Comments You Will Not Hear at the 08-09-09 WT Study (June 15, 2009, pages 7-11)(ZEALOUS)
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BE ZEALOUS FOR JEHOVAH'S HOUSE!
"The zeal for your house will eat me up."--John 2:17
OPENING COMMENTS
This article shows how the WTS can start out giving the semblance of having an article about Jesus and quickly revert to an OT topic in just 3 paragraphs.
The summation of this article is, OBEY THE WTS/FDS/GB, do it QUICKLY, and with a SMILE.
START OF ARTICLE
Q1,2. At the temple in 30 C.E., what did Jesus do, and why?
PICTURE the scene. It is Passover time, 30 C.E. Six months earlier, Jesus began his earthly ministry. Now he makes his way up to Jerusalem. There at the temple in the Court of the Gentiles, Jesus discovers, "those selling cattle and sheep and doves and the money brokers in their seats." Brandishing a whip made of ropes, he drives out all the animals, and the merchants certainly follow them. Jesus also pours out the coins of the money changers and overturns their tables. He orders those selling doves to take what they have and leave.--John 2:13-16.
2. Jesus' actions relate directly to his concern for the temple. "Stop making the house of my Father a house of merchandise"! he commands. As Jesus' disciples observe these events, they recall the words penned centuries earlier by the psalmist David" "The zeal for your house will eat me up."--John 2:16,17; Ps. 69:9.
COMMENTS
So what about the many ways jws make the KH into a "house of merchandise"
Organizing tupperware, pampered chef, and other such parties
Organizing sales of "natural" medicines
Investment schemes
Hiring only jws (and not paying the employment taxes)
Fraud
Add your own
Jesus took action; are jws encouraged to take action?
QUOTE
*** w97 3/15 p. 21 par. 17 Let Discernment Safeguard You ***Yet, what if a professing Christian actually defrauded us? Discernment can safeguard us from taking action that may put the congregation in a bad light. Paul advised fellow Christians to let themselves be wronged and even defrauded instead of taking a brother to court.—1 Corinthians 6:7.
Q3. (a) What is zeal? (b) What question can we ask ourselves?
It was Jesus' concern, his zeal, for God's house that moved him to act. Zeal is "eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something." In this 21st century, over seven million Christians manifest concern for God's house. Individually, we may ask, 'How can I increase my personal zeal for Jehovah's house?' To help us answer that, let us first examine what God's house is today. Then we will consider Bible example of faithful men who manifested zeal for it. Their examples were written "for our instruction" and can spur us on to even greater zeal.--Rom. 15:4
COMMENTSseven million Christians--only jws
If jws have not called on your house in the last year, can they be considered "eager" or "ardent"?
This is another WTS DO MORE paragraph.
God's House--Then and Now
Q4. The temple that Solomon built served what purpose?
In ancient Israel, the house of God was the temple in Jerusalem. Of course, Jehovah did not literally live there. He declared: "The heavens are my throne, and the earth is my footstool. Where, then, is the house that you people can build for me, and where, then, is the place as a resting-place for me"? (Isa. 66:1) Nevertheless, the temple built during Solomon's reign served as the focal point for the worship of Jehovah, where prayers were offered.--1 Ki. 8:27-30.
COMMENTSSo where does the WTS teach that Bethel, the house of God is? Note that individual congregations are not considered Bethel (House of God). Are the Bethel locations the focal points of worship of God? Or are the individual congregations? At the time of Solomon, did the Israelites have local gathering places for worships, synagogues, or did they come into being after the Israelites were taken captive by the Babylonians.
QUOTES
*** Proclaimers (1993) chap. 5 p. 59 Proclaiming the Lord’s Return (1870-1914) ***After considerable repairs, Beecher’s former residence at 124 Columbia Heights became the new home of the Society’s headquarters staff. What would it be called? The Watch Tower of March 1, 1909, explained: “The new home we shall call ‘Bethel’ [meaning, “House of God”].”
*** w97 8/1 p. 9 Serving Loyally With Jehovah’s Organization ***The name Bethel, a Hebrew term meaning “House of God,” is given to all the 104 branches of the Watch Tower Society, including the U.S. headquarters.*
*** w94 6/15 p. 28 Looking With Appreciation Upon the “House of God” ***"Bethel” is a most appropriate name, as the Hebrew word Behth-El means “House of God.” (Genesis 28:19, footnote) Yes, Bethel resembles a well-organized house, or ‘a household built up by wisdom,’ with God and his will holding center stage. (Proverbs 24:3) “It is like living in a family. We have a well-organized daily routine,” says Herta appreciatively. She has been serving at the same Bethel as Helga for over 45 years. Each member of this large family has his function and his place, allowing him to feel happy and secure. Consistent with the name Bethel, good arrangement and Organization characterize each of the departments. This promotes peace, makes effective preaching of the good news possible, and gives the congregations sound reason to hold the “House of God” in the highest esteem.—1 Corinthians 14:33, 40.
