[This post was contributed by Alex Rover]
Some leaders are exceptional human beings, with a powerful presence, one inspiring of confidence. We are naturally drawn to exceptional people: tall, successful, well spoken, good looking.
Recently, a visiting Jehovah’s Witness sister (let’s call her Petra) from a Spanish congregation asked my opinion about the current Pope. I could sense an undertone of admiration for the man, and keeping in mind that she used to be Catholic, I sensed the true issue at hand.
The current Pope may well be such an exceptional person—a reformer with an apparent love for Christ. It would be only natural then that she feel an ounce of nostalgia for her former religion and inquired about him.
Spontaneously, 1 Samuel 8 came to my mind, where Israel asks Samuel to give them a king to lead them. I read verse 7 to her where Jehovah responded firmly: “It is not you [Samuel] whom they have rejected, but it is I whom they have rejected as their king”. – 1 Samuel 8:7
The people of Israel may not have had the intention to abandon worship to Jehovah as their God, but they wanted a visible king like the nations; one who would judge them and fight their battles for them.
The lesson is clear: no matter how exceptional human leadership may be, the desire for a human leader is tantamount to rejection of Jehovah as our sovereign ruler.
Jesus: King of Kings
Israel had its share of kings throughout history, but finally Jehovah showed mercy and installed a king with an everlasting mandate on the throne of David.
Jesus Christ is by any measure the most charismatic, confidence-inspiring, powerful, loving, just, kind, and meek man to have ever lived. In the complete sense of the word, he can also be termed the most handsome of any son of Adam. (Psalm 45:2) The Scriptures name Jesus the ‘King of kings’ (Revelation 17:14, 1 Timothy 6:15, Matthew 28:18). He is the ultimate and best King we could ever desire. If we look to replace him, it is a double act of betrayal to Jehovah. First, we would reject Jehovah as King as did Israel. Second, we would reject the king Jehovah gave us!
It is our Heavenly Father’s desire that in Jesus’ name every knee shall bend and every tongue shall openly acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the Father’s glory (2 Philippians 2:9-11).
Do Not Boast In Men
Looking back, I am glad Petra didn’t stop her questions at the Pope. I nearly fell off my chair when she continued to ask me about how I would feel in the presence of a member of the Governing Body.
I immediately responded: “Not any different or more privileged than I feel in the presence of the brothers and sisters at our Kingdom hall!” Consequently, I looked up the passage in 1 Corinthians 3:21-23, “…let no one boast in men… you belong to Christ; Christ, in turn, belongs to God”; and Matthew 23:10, “Neither be called leaders, for your leader is one, the Christ”.
If we have but ‘one’ leader, it means our leader is a single entity, not a group. If we follow Christ, then we cannot look to any brother or man on earth as our leader, for that would mean rejecting Christ as our sole leader.
Petra’s mother—also a witness—was nodding in agreement the whole time. And taking it one step further, I said: “Didn’t you hear that the Governing Body themselves have said that they are fellow domestics? On what basis then, could we treat these brothers as more special than others?”
Jehovah’s Witnesses Are Asking for a King
It is most interesting how the human mind works. Once the defensive walls are brought down, the floodgates open. Petra went on to tell me a personal experience. Last year, a member of the Governing Body spoke at the Spanish District convention she attended. She went on to recall how afterward the audience kept applauding for minutes. According to her, it became so uncomfortable that the brother had to leave the stage, and even then, the applause still continued.
This bothered her conscience, she explained. She told me that at one point she stopped clapping, because she felt it was tantamount to—and here she used a Spanish word—“veneración”. As a woman from a Catholic background, there is no misunderstanding the import of this. “Veneration” is a word used in conjunction with the Saints, demonstrating honor and reverence to an extent one step beneath adoration which is due to God alone. The Greek word proskynesis quite literally means “kissing in the presence [of]” a superior being; acknowledging the recipient’s divinity and the giver’s submissive humility. [i]
Can you picture a stadium filled with thousands of people performing an act of veneration to a man? Can we imagine these same individuals calling themselves Jehovah’s people? Yet this is exactly what is happening before our eyes. Jehovah’s Witnesses are asking for a king.
