Comments You Will Not Hear at the 5-11-08 WT Study (March 15, 2008, pages pages 12-16)(CRIES)Review comments will be in redWT material from today's WT will be in black
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JEHOVAH HEARS OUR CRIES FOR HELP"The eyes of Jehovah are toward the righteous ones, and his ears are toward their cry for help."--PS. 34:15
Opening Comments
So where is Jesus in the title of this article? Doesn't he hear his followers' cries for help? Isn't Jesus helping his followers: Why are David and Solomon used as examples, OT examples for Christians?
START OF ARTICLE
Q 1, 2. (,1) How do many today feel! (b) Why are we not surprised by this?
ARE you experiencing distress'? If so, you are not alone. Millions are struggling to cope with the day-to-day pressures of living in this wicked system of things, For some, it seems almost unbearable. They feel very much as did the psalmist David, who wrote: "I have grown numb and become crushed to an extreme degree; I have roared due to the groaning of my heart. My own heart has palpitated heavily, my power has left me, and the light of my own eyes also is not with me." -Ps. 38:8,10.
Are the pressures from "this wicked system of things" or choices jws make with and without WTS input? Do jws feel they have to have problems or persecution or they aren't "true" Christians?
2. As Christians, we are not surprised by the distresses of life. We understand that "pangs of distress" are part of the foretold sign of Jesus' presence. (Mark 13:8; Matt. 24::3) The original language word rendered "pangs of distress" refers to the intense pain experienced during childbirth. How accurately that describes the intensity of people's suffering in these "critical," or "fierce," times that are so "hard to deal with" --2 Tim. 3:1; Kingdom Interlinear.
Christians--only jws
Are the "pangs" different today than they have been in other eras?
Jehovah Understands Our Distresses
Q (3). Of what are God’s people keenly aware?
3. Jehovah's people are keenly aware that they are not immune to the effects of these distresses, and in all likelihood, adverse conditions will get even worse. In addition to what is experienced by mankind in general, as God's servants we also face an "adversary, the Devil," who is determined to undermine our faith. ( 1 Pet, 5:8) How easy it would be to feel as David did: "Reproach itself has broken my heart, and the wound is incurable. And I kept hoping for someone to show sympathy, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none"!-Ps. 69:20.
"Jehovah's people"--only jws
"God's servants"--only jws
"God's people"--only jws
jws believe that they only are a special target of Satan.
*** w05 8/1 p. 27 par. 3 Jehovah Is “the Rewarder of Those Earnestly Seeking Him” ***
Rather than being miraculously protected, Jehovah’s servants are, in fact, the prime target of Satan.
*** w03 1/15 p. 22 “Zealous Kingdom Proclaimers” Joyfully Assemble ***
The talk “Be Fearless in Knowing That Jehovah Is With Us,” delivered on the afternoon of the first day, showed that God’s people are a special target of Satan.
OT example--David
Q (4). What comforts us when we are experiencing distresses?
4. Did David mean that he was without any hope at all? No. Notice his further words in that psalm: "Jehovah is listening to the poor ones, and he will indeed not despise his very own prisoners," or "those of his who are prisoners." (Ps. 69:33; ftn.) In a broad sense, we may at times feel as if we were prisoners held in captive by our distresses or afflictions. It may appear that others do not truly understand our situation and perhaps they do not. But like David, we can be comforted in knowing that Jehovah fully understands our distresses.-Ps.34:15.
OT example--David
"others do not truly understand our situation and perhaps they do not"--I can remember a woman in the congregation who had a serious illness and missed many meetings. Instead of being understanding, the elders accused her of not being ill telling her of the man who was lowered through the roof to be healed by Jesus, comparing that to being at a meeting. She told them if she knew that she would be healed at the meeting she would be there.
"Jehovah fully understands"--Where's Jesus?
Q (5). King Solomon was confident of what?
5. David's son Solomon highlighted this fact at the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem. (Read 2 Chronicles 6:29-31.) He implored Jehovah to hear the prayer of each honest hearted one who approached Him concerning "his own plague and his own pain." How would God react to the prayers of these distressed individuals? Solomon expressed his confidence that God would not only hear their prayers but also act in their behalf, Why? Because he truly knows what is in "the heart of the sons of mankind."
OT example--Solomon. So why is an old "apostate" like Solomon presented as an example for Christians?
