Okay, this definitely falls into the category of “Here we go again”. What am I talking about? Rather than tell you, let me show you.
This excerpt is from a recent video from JW.org. And you can see from it, probably, what do I mean by “here we go again”. What I mean is that we have heard this song before. We heard it a hundred years ago. We heard it fifty years ago. The scene is always the same. A hundred years ago, the world was at war and millions had been killed. It seemed like the end had come. Because of the devastation the war caused, there were also famines in many places. Then, in 1919, a year after the war ended, a plague broke out called the Spanish influenza, and more died in the plague than were killed in the war. Taking advantage of these catastrophic events were men like J.F. Rutherford who predicted the end could come in 1925.
It seems like there is a 50-year cycle to this madness. From 1925, we moved to 1975, and now, as we approach 2025, we have Stephen Lett telling us that we are in “undoubtedly, the final part of the final part of the last days, shortly before the last day of the last days.”
When the disciples asked Jesus for a sign to forewarn them of when the end would come, what were the first words out of his mouth?
“Look out that nobody misleads you…” (Matthew 24:5).
Jesus knew that fear and uncertainty about the future would make us easy targets for shysters looking to take advantage of us for their own benefit. So, the first thing he told us was to “look out that nobody misleads you.”
But how could we avoid being misled? By listening to Jesus and not to men. So, after giving us this warning, Jesus goes into detail. He starts by telling us that there would be wars, food shortages, earthquakes, and according to Luke’s account at Luke 21:10, 11, pestilences. However, he says not to be alarmed because these things are just going to happen, but to quote him, “the end is not yet.” He then adds, “all these things are a beginning of pangs of distress”.
So, Jesus says that when we see an earthquake or pestilence or a food shortage or a war, that we are not to go running around crying, “The end is near! The end is near!” In fact, he tells us that when we see these things, you will know that the end is not yet, is not near; and that these are the beginning of pangs of distress.
If pestilences like the Coronavirus are the “beginning of pangs of distress”, how can Stephen Lett claim that they signal we are in the final part of the final part of the last days. Either we accept what Jesus tells us or we disregard Jesus’ words in favour of those from Stephen Lett. Here we have Jesus Christ on the right hand and Stephen Lett on the left hand. Which one would you rather obey? Which one would you rather believe?
The final part of the last days is essentially, the last days of the last days. That would mean that Stephen Lett is trying very hard to sell us on the idea that not only are we in the last days of the last days but we are in the last days of the last days of the last days.
Our Lord, in his wisdom, knew that such a warning would not be enough; that is the warning he gave us already. He knew that we are far too susceptible to panic and willing to follow any liar who claims to have the answer, so he gave us even more to go on.
After telling us that even he didn’t know when he would be coming back, he gives us the comparison to the days of Noah. He says that in those days “they were oblivious, until the flood came and swept them all away” (Matthew 24:39 BSB). And then, just to make sure that we don’t assume he’s talking about people who are not his disciples; that his disciples will not be oblivious but will be able to discern that he’s about to come, he tells us, “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come” (Matthew 24:42). You would think that would be enough, but Jesus knew better, and so two verses later he says that he is coming when we least expect it.
“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Matthew 24:44 NIV)
It sure sounds like the governing body is expecting him to come.
For well over 100 years, the leaders of the organization have been looking for signs and getting everybody all excited because of things they saw as signs. Is this a good thing? Is this just the result of human imperfection; well-intentioned bumbling?
Jesus said this about those who were constantly looking for signs:
“A wicked and adulterous generation keeps on seeking a sign, but no sign will be given it except the sign of Jonah the prophet.” (Matthew 12:39)
What would qualify a modern generation of Christians as adulterous? Well, anointed Christians are part of the bride of Christ. So, a 10-year affair with the image of the wild beast of Revelation, which Witnesses claim represents the United Nations, would certainly qualify as adultery. And wouldn’t it be wicked to get people to ignore the warnings of the Christ by trying to get them to believe in signs that don’t really mean anything? One has to wonder about the motivation behind such a thing. If all Jehovah’s Witnesses think that the Governing Body has some special insight into current events; some means to predict how close the end is and provide life-saving information when the time comes, then they are going to be blindly obedient to everything that the Organization—that the Governing Body—tells them to do.
Is that what they are trying to accomplish?
But given the fact that they have done this many times before, and that each time they have failed; and given the fact that right now they are telling us that the Coronavirus is a sign that we are close to the end, when Jesus very specifically tells us the opposite – well, does that not make them false prophets?
Are they trying to exploit the panic of the moment to their own ends? That is after all, what a false prophet does.
