Comments You Will Not Hear at the 05-29-11 WT Study (MARCH 15, 2011, pages 28-32 )(JEREMIAH)
Review comments will be headed by COMMENTS
WT material from today's WT will be in black
Quotes from other sources will headed by QUOTES
w = Watchtower
g = Awake
jv = Proclaimers book
EXCELLENT GENERAL WEBSITE : www.jwfacts.com
Bible translations www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible
WT publications www.strictlygenteel.co.uk
WT child abuse www.silentlambs.org
Blood issue www.ajwrb.org
United Nations http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm
Also posted on
http://exjehovahswitnessforum.yuku.com
http://www.jwsupportforum.com/index.php
http://www.jehovahswitnessrecovery.com/
KEEP AWAKE, AS JEREMIAH DID
“I [Jehovah] am keeping awake concerning my word
in order to carry it out.”—JER. 1:12.
OPENING COMMENTS
START OF ARTICLE
1, 2. Why is Jehovah’s “keeping awake” associated
with the almond tree?
ON THE hills of Lebanon and Israel, one
of the first trees to blossom is the almond
tree. Its lovely pink or white flowers
can be seen as early as the end of January or
the beginning of February. Its Hebrew name
literally means “awakening one.”
COMMENTS
So was God asleep in 1914, 1915, 1920, 1925, 1940’s, 1984, 1994?
Has it been 132 years from 1879 to 2011 because God got up too early.
Is it better to give a warning at the wrong time then not at all?
However, during these “last days,” have erroneous views about this system’s end or telos (Greek) been held in advance by some of Jehovah’s servants? Yes, they have. Some of these views involve the length of time it would take for the end to come. Out of zeal and enthusiasm for the vindication of Jehovah’s name, Word and purposes, and the desire for the new system, some of his servants have at times been premature in their expectations. This is similar to the view that the disciples had as to the imminence of God’s kingdom in their day. (Acts 1:6) But because expectations have at times been premature and so have not been fulfilled, does this mean that God has somehow changed his purpose? Not at all. “My own counsel will stand, and everything that is my delight I shall do,” says Jehovah. (Isa. 46:10) Hence, Jehovah’s purposes, and time, for establishing a righteous new order are firmly fixed. Watchtower 1979 Jul 1 p. 17
"Jehovah's Witnesses, in their eagerness for Jesus' second coming, have suggested dates that turned out to be incorrect. Because of this, some have called them false prophets. Never in these instances, however, did they presume to originate predictions 'in the name of Jehovah.' Never did they say, 'These are the words of Jehovah.'" Awake! 1993 Mar 22 p. 4
2 When Jehovah appointed Jeremiah as
his prophet, this characteristic of the almond
tree was aptly used to illustrate an important
reality. At the start of his ministry,
the prophet was shown in vision an offshoot
of that tree. What did it mean? Jehovah
explained: “I am keeping awake concerning
my word in order to carry it out.” (Jer. 1:11,
12) Just as the almond tree ‘awakened’ early,
so Jehovah was figuratively “getting up early”
to send his prophets to warn his people
about the consequences of disobedience.
(Jer. 7:25) And he would not rest—he would
‘keep awake’—until his prophetic word was
accomplished. In 607 B.C.E., right at the
appointed time, Jehovah’s judgment came
upon the apostate nation of Judah.
COMMENTS
His prophets—does the WTS compare the anointed to Jeremiah and call themselves prophets?
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/jehovahs-prophet.php
"All True Christians ARE Prophets. The New American Bible correctly states: "Prophet means 'one who speaks for another,' especially for God. It does not necessarily mean that he predicts the future!" … You will be interested to learn that God has on earth a people, all of whom are prophets, or witnesses for God. In fact, they are known throughout the world as Jehovah's Witnesses." Awake! 1986 June 8 p. 9
3. Of what can we be sure regarding Jehovah?
3 Likewise today, Jehovah is awake, attentive
to carrying out his will. It is impossible
for him to neglect the fulfillment of his
word. How does Jehovah’s attentiveness affect
you? Do you believe that in this year of
2011, Jehovah is “awake” to the fulfillment
of his promises? If we have any doubts about
Jehovah’s sure promises, now is the time for
us to awaken from any spiritual drowsiness.
