Treasures from God’s Word
Ezekiel 9:1,2 – Ezekiel’s vision has meaning for us
(w16/06 p. 16-17)
Here we have yet another example of the folly of continuing to stick to using sections of the Hebrew Scriptures as types of future anti-types without scriptural backing. There has to be frequent changes of ‘truth’ and adjusted understandings as a result. There is nothing in Ezekiel or elsewhere in the Scriptures to indicate that the vision of Ezekiel was to have a second fulfillment. However assuming that we can learn from parallels, is this latest pronouncement correct?
As usual they stick to the organization's incorrect dates for when the prophecy was given and had its fulfillment at Babylon's destruction of Jerusalem.
If there is a parallel to be drawn—a big IF!—then it makes more sense that the secretary pictures Jesus rather than a special class of anointed ones.
Lessons learned:
[1] The misinterpretation of Matthew 24:45-47 has been discussed many times on this site. As shown even in recent CLAM and Watchtower Study reviews, the self-proclaimed ‘Faithful and Wise (Discreet) Slave’ shows neither true faith nor wisdom nor discretion in many of their pronouncements and actions.
[2] Why is the literature from that ‘slave class’ so generally devoid of assistance to help readers put on the Christian personality. Why do the baptism vows tie one to an organization? What encouragement do we receive to put into practice Matthew 25:35-40 to show charity and hospitality to those in need through no fault of their own? Instead, we are only encouraged to show charity and hospitality to those amongst our ranks who deliberately impoverish themselves to pioneer. Yet the example of the Apostle Paul was that he avoided making himself a burden to his fellow Christians, (2 Thessalonians 3:8) despite having been directly appointed by Christ to preach to the Gentiles, something no one can rightly claim today.
[3] Who will make up the great crowd? They will be ones who ‘are sighing and groaning over all the detestable things that are being done’ (Ezekiel 9:4). Who in the organization today is sighing and groaning over the detestable cover up of pedophiles within the organization? Most of the time all we get is silence but when we do hear from the governing body about this problem, we only get denials and excuses, rather than action. The elders around the world meekly follow their lead and thereby become culpable and blood guilty. Why? Because they are not prepared to exercise their God-given conscience and not only avoid giving extra trauma to the victims, but also properly protect their flock from these demonic perpetrators. If the Governing Body really cared about such ones then they would have a talk at the regional conventions or circuit assemblies dealing with how to teach your children to safeguard themselves. Additionally, elders would get specific instruction to always report any credible suspicion of child sexual abuse to the authorities who are commissioned by God to handle crimes. (Ro 13:1-7) After all pedophilia is not only immorality, and not just a serious abuse of trust—it is a heinous crime against the most vulnerable ones in our midst.
Finally, why do anointed ones not need to receive this mark for survival? In the literal fulfillment, all needed the mark, both priests and princes, and the Israelites in general. Therefore, in the alleged anti-type likewise all would need the symbolic mark. Is not a sealing, a kind of marking?
Gods Kingdom Rules
(kr chap 14 para 8-14)
While this section is a potted history of the organization and its attitude to military service and the experiences of certain brothers, it leaves out certain pertinent facts that would affect ones viewpoint on the course followed by witnesses.
For instance during World War One, civilian and non-combatant service was up to one’s conscience. However, this stance changed under the presidency of Rutherford.
"The official position of the Watch Tower Society, developed in the early 1940s during the Second World War, was that if one of Jehovah’s Witnesses accepted such alternative service he had “compromised,” had broken integrity with God. The reasoning behind this was that because this service was a “substitute” it therefore took the place of what it substituted for and (so the reasoning apparently went) came to stand for the same thing.12 Since it was offered in place of military service and since military service involved (potentially at least) the shedding of blood, then anyone accepting the substitute became “bloodguilty.” [1]
"An examination of the historical facts shows that not only have Jehovah's Witnesses refused to put on military uniforms and take up arms but, during the past half century and more, they have also declined to do non-combatant service or to accept other work assignments as a substitute for military service. Many of Jehovah's Witnesses have been imprisoned because they would not violate their Christian neutrality." [2]
This most likely put many brothers in prison who suffered needlessly, as they rejected even civilian service alternatives. Imagine how many of these felt when the position was once again changed by being reversed in 1996?
"What, though, if the Christian lives in a land where exemption [from military service] is not granted to ministers of religion? Then he will have to make a personal decision following his Bible-trained conscience. What, though, if the State requires a Christian for a period of time to perform civilian service that is a part of national service under a civilian administration? That is his decision before Jehovah." [3]
Yes, civilian service was now acceptable again. This highlights once again the folly of the organization laying down rules, going beyond what is written, instead of allowing a Christian's Bible-trained consciences to decide.
Finally, why does the kr book use the organization's interpretations of Revelation, from the Revelation Climax book? This book is out of print and not available online for download. Many of the teachings of this book are out of date from ‘current truth’. It seems the only reason is to justify the cause of opposition to the witnesses stand on neutrality and try and imply that only Jehovah’s Witnesses were the target. From our review last week we know that there are conscientious objectors from other religions, though that fact was likely lost on last week’s attendees of the midweek Bible Study.