The Consequences of What’s Being Published
I have not shared with you the full story on how my conversation with Petra initially came about. It actually started with another question. She asked me: “Will this be our last memorial”? Petra went on to reason: “Why else would they write that”? And her belief was reinforced by the brother at the memorial talk last week who said something to the tune that the recent rise in anointed proves that the 144,000 are nearly sealed. (Revelation 7:3)
I reasoned with her from the Scriptures and helped her come to her own conclusion about this topic, but what it illustrates are the consequence of what’s being written in our publications. What effect does the current spiritual food have on the congregations? Not all Jehovah’s servants are blessed with a large amount of knowledge and experience. This was a very sincere, but average sister from a Spanish congregation.
As to the veneration of the Faithful Slave, I am a personal witness to this. In my own congregation, I count more mention of these men than of Jesus. In prayers, elders and circuit overseers thank the ‘Slave Class’ for their direction and their food more often than they thank our true leader, the Logos himself, the Lamb of God.
I beg to ask, did these men claiming to be the Faithful Slave spill their blood for us so we might live? Do they deserve more mention of praise than the only begotten Son of God who gave his life and blood for us?
What has caused these changes in our brothers? Why did this member of the Governing Body have to leave the stage before the applause was complete? It is a consequence of what they are teaching in the publications. One only has to take a look at the endless stream of reminders about loyalty and obedience to the organization and the ‘Slave Class’ over the past months in our Watchtower study articles.
Standing on the Rock at Horeb
I can only imagine what kind of ‘veneration’ all this will invoke this coming summer, when the Governing Body will speak directly to the crowds, be it in person or through video projector systems.
Gone are the days when these brothers were unknown to us; virtually anonymous. I hope that this summer I will still be able to recognize the religion I grew up in. But we are not naïve. We’re already witnessing the consequences of our latest writings in the attitudes of many of our dear brothers and sisters.
All hope now lies squarely in the hands of the Governing Body. When undue praise does occur, will they firmly correct the audience, say it is improper and redirect praise to our true King? (John 5:19, 5:30, 6:38, 7:16-17, 8:28, 8:50, 14:10, 14:24)
This summer, the Governing Body will address the nation of Jehovah. They will stand on a figurative rock at Horeb. There will be those they consider as rebels in the audience; murmurers . It is obvious from the material in The Watchtower that the Governing Body is growing increasingly impatient with such ones! Will they attempt to silence these by trying to provide their version of ‘waters of life’, truth from the ‘faithful slave’?
Either way, we are likely to witness an historic event in the history of Jehovah’s Witnesses at this year’s district conventions.
As a closing thought, I will share a symbolic drama. Please follow along in your Bible at Numbers 20:8-12:
Write a letter to the congregations and call them together for an international convention, and say that many Scriptural truths will be discussed, and that the brothers and sisters will be refreshed along with their households.
So the Faithful and Discrete Slave Class prepared the talk material, just as Jehovah commanded to give food at the proper time. Then the Governing Body called upon the congregations at the international convention and said: “Hear, now, you rebel apostates! Must we produce living water, new truth for you from God’s Word?”
With that the Governing Body members lifted their hands up and struck the audience with awe as they released new publications, and the brothers and sisters and their households broke out in a thundering applause and gave thanks.
Jehovah later said to the Faithful Slave: “Because you did not show faith in me and sanctify me before the eyes of the people of Jehovah, you will not bring the congregation into the land that I will give them.”
May this never come true! As one associating with Jehovah’s Witnesses, it truly saddens me that this is the path we are on. I do not seek new waters as proof, I seek a return to the love of Christ as early bible students had. And so I pray that Jehovah can soften their heart before it is too late.
___________________________________
[i] 2013, Matthew L. Bowen, Studies in the Bible and Antiquity 5:63-89.