(Rom.13:11) As Jehovah’s prophet, Jeremiah
kept himself awake. Examining how and
why Jeremiah kept awake to his God-given
assignment will help us to see how we can
persevere in the work that Jehovah has given
us.
COMMENTS
God may be awake but is he listening to the WTS; did he know the end should come in 1914, 1915, 1920, 1925, 1940’s, 1975, 1984, 1994; has the WTS told him the new time?
Based on the WTS many failed predictions saying they speak for God should jws have doubts? Doubts at least in the WTS pronouncements.
Do you think Jeremiah thought he’d be preaching for 132 plus years?
Has the WTS told its members that they can look forward to never dying and living into the new system?
All the evidence shows that we are very near the end of this evil world. (Matthew 24:3-14; 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13) Thus, people who today exercise faith in God and in his Son have the thrilling hope of surviving this system’s end and continuing alive into God’s new world—never dying at all! These are spoken of at Revelation 7:9, 14 as “a great crowd…WT 1990 May 1 p. 28 par. 19
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. WT 1988 Jun 15 p. 20 par. 17
Unquestionably, so late in this “time of the end” since the end of the Gentile Times in 1914, there are many live men and women of faith and integrity who will never die off the face of the earth, God’s footstool. What an unusual opportunity lies ahead of them! Because of never dying and being buried, they will need no resurrection of the dead during the thousand-year-long reign of Jesus Christ. WT 1983 Jul 1 p. 23 par. 21
Unspeakable will be the pleasure of the Jeremiah class in surviving the “great tribulation” with the Ebed-melech class at their side. Shoulder to shoulder they will begin working together in the New Order into which they will be introduced under Christ’s millennial kingdom. WT 1980 Feb 1 p. 28 par. 24
4 Jeremiah may have been close to 25
years old when he received from Jehovah his
commission as a watchman. (Jer. 1:1, 2) But
he felt like a mere boy, utterly unqualified to
speak to the elders of the nation, men advanced
in age and having positions of authority.
(Jer. 1:6) He had scathing denunciations
and fearful judgments to proclaim,
especially to the priests, false prophets, and
rulers, as well as to those who took “the popular
course” and developed “an enduring
unfaithfulness.” (Jer. 6:13; 8:5, 6) King Solomon’s
glorious temple, which had been the
center of true worship for almost four centuries,
would be demolished. Jerusalem and
Judah would lie desolate, and their inhabitants
would be taken captive. Clearly, the
message that Jeremiah was commissioned to
deliver was urgent!
COMMENTS
MAY HAVE BEEN
Who should we identify with—a young person, without position of authority like Jeremiah or the false prophets who said the end would come in 1914, 1915, ….
Has the WTS delivered “scathing denunciations and fearful judgments”? HERE ARE SOME STATEMENTS ABOUT CHRISTENDOM AND THE REST OF BABYLON.
Urgent?---40 years for Jeremiah, 132 years and counting for the WTS.
5, 6. (a) How is Jehovah using the Jeremiah class
today? (b) On what will our study focus?
5 In modern times, Jehovah has lovingly
provided mankind with a group of anointed
Christians who act as figurative watchmen
to warn about his judgment of this world.
For decades, this Jeremiah class has been
urging people to pay attention to the times
in which we live. (Jer. 6:17) The Bible emphasizes
that Jehovah, the Great Timekeeper,
is not slow. His day will come exactly on
time, at an hour that humans do not expect.
—Zeph. 3:8; Mark 13:33; 2 Pet. 3:9, 10.
COMMENTS
Would God have provided humans a group of men that have gotten the date of the end wrong so many times, 1914, 1915,…?
