Comments You Will Not Hear at the 7-15-07 WT Study (June 1, 2007, pages 21-25)THRIVING DURING GRAYHEADNESS)) Review comments will be in redWT material from today's WT will be in black
Quotes from other sources will be in quotes boxes
w = Watchtower
g = Awake
jv = Proclaimers book
Bible translations www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible
WT publications www.reexamine.org
WT child abuse www.silentlambs.org
Blood issue www.ajwrb.org
United Nations http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm
THRIVING SPIRITUALLY DURING GRAY HEADEDNESS
"Those who are planted in the house of Jehovah ... will still keep on thriving during gray-headedness. "-PSALM 92:13, 14.
OPENING COMMENTS
How many jws were told they would live through the "great tribulation"? How many have died despite that promise from the WTS? Were your parents one of those generation if they are in their 70's and 80's?
*** w88 6/15 p. 20 par. 17 Detest Utterly the World’s Disgraceful Course ***
Now that we are well along into the end of this system of things, those of the “other sheep” even have the special hope of living through “the great tribulation” and not dying at all.
One jw said to me, "I wasn't supposed to die in this system."
Have you heard similar sayings?
START OF ARTICLE
Q1, 2) (a) How is old age often described? (b) What do the Scriptures promise with regard to the effects of Adamic sin?
1) Old age--what does that expression bring to your mind? Wrinkled skin? Poor hearing? Feeble limbs? Or another aspect of "the calamitous days" depicted in vivid detail at Ecclesiastes 12:1-7? If so, it is important to bear in mind that the description found in Ecclesiastes chapter 12 portrays aging, not as what the Creator, Jehovah God, originally intended, but as the consequence of Adamic sin on the human body.-Romans 5:12.
old age--calamitous days--does a person's idea of old age change as he/she gets older? As jws get older and start seeing signs of old age, how have they reacted? Hoping the end of this systems comes soon because of a few wrinkles and twinges of arthritis? Should a Christian pray for the early deaths of 6.5 billion people, including children, because they see a gray hair?
2) Aging in itself is not a curse, for continued existence requires the passing of years. In fact, growth and maturity are desirable characteristics of all living things. The ravages of six thousand years of sin and imperfection that we see around us will soon be a thing of the past, and all obedient humans will enjoy life as it was intended, without the pain of old age and death. (Genesis 1:28; Revelation 21:4, 5) At that time, "no resident will say: `I am sick.'" (Isaiah 33:24) Elderly ones will return to the days of their "youthful vigor," and their flesh will "become fresher than in youth." (Job 33:25) For the present, however, all must contend with the Adamic inheritance. Yet, servants of Jehovah are blessed in special ways as they move into their older years.
Aging in itself is not a curse, for continued existence requires the passing of years. In fact, growth and maturity are desirable characteristics of all living things.
If one did not grow older in years, he/she would be dead; not a profitable prospect.
The ravages of six thousand years of sin and imperfection
Did you know that the WTS taught that 6,000 years of human history ended in 1975................? That a creative day is 7,000 years long; 6,000 plus 1,000 = end of creative day. Are we 32 years into the Millennial rule of Christ?
http://members.aol.com/beyondjw/1975.htm
CARROT:all obedient humans will enjoy life as it was intended, without the pain of old age and death.
obedient humans--only jws
Elderly ones--young ones, interested ones, etc.
servants of Jehovah--only jws; Where's Christ?
Q3) In what ways can Christians "keep on thriving during gray-headedness"?
3) God's Word assures us that "those who are planted in the house of Jehovah...will still keep on thriving during gray-headedness." (Psalm 92:13, 14) In figurative language, the psalmist set out the fundamental truth that faithful servants of God can continue to progress, flourish, and prosper spiritually, even if they are declining physically. Many Biblical and modern-day examples bear this out.
OT theme scripture
faithful servants of God--only jws
even if they are declining physically--be prepared to hear stories about the 92 year old blind, crippled sister who puts in 130 hours a month and starts 3 studies a week.
"Never Missing"
Q4) How did aged prophetess Anna show her devotion to God, and how was she rewarded?