[…] “We are determined to be loyal to Jehovah and to his organization. This organization has never disappointed us and always gives us an abundance of pure waters of truth from God’s Word.” (ws11 7/15 p.12 par. 8; compare subheading: Standing On the Rock At Horeb) […]
[…] [iv] 1 Samuel 8:19; see also “They Asked for a King”. […]
To Observer17: First off thank you for the reply. However, you really did not tell me anything that I did not already know and have researched myself. But the fact still remains that I have not seen: 1) Incontrovertible evidence, which means not open to question. And/or 2) Indisputable proof, meaning impossible to question or doubt. That the GB are Jehovah God’s Channel of communication on earth today. This is the kind of evidence/proof Jehovah provided to his earthly spokesman in the past. So this is the kind of proof Jehovah and/or Jesus would provide for his channel of communication… Read more »
I read a great article about how Jehovah never asked for a temple; One that really opened my eyes! after more than 20 years inside the wt .. and it’s only almost a year ago ..Jesus is truly leading his people out in the wilderness…but I guess, each one of us has to take the leap ..and that’s easier said tham done .. http://www.blogger.com/profile/13281232149590681155
Thank you all for the speed of your replies, the obvious Christian love, the loving kindness displayed. I read these replies with tears in my eyes, and deep gratitude in my heart because you all genuinely care, and I thank you. I will take your words to heart and apply them. I’m going over to YouTube right now and view that video. Again, thank you so much family.
Agape!
Silvertop
Its so sad isnt it silvertop that we feel we have to make these type of decisions The brothers seem to quote hebrews 10 do not forsake the gathering of yourselves together but fail to see that the reason is to encourage one another to love and fine works .Sometimes we can feel like elIjah did among a nation that had turned to pagan worship . Jehovah am i the only one left . But you and your husband are not the only ones who feel the same way its suprising you may find others even local to you want… Read more »
Hi SilverTop. There are many who feel the same way like you. It’s great your husband does feels same like you ,some of us are not that lucky and it’s not good position to by in. All congregations are not same , for example in my cong we look after each other. Congregations of Jw around the Earth are full of good christians. But we are all under direction of the organisation who claims to speak for God. That’s where the whole problem lies. Whether this claim is true or false is important question that needs to be answered. Please… Read more »
Just want to say I agree with the thoughts here. For years I’ve kept my fears, thoughts, and doubts to myself, but with each passing week, it has become more apparent what I have to do. My husband and I have decided to “fade”, which is actually quite easy to do as in our congregation, we could probably fall down dead in the back of the Kingdom Hall, and no one would notice. (sigh) So much for Christian love. Only problem is having a social life, friends, etc…We currently live in Southwest Louisiana. I don’t want to give any more… Read more »
SilverTop, I think it’s natural to feel this way. I have a different experience. I have been for 20 years out of touch with the congregation and upon a conversation with a family member of mine, whom I respect very much, who insisted that I should give myself a chance and come back to the meetings, I restarted attending the meetings. After all, he’s such an intelligent and good person, he can’t be wrong. Besides, some of other members in my family are JW’s. I also had deep trouble with my conscience all these years for being out of touch… Read more »
I understand your doubts. Having been raised a JW and served loyally all my life, I’ve experienced the power of decades of indoctrination. One thing to keep in mind are these words: (Hebrews 6:10, 11) 10 For God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name by ministering and continuing to minister to the holy ones. 11 But we desire each one of you to show the same industriousness so as to have the full assurance of the hope down to the end. . . The organization would have us believe they have identified the… Read more »
Amen Meleti….. excellent post. SilverTop I feel your struggle dear sister. My personal struggle has been similar. Until the last year or so I managed to keep the results of several years of prayerful examination of each and every one of our teachings close to the vest (between my wife and myself), but in the last year I have found it increasingly more difficult to remain silent. We have a very active social life within our witness circle, and I find myself “slipping” (expressing my personal views) more often. Emails I’ve sent to JW buddies I grew up with (all… Read more »
To Anonymous : it happens, Acts 2 ; the problem is that as jws we’ve learned that these things doesn’t happen, That’s why jws and even former jws do not talk about it Maybe there is a change in that now ..at least outside the wt.’For as lightning flashes ‘cross the sky from the east to the west; that’s how you’ll the Son of Man is nearby..yes, the vultures will gather at the carcass’ Matt 24:27, 28.
that’s how you’ll now that the Son of Man is nearby
this time I forgot a k;(lo) that’s how you KNOW that the Son of Man is nearby ….
