[Watchtower study for the week of June 2, 2014 – w14 4/15 p. 3]
The topic elements for this Watchtower study are:
WHAT DOES MOSES’ EXAMPLE TEACH US ABOUT…
the difference between material and spiritual treasures?
(Consider how the publishers demonstrate their view of material treasures.)
how Jehovah will equip us to fulfill theocratic assignments?
(Not, equip us “to do his will”, but “to fulfill theocratic assignments”. Theocracy is a word we (and others) use to denote a human organization allegedly, but not demonstrably, run by God. Phrasing it this way indicates that what is really being referred to are organizational assignments.)
why we need to look intently toward our reward?
(The key question being, what reward specifically?)
Par. 1-6 – A summary of Moses’ early life showing what his great faith moved him to give up and how he truly made the right choice as the history of the Israelite nation shows.
Par. 7 – To make application of Moses’ life to our day, the article refers to the example of a sister named Sophie who gave up a career in ballet to become a full-time pioneer for Jehovah’s Witnesses. Having also given up a potential career so that I could pioneer where the need was greater, I can relate very personally to this sister’s sacrifice. So I will not condemn her nor praise her nor call into question her motives. What I would like to do is ask how you, as a reader of this study article, feel about this case history? Let us say that you feel very positively about it as I am sure many of our millions of brothers and sisters around the world will, upon studying this paragraph next weekend. Of course, we can find many similar testimonials in the journals of other religions—nuns who gave up fame and glamor to wear the habit; evangelical missionaries who left home and hearth to preach in deepest Africa. If Sophie were reporting from one of those faiths, would you feel the same about her sacrifice? If not, why? What difference would the particular Christian faith she professes make on the value of her life-style sacrifice? If you feel that the religion of her choosing does make a difference, that it might actually invalidate her sacrifice, then ask yourself, why? Again—and I think I’m speaking for the great majority of Jehovah’s Witnesses—the answer would be that her chosen religion was false. Since she would be teaching falsehood, her sacrifice would be without value. Okay, let’s run with that. If you’ve been reading the pages of this forum, you know that many of the core beliefs of our brotherhood are without scriptural foundation. They are, in a word, false. So what now of our “Sophie’s choice”?
Par. 8 – Two weeks ago, we were instructed that the congregation could take care of elderly parents for children who had chosen the full-time ministry as their career, thus freeing them of the burden imposed by 1 Timothy 5:8. That seems to be the context for the exhortation of this paragraph. Addressing young ones directly, it says you should “choose a career that will enable you to love Jehovah and serve him “with all your heart and all your soul.”” It seems that the wrong career choice will not allow you to do this. Granted, there are careers which would severely hamper one’s ability to serve God whole souled. Mafia hit man comes to mind. However, I don’t think that is the point the article is making. This paragraph, following hot on the heels of Sophie’s choice, surely is intended to encourage young ones to take up a career in the full-time ministry. What is a career? According to the Shorter Oxford English Dictionary, a career is:
- A racecourse; the enclosure at a tournament etc.; course, road
- A short gallop of a horse at full speed; a charge, an encounter on horseback.
- A (swift) running course; an act of careering; full speed, impetus.
- A course or progress through life or history; an occupation or profession engaged in a life-work, a way of making a livelihood and advancing oneself.
In a way, all four definitions apply to the full-time ministry as performed by Jehovah’s Witnesses. Now there is nothing wrong with whole souled self-sacrificing service to both our Lord and our God as long as it is done in spirit and truth. (Take away either of those two elements and it is of little value what you do.) However, our emphasis in the Organization is always on the work itself. When Moses penned the words at Deut. 10:12, 13 upon which this career call is based, he was not instructing the Israelites to take up a life-long profession as a way of advancing themselves. He was talking about the inner person, not outward works. Christianity is not a profession, but a state of being. We are saved by faith, not by works. True, the works flow from the faith. However, that just proves that we should always focus on the faith, and not on the works as is our constant tendency in the publications, meetings and convention parts.
