anointed and as quoted above demand obedience and yet we have the following from them:-
However, Christians who have truly received this anointing do not demand special attention. They do not believe their being of the anointed gives then special insights beyond what even some experienced members of the "great crowd" may have (Rev 7:9). They do not believe that they have necessarily have more holy spirit that their companions of the "other sheep" have. They do not expect special treatment; nor do they claim that their partaking of the emblems places them above the appointed elders in the congregation.
Watchtower June 15, 2009, pages 23-24, paragraph 16.
Clearly the Governing Body excludes itself from the last quotation.
Jesus clearly stated that he was the way, the truth and the life and nobody could come to the Father except through him (John 14:6), so what will be our choice John 14:6, Acts 4:12 or Psalm 146:3?Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2013-06-26 14:16:47
Thanks for the research, Miken. It makes it clear how much the Governing Body is presuming to take upon itself.
Reply by apollos0falexandria on 2013-06-26 15:14:34
Miken,
Whilst I do not disagree with everything you've said, the allegation that they are substituting for Christ is not in itself unscriptural.
(2 Corinthians 5:20) We are therefore ambassadors substituting for Christ, as though God were making entreaty through us. As substitutes for Christ we beg: “Become reconciled to God.”
As long as Christ is kept firmly in the picture then as humans we should all be substituting for him as his representatives. It is only when role of Jesus is replaced, as opposed to simply being represented, that there is a problem. Many of the quotes that you've used could be interpreted as representation rather than replacement. But it seems to be a fine line, and really there should be no doubt in the mind of a Christian that any representative of Christ is not overstepping the mark. It is inconceivable that anyone thought that Paul was in some way out to replace Christ (modern critics notwithstanding).
Apollos
Comment by on 2013-06-26 13:58:12
My take on the illustration and the lack of Jesus presence therein is that it is just another example of the continuing downplaying of Jesus’ role in our Christian worship. I think what the GB is doing by leaving Jesus out of the picture of Jehovah’s organization is a subliminal way of continuing their efforts to lead the “rank and file” (their term) witness to understand that Jesus is not their mediator and that we must look to the GB to intercede between Jehovah and the “other sheep.” This trend to undermine our relationship with our Lord Christ Jesus has been noticeable in recent years, although I’m sure if you would ask the average witness if Jesus is their mediator they would answer yes. We are all familiar with the scripture at 1 Timothy 2:5,6 which says: 5”For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all…” What the GB is doing today in my opinion is undermining the true meaning of the Scriptures. I was reading 1 Corinthians chapter 3 last night and I think these verses can be applied to the so called “wise men” on the GB who think they can subvert Jehovah’s purposes: “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are worthless.” 21No one, then should boast about what men can do. Actually everything belongs to you”: 22Paul, Apollos, and Peter; this world, life and death, the present and the future – all these are yours, 23and you belong to Christ, and the Christ belongs to God.”
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2013-06-26 14:20:30
Good point. We condemn Christendom for eliminating Jehovah's name and focusing all their attention on Jesus, but are we in danger of going the other direction. Jesus' role is vital. I wonder, if we hadn't taken the liberty of inserting Jehovah in all those places in the Christian Greek Scriptures where the manuscripts say "Lord", might we have arrived at a slightly different picture of Jesus than we now have?
Comment by vascagase on 2013-06-26 14:26:34
Reading the above posts it becomes clear that the WT org. is a falsehood....There end will be fulfilled as Deut. 18:20 states emphatically.....
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2013-06-26 14:48:44
A sobering thought, but let's leave the final judgment to God.
Reply by junachin on 2013-06-28 23:40:11
There are quite a few things that could stand to be revised or changed, that's for sure, but there's also a worldwide brotherhood that, though not perfect, can't be denied. Scriptures like James 1:27 and John 13:35 put greater emphasis on love than on doctrinal accuracy. I'm not saying that the latter is unimportant, but it would appear to be less important than the former. Jehovah's Witnesses must be doing something right to forged something like a global family that crosses national and cultural boundaries. So let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater.
Reply by vascagase on 2013-06-29 00:22:55
So true Junachin, looking after the orphans, widows, the needy, those suffering need, the indigent, victims of war ,even just the basic needs of food, clothing, shelter ect. is pure worship that is acceptable. And whats the motivating factor?...Love...Remember! We dedicated our lives to God, not to false dieties
Reply by vascagase on 2013-06-29 01:36:59
Forgot to mention. Love transcends cultures, borders ect. worldwide. But this isn't unique with JWs as they want people to think. I've traveled to distant places and seen first hand genuine love and kindness extented to strangers. They believe in God, the One and Only. Brotherhood is natural not just in faith, but with a view to humanity....
