[From ws1/17 p. 7 February 27-March 5]
“Trust in Jehovah and do what is good . . . and act with faithfulness.”—Ps. 37:3
What does the writer of this article mean when he says “trust in Jehovah and do what is good”? Is it the same thing that the Psalmist meant? Why not pause now and read the 37th Psalm. Meditate on it. Mull it over. Then return here and we’ll analyze whether this article is conveying the sentiments of the Psalmist, or whether there is another agenda that doesn’t really fit with what the Psalmist is telling us.
The basic message of this article is to trust in Jehovah, not worry about what you cannot do, but only what you can do. Generically, this is sound advice. However, in applying it, does the writer betray another agenda?
Skewing the Narrative of Noah
Under the subtitle “When We Are Surrounded by Wickedness”, the article uses the example of Noah to provide an object lesson for Jehovah’s Witnesses today. The descriptive caption for the theme illustration on page 7 is “Noah preaches to wicked people”.[i] The hidden descriptive caption for the first illustration on page 8 (below) is “A brother faces opposition in the door-to-door ministry, but later gets a response when he does public witnessing.” So the first application made in the article for Psalm 37:3 is that we must trust in Jehovah when preaching to wicked people. This is the lesson we are to learn from Noah’s witnessing.
Does this illustration really relate to what happened in Noah's day?
What Noah could not do: Noah faithfully preached Jehovah’s warning message, but he could not force people to accept it. And he could not make the Flood come any sooner. Noah had to trust that Jehovah would keep His promise to end wickedness, believing that God would do so at just the right time.—Genesis 6:17. – par. 6
Why would Noah want the Flood to come sooner? The time was predetermined and apparently made known to God's faithful servants back then. (Ge 6:3) It seems that the Governing Body is trying to deal with the increasing level of disillusionment among Witnesses who have seen too many failed prophetic interpretations concerning the end. The current one has them believing that Armageddon will come well before the current Governing Body dies of old age. (See They’re Doing It Again.)
We have long been taught that Noah’s main job was preaching to the world of mankind back then.
Before the flood, Jehovah used Noah, “a preacher of righteousness,” to warn of the coming destruction and to point to the only place of safety, the ark. (Matthew 24:37-39; 2 Peter 2:5; Hebrews 11:7) God’s will is that you now do a similar preaching work.
(pe chap. 30 p. 252 par. 9 What You Must Do to Live Forever)
So we are doing a similar work to that done by Noah? Really? This position is what lies behind the exhortations of paragraph 7:
We too live in a world filled with wickedness, which we know Jehovah has promised to destroy. (1 John 2:17) In the meantime, we cannot force people to accept the “good news of the Kingdom.” And we cannot do anything to make the “great tribulation” start earlier. (Matthew 24:14, 21) Like Noah, we need to have strong faith, trusting that God will end all wickedness soon. (Psalm 37:10, 11) We are convinced that Jehovah will not allow this wicked world to continue for even one day longer than it needs to.—Habakkuk 2:3. – par. 7
According to this, we are like Noah, preaching to a wicked world that will soon be wiped off the face of the earth. Is that what the cited Scriptures actually prove?
“For just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be. 38 For as they were in those days before the Flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, 39 and they took no note until the Flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be.” (Mt 24:37-39)
We use this to teach people that “they took no note” of Noah’s preaching, but that’s not what it says. “Took no note” is an interpretative rendering. The original Greek merely says “they knew not”. Have a look at several dozen renderings to see how scholars deal with this verse, who do not have an agenda of getting people to promote their church’s publications week after week. For example, the Berean Study Bible renders this: “And they were oblivious, until the flood came and swept them all away…” (Mt 24:39)
“And he did not refrain from punishing an ancient world, but kept Noah, a preacher of righteousness, safe with seven others when he brought a flood upon a world of ungodly people.” (2Pe 2:5)
There can be no doubt that Noah preached righteousness when he had the chance, but to suggest that he and his sons engaged in some worldwide preaching work is ludicrous. Consider the logic of such a claim. Humans had been procreating for 1,600 years by then. The math suggests a population numbering in the hundreds of millions, if not billions. With that type of population growth and that many centuries, it is likely they spread around the globe. If the numbers were so tiny that four men could preach to all of them, then why would God have needed a worldwide flood? Even if the population were confined to just Europe and North Africa, four men, with only 120 years of warning and the monumental task of building an ark, would hardly have the time nor means to travel through millions of square miles of terrain to preach to an ancient world of their coming destruction.