Par. 9, 10 – Kudos to the writer for finally acknowledging in print that “I will become what I choose to become” is but one meaning of God’s name. Negative kudos for not giving us the reference to the “Bible scholar” mentioned in the footnote on page 5. By the way, it appears to have come from Whedon’s Commentary on the Bible, verses 14-15.
Par. 11-13 – Quote from the end of par. 13:“As Jehovah equips you to fulfill your assignments…”
Question: Who makes these assignments? Are these assignments from God or from men? Let us consider. If I’m moved by zeal to cut my work back to part-time and to dedicate many hours in the preaching work and being aware of the Organizational requirement to report time regularly report between 90 and 100 hours a month in the field service. Will I get praise from the Body of Elders? They may praise me but they will surely encourage me to put in a pioneer application. If I decline, stating that it isn’t necessary, but that Christ’s assignment at Matthew 28:18, 19 is enough for me, do you think things will go well for me? Truth be told, for us to consider the assignment as valid, it must come from men through the Organizational arrangement.
Par. 14-19 – “Moses “looked intently toward the payment of the reward.” (Heb. 11:26)…Do you look “intently toward the payment of” your reward?” The accompanying picture on page 6 illustrates graphically the point made which is to encourage us to envision life in the paradise where we will actually be able to speak to Moses (presumably pictured here in the tropics holding a staff and describing how he split the Red Sea).
It is good to picture our reward, but only if the reward we are picturing is the one we are promised. Otherwise, we are daydreaming about fiction. Since we are being encouraged to imitate Moses in this, let’s look at the context of Hebrews 11:26. Look up the following in particular: Hebrews 11:26, 35, 40
Verse 26 speaks about Moses considering “the reproach of the Christ to be riches greater than the treasures of Egypt, for he looked intently toward the payment of the reward.” Then in verse 35, Moses—along with the rest of the “great cloud of witnesses” described in chapter 11—is said to be wanting to “attain a better resurrection”. Verse 40 compares these ones, which would include Moses, with Christians showing that they should “not be made perfect apart from Christians.”
So what reward were these pre-Christian witnesses to receive? What is “the reproach of the Christ” that Moses considered of such great value? Romans 15:3 says, “For even the Christ did not please himself, but just as it is written: “The reproaches of those reproaching you have fallen upon me.”” So assuming the reproaches of Christ means disowning oneself, which Moses definitely did. Christians must also assume the reproaches of the Christ.
“Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the reproach he bore, 14 for we do not have here a city that remains, but we are earnestly seeking the one to come.” (Hebrews 13:13, 14)
This reproach means that Christians die as Christ did, but also share with him in the likeness of his resurrection. (Romans 6:5)
So Moses took on the reproach of Christ just as Christians with a heavenly hope do. Moses wanted to attain to a better resurrection, just as Christians with a heavenly hope do. Moses will be made perfect together with Christians having a heavenly hope.
It would appear that if we are to look intently are the reward, we should be looking heavenward. Is there some scriptural basis for considering that Moses and the rest of the faithful ones listed in Hebrews 11 are going to be resurrected on Earth?
Whether heaven or earth, if we attain to the better resurrection then we will be there with them. That is what counts. But our publications must restrict the reward to the earth so as not to give the rank and file ideas…ideas that have a firm basis in Scripture, I might add.
Archived Comments
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Comment by Peter on 2014-06-02 11:43:39
I think your assessment of Hebrews 11:26, 35, 40 is out of context, because you assume that since Paul uses the word better in verse 35 and again in verse 40 that he is saying the same thing. But if you look carefully Paul is contrasting in ver 35 the resurrection of those women with a better one that the prophets where waiting. in other words A “better resurrection” than the temporary ones alluded to in verse 35 by the women. The one they were waiting for is a permanent one not the temporary one that the women had because they died again. You have too remember brother the ancient Jews did not have the conception of a heavenly reward...they believed that the resurrection of the dead will occur in the messianic age, a time referred to in Hebrew as the Olam Ha-Ba, the World to Come, it was not until much later in the stream of time has Traditional Judaism inserted the believes that the souls of the righteous dead go to a place similar to the Christian heaven...but that was influenced by Greek concept of Plato of the immortality of the soul.