Q5. What is the modern-day arrangement foreshadowed by worship at Solomon's temple?
Today, Jehovah's house is no stone edifice in Jerusalem or anywhere else. Rather, it is the arrangement for us to approach him in worship on the basis of Christ's ransom sacrifice. All of God's faithful servants on earth unite to worship Jehovah in this spiritual temple.--Isa. 60:4,8,13; Acts 17:24; Heb. 8:5; 9:24.
COMMENTS
All of God's faithful servants on earth--only jws
Can non-jws approach God in worship without going through the WTS/FDS/GB? No.
spiritual temple--only anointed jws
QUOTES
*** w58 7/15 p. 434 par. 3 Find Your Place in the New World Society ***So when Jehovah came to the spiritual temple for judgment in 1918 this faithful remnant class were commanded to get out of Satan’s filthy Babylonish system. They obeyed. Then God placed the restored remnant in their proper place, at the very center of the New World society, appointing them as “the faithful and discreet slave” to watch over and care for all the Master’s belongings. (Rev. 18:4; Matt. 24:45-47) Other scriptures speak of God’s spiritual temple, of which the remnant is the only visible part remaining on earth, as constituting a “spiritual house for the purpose of a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
Q6. Which Judean kings demonstrated outstanding zeal for true worship?
After the division of Israel back in 997 B.C.E, 4 out of 19 kings who ruled Judah, the southern part, demonstrated outstanding zeal for true worship. They were Asa, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, and Josiah. What important lessons can we learn from their examples?
COMMENTSFour (4) OT examples as the WTS leaves Jesus and the NT behind.
QUOTES
ASA
*** it-1 p. 184 Asa ***For this, Asa was confronted by Hanani the seer, who pointed out Asa’s inconsistency in not leaning upon the God who had delivered him from the vast Ethiopian force, reminding Asa that “as regards Jehovah, his eyes are roving about through all the earth to show his strength in behalf of those whose heart is complete toward him.” For his foolishness, Asa would now face continued warfare. Resenting correction, Asa unjustly jailed Hanani and showed himself oppressive to others of the people.—2 Chron. 16:7-11.
*** Scriptures Inspired p. 82 par. 17 Bible Book Number 14—2 Chronicles ***However, when Baasha, king of Israel, erects barriers to stop the flow of Israelites into Judah, Asa commits a grave error by hiring Ben-hadad, king of Syria, to fight against Israel, instead of looking to Jehovah for help. For this Jehovah rebukes him. Despite this, Asa’s heart proves “to be complete all his days.” (15:17)
JEHOSHAPHAT
*** it-1 p. 1272 Jehoshaphat ***During a visit in the northern kingdom sometime after the marriage of Ahab’s daughter Athaliah to his firstborn Jehoram, Jehoshaphat agreed to accompany King Ahab in a military venture to recover Ramoth-gilead from the Syrians. However, before actually starting out, Jehoshaphat requested that Ahab inquire of Jehovah. Four hundred prophets assured Ahab of success. But Jehovah’s true prophet Micaiah, hated by Ahab but called at Jehoshaphat’s insistence, foretold certain defeat. Nevertheless, Jehoshaphat, perhaps so as not to go back on his original promise to accompany Ahab, went into battle dressed in his royal garments. Since Ahab had taken the precaution to disguise himself, the Syrians mistakenly concluded that Jehoshaphat was Israel’s king and therefore subjected him to the heaviest attack. Jehoshaphat barely escaped with his life, and Ahab, despite the disguise, was mortally wounded. (1Ki 22:2-37; 2Ch 18) Upon returning to Jerusalem, Jehoshaphat was censured for unwisely allying himself with wicked Ahab, the visionary Jehu saying to him: “Is it to the wicked that help is to be given, and is it for those hating Jehovah that you should have love? And for this there is indignation against you from the person of Jehovah.”—2Ch 19:2. Later, Jehoshaphat became partner to King Ahaziah, Ahab’s successor, in a shipbuilding enterprise at Ezion-geber on the Gulf of Aqaba. But Jehovah disapproved of this maritime alliance with wicked Ahaziah. Therefore, in fulfillment of prophecy, the ships were wrecked.—1Ki 22:48, 49; 2Ch 20:35-37; see AHAZIAH No. 1.