Reply by apollos0falexandria on 2013-06-29 07:01:26
I followed a false diety once. I put on so much weight.
Reply by vascagase on 2013-06-29 10:16:53
apollos, you put on so much weight. humm. too many sweets?
Comment by Kyp on 2013-06-26 14:53:01
But, to be fair and honest, there is no 'Son of man' in Ezekiel 1. This might be the simple reason why there's no Jesus in that illustration either, isn't it?
Reply by apollos0falexandria on 2013-06-26 15:04:50
Not good enough for me I'm afraid Kyp.
There is no GB in Ezek 1. There is no "angel in midheaven" in Ezek 1. There is no branch committee in Ezek 1. There are no travelling overseers in Ezek 1. There are no ...
I think you might get my point by now.
ApollosReply by Kyp on 2013-06-26 15:50:56
Well, you have Ez 1 above and our organisational (based on interpretations and human reasoning) structure below in this picture. I think you can't blame the GB for not-adding something to Ez 1. The angel, that you interpret as the midheaven one, could be just one of the Ez 1 angles.
You know, I love the awakening withing our organization that one can observe right now and of which you are a important part of, but hey: We have to be aware of exaggeration whenever a thing can be explained by the bible.Reply by apollos0falexandria on 2013-06-26 16:04:14
"The angel, that you interpret as the midheaven one, could be just one of the Ez 1 angles."
I don't think so Kyp. Which verse of Ez 1 (or 10) are you referring to? The 4 winged cherubs are depicted in gold in the picture. There are no other angels in Ezekiel's vision. The heavenly part of the picture is a composite that includes many other angels and I think it would be hard to deny that the big white one must be the angel in midheaven given his positioning.
No, everything is depicted in heaven and on earth, except for Jesus Christ.
But if there are parts of Ezekiel's heavenly vision that you think I am missing, please provide the references.
Apollos
Comment by Steve on 2013-06-26 18:28:58
The GoverningBody DIDNOT overlook Jesus what so ever Don't fool yourself!!!
Comment by Harrison Webster on 2013-06-28 03:47:08
I have long thought that Hebrews 13v7, taken in context, can only apply to the Elders and other fine Christians, e.g some sisters, who take the lead in our own Congregations.
It is obvious that the writer of Hebrews exhorts us to follow the lead and example of people who we know well, and who know us.
So, this scripture would not apply to the relationship between the Governing Body and Elders, the GB do not know the fine Elders in my Congregation, many who have served for over 40 years and have generations of fine offspring also serving, but these people are not personally known to the Governing Body.
These good people also do not personally know the Governing Body, so cannot "contemplate" their conduct.
Thank you for the article, and to all who commented, after reading the above, verse 8 of Hebrews 13 resounds:
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever"
It is our true Leader's example and conduct we should contemplate and follow.Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2013-06-28 06:06:30
Thank you, Harrison. Most insightful. The thought that this text could apply to women in the congregation hadn't occurred to me--which highlights yet another drawback of our male-centric cultural thinking. I also appreciate that the scripture requires the Christian to be in a position to observe the conduct of those taking the lead, something we cannot really do with regard to the members of the Governing Body.
Comment by smolderingwick1 on 2013-06-28 05:08:27
I have no doubt that should Jesus arrive today, his words of Matthew 23 would begin something like this:
“The members of the Governing Body have seated themselves in the throne of Christ. Therefore all the things they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds, for they say but do not perform. They bind up heavy loads and put them upon the shoulders of men, but they themselves are not willing to budge them with their finger. All the works they do they do to be viewed by men; for they broaden their scriptural interpretations, publishing them as safeguards while enlarging their applications, including their prophetic fulfillments upon themselves."Reply by vascagase on 2013-06-29 03:23:31
smolderingwick1, So true!!!.... Matt 7:15-23 also is a warning to all honest people...After 35 years as a JW and not a born in...it blows my mind I believed such nonsense...Thank God for the internet...ignorance is not bliss, its dangerous!!
Comment by Urbanus on 2013-06-28 05:50:30
Two are two possible forms of religious organization: 1) the congregation arrangement or 2) an ecclesiastical hierarchy.
When I was appointed as an elder by the recommendation of my fellow elders and congregation some four decades ago, Jehovah's Witnesses were congregations. Most owned their own property and building for worship, either as ecclesiastical corporations or trusteeships. Yes, there was a central headquarters, and the "Society" provided literature and guidance. But the congregation was what Jesus and the holy spirit directed, in the manner seen in Acts and Revelation.