The context in ver 39 helps us too see what Paul was speaking about in ver 40 he is saying that for the followers of Yeshua theirs would be better in the sense that God gave them promises; the them meaning the prophets.. but they were not allowed to see their fulfillment. We are permitted now to see what they referred to, and in part, at least, to witness their completion; or perfection.. and though the promise was made to them, the fulfillment more particularly pertains to us the followers of his son. The whole system of revelation was not complete at once, or in one generation. It required successive ages to make the prophetic system complete, so that it might be said that it was finished, or perfect. Our existence, therefore, and the developments in our times, were as necessary to the perfection of the prophetic system, as the promise made to the forefathers. And as the system would not have been complete if the blessings had been simply conferred on us, without the previous arrangements, so it would not have been complete if the promises had been merely given to them without the corresponding fulfillment in our times. They are like the two parts of a tally. The fathers had one part in the promises, and we the other in the fulfillment, and neither would have been complete without the other. So the “better things” in ver 40 then referred to here as possessed by us Christians, are the privilege of seeing those promises fulfilled in the Messiah; the blessings resulting from the atonement; the more expanded views which they had under the Good news. So as you can see the context here has nothing to do with the Heavenly calling or hope that you assume would apply to Moses or the forefathers...my brother.Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2014-06-02 13:00:08
Hi Peter,
Thank you for your comment. I purposely didn't expand on those thoughts because I knew I would be able to address them through comments. Admittedly, the individuals named in Hebrews 11 could not know the fuller nature of the resurrection hope which was revealed to Christians. Christians did not have the full picture either. (1 Co 13:12) Nor do we today. However, the "better resurrection" spoken of doesn't refer to location but to quality or state. As you point out, it is a permanent or everlasting life which this resurrection provides rather than the temporary state or quality of life which came from the previous resurrections. The true nature of the resurrection these ones were looking intently at was yet to be revealed.
The point I was making was that whatever the nature of this reward, it is the same reward. We are taught through our publications that Moses, Abraham, Daniel, Job and the like get a different reward. They are not resurrected to everlasting life, but only a hope of everlasting life. In this they are no different that the unrighteous who will also be resurrected. We make the trivial distinction between the resurrection of the righteous and unrighteous by suggesting the benefit of the former is that they have a 'head start'. We teach that these faithful men and women of old—many of whom performed deeds far and away superior to anything those counting themselves among the "anointed remnant" today have ever achieved—will be resurrected still in their sinful state and have to "work toward perfection" throughout the course of the 1,000 reign of Christ and his anointed brothers. This is done so as to bolster the Rutherfordian teaching of separate destinies for two distinct classes of Christian. Even though some members of the so-called "other sheep" class have gone through the very same tests as their "anointed remnant" brethren, they will still require further testing as they deal with an additional 1,000 years of sinfulness, then a final test. Only then will they achieve the perfection which their "anointed" counterparts received upon their death and resurrection. Rutherford used this teaching in 1935 to create the JW version of the Catholic Clergy/Laity division, but it has no substance in the Bible. In fact, the Bible points to these pre-Christian men of faith sharing in the same reward as their Christian counterparts. (Mt 8:11)Reply by Sargon on 2014-06-03 11:00:11
It's double jeopardy for anyone not of the 144k. If the United States government thinks double jeopardy is unjust, I'm sure God does too. Why should faithful men like Moses who are resurrected have to prove themselves once again, while the 144k only have to do it once? Of you're faithful enough to survive Armageddon why do you have to pass another test, while the 144k get taken to heaven?