“By faith Noah, after receiving divine warning of things not yet seen, showed godly fear and constructed an ark for the saving of his household; and through this faith he condemned the world, and he became an heir of the righteousness that results from faith.” (Heb 11:7)
Noah’s commission from God was to build the Ark and he is used in the Bible as an example of faith because he obeyed this command. There is no record of any other commission from God. Nothing about spreading "Jehovah's warning message" as the paragraph claims.
What Noah could do: Instead of giving up because of what he could not do, Noah focused on what he could do. Noah faithfully preached Jehovah’s warning message. (2 Peter 2:5) This work must have helped him to keep his faith strong. In addition to preaching, he followed Jehovah’s instructions to build an ark.—Read Hebrews 11:7. – par. 8
Notice how the narrative is being skewed. “Noah focused on what he had to do.” And what did Noah have to do? “Noah faithfully preached Jehovah’s warning message.” This is put forward as his primary task, his first job, his foremost mission. Secondary to this was the building of the ark. “In addition to preaching, he followed Jehovah’s instructions to build an ark.” Then we are told to “Read Hebrews 11:7” as proof. It is a near certainty that Witnesses around the world will not see that the only instructions recorded at Hebrews 11:7 have nothing to do with preaching, nor of proclaiming “Jehovah’s warning message.” According to Matthew 24:39, the world of that time died in ignorance of what was coming upon them.
Noah got a direct command for God. We get commands from men. However, we are led to believe that these are just like the command Noah got. These are from God.
Like Noah, we stay busy “in the work of the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58) For example, we may help with the construction and maintenance of our Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls, volunteer at assemblies and conventions, or work at a branch office or a remote translation office. Most important, we stay busy in the preaching work, which strengthens our hope for the future. – par. 9
Dissenters are likely to accuse us of disrespecting the preaching work and trying to discourage others from proclaiming the good news. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, this site’s main reason for continued existence is the proclaiming of the good news. But let it be the real good news and not some corruption of it that stems from the pen of past Watchtower presidents intent on getting their followers to give up their rightful calling to be children of God. Unrepentantly preaching such a perversion of the good news will only result in the curse Paul spoke of to the Galatians. (Ga 1:6-12)
Skewing the Narrative of David
Next we deal with sin, using the account of David. King David sinned by committing adultery and then conspiring to murder the woman’s husband. Only when Jehovah sent Nathan, the prophet, did David repent, but he confessed his sin to God, not to men. Presumably, at some point, he followed the Law and made a sin offering before the priests, but even then, there was no requirement under the Law to make confession to the priests, nor were they granted authority to forgive sins. Since the Law was a shadow of the things to come under the Christ, one might logically assume that Christianity would make no provision for men to confess their sins to a Christian priesthood class or clergy. However, the Catholic Church instituted just such a process and the Organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses has also followed in its footsteps, though arguably, the Witness version is currently far more damaging.
Again, the article skews the narrative and makes a modern-day application not based on Scripture.
What can we learn from David’s example? If we fall into serious sin, we need to repent sincerely and seek Jehovah’s forgiveness. We must confess our sins to him. (1 John 1:9) We also need to approach the elders, who can offer us spiritual help. (Read James 5:14-16.) By availing ourselves of Jehovah’s arrangements, we show that we trust in his promise to heal and forgive us. Thereafter, we do well to learn from our mistakes, move forward in our service to Jehovah, and look to the future with confidence. – par 14
The “read” scripture of James 5:14-16 speaks of going to the elders when one is sick. The forgiveness of sins is incidental: “Also, if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.” Here, it is not the older men who forgive, but God.
At James, we are told to confess our sins to one another. This is a free interchange, not a one-way process. All in the congregation are to confess their sins to one another. Imagine elders sitting down in a group of regular publishers and doing this. Hardly. However, there is no mention at all about men determining for God who is to be forgiven. David confessed his sin to God. He did not go to the priests to confess. The priests did not sit around after dismissing David from the room to discuss whether or not to extend forgiveness to him. That was not their role. But it is for us. In the society of Jehovah’s Witnesses, three men will sit in secret session and determine whether a sinner is to be forgiven or not. If not, then the decision of this tiny cabal is made public and all eight million witnesses around the world are expected to abide by it. There is nothing even remotely Biblical about this process.
