[Jehovah] well knows how we are formed, remembering that we are dust.”—Psalms 103:14.
[From ws 9/18 p. 23 – November 19 – November 25]
Paragraph 1 opens with a reminder: “POWERFUL and influential people often “lord it over” others, even dominating them. (Matthew 20:25; Ecclesiastes 8:9)”.
In Matthew 20:25-27, Jesus said, “YOU know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them and the great men wield authority over them. This is not the way among YOU; but whoever wants to become great among YOU must be YOUR minister, and whoever wants to be first among YOU must be YOUR slave.”
Today, the publications and broadcasts talk about a ‘Governing Body’, while the use of the phrase ‘faithful and discreet slave’ is now rarely used. Do slaves govern or do they serve? Does one obey a slave? Does the Governing Body act like your minister, your servant, or do they behave as those who lord it over others and "wield authority" over the flock?
If you are unsure how to answer, why not try questioning the teachings of the Governing Body? But do not do so with your own speculation. Rather, use the Bible and only the Bible to make your case. Will they act as your minister, or your ruler? As one who serves or one who wields authority over you? Are you afraid to do so? Are you afraid to write in to them to voice your doubts, or share your research? If so, that speaks volumes, does it not?
Paragraphs 3-6 go on to discuss how Jehovah dealt considerately with Samuel and Eli.
Paragraphs 7-10 discuss how considerate Jehovah was in his dealings with Moses.
Paragraphs 11-15 remind us how Jehovah handled the Israelites while leaving Egypt.
These sections all contain good material for consideration.
However, paragraph 16 is a different matter. We will break it into points which we will then discuss.
- “Today, too, Jehovah cares for his people as a group—spiritually and physically.”
- “He will continue to do so during the fast-approaching great tribulation. (Revelation 7:9, 10) “
- “Hence, whether young or old, sound in body or disabled, God’s people will not panic or cower in fear during the tribulation. In fact, they will do the very opposite! They will bear in mind these words of Jesus Christ: “Stand up straight and lift up your heads, because your deliverance is getting near.” (Luke 21:28)”
- “They will maintain that confidence even in the face of the attack by Gog—a coalition of nations that will wield far more power than did ancient Pharaoh. (Ezekiel 38:2, 14-16)”
- “Why will God’s people remain confident? They know that Jehovah does not change. He will again prove to be a caring and considerate Savior.—Isaiah 26:3, 20.”
Let us now think about these claims.
1. “Today, too, Jehovah cares for his people as a group—spiritually and physically.”
Does Jehovah have an identifiable people today? What did Jesus say about this? John 13:35 records his words as saying “By this all will know that YOU are my disciples, if YOU have love among yourselves”. Yes, people would know who were true Christians by their actions as individuals, not as an Organization. Being known for preaching was not what would identify true Christians. Anyone can preach, and indeed many religions do this in a wide variety of ways—how else can one explain their growth? Many claim to be Christians and point their organization's or church's growth as proof, but the touchstone Jesus gave us was to display the same type of love he showed.
Jehovah has provided all we need spiritually in his Word. What need is there for additional provisions? Surely, to say there is a need for spiritual provisions today is to imply that Jehovah didn’t do a good enough job through those he inspired, and as a result he now needs to use those who by their own admission are not inspired.[I]
2. “He will continue to do so during the fast-approaching great tribulation. (Revelation 7:9, 10) “
Witnesses have an interpretation that claims the "great tribulation" is phase one of Armageddon. However, Revelation 7:14 does not define the term. Until 1969, Witnesses were taught that it began in 1914. How are we to trust this interpretation is the right one. However, even if we grant them this doctrinal view, what evidence is there that said tribulation is "fast approaching". In fact, the teaching of the imminence of the end goes back over 100 years.
3. “Hence, whether young or old, sound in body or disabled, God’s people will not panic or cower in fear during the tribulation. In fact, they will do the very opposite! They will bear in mind these words of Jesus Christ: “Stand up straight and lift up your heads, because your deliverance is getting near.” (Luke 21:28)”
Luke 21:26 the verse prior potentially suggests the opposite to this claim. It says “while men become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken”. It will be a fearful time for all. Only when they “see the son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” will it be possible to “lift YOUR heads up, because YOUR deliverance is getting near.”
4. “They will maintain that confidence even in the face of the attack by Gog—a coalition of nations that will wield far more power than did ancient Pharaoh. (Ezekiel 38:2, 14-16)”
Outside of Ezekiel, the only reference to Gog and Magog is found in the book of Revelation at chapter 20 verses 7 to 10. The organization ignores this and opts instead for its own unfounded interpretation which helps them to maintain a state of fear among Jehovah's Witnesses which is intended to keep the flock obedient to those who, as Jesus warned, 'Lord it over you.' We should bear in mind that they have said the same things many times before and each time their prognostications have failed. Should we fear them? The Bible answers:
“When the prophet speaks in the name of Jehovah and the word is not fulfilled or does not come true, then Jehovah did not speak that word. The prophet spoke it presumptuously. You should not fear him.” (De 18:22)
5. “Why will God’s people remain confident? They know that Jehovah does not change. He will again prove to be a caring and considerate Savior.—Isaiah 26:3, 20.”