JEREMIAH CLASS—not found in the Bible (used 190 times from 1977 to 1980 in the WT dropping to once in 1981 during a time when the statistics dropped 2% each year and the Great Apostasy was uncovered) (other classes over the years…interestingly published during the second year of the Great Apostasy)
The “faithful and discreet slave” has abundant credentials. Following is a partial list of Scriptural and prophetic designations applying to or being represented in the remnant of Jesus Christ’s anointed followers since the notable year 1919:
(1) Noah’s wife, Gen. 7:7; (2) angels sent to Lot, Gen. 19:15; (3) Rebekah, Gen. 24:64; (4) Joseph and Benjamin, Gen. 45:14; (5) gleanings left behind, Lev. 19:9; (6) two spies to Rahab, Josh. 2:4; (7) Barak, Judg. 4:14; (8) Jephthah, Judg. 11:34; (9) Naomi and Ruth, Ruth 2:2; (10) David’s Israelite warriors, 2 Sam. 18:1; (11) Jehu, 2 Ki. 10:11, 15; (12) Mordecai and Esther, Esther 4:13; (13) Job, Job 42:10, 13; (14) King’s daughter, Ps. 45:13; (15) men of loving-kindness, Ps. 50:5; (16) intimate group, Ps. 89:7; (17) Shear-jashub, Isa. 7:3; (18) light of the nations, Isa. 60:3; (19) big trees of righteousness, Isa. 61:3; (20) ministers of our God, Isa. 61:6; (21) cluster preserved, Isa. 65:8; (22) servants called by another name, Isa. 65:15; (23) men trembling at God’s word, Isa. 66:5; (24) new nation born, Isa. 66:8; (25) Jeremiah, Jer. 1:10; (26) Jehovah’s people in the new covenant, Jer. 31:33; (27) enduring watchman, Ezek. 3:16-27; (28) man in linen, Ezek. 9:2; (29) cleansed people, Ezek. 36:29-32; (30) dwellers in center of earth, Ezek. 38:12; (31) the host of heaven, Dan. 8:10; (32) sanctuary restored (cleansed), Dan. 8:14; (33) they that are wise, Dan. 11:33; (34) the happy one who is keeping in expectation, Dan. 12:12; (35) all flesh receiving the spirit, Joel 2:28; (36) Jonah, Jon. 3:1-3; (37) apple of Jehovah’s eye, Zech. 2:8; (38) liberated remnant, Zech. 2:7; (39) a Jew, Zech. 8:23; (40) sons of Levi, Mal. 3:3; (41) wheat, Matt. 13:25; (42) sons of the kingdom, Matt. 13:38; (43) workers for the vineyard, Matt. 20:1; (44) those invited to marriage feast, Matt. 22:3-14; (45) chosen ones, Matt. 24:22; (46) eagles, Matt. 24:28; (47) faithful and discreet slave, Matt. 24:45; (48) discreet virgins, Matt. 25:2; (49) brothers of the king, Matt. 25:40; (50) little flock of sheep, Luke 12:32; (51) beggar Lazarus, Luke 16:20; (52) sheep in “this fold,” John 10:1-16; (53) branches of the vine, John 15:4; (54) royal palace of David, Acts 15:16; (55) heirs with Christ, Rom. 8:17; (56) the remnant, Rom. 11:5; (57) branches in the olive tree, Rom. 11:24; (58) holy ones or saints, 1 Cor. 6:2; Rev. 16:6; (59) temple, 1 Cor. 6:19; (60) new creation, 2 Cor. 5:17; (61) ambassadors for Christ, 2 Cor. 5:20; (62) congregation of God, Gal. 1:13; (63) part of Abraham’s seed, Gal. 3:29; (64) Israel of God, Gal. 6:16; (65) body of Christ, Eph. 1:22, 23; (66) soldiers of Christ Jesus, 2 Tim. 2:3; (67) house under Christ, Heb. 3:6; (68) holy priesthood, 1 Pet. 2:5; (69) holy nation, 1 Pet. 2:9; (70) association of brothers, 1 Pet. 2:17; (71) seven congregations, Rev. 1:20; (72) twenty-four persons of advanced age, Rev. 4:4; (73) spiritual Israel, Rev. 7:4; (74) locusts, Rev. 9:3; (75) two witnesses, Rev. 11:3; (76) two olive trees, Rev. 11:4; (77) seed of the woman, Rev. 12:17; (78) New Jerusalem, Rev. 21:2; (79) the bride of Christ, Rev. 22:17; 19:7; (80) Jehovah’s witnesses, Isa. 43:10.
WT 1981 Mar 1 p. 27
While God’s time may come exactly on time….the WTS has been late.