I know of one case where a sister committed fornication. After ceasing the sin, confessing in prayer to God and taking steps never to repeat it, a few months went by. She then confided in a trusted friend, who felt it was her Scriptural obligation to reveal the confidential talk of another and inform on her friend. In this she was misled. (Pr 25:9)
Following this, the sister got a call from one of the elders and feeling cornered, she confessed her sin to him. Of course, that was not enough. A judicial committee was convened even though the sin was past, had not been repeated and confession to God had taken place. That's all well and good, but it does nothing to support the power of the elders who are taught that the flock must be held accountable to them. Not wanting to face three men in a humiliating interrogation, she declined to meet with them. They took this as an affront to their authority and disfellowshipped her in absentia. The reasoning is that she could not have been truly repentant, because she wasn't willing to submit to what they wrongly viewed as Jehovah's arrangement.
What does this have to do with the narrative of David’s sin? Nothing!
Skewing the Narrative of Samuel
Next, in paragraph 16, the article skews the narrative of Samuel and his rebellious sons.
Today, a number of Christian parents find themselves in a similar situation. They trust that like the father in the parable of the prodigal son, Jehovah is ever on the lookout to welcome back sinners who repent. (Luke 15:20) – par. 16
Luke 15:20 shows the father of the prodigal son running to him when he sees his son from afar and forgiving him freely. Surely, Samuel would have done this had his own children returned to him and repented. However, this would not be the case in the Organization where parents cannot freely forgive a repentant son. Instead, they have to wait on the elders who will put their son through a long (usually 12 months) reinstatement process. Only after getting clearance from the elders could the parents act like the father of the prodigal son.
(You will notice that to depict a “wayward son”, the WT artists rely on the built-in stereotype among JWs that beards reveal a rebellious attitude.)
Skewing the Narrative of the Widow
Actually, “skewing” is too mild a term here. This example is dreadful and it is very revealing that the publishers cannot see that.
The hidden caption for this illustration is: “An elderly sister looks into her bare refrigerator, but later makes a donation to the Kingdom work.” This supports the narrative of paragraph 17.
Think, too, of the needy widow in Jesus’ day. (Read Luke 21:1-4.) She could hardly do anything about the corrupt practices being carried on at the temple. (Matt. 21:12, 13) And there was likely little she could do to improve her financial situation. Yet, she voluntarily contributed those “two small coins,” which were “all the means of living she had.” That faithful woman demonstrated wholehearted trust in Jehovah, knowing that if she put spiritual things first, he would provide for her physical needs. The widow’s trust moved her to support the existing arrangement for true worship. – par. 17
Let’s work our way through this paragraph. Jesus, at Luke 21:1-4 is describing a situation before him, to make a comparison between rich and poor. He is not suggesting that poor widows should ‘put in all the means of living they have.’ In fact, Jesus message was that the rich should give to the poor. (Mt 19:21; 26:9-11)
However, the Organization takes this account to mean that we should donate out of our need to support the work of the wealthy corporation that is JW.org. If so, then why stop the comparison there? The paragraph adds that, “She could hardly do anything about the corrupt practices being carried on at the temple.” Likewise, desperately poor witnesses can hardly do anything about the corrupt practices that are costing the Organization millions of dollars on a yearly basis; specifically, the many cases they are losing because of decades of mishandling and non-reporting of child abuse.
Actually, that is not true. We can do something about the corrupt practices. We can stop donating. The best way to punish those who misuse dedicated funds is to deprive them of the funds.
But there is still more that is wrong with this paragraph's teaching: In the first century, the congregation actually had an organized list set up to provide for the needy widows. Paul told Timothy:
“A widow is to be put on the list if she is not less than 60 years old, was the wife of one husband, 10 having a reputation for fine works, if she raised children, if she practiced hospitality, if she washed the feet of holy ones, if she assisted the afflicted, if she devoted herself to every good work.” (1Ti 5:9, 10)
Where is our list? Why doesn't JW.org make such a provision for the needy among us? It seems we may have more in common organizationally with the Pharisees and Jewish leaders in Jesus' day then we might be willing to admit.