I was told by a circuit overseer that Jesus does not actually hear the prayers that are offered through him..........making Jesus seem like some impersonal conduit between humans and God. Doesn't it make you wonder how humans were able to pray successfully to God prior to Jesus?
Q (6). How can we cope with anxiety, and why?
6. We can likewise approach Jehovah in prayer concerning 'our own plague and our own pain,' our individual distresses. We should be comforted in knowing that he understands our distresses and that he cares about us. The apostle Peter confirmed this when he said: "Throw all your anxiety upon him, because he cares for you." (1 Pet. 5:7) It matters to Jehovah what happens to us. Jesus emphasized Jehovah's loving care, saying: "Do not two sparrows sell for a coin of small value? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's knowledge. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore have no fear: you are worth more than many sparrows."-Matt. 10:29-31.
"comforted in knowing that he understands our distresses and that he cares about us"--but not the elders. The only way elders call on a jw is if they are suspected of committing a disfellowshipping offense.
Does a distressed jw have to "comfort" themselves in knowing that while God knows their troubles, that the people they see 3 times a week don't want to know?
Do the elders know the appearance of the flock? I can remember several that called us often for the phone numbers of jws in the congregation...not even keeping a phone list like we did.
Rely on Jehovah's Help
Q. (7). What support is assured for us?
7. We can certainly be assured that Jehovah is willing and able to assist us when we are afflicted with distresses. "God is for us a refuge and strength, a help that is readily to be found during distresses." (Ps. 34:15-18; 46:1) How does God provide that help? Consider what 1 Corinthians 10:13 says: "God is faith- ful, and he will not let you be tempted be- yond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out in order for you to be able to endure it." Jehovah may manoeuver matters to remove our adversity, or he may give us the strength we need to endure it. Either way, we are helped.
"Jehovah is willing and able to assist us"--Where's Jesus?
"Jehovah MAY maneuver matters to remove our adversity"--Translation: Don't expect God to help you.
"Either way, we are helped"--either way the WTS is covered.
Q. (8). How can we avail ourselves of God's help?
8. How can we avail ourselves of that help? Notice what we are counselled to do: "Throw all your anxiety upon him." This means that we figuratively hand over to Jehovah the responsibility for all our cares and concerns. We try to stop worrying and patiently trust in him to care for our needs. (Matt. 6:25-32) Such trust requires humility, not relying on our own strength or wisdom. By humbling ourselves "under the mighty hand of God," we acknowledge our lowly position. (Read 1 Peter 5:6. ) In turn, this helps us to cope with whatever God permits. We may yearn for immediate relief, but we trust that Jehovah knows precisely when and how to act in our behalf.-Ps. 54:7; Isa. 41:10.
Yes, through your anxiety on God because the elders don't want the responsibility. If they do talk to you, they will let you know that you are the cause of your problem by not attending all the meetings and getting in the national average in field service.
Yes, "acknowledge" your "lowly position" and don't expect any practical assistance from the congregation.
If you don't get the help you want, you must "wait on Jehovah."
*** w06 1/1 p. 24 par. 20 How Firm Is Your Trust in God? ***
In this fast-moving world, it is difficult to be patient. We want things to happen quickly. But Paul urges us to imitate those who “through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (Hebrews 6:12) Be willing to wait on Jehovah. Everlasting life on a paradise earth—surely that is worth waiting for!
Q. (9). What type of burden did David need to throw upon Jehovah?
9. Recall David's words recorded at Psalm 55:22: "Throw your burden upon Jehovah himself, and he himself will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to totter." When David wrote those words, he was greatly distressed. (Ps. 55:4) It is understood that this psalm was written when his son Absalom schemed to steal the kingship from him. David's most trusted counsellor, Ahithophel, joined in the conspiracy. David had to flee Jerusalem for his life. (2 Sam. 15:12-14) Even under those distressing circumstances, David continued to trust in God, and he was not disappointed.
OT example again--David
I suppose many of us know what it is like to have a trusted friend betray us, being shunned.
Q (10). What must we do when facing distresses?
10. It is imperative that we, like David, approach Jehovah in prayer concerning what- ever distresses we may be experiencing. Let us consider what the apostle Paul urged us to do in this regard. (Read Philippians 4:6, 7) What will result from such intense prayer? "The peace of God that excels all thought will guard [our] hearts and [our] mental powers by means of Christ Jesus."
Did David approach through Jesus as a Christian? How is he an example for Christians? Shouldn't it make more sense to be like the apostle Paul?