HEZEKIAH
*** it-1 p. 1105 Hezekiah ***Hezekiah’s Mistake and Repentance. The Scripture record states that “according to the benefit rendered him Hezekiah made no return, for his heart became haughty and there came to be indignation against him and against Judah and Jerusalem.” (2Ch 32:25)
JOSIAH
*** it-2 p. 118 Josiah ***Toward the close of Josiah’s 31-year reign (659-629 B.C.E.), Pharaoh Necho led his army northward to the aid of the Assyrians. For a reason not revealed in the Bible, King Josiah disregarded “the words of Necho from the mouth of God” and tried to turn the Egyptian forces back at Megiddo, but he was mortally wounded in the attempt. He was brought back to Jerusalem in a war chariot and died either en route or upon arrival there.
Wholehearted Service Brings Blessings
Q7,8. (a) What kind of service does Jehovah bless? (b) What warning lesson can we learn from the example of King Asa?
7. During the reign of King Asa, Jehovah raised up prophets to guide His nation on a faithful course. For example, the Bible tells us that Asa listened to the prophet Azariah, the son of Oded. (Read 2 Chronicles 15:1-8) Asa's reforms united the people of Judah as well as a great number of people from the kingdom of Israel who came came down to join in a grand assembly at Jerusalem. Together they declared their determination to worship Jehovah loyally. We read: "They swore to Jehovah with a oud voice and with joyful shouting and with the trumpets and with horns. And all Judah gave way to rejoicing over the thing sworn; for it was with all their heart that they had sworn and with full pleasure on their part that they had looked for him, so that he let himself be found by them; and Jehovah continued to give them rest all around." (2 Chron. 15:9-15) Jehovah will likewise surely bless us when we serve him wholeheartedly.--Mark 12:30.
COMMENTSSo who are the prophets raised up today?
What were the reforms?
If bad things happen to jws, are they to conclude that they must not be serving God wholeheartedly and are not being blessed by him?
8. Sadly, Asa, later resented correction from Hanani the seer. (2 Chron. 16:7-10) How do we react when Jehovah offers us advice or direction through Christian elders? Do we promptly take to hear their Scripturally based counsel and avoid falling into the trap of resentment?
COMMENTSSo are the elders, seers? Are they able to see or understand things not open to men in general? What happens when their counsel is not based clearly on the scriptures? Should be following them like the Israelites did the Pharisees making the word of God invalid?
QUOTES
*** it-2 p. 890 SEEREvidently a man enabled by God to discern the divine will, one having such insight; one whose eyes had been unveiled, as it were, to see or understand things that were not open to men in general. The Hebrew word ro·eh, translated “seer,” is drawn from a root word meaning “see,” literally or figuratively. The seer was a man consulted by others for wise counsel on problems encountered.
Q9. What threat did Jehoshaphat and Judah face, and how did they react?
Jehoshaphat ruled as king in Judah during the tenth century B.C.E. He and all Judah faced the threat of the combined forces of Ammon, Moab, and the people of the mountainous region of Seir. Although he was afraid, what did the king do? He and his men, together with their wives and children, gathered at Jehovah's house to pray. (Read 2 Chronicles 20:3-6) In line with Solomon's words uttered earlier at the dedication of the temple, Jehoshaphat movingly beseeched Jehovah: "O our God, will you not execute judgment upon them" For in us there is no power before this large crowd that is coming against us and we ourselves do not know what we ought to do, but our eyes are toward you." (2 Chron. 20:12,13) After Jehoshaphat prayed there, "in the middle of the congregation," Jehovah's spirit moved Jahaziel, a Levite, to utter words of comfort that instilled confidence in the people.--Read 2 Chronicles 20:14-17.
COMMENTSSo who exactly gathered? The whole nation or a small group of Jehoshaphat, his soldiers and their families? So do jws have to gather at the KH to pray (not that the KH is considered the "house of God" by the WTS)?
Execute judgment--are jws praying for the destruction of all 7 billion non-jws, men, women and children? Do they view
all non-jws as their enemies?
If Jahaziel was moved the God's spirit to speak, were his words inspired? Are the words the WTS/FDS/GB speaks moved by God's spirit?
Q10. (a) How did Jehoshaphat and Judah receive direction? (b) How can we demonstrate appreciation for the direction Jehovah gives us today?