“They devour the houses of the widows, and for show they make long prayers. These will receive a more severe judgment.” (Mr 12:40)
If you doubt this, then consider that the paragraph ends with this reassurance:
Likewise, we trust that if we seek first the Kingdom, Jehovah will make sure that we have what we need. – par. 17
Yes, but how does Jehovah provide? Does he not do it through the congregation? Indeed, this sentence smacks of the uncaring sentiment expressed by James in rebuke of a similar attitude in the first century.
“. . .If a brother or a sister is lacking clothing and enough food for the day, 16 yet one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but you do not give them what they need for their body, of what benefit is it? 17 So, too, faith by itself, without works, is dead.” (Jas 2:15-17)
Is this not exactly the message this Watchtower is conveying? A widow with not enough food for the day is being told that she’ll be warm and well fed because Jehovah will provide for her, but the Witnesses studying this article are not being taught that it is they who are to do the providing, because without such works, their faith is dead.
So in summary, the theme “Trust in Jehovah and Do What is Good” really means that if you give of your time and money and submit to the authority of the Organization, you are doing good and trusting in God.
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[i] If you’re using MS Word, you can see the hidden caption for pictures by copying them from the online version, then right-clicking on the Word document and selecting the third icon (“Keep text only”) on the popup paste menu.
Archived Comments
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Comment by Leonardo Josephus on 2017-02-27 10:25:42
Hi Meliti, I can see this study is going to be fun. Appreciate your points on Noah. He was a preacher of righteousness surely in the sense that he was the only one to stand up for what is right. That is why Jehovah chose him. There is nothing in the book of Genesis to tell us that he preached to anyone, apart from, maybe, the expression in Genesis 6:9 that he "proved" himself faultless among his contemporaries. Hebrews gives minimal information but it is amazing what some can read into one little phrase.
On your experience about the sister who could not bring herself to face the judicial committee, and on the subject of reporting, have you noticed how Leviticus 5:1 has changed with the 2013 Bible, compared to previously . It no longer supports reporting the sins of others, but is now in line with most other translations. However, despite this, the Society seems to be trying to support its old view with a footnote beginning "probably". Does this verse not simply refer to our need to speak up if we know something about a crime, when the "call to testify" is put out ? We might see a sign asking if anyone knows anything about an accident or other incident. That is a call to testify. To read what is not there into the verse seems wrong.
Comment by Joseph Anton on 2017-02-27 13:13:28
This article hit on many things I discovered all on my own nearly ten years ago now. At the time I realized that the angels taking the wives of men seemed like much more than a lapse in morality, it seemed like a calculated biological attack on God's creation. The manifestation of the Nephilim - lifeforms nearly all of humanity would be in subjection to - seemed to be the actual goal of Genesis 6. When you start looking at Satan and the demons as calculating geneticists, and not sexual deviants - though I'm not saying that wasn't involved - they also seem like they would have taken a warning that all of their offspring were going to be drowned in a global flood a bit more seriously than we're lead to believe. God's one servant is telling everyone he knows that they're all going to die in a flood, and yet not one Demigod or demon builds any boats? It doesn't add up.
Then when you look at three other facts. A) This was the least successful preaching campaign ever. B) The Ark was only so big. (A CO once mentioned in a talk that the Ark had plenty of extra rooms on it for anyone who followed Noah's warning - when my brother confronted him and asked him where he got his information he had no answer) C. There's absolutely nothing in Genesis to support a preaching campaign of this type. Anywhere. It's as if we're all remembering the illustration in My Book Of Bible Stories of the people mocking Noah's family as a verified fact. In fact, I've had brothers and sisters use that illustration as an argument against my theory that Noah never did any preaching work AFTER God had told him to build the Ark. A theory that has gotten me nothing but veiled accusations of independent thinking and minor apostasy this last decade. Not like I've been hammering it into every conversation, only when it has come up.
