“Seek Jehovah, all you meek ones of the earth … Seek meekness”— Zephaniah 2:3
[From ws 02/19 p.8 Study Article 7: April 15 -21]
Have you been enthralled watching a beautiful TV program perhaps about some wildlife and as the story comes to a climax then the program is interrupted by a grating jingle as the backing for an advert? What if that were the case and it proceeded to announce, “this program is proudly sponsored by Conartistes & Liars Inc. the only travel agent self-appointed to guide you round such Wildlife refuges. Unless you accept us as guides, you will not be able to see such sights”. No doubt, you would be unhappy at the very least.
Why this little story? The reason is that this week’s Watchtower study article is very much like that. There are 23 paragraphs this week and there is little to quibble about, with much good and beneficial material. All except for paragraph 18.
In paragraph 18 the upbuilding and beneficial counsel is interrupted by a grating jingle. Namely, “Jehovah provides that guidance in the Bible and in publications and through programs produced by “the faithful and discreet slave.” (Matt. 24:45-47) We must do our part by humbly acknowledging that we need help, by studying the material Jehovah supplies, and by submissively applying what we learn”.
The benefits of the whole article are tainted by this blatant self-aggrandisement by the self-appointed faithful and discreet slave. It also comes with the strong suggestion that whoever does not accept both them and the literature they supply is neither meek nor humble. In making this suggestion, they both judge others' heart motivations and actions without knowing them. More of a problem is that they put themselves in the position of Jesus who is the only one with a right to judge heart motivations. (John 5:22) Worse still, in taking this position of judgement, they effectively encourage those that do listen to them, to go and judge others in the same manner.
In addition, as is becoming the norm in recent years, this paragraph totally ignores the head of the Christian Congregation, Jesus Christ, who according to Scripture has been granted all authority. Instead they claim the material has come from Jehovah and been produced by them, thereby effectively bypassing Jesus (Ephesians 5:23, Matthew 28:18).
In conclusion, provided you ignore or avoid reading paragraph 18 and the attitudes contained therein, you will find this article is worth reading.
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Comment by Leonardo Josephus on 2019-04-15 10:21:48
Thank you Tadua. The only problem is that as soon as I see meekness or humility being discussed, I am already waiting for something on the lines of paragraph 18, thereby encouraging submission to the GB and their authority as the main way that we can be meek or humble. The challenge is then finding such submission in the article.
No much about Jesus again, although the previous article contained nothing.
Rant over.
Love to all here, especially Eric.
Comment by Jerome on 2019-04-15 16:06:26
I was very annoyed that, as is always the case when humility or meekness is discussed, everyone is in danger of losing the quality of meekness except for the governing body. Paragraph 8 reasons:
“WHEN IS IT A CHALLENGE TO BE MEEK?
When given authority: It can be a challenge for those who have authority to remain meek, especially when someone they oversee treats them disrespectfully or questions their judgment. Has that ever happened to you? What if a family member acted that way? How would you respond? Consider how Moses dealt with that situation.
Jehovah appointed Moses as leader of Israel and allowed him to record the laws that governed that nation. There was no doubt that Jehovah was backing Moses. Even so, Moses’ own sister and brother, Miriam and Aaron, spoke against him and questioned his judgment in choosing his wife. Some men in Moses’ position might have become angry and vengeful—but not Moses. He did not become offended easily. He even pleaded with Jehovah to end the punishment of Miriam. (Num. 12:1-13) Why did Moses react that way?
Moses had allowed himself to be trained by Jehovah. Some 40 years earlier, when he was a member of the Egyptian royal family, Moses was not meek. In fact, he had been so quick-tempered that he killed a man who he judged was acting unfairly. Moses assumed that Jehovah would agree with his actions. Jehovah spent 40 years helping Moses to understand that he needed more than courage to lead the Israelites; he needed to be meek. And to be meek, he also needed to be humble, submissive, and mild. He learned that lesson well and became an excellent overseer.—Ex. 2:11, 12; Acts 7:21-30, 36.”
But just ask yourself, how does the governing body react when someone questions their judgement? Even the slightest hint of disagreement would land you in the back room with a couple of elders. They even have printed articles likening those that challenge the faithful and discreet slave to Korah.
For example:
“How we react to adjustments in the worldwide Christian congregation and decisions made by those taking the lead in it has a bearing on our being known by Jehovah. Korah and his associates alienated themselves from God by their overconfidence, pride, and lack of faith. Although in Korah’s eyes it was aged Moses who was making day-to-day decisions, it was really Jehovah who was directing the nation. Korah lost sight of that fact and consequently failed to show loyalty to those whom God was using. How much wiser it would have been for Korah to wait on Jehovah for a clearer understanding or for adjustments if those were really needed. So in the end, Korah destroyed his record of faithful service by his prideful actions!