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[1] Crisis of Conscience, R Franz, 2004 4th edition, p.124
[2] United in Worship of the Only True God (1983) p.167
[3] Watchtower 1996 May 1 pp.19-20
Archived Comments
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Comment by Leonardo Josephus on 2017-06-26 10:36:56
It is of concern, that, knowing JW history so much better than when I was new 30 odd years ago, how much of the opposition we have suffered has been brought on by our own insistence on our position. I fully understand the objection to military service, as that is sharing in taking lives, but there are so many other circumstances where we insist on our way being right.
Flag saluting, and standing for the national anthem are two areas highlighted. But we also promote a stance on attending church services or funerals, or doing work for a church or similar organisation. But when it comes to the other way round, we welcome those of other faiths to attend a wedding or funeral at our hall. Those people will attend and often join in the songs .
It is a long time since such issues were discussed in the Watchtower or at a convention, yet they are part of our Christian living.
How much of our problems have been brought on us by our insisting on our way, in areas of life which may not be as black or white as we thought.
I am not insisting on a particular view on this, but more raising the subject for discussion.Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-06-26 17:01:47
This just shows the folly of making rules. If the Bible doesn't make a specific rule, we do well to allow the conscience to guide us. Otherwise, we can place ourselves in the role of Christ, because he who makes hard and fast rules becomes the leader of those who listen to him and only one is our leader. (Mt 23:10)
Reply by eve04 on 2017-06-29 12:15:47
I have to laugh at the making of many rules. Well really it’s not funny. I remember about a year and half ago our Local needs were based on rules. When we could get up and go to the bathroom, how the kids should be dressed (mind you we only had one little boy in our congregation at the time), not eating, it went on and on and on. I felt like getting up and leaving that meeting it was AWFUL!!!
Reply by Menrov on 2017-06-27 01:44:33
In my view, it is all about image. Building a reputation as an organisation and showing off against other religions. I do not know the text by heart but if one does something right out of pressure, not by choice, it is actually not appreciated by Jesus or our Father. So, going to prison because one obeys the rule of an organisation, is not (as) valuable (as) doing it by your own choice, based on your own conscience or love. Same for other behaviors. There are many examples in the scriptures of people that showed they acted because it was THEIR choice, not the choice of a leader. Take the 3 Hebrews in Daniel. It was their own faith that was the basis for their own choices and decisions. There is nothing wrong by listening to and learning from others. as long as your choices remain your personal choices and that they are based on your own conscience, knowledge, love and conviction. Not based on the "conscience" of others or out of fear for the "teachers".
And yes, by more or less blindly following the rules of the organisation towards so-called Christian behavior, many JW's have unfortunately suffered, both young ones and older ones.Reply by eve04 on 2017-06-29 12:07:10
So true. For example, according to Ray Franz’ book, CC, the brothers did not understand fully if being a conscientious objector was scriptural. Letters came from Elders and CO’s showing this. So, many took a stand on something because the GB/FS said so, not based on their own consciences. Only years later to reverse the decision. How many suffered needlessly!
Comment by River on 2017-06-26 16:26:40
Around misinterpretation of Matthew 24:45-47. It should be from 1919, but what about luk chap 12. There it isn't in the last days, it's a general statement for everyone. I personally think that I could be one of these if I am willing to behave like one.
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-06-26 16:58:45
I agree, River. Actually, the former understanding we had as Witnesses was correct in my opinion. All anointed Christians, male and female, make up the slave. Sometimes they are the feeders and sometimes they are the fed.
Reply by River on 2017-06-26 17:21:48
Thanks, Meleti. What I actually meant was that there is no collective servant. It is only a description of a good behaviour, something we can deviate from (luk 12.48). Maybe Jesus will reward these with the righteous resurrection. Correct me if there is reason to believe otherwise.
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-06-26 17:31:26
I believe we're on the same page. Luke 12:41-48 describes four outcomes. Jesus was speaking to his disciples so all can have the opportunity to be faithful and discreet, but many will not and will end up like the evil servant, or one of the other two. Only the faithful and discreet ones get appointed over the Lord's belongings.
Reply by mailman on 2017-06-27 08:15:05
Thanks River and Meleti. Oh boy, after reading Luke 12:48, it became clearer that Christ was not referring to a modern day Governing Body in the last days. Peter's question using the word "parable" would bail us all out.
Perhaps more JWs should read Luke 12:41-48 several times, compare its context to Matthew 24:45-47, pray and see for himself/herself the true message of the Lord.
But wait, why isn't the WT encouraging us to check the context of Luke to explain the slave class?Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-06-27 08:37:26
They always go to Mt 24:45-47 don't they? They can't explain the extra two slaves, and have never tried to. That they ignore the more complete account and always go with the abbreviated one gives evidence of intent.
Reply by River on 2017-06-27 09:55:30
An eyeopener for me was Ac 2.16-20. I asked myself if we haven't lived in the last days for nearly 2000 years. My answer is yes.