I like your article n felt the same way too. We had only recently dissociated after 20 yrs as JW.
There is a big element
of self-deception and
self-delusion involved
in this type of
blindness. Yes I agree. Is there any cure for this kind of blindness?
Yes, Jesus had it. However, it’s like the old joke about how many psychiatrists are needed to change a light bulb. Answer: Only one, but the light bulb has to really want to change.
“Great video on You Tube by Peter Gregerson explains well why the fds appointment in 1919/18 is a deception on us rank & file and proves that they have no authority whatsoever over us. http://youtu.be/or72IKBkmHM”
For definitive proof they were not chosen in 1919 see Don Cameron’s book Captives of a Concept, the most important publication written on the 1919 claim.
http://captivesofaconcept.com/AboutTheBook.html
Alex Rover, I say this with a heavy heart brother, You Speak the Truth! There is no joy in watching the Governing Body, our brothers, men who have spent their lives in service to Jehovah, lose their spiritual sight. Their own reflection in the mirror has blinded them to their responsibility toward the sheep they have been entrusted with. It has blinded them making them forget that before Jehovah God they, and we, are nothing and all mankind should act accordingly. Without a doubt a dividing is beginning to occur and will continue to grow. The Governing Body is forcing… Read more »
search for truth, thank you for the utube link! I had read quite a bit from the finished mystery, its insane, no other words can describe it, and yet the GB view Rutherford as part of the FDS, not only that the org is based on him really his views. I found it really interesting that the claim of appointment as the FDS and master over all of Christ belongings because of their repentance to bondage of BTG a real eye opener, the Proclaimers book is lying, still believing the superior authorities for ten years after the so called repentance,… Read more »
The religious leaders that opposed and ultimately killed Jesus were neither insane or con men. They were blind guides whose blindness and pride ultimately lead to their downfall. Some started out as good men wanting only to please God. Some of them even secretly confessed Jesus. But for the majority, they became wicked after God in his mercy gave them every opportunity to repent. There is a big element of self-deception and self-delusion involved in this type of blindness.
The GB’s answer to this is that they are appointed by Jesus. And that by following them you are following Christ. “… the governing body of the “slave” class is not appointed by any man. It is appointed by the same one who appointed the twelve apostles in the first century C.E., namely, Jesus Christ the Head of the true Christian congregation and the Lord and Master of the “faithful and discreet slave” class.” – (w71 12/15, Pg. 758, A Governing Body as Different from a Legal Corporation) “Jehovah’s Witnesses recognize no human as their leader. They are not disciples… Read more »
Evidence? Ask any Jw about evidence and they will certainly tell you about the Watchtower magazine the most widely distributed magazine in the world or about more then one billion hours of preaching in the 239 lands by more the n 7 million Jw around the globe. These are impressive numbers indeed. And this is the reason why most Jw I know don’t care much about some appointment that came about nearly hundred years ago. Why should they? Look, we spread the good news like nobody else in the whole universe. They don’t care much that by this logic God… Read more »
It could be the loving provision of allowing the disabled to report their field service in 15 minute increments .Or the wonderful spiritual nourishment on offer every week . These are actual quotes from elders ive heard . Heres some more ok its not in the bible its a society rule and you either follow it or get disfellowshipped . Or you have to prove to us that you havent committed fornication is another one .also a 76 year old lady i know had an 80 year old man doing some gardening for her and made the mistake of inviting… Read more »
I need them to Show me:
Incontrovertible evidence, which means not open to question.
Indisputable proof, meaning impossible to question or doubt.
I have NOT seen this kind of proof. Surely this is the kind of proof Jehovah and/or Jesus would provide for his channel of communication on earth today.