Q (11). How does "the peace of God" protect our hearts and our mental powers?
11. Will prayer lead to a change in your situation? It may. We should realize, though, that Jehovah does not always answer our prayers in the manner that we may want. Nevertheless, prayer helps us to keep our mental balance, so that our distresses do not overwhelm us. "The peace of God" can stabilize us when we are burdened down with distressing emotions. Like a garrison of soldiers assigned to protect a city from hostile invasion, "the peace of God" will protect our hearts and our mental powers. It will also allow us to rise above our doubts, fears, and negative thoughts and prevent us from reacting rashly and unwisely.-Ps. 145:18.
In the manner that the WTS says..............
Yes, you can pray to God, but try and get an elder to listen.
Q (12). Illustrate how a person can have peace of mind.
12. How can we have peace of mind while undergoing distresses? Consider an illustration that in some respects matches our situation. An employee may work under an abusive manager. However, the employee has an opportunity to express his feelings to the owner of the company, who is a kind, reasonable man. The owner assures the employee that he understands the situation and reveals that the manager will soon be removed from his position. How does that make the employee feel? Believing that assurance and knowing what is about to take place will strengthen his resolve to continue on, even if he has to face a few more difficulties in the meantime. Similarly, we know that .Jehovah understands our situation, and he assures us that soon 'the ruler of this world will be cast out." (.John 12:31) How comforting that is!
Abusive manager=WTS
Can we hope that the WTS will soon be removed from their position?
Q (13). In addition to praying, what else must we do?
13. Is it enough, then, for us just to take our problems to Jehovah in prayer? No. More is required. We need to act in harmony with our prayers. When King Saul sent men to David’s home to put him to death, David prayed " Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; from those rising up against me may you protect me. Deliver me from the practicers of what is hurtful, and from bloodguilty men save me." (Ps. 59:1, 2) In addition to praying, David listened to his wife and took the necessary action to escape. (1 Sam. 19: 11, 12) In a similar way, we can pray for practical wisdom to help us deal with and perhaps improve our distressing circumstances.-Jas. 1:5.
Another OT example--David, Michal, King Saul
So David lived because he listened to his wife?
"perhaps improve"--that's right, don't expect anything.
How We Can Have Strength to Endure
Q (14). What can help us to endure when facing adversity?
14. Our adversities may not be removed immediately. They may even continue for some time. If that is the case, what will help us to endure? First, remember that when we continue to serve Jehovah faithfully despite difficulties, we prove our love for him. (Acts 14:22) Keep in mind Satan's accusation concerning Job: "Would Job worship you if he got nothing out of it? You have always protected him and his family and everything he owns. You bless everything he does, and you have given him ,enough cattle to fill the whole country. But now suppose you take away everything he has he will curse you to your face!" (Job 1:9-11, Today's English Version) By means of his integrity, Job proved that accusation to be a base lie. By our enduring under distressing circumstances, we too have an opportunity to prove Satan a liar. In turn, our endurance strengthens our hope and confidence.-]as.1:4.
"may not be removed immediately"--in fact you may not have them removed until the "new system" whenever that comes...1914, 1915, 1920, 1925, 1940's, 1975, 1984, 1994, VERY SOON NOW
OT example--Job (are there no Christian examples?)
"prove our love"--works?
Q (15). What examples can strengthen us?
15. Second, keep in mind that "the same things in the way of sufferings are being accomplished in the entire association of your brothers in the world." (1 Pet. 5:9) Yes, "no temptation has taken you except what is common to men." (1 Cor. 10:13) You can therefore gain strength and courage by meditating on the examples of others rather than focusing on your own difficulties. ( 1 Thess. 1 :5-7; Heb. 12:1) Take time to think about the example of those you know who have endured faithfully despite undergoing painful distresses. Have you searched for life experiences that have been published, looking for accounts of those who have gone through something similar to what you face? You may find these to be very strengthening.
What examples--evidently only OT ones
Yes, if you focus on others rather than yourself......................don't expect any sympathy. After all, why can't jws get to the book study just because gas is expensive. Why don't they "walk for hours"?
*** km 1/94 p. 1 par. 2 Meeting Attendance—A Serious Responsibility ***
Some of our brothers walk for hours along dusty roads and cross crocodile-infested rivers in order to attend meetings. In your own congregation, there may be faithful ones who are “never missing” despite severe health problems, physical disabilities, crushing work loads at their place of employment, or demanding assignments at school.