While it is true that Jehovah will be a saviour, he has already shown himself to be caring. As 1 John 4:14-15 reminds us:
“In addition, we ourselves have beheld and are bearing witness that the Father has sent forth his Son as Savior of the world. 15 Whoever makes the confession that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, God remains in union with such one and he in union with God”.
Jehovah is our savior in that he made the provision of Jesus Christ to be our savior on God’s behalf. It is therefore wrong for the Organization to continually ignore or minimise the role of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, in the outworking of his purpose.
The final paragraph whets our appetite for next week's article (or dampens it depending on your point of view) as it says, “The next article will look at ways that we can imitate Jehovah in showing consideration for others. We will focus on the family, the Christian congregation, and the field ministry.”
Jehovah sent us the Christ so that we might have a man made in his image as his perfect representation to follow. If you wish to imitate Jehovah, then you must first imitate the Christ. The article bypasses this important truth as it again minimizes the role of God's Son. Let us see what next week's study brings to the table.
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[i] https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2017283 w2017 Feb p23 “The Governing Body is neither inspired nor infallible.”
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Comment by Gogetter on 2018-11-21 16:35:03
Hello Rick
Very good points! I have performed my own survey with various “friends “ asking them how they would explain to a Bible study the overlapping generations and with what scriptures they can think of to support........I’ll give you a moment......crickets
How in the world can that be a core teaching if the R&F can’t even understand it
Much less teach a newbie??
I suspect the GB are going to readdress this topic again soon with a little more new light refinements.Reply by Leonardo Josephus on 2018-11-22 03:16:09
If they do readdress this silly teaching, how can they explain things without coming across as "we do not know". How about explaining the generation is only relating to the first century and dropping it altogether, while advising all of the rest of us to be patient and just wait ? I wonder how my hat tastes.
Reply by Bernardbooks on 2018-11-22 10:10:23
Admitting “we don’t know” and encouraging patience, real patience, not just “hold on for a few more years until our imminent predictions come true”, would be much better than what they’ve been doing for more than a century. Instead of using formulas to figure when the end has to come by they should’ve just listened to what James said, a real inspired writer. But then they can’t even get this simple encouragement right without a false spin because according to their interpretation James was only saying be patient until 1914.
James 5:7
Be patient then, brothers, until the presence of the Lord.
Comment by Bernardbooks on 2018-11-20 18:26:06
It is very true where you wrote,
“Yes, people would know who were true Christians by their actions as individuals, not as an Organization. Being known for preaching was not what would identify true Christians.”
Matthew 7:22
Many will say to me in that day: ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?’ And then I will declare to them: ‘I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness!’
Titus 1:16
They publicly declare that they know God, but they disown him by their works, because they are detestable and disobedient and not approved for good work of any sort.
Comment by jamesbrown on 2018-11-20 18:32:21
Morning BB
I never looked at these 2 scriptures that way, you got me thinking and thanks againReply by Bernardbooks on 2018-11-20 19:12:21
Good morning,
This is another scripture that shows me an amazing truth about our Heavenly Father when it comes to looking at individuals not just broad groups of separated organizations throughout the earth.
Psalm 33:13-15
Jehovah looks down from heaven;
He sees all the sons of men.
From his place of residence,
He gazes on the inhabitants of the earth.
He is the one forming the hearts of all;
He examines all their works.
Comment by jamesbrown on 2018-11-20 19:31:49
Hi BB,
Great scriptures, no wonder why Elijah was told he was not the ONLY one who worshipped Jehovah their were 7000 whom Jehovah knew to be his worshippers.
I will attach the scriptures to Elijah's account.
Thanks again
Comment by jamesbrown on 2018-11-20 20:34:19
Morning Tadua,
“When the prophet speaks in the name of Jehovah and the word is not fulfilled or does not come true, then Jehovah did not speak that word. The prophet spoke it presumptuously. You should not fear him.” (De 18:22)
This is what I found in the Awake 22/3/1993 pages 2 – 3:
Jehovah’s Witnesses, in their eagerness for Jesus’ second coming, have suggested dates that turned out to be incorrect. Because of this, some have called them false prophets. Never in these instances, however, did they presume to originate predictions ‘in the name of Jehovah.’ Never did they say, ‘These are the words of Jehovah.’ The Watchtower, the official journal of Jehovah’s Witnesses, has said: “We have not the gift of prophecy.” (January 1883, page 425) “Nor would we have our writings reverenced or regarded as infallible.” (December 15, 1896, page 306) The Watchtower has also said that the fact that some have Jehovah’s spirit “does not mean those now serving as Jehovah’s witnesses are inspired. It does not mean that the writings in this magazine The Watchtower are inspired and infallible and without mistakes.” (May 15, 1947, page 157) “The Watchtower does not claim to be inspired in its utterances, nor is it dogmatic.” (August 15, 1950, page 263) “The brothers preparing these publications are not infallible. Their writings are not inspired as are those of Paul and the other Bible writers. (2 Tim. 3:16) And so, at times, it has been necessary, as understanding became clearer, to correct views. (Prov. 4:18)”—February 15, 1981, page 19.