4) Consider the first-century prophetess Anna. At 84 years of age, she was "never missing from the temple, rendering sacred service night and day with fastings and supplications." As a woman whose father was a non-Levite "of Asher's tribe," Anna could not literally live at the temple. Imagine what it must have taken for her to be at the temple daily from the time of the morning service to the time of the evening service! For her devotion, however; Anna was richly rewarded. She was privileged to be on hand when Joseph and Mary brought the infant Jesus to the temple to be presented to Jehovah according to the Law. At the sight of Jesus, Anna "began returning thanks to God and speaking about the child to all those waiting for Jerusalem's deliverance."-Luke 2:22-24, 36-38; Numbers 18:6, 7.
Now the WTS will shame younger jws into attending meetings by comparing them to an 84-year-old Jewish woman who never became a Christian. (would have been 114 years old when Jesus was baptized).
Imagine--speculate
Can jw women today be prophetesses according to the WTS? Can jws prophesy?
*** hs (Holy spirit book) chap. 8 p. 148 par. 22 “Spirit of Life from God Entered into Them” ***
The holy spirit, which Jehovah prophesied that he would pour out in the last days, has not ceased to operate, for the remnant are still baptizing disciples of Christ in the name of that spirit. (Matthew 28:19, 20; Joel 2:28, 29; Acts 2:14-21) The announced purpose behind God’s pouring out of his spirit upon all sorts of flesh was that the recipients thereof might prophesy. The facts substantiate that the remnant of Christ’s anointed disciples have been doing that prophesying to all the nations for a witness in favor of God’s kingdom. Logically, then, they must be the ones upon whom God’s spirit has actually been poured out. That spirit is behind their worldwide preaching. Why argue about it?
Did you know that women were confined to one location in the temple and could not even worship with the men?
*** w80 2/15 p. 14 par. 1 Festival Illumination ***
THE festival of booths was an occasion for special illumination of “the city of the great King,” Jehovah. (Matt. 5:35) Nightly in Herod’s temple, in the Courtyard of the Women that lay to the east of the altar, there was an unusual display. Four giant candelabra were installed there. Each had four large basins. In order to fill the basins with combustible oil, ladders had to be used to reach them. Castaway garments of the priests were used as wicks for the basins of oil. The light cast by these 16 basins of burning oil was strong enough to illuminate all Jerusalem by night. Under this magnified illumination, the Israelite men in the Courtyard of the Women would dance or do acrobatics, while the womenfolk looked down upon the scene from their balcony.
Q5, 6) In what ways are many aged ones today manifesting a spirit like that of Anna?
5) Many aged ones among us today are like Anna in their regular meeting attendance, their earnest supplication for the advancement of true worship, and their irrepressible desire to preach the good news. A brother in his 80's who attends Christian meetings regularly with his wife said: "We have cultivated the custom of going to the meetings. We don't want to be anywhere else. Where God's people are, that's where we want to be. That's where we feel comfortable." What an encouraging example for all!--Hebrews 10:24,25.
aged ones--older ones, elderly ones, etc., ones, ones, ones.
like Anna in their regular meeting attendance--were women in Israel "required" to attend any meetings? or assemblies? Or only males?
Where God's people are--at jw meetings, so only jws are "God's people." Remind you of a recent statement by the Catholic pope?
6) "If anything spiritual comes my way and I can be a part of it, I want to do so." That is the motto of Jean, a Christian widow in her 80's. "Of course, I have my sad moments," she continues, "but why should everybody around me be sad when I am?" With eyes gleaming, she expressed the joy of visiting other lands for upbuilding spiritual occasions. On a recent trip, she told her companions, "I don't want to see any more castles; I want to go out in the field ministry!" Although she did not know the local language, Jean was able to arouse people's interest in the Bible's message. In addition, for a number of years, she worked with a congregation that needed assistance, even though this meant learning a new language and traveling an hour each way to the meetings.
a Christian widow--really only jw widows are being discussed.
why should everybody around me be sad when I am?
TRANSLATION: don't bother the "friends" with your troubles or no one will want to be around you.
What do you think the jws with her on her trip did when she said, "I don't want to see any more castles; I want to go out in the field ministry!" Joined her!!!!??? Not a chance. Avoided her as a goodie-two shoes?
Keeping the Mind Active
Q7) During his advanced years, how did Moses express his desire to grow in his relationship with God?