Comment by peter on 2014-06-02 14:01:14
hi brother just to correct you I never said that it's a location... as you stated I quote: However, the “better resurrection” spoken of doesn't refer to location but to quality or state. my statement was this : A “better resurrection” than the temporary ones alluded to in verse 35 by the women. The one they were waiting for is a permanent one not the temporary one that the women had because they died again. ? so where did you get location from that statement ? when its clear it has to do with a state not location...the location is deduced based on how certain Hebrew scriptures like Daniel 12:2 says about the resurrection.. and based on ancient history of how Jews in the past thought about the resurrection...we may not agree but just wanted to make it clear that's all brother ...shalom.
Comment by Meleti Vivlon on 2014-06-02 14:26:38
I think you misread me. Sorry. It's not always easy to see how a statement will come across.
What I said was: "However, the “better resurrection” spoken of doesn’t refer to location but to quality or state" I was making this point for clarity to all who might read the comment. Then I continued: "As you point out, it is a permanent or everlasting life which this resurrection provides rather than the temporary state or quality of life which came from the previous resurrections." By saying, "as you point out", I was acknowledging the point you made, that the resurrection "they were waiting for is a permanent one not the temporary one..."
Comment by on 2014-06-02 15:51:51
Just read most of the article and it seems to be designed to motivate young people to choose the so called career of pioneering .dont get me wrong im very happy for sophie .thats great that shes happy .But what struck me was can moses really be compared to alot of young people today . Yeah he did great but it must be remembered he didnt get the assignment from god till he was 80 years of age .And he was still in egypt till he was 40 and who knows what went on in that time whatever . It took another 40 years until he was ready or perhaps till god was ready .but according to the article thousands of young people have been commissioned by god to a similar assignment as soon as they leave school .Dont get me wrong preaching about god and jesus is great but we have to make sure that 1 we are preaching the real truth and we really have been commissioned by him after all have any of us seen a burning bush that speaks and have a staff that turns into a snake Dont really want to put the spanner in the works but thats what i see . Kev
Comment by Jannai40 on 2014-06-02 18:31:51
"How Jehovah will equip us to fulfil theocratic assignments" Theocracy - Oxford English Dictionary - a system of government in which priests rule in the name of God or a god. Other dictionary definitions, of course. Not to go off topic but it's a bit like the Society's use of the word apostasy. They pick the dictionary definition of the word which suits the teaching they want brothers to accept which means you can take a word and put your own interpretation on it. Therefore in order to examine the Society's teachings you don't only need the Bible - it's a good idea to have a dictionary handy too.
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2014-06-02 19:15:04
Even that won't always get you by. Consider "generation". No definition in the Bible or in any dictionary I've scanned fits with the definition we place on the word. :)
Reply by Sargon on 2014-06-03 11:02:51
Remember dictionaries supply "worldly" definitions.
Comment by smolderingwick1 on 2014-06-06 15:25:30
Dear Meleti and Peter,
What I think I'm hearing are the feelings of two very different cultures. I actually agree with both of you. Having spent a little time studying ancient Hebrew, there are some major differences, not just in translation but in culture and thinking.
Initially when Jesus arrived he already knew that Judaism was severely divided between the cultures of Hebrew, Babylonian Aramaic and Greek. We know this because he never took sides or excluded the doctrines of any one of them by calling them "false" as we JW's might do to religions apart from us. His main thrust was against hypocrisy and any teaching that would invalidate the Abrahamic covenant and its subsequent spirit through the Law given to Moses.
Case in point (since we're talking death and resurrection) Luke 16:19-31. Why would Jesus tell a story to a group of Jewish sects already too focused on being right that there were two destinies ahead of them—the bosom position of Abraham and fiery Hades? Wasn’t Gehenna the fiery place? And wasn’t it the Greeks who believed Hades was a place of torment—a belief that Jesus knew the Pharisees also believed? So why did Jesus deliberately draw an illustration using Greek doctrine? Did he not realize it was validating a falsely held teaching?
The point is, Jesus wasn’t even attempting to describe the condition of the dead. Neither was he trying to correct their conflicting teachings of the afterlife. His focus was simply to expose the sectarian dogma that invalidated the inspired word epitomized by their father Abraham—that when ignored or added to, only destroyed Abraham's living example. Even to this day no one knows just how Hades relates in translation to its equivalent Hebrew word, Sheol. The sooner we realize what we weren't meant to know, the sooner we can learn what we need to know.