Q (16). How does God strengthen us when we face various trials?
16. Third, remember that Jehovah is "the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those in any sort of tribulation through the comfort with which we ourselves are being comforted by God." (2 Cor. 1:3, 4) It is as if God were standing by our side to encourage and strengthen us, not just in our present tribulation but "in all our tribulation." This then enables us to comfort others "in any sort of tribulation." Paul personally experienced the truthfulness of these words.-2 Cor. 4:8, 9; 11:23-27.
comfort those--Where's Jesus?
Finally an NT example--Paul
"God standing by our side"--only on the sides of jws
Q (17). How can the Bible help us deal with life's distresses?
17. Fourth, we have God's Word, the Bible, which is "beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work." (2 Tim. 3:16, 17) God's Word does not merely make us "competent" and "equipped for every good work." It also enables us to deal with life's distresses. It makes us "fully competent" and "completely equipped." The original-language word rendered "completely equipped" literally means "having been fitted out." This word could have been used in ancient times of a boat that was fitted out with everything needed for a voyage or of a machine that was capable of performing whatever was expected of it. Similarly, Jehovah through his Word provides us with all that we need to handle whatever may come our way. Accordingly, we can say, "If God permits it, I can take it, with his help."
Many people have the Bible. But according to the WTS, only they understand it.
*** w94 10/1 p. 8 The Bible—A Book Meant to Be Understood ***
Even as Bible prophecy pointed forward to the Messiah, it also directs us to the close-knit body of anointed Christian Witnesses that now serve as the faithful and discreet slave. It helps us to understand the Word of God. All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the “greatly diversified wisdom of God” can become known only through Jehovah’s channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave.—John 6:68.
Deliverance From All Our Distresses
Q (18). Focusing on what will further assist us to endure faithfully?
18. Fifth, always keep in focus the marvelous fact that Jehovah will soon relieve mankind of all distresses. (Ps. 34:19; 37:9-11; 2 Pet. 2:9) Ultimately, our deliverance by God means not only the deliverance from present distresses but also the opportunity to have everlasting life, whether in the heavens with Jesus or on a paradise earth.
"SOON" relieve mankind--by killing all 6.5 billion non-jws, including babies.
*** w89 9/1 p. 19 par. 7 Remaining Organized for Survival Into the Millennium ***
Only Jehovah’s Witnesses, those of the anointed remnant and the “great crowd,” as a united organization under the protection of the Supreme Organizer, have any Scriptural hope of surviving the impending end of this doomed system dominated by Satan the Devil. (Revelation 7:9-17; 2 Corinthians 4:4) They will make up the “flesh” that Jesus Christ said would be saved through the worst tribulation of all human history.
CARROT--"paradise earth" and now perhaps more jws will be choosing to go to heaven since the 1935 barrier has been removed.
*** w07 5/1 pp. 30-31 Questions From Readers ***
When does the calling of Christians to a heavenly hope cease?
The Bible does not reveal a precise answer to that question. We do know that the anointing of Jesus’ disciples with a view to their heavenly inheritance began in 33 C.E. (Acts 2:1-4) We also know that after the death of the apostles, genuine anointed Christian “wheat” came to “grow together” with counterfeit Christians, “weeds.” (Matthew 13:24-30) Then, starting in the late 1800’s, anointed Christians were again prominently active. In 1919 “the harvest of the earth,” including the gathering of the final ones of the anointed, began to be reaped.—Revelation 14:15, 16.
From the late 1800’s until 1931, the main thrust of the preaching work was the gathering of the remaining members of the body of Christ. In 1931 the Bible Students took the Bible-based name Jehovah’s Witnesses, and in the November 15, 1933, issue of The Watchtower, the thought was expressed that this unique name was the “denarius” referred to in Jesus’ parable recorded at Matthew 20:1-16. The 12 hours mentioned in the parable were thought to correspond to the 12 years from 1919 to 1931. For many years after that, it was believed that the call to the heavenly Kingdom had ended in 1931 and that those called to be joint heirs with Christ in 1930 and 1931 were “the last” called. (Matthew 20:6-8)
However, in 1966 an adjusted understanding of that parable was presented, and it became clear that it had nothing to do with the end of the calling of the anointed. In 1935 the “great crowd” of Revelation 7:9-15 was understood to be made up of “other sheep,” Christians with an earthly hope, who would appear on the world scene in “the last days” and who as a group would survive Armageddon. (John 10:16; 2 Timothy 3:1; Revelation 21:3, 4)
After that year, the thrust of the disciple-making work turned to the gathering in of the great crowd. Hence, especially after 1966 it was believed that the heavenly call ceased in 1935. This seemed to be confirmed when almost all who were baptized after 1935 felt that they had the earthly hope. Thereafter, any called to the heavenly hope were believed to be replacements for anointed Christians who had proved unfaithful.Without a doubt, if one of the anointed unrepentantly falls away, Jehovah does call another individual to take his place. (Romans 11:17-22) However, the number of genuine anointed ones who have become unfaithful is likely not large. On the other hand, as time has gone by, some
Christians baptized after 1935 have had witness borne to them that they have the heavenly hope. (Romans 8:16, 17) Thus, it appears that we cannot set a specific date for when the calling of Christians to the heavenly hope ends.