At an hour the WTS has not expected…how many unexpected times do they project now, SOON, VERY SOON, VERY SOON NOW
6 Keep in mind that Jehovah is awake and
will usher in his righteous new world right
on time. Knowing that should urge on those
of the Jeremiah class and help their dedicated
companions to keep awake to the increasing
urgency of their message. How does that
affect you? Jesus indicated that all need to
take a stand for God’s Kingdom. Let us examine
three qualities that helped Jeremiah
to stay awake to his commission and that
will help us to do the same.
COMMENTS
On time—what happened in 1914, 1915, 1920, 1925, 1940’s, 1975, 1984, 1994? Was God late?
Jeremiah class—dedicated companions—only anointed are like Jeremiah
Increasing urgency—132 years and counting
Love for People
7. Explain how love motivated Jeremiah to preach
despite difficult circumstances.
7 What motivated Jeremiah to preach despite
challenging circumstances? He had
love for people. Jeremiah knew that false
shepherds were causing much of the trouble
the people faced. (Jer. 23:1, 2) This knowledge
helped him do his work with love and
compassion. He wanted his countrymen to
hear God’s words and live. He was so concerned
that he wept over the calamity to
come upon them. (Read Jeremiah 8:21;
9:1.) The book of Lamentations vividly reflects
Jeremiah’s deep love and concern for
Jehovah’s name and people. (Lam. 4:6, 9)
When you see people being “skinned and
thrown about like sheep without a shepherd”
today, do you not feel a desire to bring
them the comforting news of God’s Kingdom?—
Matt. 9:36.
COMMENTS
Do jws love people…is it loving to wish that Armaggedon come soon and have 7 billion men, women, and children be destroyed eternally?
False shepherds—how many times has the WTS falsely predicted the END?
Skinned people—homeless, when was the last time a jw talked to a homeless person, or provided food, clothing, a place to sleep, but rather handed them a “stone.”
Matthew 7:9--Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?
How many of the suggested presentations in the Kingdom Ministry even use the word “kingdom”? Are jws known for talking about the kingdom or about the end being near?
8. What shows that suffering did not make Jeremiah
bitter?
8 Jeremiah suffered at the hands of the
very people he wished to help, yet he did not
retaliate or become bitter. He was long suffering
and kind, even toward corrupt King Zedekiah!
After Zedekiah turned him over to be put to
death, Jeremiah still pleaded with him to
obey the voice of Jehovah. (Jer. 38:4, 5, 19, 20)
Is our love for people as strong as Jeremiah’s?
COMMENTS
Are jws kind and long suffering or do they label people who do not become jws as goats doomed to eternal destruction?
The undedicated children of goatish people will not be spared from execution and being sentenced to Gehenna just because they are themselves minor, unresponsible children. This hard fact is illustrated in the orders that Jehovah God issued to his executioners when apostate Jerusalem was to be destroyed. To his executioners he said: “Pass through the city after him [the man who marked the ones to be spared] and strike. Let not your eye feel sorry, and do not feel any compassion. Old man, young man and virgin and little child and women you should kill off.” And that is what they did, as illustrated in Jerusalem’s destruction, 607 B.C.E.-Ezek. 9:5-7.
WT 1965 Mar 15 p. 176
(Not to be heard at this year’s DC)
While group witnessing in Pasadena, California, finding very little interest, I came to a house on the corner. A goatish woman at the door cared more for her religious fodder than for the bread of life, so I went to a small house in the rear, and in response to my knock a voice answered, “Come in!” On entering I saw a man sitting in a wheel chair, his arms no longer than twelve inches, with no hands; his knee joints are at his hips, and his legs very short, and, of course, he is unable to walk. He was born that way. He at once recognized the Kingdom message as the truth, took three bound books, and later subscribed for TheWatchtower and Awake! He had previously heard of J. F. Rutherford, a former president of the Watchtower Society. I proceeded with a home Bible study with him. He is self-supporting, a radio announcer, and leaves books with persons in Hollywood that would be difficult for others to reach. He now is a publisher, averages fifteen hours a month, makes back-calls and conducts Bible studies. His brother cares for him, and both attend the company studies. He plans to go to the New York assembly and be immersed. All this in six months’ time.—Publisher in California.
WT 1950 June 1 p. 176 Field Experience
God-Given Courage
9. How do we know that Jeremiah’s courage was
from God?