Yes, back then, Jehoshaphat and the kingdom of Judah received direction from Jehovah through Jahaziel. Today, we receive comfort and direction through the faithful and discreet slave class. Certainly, we always want to cooperate with and show respect for the appointed elders, who work hard in shepherding us and implementing the directions of "the faithful and discreet slave."--Matt. 24:45; 1 Thess. 5:12,13.
COMMENTSSo is the FDS moved by God's spirit as Jahaziel was? Who are the faithful and discreet class? All the anointed or only the governing body (GB) of the WTS?
Do the elders show respect for the rank and file, the sheep of Christ's flock? Should the sheep cooperate when Pharasical directions are given?
Q11, 12. What lesson can we learn from what happened to Jehoshaphat and Judah?
11. Just as Jehoshaphat and his people gathered together to seek Jehovah's guidance, let us not neglect regular attendance at congregation meetings along with our brothers and sisters. If we sometimes find ourselves in sore straits, not knowing what to do, let us follow the fine example set by Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah and turn to Jehovah in prayer with full trust in Him. (Prov. 3:5,6; Phil. 4:6,7) Even if we are isolated, our petitions to Jehovah unite us with "the entire association of [our] brothers in the world."--1 Pet. 5:9.
COMMENTSSo was this a regular meeting when Jehoshaphat and a small group of Israelites gathered at the temple? Did the Israelites have a mandate to gather for 5 meetings a week at the temple?
12. Jehoshaphat and his people followed Jahaziel's God-given direction. With what result? They came off victorious in the ensuing battle and returned to Jerusalem "with rejoicing" and "with stringed instruments and with harps and with trumpets to the house of Jehovah." (2 Chron. 20:27,28) We likewise respect Jehovah's direction gIven through his channel and join in praising him.
COMMENTS
So what does the WTS mean by "God-given direction"? Inspired by holy spirit?
So did God's holy spirit come upon the WTS/FDS/GB in the same way (2 Chronicles 20:14)? No, the WTS/FDS/GB says that God's spirit does not come upon them in direct inspiration as it did with Jahaziel. Jahaziel was not quoting from the scriptures but was given direct words that were put in the holy scriptures.
Books could be written on how and if the WTS has been selected by God as the only channel to approach God.
Wasn't that supposed to be Jesus?
QUOTE
*** w84 7/1 p. 15 par. 8 “The Battle Is Not Yours, but God’s” ***
How would the Sovereign Lord Jehovah answer Jehoshaphat’s prayer? Jehovah provided a channel of communication. This was in the person of Jahaziel, of the tribe of Levi. Though Jahaziel was not a priest, Jehovah chose him to proclaim one of the most stirring messages of encouragement in all Scripture. The important thing was that “the spirit of Jehovah came to be upon him in the middle of the congregation.” (2 Chronicles 20:14) Has Jehovah provided a corresponding channel in the midst of his people today? To be sure, he has! Jesus made mention of this in his prophecy on “the conclusion of the system of things” in referring to the anointed “faithful and discreet slave” class, to whom the Master entrusts all his “belongings” here on earth.—Matthew 24:3, 45-47.
*** 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.
Take Good Care of Our Meeting Places
Q13. What work did Hezekia initiate at the beginning of his reign?
In the first month of his reign, Hezekiah expressed his zeal for the worship of Jehovah by reopening and repairing the temple. He organized the priests and the Levites to cleanse God's house. They did so in 16 days. (Read 2 Chronicles 29:16-18) That effort reminds us of the maintenance and repair work that keeps our meeting places in a condition that reflects our zealous worship of Jehovah. Have you not heard experiences showing that people are impressed by the zeal of the brothers and sisters who share in such work? Yes, their efforts bring much praise to Jehovah.
COMMENTS
So what good is it if the flower beds look nice if the elders have not protected the congregation from a pedophile in their midst, or helped a sister whose jw husband beats her, or the jws who gossip and spread untruths about others in the congregation?
My husband was in charge of the maintenance projects for many years at the KH. The same people showed up, the looked down upon and those without status while the elders had more important (recreational) things to do.
I read on JWN where a jw repaired the KH sign and was reprimanded for stepping out of line.
So did Jesus say that people would know who is followers were by their clean KHs?
Q14,15. What work today has brought much praise to Jehovah? Give examples.