After this I reread part of the Bibel and was fund of what I found. This site here is really a gift. I was specifically glad I paid attention to citations from verses in Rom chap 3-7. What stroke me can be summed in Rom 3.26,30. Now it was a question how I could receive the grace from God and Jesus. Wt learns us it's from annotation, but the Bible tells us it's from faith.
I'm a Dane so it can explain my awkwardness in constructing sentences.
Reply by eve04 on 2017-06-29 12:17:41
What can I do but shake my head in frustration!!!!!
Reply by Mowani on 2017-06-29 14:02:57
For me the eye opener was 1. Pe. 4:10
To the extent that each one has received a gift, use it in ministering to one another as fine stewards of God’s undeserved kindness that is expressed in various ways.
"Each one .... as fine stewards"
Comment by lazarus on 2017-06-26 19:37:52
Thanks Tadua, appreciate your hard work. Just on the Bible Reading and current adjustment from 2016 Q from Readers. On Eze 9:1,2 . The study makes mention of previous thoughts , here are the references, in case anyone is interested.
The servant Russell – The Watchtower 12/1/1916 p. 372 – Rejoicing in our Pastors Victory
I deem it a privilege and an honor on this occasion to offer a tribute of love and esteem in memory of our departed Brother and Pastor… Eminently chosen of the Lord to serve the “Household of Faith with meat in due season,” and elsewhere (Ezekiel 9:2,11) described as the “man in linen with the writer’s ink horn at his side,” HE HAS DONE AS HE WAS COMMANDED, finished the work given him to do.
The ‘servant’ class – Vindication (1931)
p. 105 – The “servant” class, pictured by the man with the writing material and clothed in linen, must go through the midst of Christendom… These words of Jesus serve to further identify the man clothed in linen with the writer’s inkhorn by his side, and definitely show that he represented the “servant” class.
p.109 – The work of the “servant” class, pictured by the man in linen and with the writer’s inkhorn, is therefore clearly and definitely marked out.
The Remnant – The Watchtower 11/15/1952 p. 678 – Marking Those Who Sigh and Cry
In times past it was thought that the man in linen with the writer’s inkhorn by his side pictured a certain individual in modern times [C.T. Russell]. Such would be attaching too much importance to a man and would savor of creature worship. Rather, all the facts indicate that this man in linen with a writer’s inkhorn by his side pictures or represents the body of faithful anointed Christians working as a unit for the accomplishment of Jehovah’s purposes in the earth, and who are working together under divine direction as the “faithful and discreet slave”.
The Remnant – The Watchtower 1/15/1972 pp. 47-48 par. 26 – Has the King’s Secretary Called on You Recently?
“Not just the name, but the work carried out by them since then proves that this anointed remnant of Christian witnesses of the Most High God are unmistakably the twentieth-century fulfillment of the man ‘clothed with linen, with a secretary’s inkhorn.'”
Anointed and non-anointed – The Watchtower 9/15/1988 p. 14 par. 18 Listen—Jehovah’s Watchman Speaks!
The antitypical ‘man in linen’ is the class of anointed Christians. They go from house to house to put a symbolic mark on those who become part of the “great crowd” of Christ’s “other sheep.” The “mark” is the evidence that such sheep are dedicated, baptized individuals with a Christlike personality. Their “mark” will make it plain to God’s executional forces that they should be spared during the “great tribulation.” They can retain that “mark” by sharing with the anointed ones in marking yet others. So, if you have been ‘marked,’ share zealously in the ‘marking’ work.
The Remnant – The Watchtower 1/1/2000 p. 12 par. 3 – “The Little One” Has Become “a Thousand”
In a fine explanation of Ezekiel 9:1-11, [w91 9/1] showed that the man with the writer’s inkhorn mentioned in those verses represents the anointed remnant
Comment by mailman on 2017-06-27 10:34:48
Ever since I saw this site and had the pleasure to read numerous articles along with the relevant Scriptures, is it normal to spot flaws, inconsistencies, and contradictions in the WT publications? Is it an acquired skill?
I asked that because my antennae is normally up when I see that something feels wrong in what I encounter.Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-06-27 11:44:03
It was an acquired skill for me. When I started doing WT reviews, I was astonished with how much I found to fault. I thought it would only be the occasional article with the odd point here and there that might require some treatment, but I find now that every article has a number of issues. It's astonishing how far we have strayed from the truth.
Comment by Leonardo Josephus on 2017-06-27 12:27:22
Mailman. When i first started reading this site more seriously, I would occasionally pick up errors and raise queries or point things out to our Co-ordinator. Tactfully, I thought. After a while I realised I was picking up something in every article, often already spotted by Meliti. My wife manages to pick up half these things without visiting this site at all. After raising some unrelated queries directly with the Society, and getting their views, I reached the conclusion that all the answers I would be given are going to be in line with our publications, regardless of whether they are correct or not. That is when I stepped down. Truth must always come first (subject to tact, of course).