9 When Jehovah first spoke to him, Jeremiah
tried to beg off. From this, we see that
the boldness and firmness he went on to
show were not inherent in him. No, the extraordinary
strength Jeremiah showed during
his prophetic career actually came from
his full reliance on God. Truly, Jehovah was
with the prophet “like a terrible mighty
one” in that he supported Jeremiah and
gave him the strength to handle his assignment.
(Jer. 20:11) Jeremiah’s reputation for
boldness and courage was such that during
Jesus’ earthly ministry, some took Jesus to be
Jeremiah returned to life!—Matt.16:13, 14.
COMMENTS
Was Jeremiah’s reliance on God or a human organization?
Who helped Jeremiah—Israelites or non-Jews, Baruch and Ebedmelech
10. Why can it be said that the anointed remnant
are ‘over nations and kingdoms’?
10 As “King of the nations,” Jehovah commissioned
Jeremiah to deliver a judgment
message to nations and kingdoms. (Jer. 10:
6, 7) But in what sense are the anointed remnant
“over the nations and over the kingdoms”?
(Jer. 1:10) Like the prophet of old,
the Jeremiah class has been given an assignment
from the Sovereign of the universe.
God’s anointed servants are thus duly authorized
to make pronouncements worldwide
against nations and kingdoms. Invested
with authority from the Most High God
and using the clear language of his inspired
Word, the Jeremiah class declares that the
nations and kingdoms of today will be uprooted
and destroyed at God’s due time and
by his chosen means. (Jer. 18:7-10; Rev. 11:
18) The Jeremiah class is determined not to
relent in its God-given commission to
proclaim Jehovah’s judgment messages earth
wide.
COMMENTS
Since Jeremiah only represents the anointed, non-anointed jws did not receive such commission.
If jw anointed are the Jeremiah class, do they consider themselves prophets like Jeremiah?
One thing is now certain: if the “prophet” class, the Jeremiah class, is facing Har-Magedon, it is also facing the fall of Babylon the Great.
WT 1982 10/1 p. 27 par. 9
What proof is provided here that God commissioned the WTS?
What the WTS really says is that all non-jws will be destroyed, men, women and children.
In God’s due time? 1914, 1915, 1920, 1925, 1940’s, 1975, 1984, 1994………VERY SOON NOW (132 years and counting)
11. What will help us to keep preaching without letup
when we face difficult circumstances?
11 It is not unusual to get discouraged at
times in the face of opposition, indifference,
or difficult circumstances. (2 Cor. 1:8) But
like Jeremiah, let us keep going. Do not lose
heart. May each of us continue to supplicate
God, lean on him, and ‘muster up boldness’
as we look to him for help. (1 Thess. 2:2) Being
true worshippers, we must continue to
keep awake to our God-given responsibilities.
We need to be determined to keep
preaching without letup about the destruction
of Christendom, which was foreshadowed
by that of unfaithful Jerusalem. The
Jeremiah class will declare not just “the year
of goodwill on the part of Jehovah” but also
“the day of vengeance on the part of our
God.”—Isa. 61:1, 2; 2 Cor. 6:2.
Heartfelt Joy
12. Why may we conclude that Jeremiah maintained
his joy, and what was a key element in his doing
so?
12 Jeremiah found joy in his work. He said
to Jehovah: “Your words were found, and I
proceeded to eat them; and your word becomes
to me the exultation and the rejoicing
of my heart; for your name has been
called upon me, O Jehovah.” (Jer. 15:16) For
Jeremiah, it was a privilege to represent the
True God and preach his word. It is of interest
that when Jeremiah focused on the ridicule
from the people, he lost his joy. When
he turned his attention to the beauty and
importance of his message, his joy was rekindled.—
Jer. 20:8, 9.
COMMENTS
It sounds like it is not the food of the non-anointed jws to preach his word. Except for anoxerics, what sane person does not eat every day, looking forward to a well-cooked meal.
Those who ridiculed Jeremiah were his religious companions, people who said they worshipped the same God.
Do we represent God…where are those who represent Christ (Acts 1:8)
13. Why is feeding on deeper spiritual truths important
in our maintaining joy?