7) Experience in life comes with the passing of time. (Job 12:12) Spiritual advancement, on the other hand, does not come automatically with age. Therefore, rather than merely relying on a reserve of knowledge acquired in the past, loyal servants of God strive to "increase in learning" as the years go by. (Proverbs 9:9) When Jehovah commissioned him, Moses was 80 years old. (Exodus 7:7) By his day, living to that age was evidently considered unusual, for he wrote: "In themselves the days of our years are seventy years; and ... because of special mightiness they are eighty years." (Psalm 90:10) Still, Moses never felt that he was too old to learn. After decades of serving God, enjoying many privileges, and carrying weighty responsibilities, Moses pleaded with Jehovah: "Make me know, please, your ways, that I may know you." (Exodus 33:13) Moses was ever desirous of growing in his relationship with Jehovah.
Experience in life comes with the passing of time.
But cannot wisdom come from observing the results of choices made by older people without making the same mistakes.
Spiritual advancement, on the other hand, does not come automatically with age.
Thus, we do not believe older people because they have lived a long time but because what they say agrees with the bible. Correct?
loyal servants of God--only jws
Moses was 80 years old--OT example; Moses lived to be 120 years old so was the equivalent of 56 years of age with an average lifespan today of 80 years. Not so old when viewed that way (unless you are 18 and everyone over 30 is ancient).
too old to learn--or do older jws think they already have learned it all? One told me they didn't read the magazines any more because it was repetitious.
growing in his relationship with Jehovah--Where's Jesus?
Q8) How did Daniel keep his mind active into his 90's, and with what results?
8) The prophet Daniel, likely in his 90's, could still be found poring over the holy writings. What he discerned through his study of "the books"-possibly including Leviticus, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Hosea, and Amos--moved him to seek Jehovah in fervent prayer. (Daniel 9:1, 2) That prayer was answered with inspired information regarding the coming of the Messiah and the future of pure worship.-Daniel 9:20-27.
OT example--Daniel
likely in his 90's--the Bible does not say, nor does the WTS explain how they came to that conclusion.
poring over the holy writings--the Torah and other inspired (per the Jews) writings not the Talmud which explained the Torah like WTS publications explain the bible today.
Q9, 10) What have some done to keep the mind active?
9) Like Moses and Daniel, we can strive to keep our mind active by focusing on spiritual matters for as long as we are able. Many are doing just that. Worth, a Christian elder in his 80's, endeavors to keep up-to-date with the spiritual food dispensed by "the faithful and discreet slave." (Matthew 24:45) He says, "I'm just absolutely in love with the truth, and I'm thrilled to see how the light of truth gets brighter and brighter." (Proverbs 4:18) Similarly, Fred, who has spent more than 60 years in the full-time ministry, finds it spiritually stimulating to initiate Bible discussions with fellow believers. "I have to keep the Bible alive in my mind," he says. "If you can make the Bible live--make it meaningful--and if you can fit what you are learning into `the pattern of healthful words,' then you don't just have isolated pieces of information. You can see how each piece sparkles in its proper place."-2 Timothy 1:13.
Christian elder--only jws are true Christians
up-todate with the spiritual food dispensed by the "faithful and discreet slave"--as if the food in the Bible is not enough
full-time ministry...initiate Bible discussions with fellow believers--I'm sure jws head the other way when they see him coming, like George Gangas who trapped people in the elevator and quizzed them.
the pattern of healthful words...don't just have isolated pieces of information...each piece sparkles in its place
What is the "pattern of healthful words" per the WTS? The bible or their so-called bible-based publications with ideas that have never appeared in the bible but only in WTS publications.
*** w03 1/1 p. 29 What Can Help Us to Handle the Word of the Truth Aright? ***
“The Pattern of Healthful Words”
What are the “healthful words” of which Paul spoke? He uses that expression to refer to true Christian doctrine. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul explained that “healthful words” are basically “those of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Timothy 6:3) Imitating the pattern of healthful words results in one’s having a sound mind, a loving disposition, and consideration for others. Since Jesus’ ministry and teachings are in harmony with all other teachings found in the entire Bible, the expression “healthful words” can refer by extension to all Bible teachings.