Brotherly affection,
sw
Comment by Anointed1 on 2014-06-07 05:47:21
i believe there is without doubt two hopes open to manking today. The idea of living forever in a paradise earth with eternal youth is what made me become a JW. The holy spirit directed me otherwise, i am no apostle Paul and it took a bit of time for me to look intently toward this call, (especially as the organisation directed otherwise).
The idea of going away never coming back was quite saddening. When i eventually fully accepted this hope i found peace and my appreciation for it has grown immeasurably.Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2014-06-07 16:06:55
I had always been raised to believe that the anointed were implanted with the knowledge they were going to heaven and therefore desired that reward. The other sheep had the knowledge they were going to be resurrected on earth therefore that is where they desire to be. The reasoning went that since I did not desire to live in heaven, that could not be the destination held out to me. Once I came to realize that the Bible taught no such thing and that the hope extended to Christians was to be with Christ in heaven and rule with him, I began to desire the thing denied me all my life. I realized also that the reason I had desired for all those years to live forever on earth was because the idea had been implanted in my brain through a lifetime of indoctrination. The idea that God implanted the knowledge and desire of the heavenly hope into the brain of selected humans was an unscriptural fiction.
This realization, along with others of a similar ilk, has caused me to be very careful about what I believe. In short, I want to see the Scripture before accepting it as fact, or even as a possibility. So it is with the idea of going away and never coming back.
Jesus performed many miracles with the purpose of showing that he was the Messiah. However, the miracles he performed also provided a small window into the benefits that his kingdom would provide. Besides healing the sick and resurrecting the dead, we also saw that he could provide materially for his subjects and even protect them by controlling the weather. After he died, he reappeared to his disciples in a physical form. For a little over a month he appeared to upwards of 500 individuals, and on each occasion he imparted instruction and encouragement. When he left, he ascended in a physical form until he disappeared from sight. The angels standing beside his disciples (appeared in a physical form) prophesied that Jesus would turn in the manner in which he left.
I believe that, like the miracles Jesus performed, the manner in which he reappeared following his resurrection as a spirit creature indicates the manner in which he and his anointed brothers will govern. How can you restore billions of people to an eventual state of perfection in the fullest sense of that word by remote control? I believe that the kingdom of Christ will be a rulership such as we have never seen before. It will not be as it was in Moses’ day, with one man (or an elite group of men) receiving instruction from God through direct communication and then relaying it to the rest. While that would be significantly more preferable than any form of human government we have today, including the so-called theocracy that rules us now, it would still be human government. It would still be flawed. It would come up short.
If Jehovah grants us the reward of serving with his Son in heaven, I do not believe we will go and never return. Rather, I believe the only way that we can carry out the work for which we are being tested and perfected will be to return, so that we can personally and directly bring about the healing of the nations. That is, after all, the reason for this entire arrangement.Reply by Jannai40 on 2014-06-07 19:32:01
Meleti, When I first came into the Organisation years ago and started studying I had the desire to go to heaven, but then due to Society indoctrination I abandoned that for the earthly paradise. When I left the Organisation some months ago the desire to go to heaven returned to me, but at the same time I didn't want to abandon the earth completely and so I was a bit confused. Therefore, what you say about returning to the earth is very appealing to me. However, because I don't have enough knowledge I am not able to fully grasp it, but it certainly is an exciting prospect and feels right.
Reply by on 2014-06-08 12:20:37
I have also come to the same conclusion meleti it seems the most obvious interpretation of revelation 20 they came to life and reigned with christ for the thousand years Verse 9 shows the city of gods people to be on earth and revelation 21 v2 describes the holy city coming down out of heaven Also verse 10 shows the same .although i admit its description seems symbolic in chapter 21 .i dont see why we shouldnt expect to see some type of tangible government on the earth just as revelation 5 v 10 says you made them to be a kingdom of preists to serve our god and they will reign on the earth .also the meek shall inherit the earth matthew 5 v5 and the lords prayer let your kingdom come and your will take place on the earth .perhaps those who rule with christ will have access to both realms after all the angels do .. kev
Reply by Katrina on 2014-06-07 21:37:16
"If Jehovah grants us the reward of serving with his Son in heaven, I do not believe we will go and never return. Rather, I believe the only way that we can carry out the work for which we are being tested and perfected will be to return, so that we can personally and directly bring about the healing of the nations. That is, after all, the reason for this entire arrangement."