Also - great work on the widow's mite. People forget that two verses later, in Luke 21: 5,6, the apostles start arguing a case for the beauty of the temple, that the money is being well spent. To which Christ tells them that its splendor is fleeting. Very soon not only will the temple be destroyed, there won't be a stone left upon a stone. Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-02-27 14:56:29
Great reasoning, Joseph. This is where the freeness of speech we enjoy in our online community really shines for the benefit of all. (Acts 28:31; Eph 3:12; 6:19; 1Ti 3:12) Witnesses have abandoned their freeness of speech for the false security that comes from empowering men to take responsibility for their salvation. It is, of course, an illusion which will leave them disappointed. But what a joy it is to have our minds expanded by the contributions of some many who are guided by the spirit.
Thanks again, and welcome.
Reply by tyhik on 2017-03-01 02:27:37
Hi, Joseph. I'm used to think that considering the huge work of building the ark that Noah had, his preaching was just answering the questions of other people about the seemingly stupid work of building the ark. The ark was big and its building took decades so definitely there were people who wondered about it and came to ask.
I don't think Noah's preaching campaign was the least successful ever. Though wives had not much independence at that time, he could get his sons into his boat. A pretty average result for a typical JW nowadays. Perhaps all his preaching was to his family members only.
Whatever the case, Bible is clear that Noah's task was to build the ark and making his preaching a big thing based on just the Peter's "preacher of righteousness" is bending the Scripture.Reply by Joseph Anton on 2017-03-01 13:31:38
I can only go off of what Genesis 6:18 says, though I get your point about modern Witnesses really only buttressing their own beliefs, and keeping their immediate families on board. Genesis 6:18 - "But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark—you and your sons and your wife and your sons’ wives with you." Sounds like God had the guest list pretty much in order at the time.
As Meleti pointed out in his piece other translations render "took no note" as "they knew not." Which pretty much says it all. At least to me.Reply by tyhik on 2017-03-03 04:37:46
I haven't read Genesis 6 recently. After a fresh look at it, I completely agree with you.
Comment by stevenmichael on 2017-02-27 15:59:30
Hi, I so agree with your perspectives here and am thankful for your efforts. I am also immediately saddened by your recollection of the woman you referenced who was denied God's peace after admitting and turning from her indiscretion. This is not right.
I was reading Mathew yesterday . . . Chapter 5, the Sermon on the Mount. I was moved by verse 47
Mt 5:47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
I was moved in a manner relating to the policy of disfellowshipping which is touched on once again and which I have read some wonderful perspectives in your archives.
Our Lord, Jesus, in an effort to open our eyes beyond the scope of our comfort zone, lends great value to stepping outside of that zone and engaging with those we consider as unlike us as the Jews did the gentiles. How much more than should we be concerned with greeting and embracing a fellow Christian who is suffering from a wrong choice in their lives?
It does not mean that we should cease to show kindness to him/her or stop aiding them in affliction or trial, for that is required toward all people. A disfellowshipped brother or sister, being, a person, like ourselves, who, drawn by God and learning to walk in Truth and has recently fallen due to the corruptive influences of this world needs the support of family and friends more than ever. Not isolation and scorn. This person, until such time as they understand their wrong and turn from it, is simply no longer an active member of the body as a whole. They are, as such, a part of the machine that requires removal and repair before becoming, once again, a part contributing to the machines' wondrous ability.
Also, you bring out a great and important point with the "widow's offering" and it is nicely affirmed by Joseph Anton's comment. I respond to this because I found myself thinking less about the poor and downtrodden the more I attended meetings i.e. the JW stance began numbing me towards any and all that were not, in fact, witnesses themselves. I noticed this new behavior of mine as a contrast to the natural empathy and concern I have always felt for those who are down and out. Alas. This too, is not right.
Thank you for this forum.
Comment by Tadua on 2017-02-28 08:01:03
Hi Meleti
Another fine comprehensive examination.
Interestingly I was triggered to research this exact same point about Noah's preaching due to a local public talk a few weeks back. Independently I found exactly what you state here:
'We use this to teach people that “they took no note” of Noah’s preaching, but that’s not what is says. “Took no note” is an interpretative rendering. The original Greek merely says “they knew not”. Have a look at several dozen renderings to see how scholars deal with this verse, who do not have an agenda of getting people to promote their church’s publications week after week. For example, the Berean Study Bible renders this: “And they were oblivious, until the flood came and swept them all away…” (Mt 24:39)
“And he did not refrain from punishing an ancient world, but kept Noah, a preacher of righteousness, safe with seven others when he brought a flood upon a world of ungodly people.” (2 Pe 2:5)'
The people of Noah's day 'knew not' until the flood came. In other words it was a shock to them. This has implications for the presence of the Son of Man. Jesus stated this portion about Noah in support of his statement in Matt 24:36 - 'concerning that day and hour nobody knows, for just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the son of man will be'. That is why Jesus counselled us 'to prove yourselves ready, because at an hour you do not think to be it, the Son of Man is coming.' But when the flood did come everyone knew then. So did everyone know the Son of Man came in 1914? No, even the ones that claim to do so, actually thought he had arrived 40 years earlier!