Your dead right especially since armageddon is suppossed to be around the corner . I thought our times were a parallel of moses day Or even the first century look at acts 2 verses 17 to 22 its speaks of prophesy visions and portents . But you know what i wouldnt require any of that if what they said was in harmony with the scriptures .come some of the procedures and doctrines are blatently out of tune with scripture .thats why i have doubts .kev
Observer 17-
Hi:)
Thank you very much for your post. Very, Very interesting…..
Excellent post, Alex. It’s struck a chord, no doubt. We’ll soon see to what level this growing admiration for the Governing Body will grow as a result of this year’s conventions.
I was just reviewing the program. Part of it is the same repetitious indoctrination we’ve had for the past three and a half decades of the post-1975 era. All dos and don’ts, but no real scriptural meat. However, they are doubling down on the 1914 doctrine in a big way this year.
Thank YOU for your editing work Meleti, and for allowing me to participate on your wonderful blog.
The point which I think is so powerful in the post, is that it speaks evidence to the truth to you even if you believe with all your heart that the GB is today’s Moses.
No matter what we believe, any honest person can see the impact, the changes, the “consequences of what is written”.
My pleasure. From the responses already received and the number of views, it’s evident that you hit a chord with many readers. Quite a few of our brothers and sisters feel as you do and are concerned about the direction the Governing Body is taking.
The way this is going everybody in the organisation is going to be put under compulsion to make an open pledge of allegiance to the governing body a vow to serve them .
What you’re referring to is called an “affirmation” and it has been suggested in the past for Bethelites. Pioneers and Bethelites are already required to make an affirmation as part of the application form. To date, elders are not, though I know of two instances where an elder was required to express his acceptance of GB teaching. Elders have to demonstrate that they are fully committed to the Governing Body and all its teachings. However, a verbal affirmation is not yet a requirement, so many can continue to serve and stay under the radar. I fear that is the requirement… Read more »
Great article. I have been thinking that people always looked for “references” among humans, as a leader, role model, etc. To some extent, it’s probably a natural reaction and in particular ways, may be healthy. However, we can witness some really strange tendencies on various areas. For instance regarding the governments, I could see that the virtues are not necessarily the basis for people’s appreciation. People seem to appreciate nowadays, authoritarian and aggressive people as leaders, more than the ones showing virtues more in the direction of Jesus’ teachings. I have been shocked even, seeing that after some moral conduct… Read more »
[…] I was reading Alex Rover’s article “They Asked for a King“, my first thought was the pride and arrogance of the individuals mentioned in his post […]
Reblogged this on Make Sure of All Things and commented:
Do Jehovah’s Witnesses venerate and adore the Governing Body? Some have witnessed this on more than one occasion — so, why is this happening in the congregations? Why is it being permitted?
Alex Rover has written an excellent post on this very subject that is highly recommended for getting a better idea of what is actually taking place within the Organization right now.
I seek a return to the love of Christ as early bible students had. That’s all I wish for too. Mercy and not sacrifice. Forgiveness and not judgement. Thanks for very well written article.
Simon, Simon; Look! The Opposer has demanded to have each of you so [he can] sift you like wheat. Some of the chosen ones will be wheat – some weed. We all have to be careful whom we choose to follow (listen to) : ‘At that time, the life-saving direction that we receive from Jehovah’s organization may not appear practical from a human standpoint. All of us must be ready to obey ANY instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not’ Yes, if you show me a sound scriptural reason …..for me… Read more »
Excellent article Alex! A very accurate summery of what we are seeing today. I remember growing up, having no knowledge of who the governing body members were. Even introductions to books were often attributed to “The Publishers”. This is much more modest than letters we now receive saying, “The Governing Body has decided…” The trend seemed to really escalate with the introduction of some of our early DVDs, where before or after, the “lesson” was introduced and concluded by a governing body member. Ten to fifteen years later it is common for a governing body member to be “teaching” on… Read more »
At the risk of venerating the author (just kidding Alex – I’m certain you would never take it that way), I did find the content of this article to be “food at the proper time”. A while back I recall one of Meleti’s articles examining the possible meanings of Matt 24:45, together with the parallel gospel accounts. When we spot holes in the published information by the org, it is natural for us to ask, if not them, then who? In particular this article examined the business of feeding the domestics: http://meletivivlon.com/2013/08/31/identifying-the-faithful-slave-part-4/ (Meleti – if there is a more appropriate… Read more »
The Governing Body feels that they are “chosen” by Jehovah and that they alone are faithful, discreet and slaves of Christ . So in turn any measures that they use to make decisions for everyone else are faithful and discreet. I believe that thinking allows them not to feel guilty or ashamed about the obvious failings of their doctrine/policies even if goes against what they may personally believe or feel. Everyone outside of the organization and even those within who disagree with them are enemies of the GB( even if you only disagree in your heart or thinking) . They… Read more »
Thanks alex for a fine well written article .If only articles like that were in the watchtower .Kev
Thank you, this is a very good post. I have also witnessed this in my home congregation and the various territories I have been serving. It only seems to be getting worse throughout the various congs.