Whilst GB claims to be humans and make mistakes, they nail anyone who does not believe in their writing and predictions.
Luke 21:26 “while men become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth; for the powers of the heavens will be shaken”. It will be a fearful time for all. Only when they “see the son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory” will it be possible to “lift YOUR heads up, because YOUR deliverance is getting near.”
You made me think, just why does GB disapprove with Russian authorities when they banned JW’S if they believed in the above scriptures.
While it is true that Jehovah will be a saviour, he has already shown himself to be caring. As 1 John 4:14-15 reminds us:
“In addition, we ourselves have beheld and are bearing witness that the Father has sent forth his Son as Savior of the world. 15 Whoever makes the confession that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, God remains in union with such one and he in union with God”.
GB thought there was too much emphases put on Jesus and not on Jehovah and that’s why you will see at meetings we are told: What does this bible reading taught you about Jehovah?
I was talking with one of the elders and he was saying that Jehovah is cleaning the congregations today, so I asked “Did Jesus get the sack for doing a bad job, so that Jehovah had to step in, isn’t Jesus the head of the congregation?” He still insisted its Jehovah who is in control.
Great article Tadua and many thanks.
Comment by Leonardo Josephus on 2018-11-21 03:50:05
JB. From the GB's point of view then "We are not inspired, but if you do not believe everything we say, you are in trouble with Jehovah. We are not inspired but this is the accurate interpretation of the scriptures, so if they are inspired all we are doing is ..........................."
It reminded me of the saying that you cannot have your cake and eat it.
The Bible largely interprets itself, except for the bits we cannot understand. It is one thing to discuss the meaning of those parts, but it cannot be right to teach them as facts, as many religions have done in the past.
It takes humility to say we do not know. Listen to politicians - how often do they actually admit to not knowing. Usually all they do is evade awkward questions, changing the subject until the interviewer runs out of time.
Nothing, however, should prevent us from discussing things with like minded ones, nor should it prevent us from behaving as Christians should,
Comment by rick on 2018-11-21 07:00:08
Thank you Tadua for another fine article. It is much appreciated.
Your comments about the GB 'lord[ing] it over' the brothers is, as we all know, very accurate. Calling themselves a 'Governing Body' speaks for itself. The 2001 Translation of the Greek Scriptures says at Matt. 24:45; ‘Who is the faithful and sensible slave that the master has put in charge of his household to provide them their food at the right times? I believe that most JW's would argue that since they believe that Jesus has 'put in charge' this GB, they do have 'authority' over the congregation and they should yield to their oversight.
However, they must not forget that Jesus posed a question; ‘Who is the faithful and sensible slave'? It is up to each individual Christians to answer that question. As you pointed out, they prefer to be referred to as a 'Governing Body' rather than a ' faithful and sensible slave'. One must ask why they prefer such a distinguished title? No doubt it is because they wish to deflect attention away from the obvious. The word 'faithful' among other things means 'true to the facts'. Have they been? What does the record state? Are they 'sensible'. For example, does the 'Overlapping Generation' make sense even to faithful JW's? Every JW I've talked to just shrugs their shoulders over this doctrine. They just accept it, apparently without question. They don't see the necessity to 'prove (this doctrine) to themselves', or 'make sure' it is well grounded in scripture.
Anyway, as they so often like to say, 'the light is getting brighter and brighter'. Indeed it is!Reply by Bernardbooks on 2018-11-21 08:56:55
Very nice points rick.
Like the slave or slaves singled out in Jesus illustration who provides food for the house I think it’s interesting to compare it with Marks account where Jesus mentioned each slave being given authority to each one his work. Then just as he spoke of a slave who served food in Matthew he singled out a slave here who was the doorkeeper.
It’s silly but using the reasoning of the organization I would ask, “who’s the figurative doorkeeper?” and “who’s taking care of all these other figurative work assignments? Why has only the food server assignment been referenced and highlighted in just about every magazine and publication for more than a century?”
Mark 13:33,34
It is like a man traveling abroad who left his house and gave the authority to his slaves, to each one his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to keep on the watch.