It’s interesting to look at what a preacher of righteousness is. The greek is 'dikaiosune'. The short definition is justice, justness, righteousness, in particular in context - what is deemed right in the eyes of God. So it makes much more sense that Noah preached (heralded) and showed in action how the ungodly should behave, both in word and in deed, rather than a message of destruction. Genesis 6:9 'Noah was a righteous man, he proved himself faultless among his contemporaries. Noah walked with the true God.' as a contrast to the rest of the world 'v11 …the earth became filled with violence' i.e. he set the example by his way of life, just as Jesus said (John 13:35) ‘By this all will know that you are my disciples (Greek – mathetes – a follower of Christ who learns the doctrines of Scripture and the lifestyle they require), if you have love among yourselves’
Finally just a linked short comment on
‘Yes, but how does Jehovah provide? Does he not do it through the congregation? Indeed, this sentence smacks of the uncaring sentiment expressed by James in rebuke of a similar attitude in the first century.
“. . .If a brother or a sister is lacking clothing and enough food for the day, 16 yet one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but you do not give them what they need for their body, of what benefit is it? 17 So, too, faith by itself, without works, is dead.” (Jas 2:15-17)
Is this not exactly the message this Watchtower is conveying. A widow with not enough food for the day is being told that she’ll be warm and well fed because Jehovah will provide for her, but the Witnesses studying this article are not being taught that it is they who are to do the providing, because without such works, their faith is dead.’
What does this result in? A total lack of love and empathy for others in a less fortunate position through no fault of their own.
This is shown through the following experience I can vouch for. There was a brother in the congregation from abroad. A local brother got to know of his circumstances through getting to know him on a personal basis, and discerned that due to legal delays in dealing with his situation, the brother was starving as he had literally no money for food and would not for a couple of weeks at least. Naively thinking the congregation would help this brother, the local brother approached the elders and giving a brief description of the problem, asked that the body of elders consider the brother to be given financial and other assistance. The reply was: ‘that’s not what the congregation’s money is for, it’s up to the local brothers’ and that was the end of the matter as far as the elders were concerned. So the local brother very disappointed with the attitude did what he could personally for the brother in dire circumstances.
Yes indeed we are not taught that ‘it is they who are to do the providing, because without such works, their faith is dead.’Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-02-28 10:08:31
Tadua, if there were a rare or isolated case, it would be bad enough, but it reflects a organization-wide policy. Congregations are strongly discouraged from any charitable efforts. I daresay that if Paul were around and organized a list of needy widows such as he counselled Timothy to keep, he'd be counselled by the Circuit Overseer about not following organizational procedure.
Reply by mailman on 2017-03-04 11:41:52
Hi Bro. Tadua. In our congregation, two weeks ago, there was announcement made to contribute voluntarily for brothers and sisters from another nearby congregation who lost their homes from fire. The brothers responded well (cash and used clothes). Then just a week ago, the mother of a brother from our congregation died and announcement was made from the platform. By the end of the weekend meeting, the brothers had freely donated in a box for the grieving family.
So there you go. Congregation members helping brothers during unpleasant situations. :)
Comment by Yehorakam on 2017-03-01 12:52:15
Great article Meleti. Nice work. About skewing the narrative on Noah, it's interesting what the Bible account reveals, something I noticed in my Bible reading a few years ago. Notice what Gen 6:13-18 says:
"After that God said to Noah: “I have decided to put an end to all flesh, because the earth is full of violence on account of them, so I am bringing them to ruin together with the earth. Make for yourself an ark from resinous wood. You will make compartments in the ark and cover it with tar inside and outside.... “As for me, I am going to bring floodwaters upon the earth to destroy from under the heavens all flesh that has the breath of life. Everything on the earth will perish. And I am establishing my covenant with you, and you must go into the ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you."