14. In a city in the north of England, a man was opposed to the refurbishing work proposed for the Kingdom Hall adjacent to his property. The local brothers responded kindly. Observing that the boundary wall between the Kingdom Hall and the neighbor's property needed repair, they offered to do the work at no cost. They worked hard and, in fact, rebuilt most of the wall. They handled the situation so well that the neighbor had a change of heart. He now helpfully keeps an eye on the Kingdom Hall property.
COMMENTSSo where are the verifiable names and locations?
Does the congregation routinely help local jws to repair their homes free of charge? No.
Opposed? So did his change of heart lead to his becoming a jw or is he still doomed to eternal destruction at Armageddon?
15. Jehovah's people share in a worldwide building work. Willing local volunteers join with full-time international servants to construct not only Kingdom Halls but also Assembly Halls and Bethel homes. Sam is an engineer skilled in heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning. He and his wife, Ruth, have traveled to several countries in Europe and Africa to help on construction projects. Wherever they go, they also enjoy preaching along with the local congregations. Sam explains what prompted him to participate in such international projects: "It was the encouragement of others who have served in Bethel homes here and abroad. Just seeing their zeal and joy really moved me to want to serve this way."
COMMENTSJehovah's people = only jws
So what was Ruth skilled in?
So how much real time did Sam and Ruth spend preaching locally? Could they speak the language, did they have time to even learn? Who provided their lodgings and food? What other perks did they have?
So are those at the Bethel homes the only example of "zeal and joy" he observed? What about his home congregation and those older and disabled who have spent 50 or more years "serving Jehovah"?
Obey Divine Instruction
Q16,17. In what special activity have God's people eagerly shared, and with what result?
16. In addition to temple repair, Hezekiah restored the yearly Passover celebration that Jehovah and commanded. (Read 2 Chronicles 30:1,4,5) Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem invited the whole nation--even those of the northern kingdom--to attend. Runners sped through the land carrying letters of invitation.--2 Chron. 30:6-9.
COMMENTSWhat about the other 2 festivals, were they restored; they were commanded? So what happened if some did not attend? Did all Israelites leave abandoning their property to thieves?
Notice that no Gentiles were invited, only Israelites. Why then are the other sheep invited to the Lord's Evening Meal at WTS KHs?
17. In recent years, we have shared in a somewhat similar effort. We have used appealing printed invitations to invite people in our territories to gather with us in commemorating the Lord's Evening Meal, in obedience to Jesus' command. (Luke 22:19,20) Receiving instructions at our Service Meetings, we have zealously shared in this work. And how Jehovah has blessed this effort! Why, last year, some seven million of us distributed invitations, and a total of 17,790,633 people attended!
COMMENTSSo how many printed invitations did the early Christians distribute inviting people to the Lord's Evening Meal?
My experience was that few if any non-jws came because of an invitation; they were non-jw relatives, workmates, people already studying with jws. No cold calls.
How many invitations did Jesus distribute?
Q18. Why is zeal for true worship so important for you?
It was said of Hezekiah: "In Jehovah the God of Israel he trusted; and after him there proved to be no one like him among all the kings of Judah, even those who had happened to be prior to him. And he kept sticking to Jehovah. He did not turn aside from following him, but he continued keeping his commandments that Jehovah had commanded Moses." (2 Ki. 18:5,6) May it be similiar in our case. Our zeal for God's house will help us 'keep sticking to Jehovah' with the prospect of everlasting life in view.--Deut. 30:16.
COMMENTSBy using OT examples, the WTS effectively shuts Jesus out of the picture.
What did the Bible say about Hezekiah though?
CARROT--prospect of everlasting life
QUOTES
*** it-1 p. 1105 Hezekiah ***Hezekiah’s Mistake and Repentance. The Scripture record states that “according to the benefit rendered him Hezekiah made no return, for his heart became haughty and there came to be indignation against him and against Judah and Jerusalem.” (2Ch 32:25)
Respond Promptly to Direction
Q19. What zealous effort is put forth at Memorial time?
When Josiah ruled as king, he too arranged for the Passover to be celebrated, making extensive preparations for it. (2 Ki. 23:21-23; 2 Chron. 35:1-9) We also exercise special care to prepare well for district conventions, circuit assemblies, special assembly days, as well as for the Memorial. Brothers in some countries even risk their lives to gather together in order to commemorate Christ's death. Zealous elders make sure that none in the congregation are overlooked. The elderly and the infirm receive help to be present for the occasion.
COMMENTSWhat about the day to day sacrifices? Why only the push for the Passover? Do these same elders make sure the elderly and infirm jws are present for the weekly meetings? Do they pick them up or do they delegate it to "lowly" jws in the congregation not being willing to "wash the feet" of those?