13 To maintain joy in the preaching work
in our day, we need to feed ourselves on “solid
food,” deep truths of God’s Word. (Heb.
5:14) Deeper study builds faith. (Col. 2:6, 7)
It impresses on us how our actions really
touch Jehovah’s heart. If we are struggling to
find time to read and study the Bible, we
should reexamine our schedule. Even a few
minutes of study and meditation each day
will draw us closer to Jehovah and will contribute
to ‘the exultation and rejoicing of
the heart,’ as was true in Jeremiah’s case.
COMMENTS
Feed on the truths from the Bible or as they are badly cooked by the WTS, even poisoned, through their “bible-based” publications?
Are jws told to read the bible or WTS publications, which should come first? If you said all you had time to do is the weekly Bible reading, would they re-order your priorities? Is reading the publications a substitute for reading the Bible?
"If the six volumes of SCRIPTURE STUDIES are practically the Bible topically arranged, with Bible proof-texts given, we might not improperly name the volumes-- the bible in an arranged form. That is to say, they are not mere comments on the Bible, but they are practically the Bible itself.... Furthermore, not only do we find that people cannot see the divine plan in studying the Bible by itself, but we see, also, that if anyone lays the SCRIPTURE STUDIES aside, even after he has used them, after he has become familiar with them, after he has read them for ten years--if he then lays them aside and ignores them and goes to the Bible alone, though he has understood his Bible for ten years, our experience shows that within two years he goes into darkness. On the other hand, if he had merely read the SCRIPTURE STUDIES with their references and had not read a page of the Bible as such, he would be in the light at the end of two years, because he would have the light of the Scriptures." Watchtower, September 15, 1910, 4685."
If you wanted to read the writings of John Adams, which is better, reading his letters, or reading a book where the author writes his opinion of what was in the letters?
14, 15. (a) What fruitage resulted from Jeremiah’s
faithfully sticking to his commission? (b) God’s
people today appreciate what about the preaching
work?
14 Jeremiah did declare Jehovah’s warnings
and judgment message without letup,
yet he had at heart his commission “to build
and to plant.” (Jer.1:10) His work of building
and planting bore fruitage. Some Jews as
well as non-Israelites survived Jerusalem’s
destruction in 607 B.C.E. We know of the Rechabites,
Ebed-melech, and Baruch. (Jer. 35:
19; 39:15-18; 43:5-7) These loyal and God fearing
friends of Jeremiah well illustrate
those having an earthly hope today who
befriend the Jeremiah class. Great is the
pleasure of the Jeremiah class in spiritually
building up this “great crowd.” (Rev. 7:9)
Likewise, these loyal companions of the
anointed find immense satisfaction in assisting
honest hearted ones to come to a knowledge
of the truth.
COMMENTS
Without letup—Jeremiah was neither married, nor had children, evidently had no older parents to be responsible for and he evidently was supplied materially, since no mention how he supported himself. Is this a model for all 7 million jws?
So were the Rechabites, Ebed-melech, and Baruch (Israelite from tribe of Judah) not Israelites too either by birth or conversion…how could they represent those without the hope of going to heaven?
Honest hearted ones—who have to be baptized as jws (Ezekiel 9:4-6, mark is baptism per WTS)
Highlights From the Book of Ezekiel—9:3-6. Acquiring the mark—the evidence that we are dedicated, baptized servants of God and that we have the Christian personality—is essential for surviving the “great tribulation.” (Matthew 24:21) WT 2007 Jul 1 p. 13
Will you keep on preaching despite opposition?
15 God’s people appreciate that the
preaching of the good news is not only a
public service to those who hear it but also
an act of worship to our God. Whether we
find a receptive ear or not, rendering sacred
service to Jehovah by means of our preaching
brings us great joy.—Ps. 71:23; read Romans
1:9.
COMMENTS
God’s people = only jws
But does preaching mean door to door?
Can you imagine a salesman being paid if they never made a sale?
‘Keep Awake’ to Your Assignment!
16, 17. How do Revelation 17:10 and Habakkuk 2:3
show the urgency of our times?