*** w02 9/15 pp. 16-17 pars. 6-7 Keep Practicing the Things You Have Learned ***
Paul urged his coworker Timothy: “Keep holding the pattern of healthful words that you heard from me with the faith and love that are in connection with Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 1:13) What did Paul mean? The Greek word here rendered “pattern” literally refers to an artist’s sketch. Although not overly detailed, such a representation has well-defined boundaries so that a discerning viewer can perceive the overall picture. Similarly, the pattern of truth that Paul taught Timothy and others was not designed to give a specific answer to every conceivable question. Yet, this body of teaching provides sufficient guidance—an outline, as it were—so that honesthearted ones can perceive what Jehovah requires of them. To please God, of course, they would need to keep holding to that pattern of truth by practicing what they have learned.
In the first century, such individuals as Hymenaeus, Alexander, and Philetus were advocating ideas that did not fit “the pattern of healthful words.” (1 Timothy 1:18-20; 2 Timothy 2:16, 17) How could the early Christians avoid being led astray by apostates? By carefully studying the inspired writings and applying them in life. Those walking in accord with the example they had in Paul and other faithful ones were able to recognize and reject anything that did not conform to the pattern of truth they had been taught. (Philippians 3:17; Hebrews 5:14) Instead of being “mentally diseased over questionings and debates about words,” they continued moving ahead in their positive course of godly devotion. (1 Timothy 6:3-6) [Picture on page 23] Aged Daniel discerned by "the books" the duration of Judah's exile
10) Being advanced in age does not necessarily preclude the learning of new and difficult concepts. People in their 60's, 70's, and even 80's have overcome illiteracy or have learned new languages. Some of Jehovah's Witnesses have done so with the objective of sharing the good news with people of different nationalities. (Mark 13:10) Harry and his wife were in their late 60's when they decided to assist in the Portuguese field. "Let's face it," says Harry, "any task in life becomes more difficult with age." Still, with effort and persistence, they were able to conduct Bible studies in Portuguese. For many years now, Harry has also given district convention talks in his new language.
even 80's have overcome illiteracy...late 60's...assist in Portuguese field...any task in life becomes more difficult with age...able to conduct Bible studies .
I have seen the result of some sincere efforts of younger people in the organization to learn a new language...few master it; let alone older people. Few become truly fluent on a social level and eventually give up and return to English congregations.
Q11) Why consider the accomplishments of faithful older ones?
11) Of course, not everyone has the health or circumstances to take on such challenges. Why, then, consider what some older ones have accomplished? It is certainly not to suggest that all should strive to achieve the same things. Rather, it is in the spirit of what the apostle Paul wrote to the Hebrew Christians concerning faithful congregation elders: "As you contemplate how their conduct turns out imitate their faith." (Hebrews 13:7) When we contemplate such examples of zeal, we can be encouraged to imitate the strong faith that impels these older ones in their service to God. Explaining what motivates him, Harry, now 87 years of age, says, "I'd like to use my remaining years wisely and be as useful as possible in Jehovah's service." Fred, mentioned earlier, finds great satisfaction in caring for his Bethel assignment. He observes, "You have to find how you can best serve Jehovah and stick to it."
Of course, not everyone has the health or circumstances to take on such challenges. Why, then, consider what some older ones have accomplished? It is certainly not to suggest that all should strive to achieve the same things.
You can bet your last dollar that this will be used to shame older jws into "doing more" as well as younger jws. Sister OnHerDeathBed gets 40 hours in the ministry every month. Why can't you get in one hour?
In Jehovah's service--Where's Jesus?!
best serve Jehovah--Where's Jesus?!!!!
Devoted Despite Changing Circumstances
Q12, 13) How did Barzillai display godly devotion despite his changed circumstances?
12) Coming to grips with physical changes can be difficult. Nevertheless, it is possible to demonstrate godly devotion despite such changes. Barzillai the Gileadite is a fine example in this regard. At 80 years of age, he showed extraordinary hospitality to David and his army, providing them with food and lodging during Absalom's rebellion. When David was returning to Jerusalem, Barzillai escorted the entourage to the Jordan River. David offered to make Barzillai a part of his royal court. Barzillai's response? "I am eighty years old today... ... Could your servant taste what I ate and what I drank, or could I listen anymore to the voice of male and female singers? ... Here is your servant Chimham. Let him cross over with my lord the king; and you do to him what is good in your eyes."-2 Samuel 17:27-29; 19:31-40.