The Bible tells us:
“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.’” (Deuteronomy 18:22)
What does it mean when it says, “you should not fear him”? It means we should not believe him. Because if we believe him, then we will be afraid to ignore his warnings. Fear of suffering the outcome of his predictions will cause us to follow him and obey him. That is the ultimate purpose of the false prophet: to get people to follow and obey him.
So, what do you think? Is Stephen Lett, speaking on behalf of the Governing Body, acting presumptuously? Should we fear him? Should we fear them? Or rather, should we fear the Christ who has never let us down and never steered this down the wrong path, even once?
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Archived Comments
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Comment by Leonardo Josephus on 2020-03-23 11:33:17
Unbelievable, Eric, but sadly it is what he said. A number of long standing Witnesses have suggested that the virus may well lead to Armageddon.
It is a sign that we are living in the last days of the last days of the last days of the last days of the last days of the last years of last days of the last days !
Comment by matijevic on 2020-04-02 13:54:42
I agree that GB tries again to instill fear. They are doing that constantly and thanks for reminder! But I think there are bigger players on scene who are trying with great success to do the same! World goverments play that game! All religious gatherings are forbiden in Europe! Orthodox priests are under attack for performing holy Communion! Many people are saying that they should burn in hell together with their flock! This situation reminds me of Rev 17:16
Comment by Judá Ben-Hur on 2020-03-23 12:45:06
Espero no ofender a las mulas.... El Cuerpo Gobernante de los Testigos de Jehová es más terco que una mula, sigue sin entender. Las mulas a base de varazos entienden, ¿entenderá el Cuerpo Gobernante algún día? No lo creo... ¡Eureka! Las mulas son más inteligentes. En una caravana van adelante las mulas de los burros. ¿Serán burros los que siguen al Cuerpo Gobernante? Ahora, espero no ofender a los burros.
Reply by Christian on 2020-03-23 22:18:09
Hello Juda, I've made an attempt to translate into English your witty observations. If the moderator wants to remove my attempt I understand.
I hope I don't offend mules... The Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses is more stubborn than a mule, I still don't understand? Mules on sticks understand, will the Governing Body ever understand? I don't think so... Eureka! Mules are smarter. In a caravan, Donkeys and Mules go ahead. Will it be donkeys that follow the Governing Body? Now, I hope I'm not offending Donkeys.Reply by Judá Ben-Hur on 2020-03-23 22:52:29
Thanks for your time Christian to translate my Spanish play on words... in Mexican culture, a mule represents stubbornness and a donkey represents a blind obedience... It is what we are seeing on JW movement, right? Mule "leaders" directing donkeys... And really, I do not want to be offensive to mules and donkeys... poor animals! =P
Reply by LaRhonda T. on 2020-03-24 12:30:39
Thank you Christian and Juda! Your observation was hilarious!!! Las Mulas Y Burros! In my years of teaching I had classrooms full of both. One group of students lead and the other group followed and NEITHER GROUP had a clue where they were going! I think that is an excellent example of where JW's are today...We can only hope both groups WAKE-UP!
Comment by Chet on 2020-03-23 14:20:41
I had an extended conversation with an ex-Witness friend with a Bethel background about this video and the impact all of this will have upon the Organization, the congregations, and individuals. It was, to say the least, a very interesting chat.
As you point out, Meleti, they are singing the same old song and are in full voice. As you point out, “the End is not yet”. I am convinced that significant things are happening, but this is because of what is stated in the Bible, and not some Adventist Algebra. And, as you point out, if we interpret these events as being part of the signs of Christ’s return, that places us earlier in the process than the “final part of the Last Days, shortly before the last day of the Last Days”.
This is hardly surprising, overreacting is what they do best. I notice that they make sure to get in a plug for “following direction closely”. Ever read The Boy That Cried Wolf? In our Information Age, such reckless statements can come back to haunt you. Every failure alienates a few more adherents.
But let’s place this in context. Congregations are being dissolved or merged all over the place. Kingdom Halls are being sold, all while the Organization claims to be growing by leaps and bounds. Now, quite unexpectedly, meetings have to be cancelled and I suspect that contributions are down dramatically.
Beyond that, Witnesses who have been chastised for missing even one meeting are now meeting via remote methods. One thing that came up in the aforementioned conversation was what the recovery rate of attendees will be after this. I, and others I know, expect that a lot of people will awaken to the fact that life goes on without the busy work of the Witnesses. At the very least, I would expect a significant drop in attendance and field service participation, but I would not be surprised if the bottom falls out.