How should a person be viewed who has determined in his heart that he is now anointed and begins to partake of the emblems at the Memorial? He should not be judged. The matter is between him and Jehovah. (Romans 14:12) However, genuine anointed Christians do not demand special attention. They do not believe that their being of the anointed gives them special “insights,” beyond what even some experienced members of the great crowd may have. They do not believe that they necessarily have more holy spirit than their companions of the other sheep have; nor do they expect special treatment or claim that their partaking of the emblems places them above the appointed elders in the congregation. They humbly remember that some anointed men in the first century did not qualify to serve as elders or ministerial servants. (1 Timothy 3:1-10, 12, 13; Titus 1:5-9; James 3:1) Some anointed Christians were even spiritually weak. (1 Thessalonians 5:14) And sisters, although anointed, did not teach in the congregation.—1 Timothy 2:11, 12.
Hence, anointed Christians along with their other sheep companions strive to stay spiritually strong, cultivating the fruitage of the spirit and working for the peace of the congregation. All Christians, whether anointed or of the other sheep, work hard at preaching the good news and making disciples under the direction of the Governing Body. Anointed Christians are content to do this for as long as it is God’s will that they remain on earth as Jehovah’s servants.
Q (19). How is faithful endurance possible?
19. Until that time, we continue to deal with the distressing conditions of this wicked world. How we long for the time when these will no longer exist! (Ps. 55:6-8) Let us remember that our faithful endurance proves the Devil a liar. May we gain strength from our prayers and our Christian brotherhood, keeping in mind that our brothers are experiencing trials similar to ours. Continue to be fully competent and completely equipped by making good use of God’s Word. Never allow your trust in the loving care provided by "the God of all comfort" to waver. Remember that "the eyes of Jehovah are toward the righteous ones, and his ears are toward their cry for help."–Ps. 34:15
"how we long for the time when these no longer exist"--long for 6.5 billion people to be destroyed forever?!
Where is Jesus in this paragraph?
Can You Answer?
How did David feel about distresses he faced?
What confidence did King Solomon express?
What can help us cope with what Jehovah permits?
Concluding Comments
Definitely the WTS is trying to combat the rank and file impatience for the "end" to come "soon." It is no wonder the rank and file grasp at any disaster to be a sign the end is near. They have forgotten the peace and security doctrine of the WTS.
Note how the WTS covers any outcome.
***
w04 2/1 p.21 pars.12-13 "The Scene of This World Is Changing"***
In recent years, politicians have often used the phrase "peace and security" to describe various human schemes. They even dubbed 1986 the International Year of Peace, although that year did not live up to its name. Do such efforts by world leaders constitute the complete fulfillment of 1 Thessalonians 5:3, or was Paul referring to a specific event of such dramatic proportions as to claim world attention?
Since Bible prophecies are often fully understood only after they are fulfilled or are in the process of fulfillment, we will have to wait and see. It is of interest, though, that Paul compared the sudden destruction following the cry of "Peace and security!" to the birth pang of a pregnant woman. Over a period of about nine months, an expectant mother becomes increasingly aware of the baby that is growing within her. She may be able to hear her baby’s heartbeat or feel its movements in the womb. It may even kick her. The signs often become more and more pronounced until, one day, she feels a sharp pain, a pang, indicating that the hoped-for event—the baby’s birth—has arrived. Hence, however the prophesied cry of "Peace and security!" may be fulfilled, it will lead to a sudden, painful, but ultimately blessed event—the destruction of wickedness and the beginning of a new world system.
Love, Blondie