OT example--Barzillai the Gileadite
showed extraordinary hospitality to David and his army...David offered to make Barizillai a part of his royal court
So will hospitality to the elders and CO/DO get you appointed an elder?
Are the "remnant" kings on earth today? Do they have the ability like David to offer positions in the royal court to anyone?
Were the anointed ruling as kings in Paul's day? Would they be ruling today on earth then?
(1 Corinthians 4:8) 8 YOU men already have YOUR fill, do YOU? YOU are rich already, are YOU? YOU have begun ruling as kings without us, have YOU? And I wish indeed that YOU had begun ruling as kings, that we also might rule with YOU as kings.
13) In spite of his changed circumstances, Barzillai did what he could to support Jehovah's appointed king. Though he recognized that his sense of taste and of hearing were no longer what they had been, he was not bitter. Instead, by unselfishly recommending that Chimham receive the benefits offered, Barzillai revealed the kind of man that he was at heart. Like Barzillai, many aged ones today display a spirit of unselfishness and generosity. They do what they can to support true worship, knowing that "with such sacrifices God is well pleased." What a blessing to have loyal ones in our midst!-Hebrews 13:16.
did what he could to support Jehovah's appointed king--who is that today, the remnant or Jesus? The GB are not kings yet while on earth per their own teachings.
true worship--only jws/WTS
loyal ones--ones, ones, ones
Q14) How does David's advanced age add meaning to the words recorded at Psalm 37:23-25?
14) Though David's circumstances changed many times over the years, he remained convinced that Jehovah's care for his loyal servants never changes. Toward the end of his life, David composed the song known today as Psalm 37. Just imagine David in a reflective mood, accompanying himself on the harp and singing these words: "By Jehovah the very steps of an able-bodied man have been made ready, and in his way He takes delight. Although he may fall, he will not be hurled down, for Jehovah is supporting his hand. A young man I used to be, I have also grown old, and yet I have not seen anyone righteous left entirely, nor his offspring looking for bread." (Psalm 37:23-25) Jehovah saw fit to include reference to David's age in this inspired psalm. What depth of feeling that adds to those heartfelt words!
OT example--David
Jehovah's care--No Jesus because OT example used.
Imagine--speculate
jws help each other materially only when they cannot collect from national/state/secular welfare systems, Red Cross and Salvation Army included.
What are elders to do to help those in need?
*** w06 6/1 pp. 6-7 God Cares for the Elderly ***
What, though, if an older brother or sister in the congregation is in dire straits, perhaps needing financial assistance? First, it would be good to find out if there are children or other relatives who can help. This would be in line with what is stated at 1 Timothy 5:4: “If any widow has children or grandchildren, let these learn first to practice godly devotion in their own household and to keep paying a due compensation to their parents and grandparents, for this is acceptable in God’s sight.”
It may be that the elderly one needs assistance in determining if he or she is eligible for any provisions that the government makes available. Perhaps some in the congregation would be able to help. If none of these avenues are open, the elders could determine if the individual qualifies for assistance from the congregation. In some cases, this was permitted in the first-century congregation, for the apostle Paul wrote to his coworker Timothy: “Let a widow be put on the list who has become not less than sixty years old, a wife of one husband, having a witness borne to her for fine works, if she reared children, if she entertained strangers, if she washed the feet of holy ones, if she relieved those in tribulation, if she diligently followed every good work.”—1 Timothy 5:9, 10.
Q15) How did the apostle John set a fine example of faithfulness despite changed circumstances and old age?
15) The apostle John is another fine example of faithfulness despite changed circumstances and advanced age. After serving God for close to 70 years, John was exiled to the isle of Patmos "for speaking about God and bearing witness to Jesus." (Revelation 1:9) Yet, his work was not finished. In fact, all the writings in the Bible that were penned by John were written in the final years of his life. While on Patmos, he was given the aweinspiring vision of Revelation, which he carefully put down in writing. (Revelation 1: 1, 2) It is generally thought that he was released from exile during the reign of Roman Emperor Nerva. Thereafter, by about 98 C.E., when he was probably 90 or 100 years of age, John wrote the Gospel and the three epistles bearing his name.