If the Organization is at a tipping point, which I believe to be the case, this will push it over the edge. These guys may have outsmarted themselves by centralizing ownership. If they are leveraged in any way, they stand to lose a lot of property and will be literally powerless to stem the tide.
The next step would be an online-only model which will work to some extent, but will absolutely gut their authority and effectively end any internal discipline. So, in a relatively short time, the Witnesses could go from an authoritarian organization with an inquisitorial system of internal justice to an online church with a paywall. If that we’re to happen, their power to shun would go to zero and all sorts of people held hostage would be free to disappear from their ranks. Despite their efforts, they would go out, not with a bang, not even a whimper, but more of a gasp. There would simply be nothing left, overnight.
The New American Standard Bible renders Deuteronomy 5:11 as follows:
'You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.” For some time, I have wondered if our Creator appreciates that these people claim the Divine Name unto their organization (albeit, there are varying opinions regarding the accuracy of this name), yet so egregiously have abused their authority. I could think of no more fitting punishment for such an act than for their very existence to be quickly forgotten.
Comment by LaRhonda T. on 2020-03-23 14:47:50
I'm not trying to be mean or anything, but does Stephan Lett have some sort of mental/emotional problem? He looks like there might be something a bit "off" because of his often exaggerated expressions, and the wide-eyed stare that he often displays. I know that some people are very animated when they speak, particularly when they are passionate about a subject, but every time Ive viewed a video that features Stephan Lett, he displays these same facial expressions/
Reply by Chet on 2020-03-23 21:30:19
I’ve wondered the same thing myself. I know that I have seen similar mannerisms from other experienced JWs and the vocal style is one I’ve heard from many an Circuit Overseer, DO or Bethel Elder, over the years.
I have commented on his mannerisms in the past and will continue to do so, but this is not meant as a personal attack on the man. What I find hard to believe is that the Organization would choose a person with such mannerisms to be prominently featured in their videos. Even PIMI Witnesses of my acquaintance have commented on this.
I have plenty to say about the conduct of the Organization, but I realize that much of what happens is not the fault of any individual, but more a reflection of the Organization’s direction. I suspect that many among the JW leadership harbor reservations of their own, but even hinting at such thoughts would probably insure a personal disaster. More than anything, I feel that as individuals, Witnesses are all victims.
Reply by Leonardo Josephus on 2020-03-24 05:25:47
I note your points, Larohonda. But what is more worrying is what he says. Some of the GB have sounded like puppets for some time. "Do the math" Splane is more presentable, but does he really believe what he is saying ? I do not wish to attack the individuals, but I do wonder how many at HQ really believe what they allow to come out of their mouths.
Reply by LaRhonda T. on 2020-03-24 12:24:25
Oh Absolutely! It is very disturbing to HEAR what comes out of the mouths of the GB's. I think that my former profession (retired preschool teacher) I learned to be very attuned to not only the speech of others, (which is a strong indicator of ones cognitive/emotional abilities/status), but also HOW something is said. I would venture to say that Mr. Lett is somewhere on the Autism Spectrum; it would be interesting to observe his day-to-day interaction with others. ( He is a case study! ) Just as an observation, during my time as a JW, when I look back, it seems that the, "wild-eyed rhetoric" speakers were always the ones who received the praise from the elders, traveling overseers, etc as these were looked upon as, "Fiery! "Dedicated Brothers", Spiritually Mature", on the "Front Line" for the Truth. Its all rather sad isn't it? To use a global illness that is making people so ill and killing quite a few just so they can further their religion's particular agenda. Isn't it interesting that Yahshua/Jesus did NOT come to create a specific religion, but rather to teach us all a way of life. Have a wonderful day, my friend and please take care and be safe! Peace & Blessings!
Comment by lost in space on 2020-04-04 03:11:42
Thought this would be a timely link to this topic at hand -
Jw facts article
"End "Soon", "Imminent" or "Shortly"
For over 100 years Witnesses have been constantly told that the end is soon or imminent. "The American Heritage Dictionary provides a definition of soon as "In the near future; shortly" and imminent as "About to occur". Has the Watchtower accurately included these terms when over 100 years have past since they first started being used?"
Thank you Eric, yet another well reasoned, thoughtful and scriptual take on the times and seasons and false prophets doing their foolish damage.
Comment by Elpida on 2020-04-18 06:40:54
From what I have learned about what God teaches us is that whatever He wants us to know, He spells out clearly. If we were to know when the end is, He would not leave it interpretation of others, He would just tell us. His Anointed Son, Christ Jesus, and Jehovah God, have told us from the beginning to keep on the watch as we do not know when the end will come.
What about this is not clear