I agree Meleti, when one considers how the angels were seen in human form to Lot and other examples in the bible, I see that those in heaven who have this privilege of helping out the resurrected ones on earth, will be visible and rule on earth, and over the earth, as their primary home will be in the heavens, coming to earth will be like travelling from one place to another, who exciting!!
Reply by Chris on 2014-06-08 08:23:21
Amen to that Meleti
This is a kernel of belief that I have rolled over in mind for years without coming any comfortable conclusion until I left the mindset of a JW.
That’s not to say I think I have a fully rounded understanding of the scriptural concept of what God’s Kingdom, or more specifically Jesus Kingdom, will mean for mankind, other than restoration of the Jehovah’s rule.
But Jesus Kingdom must be REAL and in the words of Daniel 2:44 “the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.” When we think of all the kingdoms that made up the image in Daniel, when they were overthrown and subdued by their conquerors there was not a wholesale extermination of the conquered people. This conquest involved the adoption of the victor’s language, customs and religion. For me this is where the seemingly extreme language of Revelation starts to have its reality, even if some of it is or seems hyperbolic.
It will be a time like no other perhaps until the end of the 1000 years when Satan is released. Wicked people will die according to Jesus judgement, but there must also be survivors, subjects to be ruled by our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
We were taught that only those faithful JW with an earthly hope will be survivors but I find this to be arrogant and presumptuous no matter how much the Society tries to couch this as a matter of ‘that’s up to Jehovah’. While many will die at Armageddon it will also be an act of discipline as many will be forced to repent when faced with the reality of Jesus return. We could think of the many evolutionists, atheists or agnostics who are essentially decent people who we would say don’t deserve to die, being forced to recognize the one they pierced. Or many who even claimed affinity with Jesus but begged off from his torture stake.
The heavenly calling never existed in Jehovah’s purpose until Adam and Eve sinned. Jesus decision to share the administration with some taken from mankind is a masterstroke of wisdom and humility, especially as these ones (dare I say we) will be used to help reconcile mankind back to his Father.
Real people who have lived, breathed and suffered life’s challenges chosen to assist Jesus in this very real task. It will be the perfect expression of Jesus kingship by having his rule dispensed by individuals who are wholly committed to his way of achieving Jehovah’s purpose. There will be no traitors or corrupt local officials as part of this kingdom government because these ones have remained faithful until death and been given “the crown of life”. So in this regard the understanding of the 144,000 and the great crowd becomes interesting. It does seem clear that both groups exist in the heavenly illustration but do they have different roles? Lots to contemplate
Comment by smolderingwick1 on 2014-06-07 23:04:28
When studying with a 7th Day Adventist family (with several pastors attending the study) I recall their version of heaven was a 1,000 year desolation of earth wherein the new scrolls would be opened while the earth paid off its Sabbaths. Now that I look back I believe there is truth in every doctrine. We just have to not be so dogmatic about our own.
sw
Comment by bobcat3 on 2014-06-08 09:58:49
A couple points I noticed in the article:
Par. 9-11
"Privileges of service" - See article here for an analysis of the use of the term "privilege" in the NWT.
"Moses was commissioned as 'the Christ' " (p.9) and "Moses highly esteemed his daunting assignment" (p.11) - These phrases are used as interpretations of the phrase, "he considered the reproach of the Christ to be riches greater than the treasures of Egypt" in Hebrews 11:26.
This is a highly flawed interpretation of the phrase, although, I think it does reflect the WT view on "privileges of service" and class distinctions within the congregation.