NT example finally--apostle John
bearing witness to Jesus--not Jehovah
John mentioned himself as the favorite apostle years after the last of the other apostles died. The 11 other were not aware nor did Jesus indicate that John was favored. Otherwise, why fight about who was first in the kingdom?
Generally thought--thought by whom, where is the evidence?
probably--based on what historically?
An Unfading Record of Endurance
Q16) How can those who have become impaired in their ability to communicate demonstrate their devotion to Jehovah?
16) Limitations can come in many forms and in different degrees. Some individuals, for example, have become impaired even in their ability to communicate. However, they still cherish fond memories of God's love and undeserved kindness. Though limited in what they can say with their mouth, in their heart they are saying to Jehovah: "How I do love your law! All day long it is my concern." (Psalm 119:97) Jehovah, for his part, knows those who are "thinking upon his name," and he appreciates how different such ones are from the vast majority of mankind, who show no concern for his ways. (Malachi 3:16; Psalm 10:4) How comforting it is to know that Jehovah finds pleasure in the meditation of our heart!-1 Chronicles 28:9; Psalm 19:14.
Limitations can come in many forms and in different degrees.
Your limitations will be judged by the elders though as limiting or not.
in their heart--which the elders cannot read
thinking upon his name--OT scripture, did Jesus think on his father's name in the model prayer? Why not?
Demonizing all but 6.5 million jws in the world--vast majority of mankind who show no concern for his (God's) ways.Sound like the pope?
Q17) What have longtime servants of Jehovah achieved that is truly unique?
17) Not to be overlooked is the fact that those who have been serving Jehovah faithfully for decades have achieved something that is truly unique and that cannot be acquired in any other way-an unfading record of endurance. Jesus said: "By endurance on your part you will acquire your souls." (Luke 21:19) Endurance is essential for gaining everlasting life. Those of you who have "done the will of God" and have proved your loyalty by your life course can look forward to receiving "the fulfillment of the promise."-Hebrews 10:36.
serving Jehovah--where's Jesus?
CARROT:Endurance is essential for gaining everlasting life.
After all, no one promised you would never die in this system, right? Only as a GROUP, is the great crowd promised this, right?
PROVED your loyalty--day after day after day
[Picture on page 25] Many older ones are exemplary in their regular meeting attendance, zealous preaching, and eagerness to learn (anyone recognize Don Olson reading)
Q18) (a) What is Jehovah delighted to see with regard to older ones? (b) What will we consider in the following article?
18) Jehovah treasures your whole-souled service regardless of how much or how little you can do. Despite what may be happening to `the man outside' as one ages, 'the man inside' can be renewed from day to day. (2 Corinthians 4:16) There is no doubt that Jehovah appreciates what you have accomplished in the past, but it is eminently clear that he also appreciates what you are doing right now for his name. (Hebrews 6:10) In the following article, we will consider the far-reaching effects of such faithfulness.
Jehovah treasures your whole-souled service--Where's Jesus?no doubt that Jehovah appreciates--Where's Jesus?He also appreciates what you are doing right now for his name--Where's Jesus?
How Would You Answer?
• What fine example did Anna set for elderly Christians today?
• Why is age not necessarily a limiting factor in what one can accomplish?
• How can aged ones continue to demonstrate godly devotion?
• How does Jehovah view the service rendered to him by older ones?
CLOSING COMMENTS
In today's article, there was an abundance of comments that provoked the question, "Where's Jesus?" Even the WTS finally wised up and advertise the conventions as "Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses" and leave off the Watchtower reference. But after 136 years of WT identification, the WTS will not shake it that easily.
I still wonder why the WTS does not use the appellation, "Jehovah's Christian Witnesses." I have heard reference to a group that legally acquired that name...but no evidence of their current existence. Any info?
This is the opening article to set the stage for next week's article, "Elderly Ones--A Blessing to the Young." Of course, everyone has someone older than they but who are the elderly ones that are losing a grip on the authority, the GB.
Notice the abundance of OT examples
Summer is flying past fast. We are scheduling something almost every weekend day, but staying close to home and staying flexible. Garden produce is ripening soon for the enjoying. What is your favorite summer time activity besides going to the conventions (ha).
Love, Blondie