That account provides a serious warning for elders and others in the congregation today. Waiting on Jehovah and following directions from those appointed to take the lead requires humility. Do we show that we are as humble and mild-tempered as Moses was? Can we acknowledge the position of those taking the lead among us and submit to directions we receive? Are we able to rise above our personal feelings when faced with disappointments? If so, we too will be known favorably by Jehovah. Our humility and submission will endear us to him.” (The Watchtower September 15, 2011 pgs. 28-29 pars. 15-16)
Instead of condemning Korah, Moses humbly allowed Jehovah to show who was approved by him. (Nu. 16:5-7) Yet,nothing is said in this article about the need for the governing body, the highest authority in the organization, to be as humble and mild-tempered as Moses was.Reply by Mara Fayde on 2019-04-18 20:21:53
Good points. All of these comments are great actually, it’s hard to choose which to respond to.
“Jehovah appointed Moses as leader of Israel and allowed him to record the laws that governed that nation. There was no doubt that Jehovah was backing Moses.”
Since the GB is unabashedly comparing themselves to Meek Moses in the article you shared, Jerome, I’ll make this comment:
What gave Moses the right to direct anyone? What gave him the right to make any sort of claim that God was using him and speaking through him to the nation? Was it not overwhelming miraculous proof? This proof was demonstrated repeatedly, and in such a visible, obvious way as to be undeniable. That’s what made Aaron &Miriam, and Korah’s stand foolish. The proof of Moses’ appointment was irrefutable.
The same with Jesus’ claim, that he was the son of God, and could install a new form of worship, a new way of doing things. Overwhelming miraculous proof. Without he is just a man bearing witness about himself.
The GB bears witness about itself. For such a bold claim as professing to be God’s spirit directed organization on earth, there had better be evidence. Testimonials do not suffice. That’s why Jesus would always say “Tell no one” after healing them. Witnessing God’s evidence, Holy Spirit, was more important than any declaration. The GB has nothing but declarations. That puts them in a very dangerous position.
Comment by jamesbrown on 2019-04-16 00:17:46
Tadua
Great review, brief precise & to the point I loved your take on paragraph 18.
Jerome paragraph 7- 8 not bad at all you got me thinking, on the grounds of being disfellowshipped in the elder’s book under Apostasy
WT 4/1/1986 P 30-31
Questions from Readers
Why have Jehovah’s Witnesses disfellowshipped (excommunicated) for apostasy some who still profess belief in God, the Bible, and Jesus Christ?
Approved association with Jehovah’s Witnesses requires accepting the entire range of the true teachings of the Bible, including those Scriptural beliefs that are unique to Jehovah’s Witnesses. What do such beliefs include?
That the great issue before humankind is the rightfulness of Jehovah’s sovereignty, which is why he has allowed wickedness so long. (Ezekiel 25:17)
That Jesus Christ had a prehuman existence and is subordinate to his heavenly Father. (John 14:28)
That there is a “faithful and discreet slave” upon earth today ‘entrusted with all of Jesus’ earthly interests,’ which slave is associated with the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. (Matthew 24:45-47)
That 1914 marked the end of the Gentile Times and the establishment of the Kingdom of God in the heavens, as well as the time for Christ’s foretold presence. (Luke 21:7-24; Revelation 11:15–12:10)
That only 144,000 Christians will receive the heavenly reward. (Revelation 14:1, 3) That Armageddon, referring to the battle of the great day of God the Almighty, is near. (Revelation 16:14, 16; 19:11-21)
That it will be followed by Christ’s Millennial Reign, which will restore an earth-wide paradise. That the first to enjoy it will be the present “great crowd” of Jesus’ “other sheep.”—John 10:16; Revelation 7:9-17; 21:3, 4.
Last paragraph: Following such Scriptural patterns, if a Christian (who claims belief in God, the Bible, and Jesus) unrepentantly promotes false teachings, it may be necessary for him to be expelled from the congregation. (See Titus 3:10, 11.)
Of course, if a person just has doubts or is uninformed on a point, qualified ministers will lovingly assist him. This accords with the counsel: “Continue showing mercy to some that have doubts; save them by snatching them out of the fire.” (Jude 22, 23)
Hence, the true Christian congregation cannot rightly be accused of being harshly dogmatic, but it does highly value and work toward the unity encouraged in God’s Word.