These are Jehovah's initial instructions to Noah BEFORE he began the project. Jehovah indicated at the beginning who would be the only ones to be saved: "you, your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives with you." Jehovah said it was by means of a covenant and the covenant was only with Noah and his family. In his infinite foreknowledge, Jehovah could see there was no one else to be saved. Being that Noah knew no one else would survive, why would he waste time trying to convert and save those that Jehovah indicated would not be saved? Jehovah had already by prophecy, and in form of a "covenant" stated that Noah and his family were the only ones that would survive. Having this foreknowledge was an advantage for Noah, so that he could concentrate on the clear task that was given him, to build an ark and save his family and the principal species of animals. If and when he preached, it was likely in the form of judgment, such as his great grandfather Enoch did (Jude 14,15). There was no need to go out preaching trying to save people that Jehovah had seen wouldn't make it. It's interesting Meleti how this Bible account supports your other conclusions based on Matt 24 and 2 Pet 2.
As regards forgiveness of sins, actually, under the Mosaic law, the people relied on the priests for forgiveness of sins. This was Jehovah's arrangement. Were it not for the priests function in behalf of the people, they would not have received forgiveness of sins. But, we now have a great and perfect high priest and are encouraged to approach his throne of underserved kindness as he is always alive to beseech our Father in behalf of us for our sins. His appointment abolished the previous arrangement. Being that he is currently the only priest designated by our Father, anyone else or any other arrangement, such as the elders with the Witnesses or the Catholic Priests, is a useless arrangement, designed by Satan to defy the position and role of Christ, teaching us that we need another human to obtain forgiveness because Christ alone isn't enough. This is backwards and hails back to the Mosaic law that was quickly abandoned when a perfect high priest with a perfect sacrifice was made. Any that insist on it are no different than the apostate "Christians" that insisted that circumcision was necessary to be saved.
I could say a lot more about the other skewed narratives, but I lack the time and you've already done a good job on them Meleti.
Much love,Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-03-01 13:48:08
Thanks for rounding out the discussion so nicely, Yehorakam.
Comment by lazarus on 2017-03-01 22:59:36
Hi Meleti, nice review, some interesting points you highlighted with Noah, David , widows mite, I enjoyed reading all the comments, and it's fair to say Noah , built the ark, he was a man of faith , the scriptures say'he did just so,'Also it seems according to Peter highlighted he was 'a preacher of Righteousness'.
Also historical writings like, Josephus reports of Noahs preaching , and an extensive description of it is in the non-canonical Jewish Sibylline Oracles. it's also in numerous rabbinic works, and other early Christian authors (1 Clement 7.6; Theophilus, Ad Autol. 3.19; Apoc. Paul50).
Another source of Jewish tradition is the Talmud and Midrashim, or commentaries on the biblical text.
I agree not much is said regarding this preaching work, other than , he preached righteousness.
Just would like to make a comment on the poor/needy widows mite.
We know that Jehovah loves a Cheerful Giver, and if fact giving would be a Christians DNA, but when you read the context of Mark 12 and 13, regarding the Widows mite, it is inserted between the condemnation of the scribes and Jesus’ announcement of the temple’s destruction.
(Mark 12:38-44) were given a preview of a religious system that is run by a few wealthy and powerful individuals or Organisations in the day.
These scribes about which Jesus warns the disciples to be wary of, Jesus points out, they “give ", but they do so only in the most superficial and give their 'loose change' no pain in their back pocket, as it were. Their real concern is themselves, maintaining their wealth, at the expense of the poorest and most vulnerable of their time.
Jesus clearly condemns this.
Here Jesus and the disciples are observing the Temple treasury, and they see what’s going on, who is offering what. And, as if by coincidence, a poor widow , which in reality, they were probably often counted among the poorest, in that society — they have probably no security, possibly no claim on property and very little resources, See James 1:27, and she comes and puts in a sum that represents all that she has.
Could it be that the religious, and social establishment has influenced her way of thinking, in that, she apparently feels compelled to give far beyond what she has at the expense even of her livelihood. Or any dependents she has. .
This was the injustice of the day.
So, Who seeks to benefit from this exchange? Well, we know who certainly stands to lose.