But in December of 1975, a clear shifting of gears began to transform Jehovah's Witnesses into an ecclesiastical hierarchy, with a governing body in control of all thought, action, property and initiative - much like the "Society of Jesus" - the Jesuits.
Today even minor decisions for adjustments and maintenance await the decision from above - and I don't mean heaven. At least with the Jesuits, Jesus is in the picture. With the current 'tower, no so much.Reply by miken on 2013-06-28 10:36:58
The November 1st, 1946 Watchtower on page 330 was critical of ecclesiastical hierarchies in the article entitled Let God Prove to be True. That critical position did not last for long so now we are a prime example of that which was criticized in 1946.
Comment by crazyguy on 2013-06-29 19:40:19
Paul said not to become 'slaves of men'. With the GB teaching that we the rank and file are not under the New Covenant and are not Mediated by Christ then theres only one conclusion to draw. The GB have also said in plain and simple english in their writings ' we must follow them 'professed only anointed ones' and we must do what they say in order to gain salvation and live in to the kingdom of God.
Comment by emilyjeff on 2013-07-01 18:12:07
I thought that the following quotes from the Watchtower of May 1,1981 and from a book written by Raymond Franz, a former member of the GB, had a bearing on this discussion. I will leave it up to the discretion of the reader to decide what conclusions can be drawn.
“Which Organization—Jehovah’s or Satan’s?
Choose for yourselves today whom you will serve.”—Josh. 24:15
.
TODAY the choice is between the two biggest organizations in existence. Historically, this is nothing new, but today the need for making the right choice is more urgent than ever before. Two thousand years ago a historical person, whose decision on the question would carry the greatest consequences for all the universe, was faced with the need to make such a choice.
2 Two witnesses to this fact, two searchers for the historical facts, namely, Matthew Levi, a former tax collector, and Luke, a physician, give us the testimony establishing the truth of it. The historical person upon whom the eyes of the whole universe were then focused was Jesus Christ of the Middle East. Matthew Levi tells us that Satan the Devil “showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, and he said to him: ‘All these things I will give you if you fall down and do an act of worship to me.’” Jesus did not dispute Satan’s claim to the organized world, but he unhesitatingly rejected Satan’s offer. (Matt. 4:8-10) Jesus refused to desert the organization to which he already belonged and make himself a part of Satan’s organization.” Watchtower May 1,1981 page 12
“The Bible text itself focuses on “whom you will serve,” and the context shows that in Joshua’s day the issue was loyalty to a PERSON, Jehovah God, choosing between Him and false gods. But the Watchtower article immediately begins: Today the choice is between the two biggest organizations in existence.
In a sort of intellectual “shell game,” the person is subtly replaced by an organization as the crux of the issue. Then in the second paragraph, Jesus is represented as having to choose between two opposing organizations as to his loyalty. Mathew 4:8-10 is cited in support. But only a fragment of these verses is quoted and none of the responses that Jesus gave to Satan are included. This is a case of suppression of unfavorable evidence, since in them Christ Jesus plainly showed that his concern was for loyalty, not to an organization, but to a PERSON, his heavenly Father, God. His responses were, as presented in the New World Translation – Man must live not on bread alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah’s mouth.” In Search of Christian Freedom by Ray Franz, pages 456,457
Comment by hezekiah1 on 2013-07-02 22:20:23
Thanks Meleti for a fine article. When i first started to read these articles, it thought it was going to deal with something important like the preaching work, or the need for endurance. Yet once again the GB has turned a legitimate subject for study, into a reminder to be obedient to them and to make sure i remember my salvation depends on it.
Disappointing.
Comment by Andronicus on 2013-08-06 11:42:41
Excellent article. I think an alternative title would be, "Corporation vs. Congregation", as Jesus appears to have become the incidental by product of the "organization".
Comment by Samaritan Woman on 2013-11-09 09:58:28
I have been lurking on this site for quite awhile and for a long time the doubts I had made me question whether I really believed in God and his concern for me. This article helped me to put words to what I had felt for a long time and I thank you for it and the other comments and posts here. It is difficult to continue at times knowing there are others is a great comfort,.
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2013-11-09 13:41:51
I am truly happy to hear that this site has provided the encouragement you need. I hope you will continue to share your thoughts and insights with us.
Your brother,
Meleti
Comment by Midweek Meeting Comments – Jan. 20, 2014 | Beroean Pickets on 2014-01-20 06:05:28
[…] 18 – “Ezekiel was given a vision of Jehovah’s heavenly organization, which he saw was as a vast celestial chariot.” We’ve already dealt with this topic […]
Comment by Are We Apostates? | Beroean Pickets on 2014-05-22 00:08:39
[…] Jehovah does not have an organization on earth today and its Governing Body is not being directed by […]