Risk their lives..........crocodiles?
What about Josiah, did he always follow direction?
QUOTE
*** it-2 p. 118 Josiah ***Toward the close of Josiah’s 31-year reign (659-629 B.C.E.), Pharaoh Necho led his army northward to the aid of the Assyrians. For a reason not revealed in the Bible, King Josiah disregarded “the words of Necho from the mouth of God” and tried to turn the Egyptian forces back at Megiddo, but he was mortally wounded in the attempt. He was brought back to Jerusalem in a war chariot and died either en route or upon arrival there.
Q20. (a) What happened during King Josiah's reign, and how did he react? (b) What lesson do we want to take to heart?
During the restoration work that King Josiah organized, High Priest Hilkiah "found the book of Jehovah's law by the hand of Moses." He handed it to the royal secretary Shaphan who, in turn, began to read its contents to Josiah. (Read 2 Chronicles 34:14-18) What was the effect? The king immediately ripped his garments apart in grief and instructed the men to consult Jehovah. Through the prophetess Huldah, God provided a message condemning some of the religious practices that had been carried on in Judah. Yet, Josiah's good efforts to remove idolatrous practices were noted, and he remained in Jehovah's favor despite the calamities predicted for the nation as a whole. (2 Chron. 34:19-28) What can we learn from this? Surely our desire is the same as Josiah's was. We want to respond to Jehovah's direction promptly, taking to heart the warning example of what can happen if we allow apostasy and unfaithfulness to encroach on our worship. And we can be confident that Jehovah will note with approval our zeal for true worship, just as he did in Josiah's case.
COMMENTSIt sounds like the rank and file are not responding promptly enough for the GB.
So what is apostasy per the WTS?
So where does the female prophet fit into the WTS picture of their picturing the FDS? Does Huldah picture the WTS FDS today? Why are there no women on the GB then?
Was it because there were no male prophets? Note what the WTS says.
QUOTE
*** w02 12/15 p. 22 Are You Acquainted With Shaphan and His Family? ***
Huldah—An Influential Prophetess
Upon hearing the reading of “the very book of the law” found in the temple, King Josiah ordered Shaphan and four other high-ranking officials to “inquire of Jehovah” about the book. (2 Kings 22:8-20) Where could the delegation find the answer? Jeremiah and possibly Nahum and Zephaniah, all prophets and Bible writers, lived in Judah at the time. The delegation, however, approached Huldah the prophetess.
The book Jerusalem—An Archaeological Biography comments: “The remarkable thing about this episode is that the male-female aspect of the story was completely unremarked. No one considered it the least bit inappropriate that an all-male committee took the Scroll of the Law to a woman to determine its status. When she declared it the word of the Lord, no one questioned her authority to determine the issue. This episode is often overlooked by scholars assessing the role of women in ancient Israel.” Of course, the message received was from Jehovah.
Q21,22. (a) Why should we demonstrate zeal for Jehovah's house? (b) What will we consider in the next article?
21. Those four kings of Judah--Asa, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, and Josiah--set a fine example for us in being zealous for God's house and worship. Our zeal should similarly move us to trust in Jehovah and to exert ourselves in behalf of his worship. It is certainly the course of wisdom and the way to happiness to obey divine instructions and respond to the loving care and correction we receive through the congregation and its elders.
COMMENTSFour OT examples, which do not lead to a close relationship with Christ.
Trust in Jehovah = trust in the WTS/FDS/GB
Divine instructions--prophets like Jahaziel and Huldah?
22. The next article will focus our attention on zeal for the field ministry and will provide encouragement for youths to serve our loving Father zealously. We will also consider how we can avoid one of Satan's most corrupting influences. As we zealously heed all such reminders from Jehovah, we will be following the example of Jehovah's own Son, Jesus, of whom it was said: "Sheer zeal for your house has eaten me up."--Ps. 69:9; 119:111,129; 1 Pet. 2:21.
COMMENTSSo what are those influences, higher education, pornography.
And finally to give a semblance of including Jesus in this article, a final windup without application.
DO YOU RECALL?
What kind of service does Jehovah bless, and why?
How can we demonstrate trust in Jehovah?
How can zeal move us to obey divine instructions?
CLOSING COMMENTS
Divine instructions....in the cases in this article, a prophet, inspired by God's spirit gave direction. Is the WTS/FDS/GB inspired?
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/directed-by-holy-spirit.php
Next week, "Be Zealous for Fine Works"!
Love, Blondie