I’m dreading this years convention. After the annual meeting I expect the praise of the governing body to be at an all time high. This trend of the governing body to be more prominent has also caused some among our ranks to become loyalists who will gladly seek out dissenters. Such loyalists don’t realize they are following men. Where in the bible are we taught to be follow the slave? I hope many can wake up. I believe many already have. This year will be pivotal. I decent a mutiny brewing as the organization becomes polarized between loyalists and people… Read more »
1984 (not 14) is absolutely happening. The HARD crackdown has started. Mt. 24:48 needs to be examined.
and v 27 + 28 .. (21-28)
Thank you for your great article, Alex. I agree, we are teetering on uneven ground at present. When I saw the pic of Anthony Morris on the tract/invitation I could not believe my eyes. In all my years as a witness, and believe me they are many, I have never witnessed such veneration of men. Yes, I’ve noticed “The Slave” being mentioned more and more in our congregation as well as in the prayers. I’ve become sick at heart by what’s taking place.
“When I saw the pic of Anthony Morris on the tract/invitation I could not believe my eyes.”
I was saddened over this when the invitations were passed out as well. I hope that the Governing Body soon wakes up and realizes that their self-glorification is hurting the hearts of Jesus’ precious sheep.
I really, really , really enjoyed this article. It is the kind of an article that builds faith in the fact that Jehovah sees all and will set matters straight in his own timetable. There are many today that disillusioned with religion altogether because of the effusive praise given to men and our religion (Jehovah’s Witnesses) are no exception. The illustration you used drawing upon the example Moses at Mount Horeb is very fitting . Moses’ sin at Horeb was a manifestation of what was already in his heart. Jehovah reproved Moses accordingly and lost out on the Promised Land… Read more »
Great post, and sadly this is very true in my congregation also, prayers thanking FDS for their hard work and thanking Jehovah for providing the slave. It is constant, and my thoughts are that they are told to mention the FDS to remind the brothers that is they that Jehovah has chosen to feed the sheep and we should be grateful, and why is it they don’t just come right out and say the GB the FDS? I for one really believe that this is true, because every brother says the same thing, why? Could it be the GB way… Read more »
If you want to become an elder or servant or pioneer, it is a prior requirement you verbally, or in writing, state to accept the FDS teachings. Saying thanks for the Slave Class in public prayers is nothing less but a public declaration of loyalty. It’s not mandated, but it makes you look very good in the congregation. Somehow it has become a way of one showing to another that he is more obedient or more thankful. At one service meeting talk, a certain brother found a way to praise the slave nearly 20 times in 15 minutes. Afterward the… Read more »
First of all, thank you Alex for an excellent article. You have nailed many important points during this transitional period we seem to be in.
You said in your comment that “If you want to become an elder or servant or pioneer, it is a prior requirement you verbally, or in writing, state to accept the FDS teachings. ”
As far as I know there is no formal process for this. Is it something you have observed locally, or is there some actual protocol that I might be unaware of?
The pioneer forms have it in writing.
The MS/Elder to-be who has a reputation of independent bible study will (in my own experience) be asked if they are in harmony. If the said candidate is already praising the FDS in prayers and/or talks, then that question serves no purpose. It is a requirement for sure.