Note the preceding context: "24 By faith Moses, when grown up, refused to be called the son of Phar′aoh’s daughter, 25 choosing to be mistreated with the people of God rather than to have the temporary enjoyment of sin, 26 because he considered the reproach of the Christ to be riches greater than the treasures of Egypt."
The "because" that begins verse 26 does not have a corresponding word in the Greek text (normally in the NWT it would be hoti), but it does reflect the relationship between verse 25 and verse 26. The Israelite experience as a whole resembled the experience of "the Christ." The opening chapters of Matthew apply experiences of the nation of Israel as being prophetic of "the Christ" (e.g. going to and coming out of Egypt).
Note also the "for" (Greek gar) clause that explains the reason for Moses 'considering the reproaches of the Christ to be greater riches': "for he looked intently toward the payment of the reward."
What "reward" does the context have in mind? Consider Hebrews 10:35 which leads into the discussion on "faith" in chapter 11. Also consider 11:13, 39, 40. The context seems to indicate that the writer of Hebrews had in mind something shared by all of God's people.
P. 12
"Some serve as full-time ministers" - Isn't this a human distinction? Subject to reinterpretation by the powers that be? What requires 70 hours now used to require 90 or 100 hours before. And washing dishes isn't full-time service, unless you do it for the GB at Bethel. And spending many hours helping the friends in a local congregation is NOT "full-time" service. But spending your time at a desk reviewing final drafts of WT publications in Brooklyn is. Actually, that is known as "special full-time service."
P. 15
"Life under Kingdom rule" - Throughout the NT one can find "entering," "gaining," and "inheriting" the Kingdom. But what about 'living under the Kingdom'? I did a search of the WT Library for under + kingdom. The closest thing I could find that had any connection with being under the kingdom was in these verses: Dan 7:27; Mr 4:30-32; 1 Cor 15:24, 25. It would appear that being "under" the Kingdom is the less "privileged" place that the WT has in mind for all who aren't "privileged" like themselves.
P. 17
"Anointed Christians" - An incorrect tautology that reflects the WT two-class system of Christianity. The phrase is never used in the NT. In fact, "anointed" (as a verb, not an adjective) and "anointing" only occur in connection with Jesus' disciples in these verses: 2 Cor 1:21; 1 Jn 2:20, 27.
It is interesting to notice that in all four instances the context assumes that all Christians have been anointed. And the context also associates the "anointing" with knowledge. It would appear that there is a relationship between the WT idea that only a few privileged ones are "anointed," and the WT idea that only thru them can you gain knowledge. Or to put that another way, if you want followers that are dependent on you for their Bible knowledge, you must prevent them from being "anointed."
Comment by smolderingwick1 on 2014-06-09 11:56:47
My overall comment is that the theme of the article is hardly portrayed by Moses. Nor is its objective. While the target audience is children who are growing up under the watchful eye of JW parents, the life of Moses was entirely different. How could any young person so sheltered in their upbringing even imagine Moses' first 40 years in Egypt?
Nothing was said about his initial attempt to rescue his enslaved fellow Israelite and his escape from Egypt. Were they not the deciding factors? And what about the next 40 years he spent without without family and friends or communication with God? Paralleling Moses life with anyone of us is difficult enough, but to have an entire study article focus on just one aspect while skirting the rest is in my mind presumptuously demeaning to the character of Moses.
swReply by Wild Olive on 2015-03-19 19:39:57
As far as the hope of the ancient worthies as Rutherford called them,Heb 11:16 defines their hope as being in a heavenly city,not a paradise earth,for me this one scipture was the pivot in changing many of my cherished GB ideas.
This fits in with the arrangement that Jehovah now has in place which is the new covenant,it took me 35yrs to realise the power the NC has,so many beliefs,doctrines,teachings et al either stand or fall on the NC,no wonder Paul said " we preached Christ only"as good news,the Ransom and its legal apparatus the new covenant are stand alone doctrines that act like a magnifying lens on everything else called truth.If it doesn't fit in to that arrangement it's not truth.