This week’s WT paragraph 7 “WHEN IS IT A CHALLENGE TO BE MEEK?
When given authority: It can be a challenge for those who have authority to remain meek, especially when someone they oversee treats them disrespectfully or questions their judgment. Has that ever happened to you? What if a family member acted that way? How would you respond? Consider how Moses dealt with that situation.
It’s the iron fist that rules the org…. Judge for yourselves
Comment by messenger on 2019-04-16 04:58:19
The Governing Body considers all Christians who don't follow it part of apostate Christianity. Why? Because the GB claims those folks teach and follow incorrect Bible beliefs. Isn't the Governing Body judging itself apostate by that standard? It admits it has interpreted scripture incorrectly many, many times. And that it might be doing so right now. And that it could also do so in the future.
The reason it uses to excuse its inaccurate interpretations has always been, we are imperfect. But what kind of cop-out is that? Everyone is imperfect. So why even bring that up and apply that to itself without applying it to everyone? It's like saying the sky is blue. It needs no telling. But if you do tell it, then it applies to all people. So the Governing Body excuses itself, but no other Christian teachers. Who said they can do that? Who gave them that authority?
For what other reason does the GB name all other Christians apostate? Because of their actions! The GB claims because they don't act like Christians. But how many times have we read WT make excuses for its elders, claiming they are imperfect men? Therefore, WT teaching claims we should respect the elders , trust them, follow their direction, and expect them to act imperfectly at times. But WT does not apply that idea to any Christian teachers it does not appoint.
How does the Governing Body define acting imperfectly? What is the criteria for acting imperfectly according to WT? They mean the people act against scripture. Therefore, WT admits its appointed men act against scripture at times. But isn't that the second reason WT calls everyone else apostate Christians?
So, everyone else are apostates because they have some incorrect understanding of scriptures, and because they act against scripture at times in various ways.
However, the Governing Body and its elders are imperfect, so when they teach against scripture and act against it they are not apostate. And as long as I follow the Governing Body, and its elders I won't be an apostate Christian. That is what WT teaches. As long as I believe its incorrect scriptural teachings, if incorrect ideas are taught, I might be in a safe place. Of course following God is necessary to, according to WT. And when I act against scripture at times, I to can be forgiven, because I follow the Governing Body.
Doesn't that sound like the same thing Christ told the Jews? That is if we remove the idea that scriptural interpretations are sometimes inaccurate? To my recollection the WT doesn't actually use the term inaccurate when speaking of its work being incorrect either. More often than not it merely claims a new revelation, which it calls new light.
Well, that stopped making sense to me. So I stopped following them. I can't see how some people could be apostates for doing the same things that others are forgiven for, when both groups turn to Christ.
So, how does the GB pull this hoax off on so many people? Practically all people Jehovah's Witnesses study with are biblically illiterate. WT materials put a lot of print into convincing its readers that WT leaders have a special position of leadership over Christ's worldwide church that nobody else shares.
The problem with that teaching is that it is far fetched. , And a biblically literate Christian can prove it to be an erroneous teaching. And that the GB is not any faithful and discreet slave of Christ. It might be a faithful slave of another, but not Christ.
Comment by Bernardbooks on 2019-04-16 09:37:03
Paragraph 2
“However, we have a powerful incentive to develop this quality. Jehovah promises that “the meek will possess the earth.” (Ps. 37:11)”
Paragraph 22
“Soon, Jehovah will remove all wicked people from the earth, and only the meek will remain. Then the earth will truly be peaceful. (Ps. 37:10, 11)”
It is a strange curiosity when you ask members of the organization who is being spoken of in Psalm 37 and Matthew 5:5 as those who will posses/inherit the land/earth
in my experience most will say “that’s my promise and hope” (i.e. great crowd, other sheep)
But like so many other of the orgs teachings, that promise is only applied to the majority of their members in a secondary way and in principle.
g71 7/8 pp. 27-28
“Jesus Christ himself is therefore the primary one to whom Matthew 5:5 applies.
However, Jesus will not be alone in inheriting the earth.
The fact that Jesus’ words at Matthew 5:5 have a primary application to him and to his 144,000 associates does not mean that they are of no import to others of his followers. They are, for they state A PRINCIPLE that also applies to his “other sheep.” These have the hope of enjoying Paradise on earth. —John 10:16; Luke 23:43.
Such earthly blessings will be the lot of the vast majority of the human race who have died and who will be resurrected by Jesus Christ. But legally speaking, they will not be owning the earth, inheriting it, but they will hold it in trust for the mild-tempered ones who will rule over them. —John 5:28, 29.