We all want to give, just like this widow , But if all you spare change is enough to buy your kids ice cream , then just buy them the ice cream. But that's your call:)
Comment by limping lamb on 2017-03-02 09:56:34
When a few months ago I first saw the illustration of the elderly sister, empty fridge, contributing in the money box, - I was aghast, horrified, and very upset to say the least.
To apply the widow's mite to this situation is just not honest! The popular reasoning that goes with the scriptures at Luke 21: 1-4 and Mark 12:41-44 is that however impoverished we are, we should give give give, til' it hurts!
Looking at both scriptures in context, it's much more about the coming end of the temple and it's corrupt leadership.
There is an article by Addison G. Wright entitled 'The Myth of the Widow's Mite' which explains it much better than I ever could. Easy to find if Googled.
If we have anyone in my KH in this situation I would be absolutely mortified. That such a person will not accept charity, or needs to ask for help, is just not on, but that is the kind of excuse I have heard from those I would expect to know better!
'In what way does the love of Christ remain in them?' (1 John 3:17)
Sorry about the rant, - it seems JWs appear to see the edifice and ritual that goes with it as far more important than 'looking after widows and orphans', and I sense my long suffering is wearing very thin these days.
Comment by limping lamb on 2017-03-02 10:00:23
To Meliti,
Thank you for your hard work, I feel for your recent loss and pray for your endurance.
Also thank you for the tip about how to find the hidden text, learnt something more about my pesky computer.Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-03-03 08:12:26
Thank you, Limping Lamb. It is incredibly hard to do without her listening ear.
Comment by Eleasar on 2017-03-03 06:31:53
Meliti,
Great analysis of articles. The translation point on Matthew 24:39 is telling. The issue on the widow and and 1 Timothy 5: 9-10 is so needed in our congregations.
For a while I have started using the power of jw library app. Anyone who discusses organisation, I ask them to search for the word in the bible. There are ZERO response. Then I ask them to use the American spelling ( we are in U.K.). Again ZERO response. Now I invite them to punch in congregation and we get plenty of responses. The look on their faces is incredible. Then I ask them what is the difference. My follow up depends on how much they want to learn. I take them to 1 Timothy 3:15 and show them the purpose of the congregation. I then link to 1 Timothy 5:9-10 to show how important it is to work as a congregation. Most of them come back for more conversations but I keep it short and sweet.
It has resulted in those who converse with me visiting the older ones and some even provide help including shopping etc.
When I was an elder (resigned in November) I used to flag up providing funds for the needy but there was great reticence. Never a problem to send thousands of pounds to the branch. One is a scriptural requirement and the other organisationalReply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-03-03 08:11:36
Excellent reasoning, Eleasar. I shall use it myself.
Reply by mailman on 2017-03-04 11:26:54
Hi Bro. Eleasar, good morning. Interesting thoughts there. If not confidential, what made you resign as an elder?
Reply by Eleasar on 2017-03-04 12:02:37
Hi Mailman,
I am happy to share but it might be better via email. Have you a private email address that you can share?Reply by mailman on 2017-03-05 01:35:34
Yes, why not? Would be glad to receive the email. I hope this site has private message feature just like in Facebook or Twitter so we can share immediately some private details.
Bro. Meleti, how to share private data using this site? Thanks :)Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-03-05 09:59:13
I'm not aware that Wordpress offers that feature. Are there any wordpress experts out there who can guide me on this? Perhaps there is a plugin. In the interim, email me if you'd like me to share your email with another user so that he/she can make direct contact with you. meleti.vivlon@gmail.com
Comment by stevenmichael on 2017-03-03 10:45:53
In regards to the widow and the poor in general. It is our Christian obligation to not only lend our attention towards those in need but to assist.
Proverbs 21:13 Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.
Comment by Yehorakam on 2017-03-04 10:35:53
Just for the record, I consider the pictures of the modern day widow to be disgusting. What self-respecting person in their right mind would suggest to a widow with no food, that she put the only money she had in the contribution box? And yet that is what the writers of the Watchtower are suggesting. I suppose they are neither self-respecting, nor in their right mind. Such a suggestion devoid of concern for the true needs of a widow smacks of a group that wish to encourage funds for their organization while their widow members are going to bed hungry. I'm interested to know if those still attending meetings have discerned the general feeling towards this illustration among the Witnesses...