16 The urgency of the times we live in is
underscored when we consider the inspired
prophecy at Revelation 17:10. The seventh
king, the Anglo-American World Power, has
come into existence. Concerning it we read:
“When he [the seventh world power] does
arrive he must remain a short while.” By
now that “short while” must be near its
completion. The prophet Habakkuk gives us
this assurance concerning the end of this
wicked system: “The vision is yet for the appointed
time . . . Keep in expectation of it;
for it will without fail come true. It will not
be late.”—Hab. 2:3.
COMMENTS
Urgency??? 132 years from 1879 to 2011 and ticking
Where is the proof that the seventh king of Revelation has come into existence and it is the “Anglo-American World Power”?
MUST BE near completion 132 years near….
It will not be late—so what connection is there between Habakkuk and today’s events…proof?
17 Ask yourself: ‘Does my life truly reflect
the urgency of our times? Does my way of
life show that I expect the end to come
soon? Or do my decisions and priorities
indicate that I do not expect the end anytime
soon or even that I am not sure if it will ever
come?’
COMMENTS
Urgency….132 years and ticking of course with overlapping generations, that could be one generation in WTS parlance.
If jws really expect the end to come soon…wouldn’t they feel the following are the right priorities?
“Our Kingdom Ministry”, May 1974, page 3: “Yes, since the summer of 1973 there have been new peaks in pioneers every month. Now there are 20,394 regular and special pioneers in the United States, an all-time peak. That is 5,190 more than there were in February 1973! A 34-percent increase! Does that not warm our hearts? Reports are heard of brothers selling their homes and property and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service. Certainly this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the wicked world’s end.—1 John 2:17.”
18, 19. Why is now not the time to slow down?
18 The work of the watchman class is not
yet over. (Read Jeremiah 1:17-19.) What a
source of joy it is that the anointed remnant
are standing immovable, like “an iron pillar”
and “a fortified city”! They have their
“loins girded about with truth” in that they
allow God’s Word to strengthen them until
their commissioned work is completed.
(Eph. 6:14) With similar determination,
those of the great crowd actively support
the Jeremiah class in carrying out its divine
assignment.
COMMENTS
Watchman CLASS = only anointed jws
How many jws have an anointed jw in their midst? How many are old and close to dying? How much confidence do jws have in “newer” anointed jws?
Proof please that anointed jws have been commissioned by God.
19 Now is not the time to slow down in
Kingdom activity but to consider the import
of Jeremiah 12:5. (Read.) All of us face
trials that we must endure. These tests of
faith may be compared to “footmen” with
whom we must run. Nonetheless, as the
“great tribulation” approaches, we can expect
hardships to increase. (Matt. 24:21)
Grappling with the more challenging difficulties
Ahead may be likened to running “a
race with horses.” It would require great
powers of endurance for a man to keep up
with galloping horses. So it is beneficial to
endure the trials we now face, which may
prepare us to endure those that lie ahead.
COMMENTS
Slow Down? How do jws slow down, but being invisible, turning in fake hours, not making RVs in a productive fashion, using the same presentation for the last 30 years that wasn’t effective the first time they said it. Jws that know their salvation is secure even if not one person listens to them and becomes a jw.
Did you know that until 1969 the WTS taught that the great tribulation started in 1914 and temporarily was stopped by God in 1918 to start up again in the near future?
However, in later years we have come to see things differently. On Thursday, July 10, 1969, at the “Peace on Earth” International Assembly in New York City, F. W. Franz, then vice president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, gave an electrifying talk. In reviewing the previous understanding of Jesus’ prophecy, Brother Franz said: “The explanation was given that the ‘great tribulation’ had begun in 1914 C.E. and that it was not allowed to run its full course then but God stopped World War I in November of 1918. From then on God was allowing an interval for the activity of his anointed remnant of elect Christians before he let the final part of the ‘great tribulation’ resume at the battle of Armageddon.”
Then a significantly adjusted explanation was offered: “To correspond with the events of the first century, . . . the antitypical ‘great tribulation’ did not begin in 1914 C.E. Rather, what took place upon Jerusalem’s modern antitype in 1914-1918 was merely ‘a beginning of pangs of distress’ . . . The ‘great tribulation’ such as will not occur again is yet ahead, for it means the destruction of the world empire of false religion (including Christendom) followed by the ‘war of the great day of God the Almighty’ at Armageddon.” This meant that the entire great tribulation was yet ahead. WT 1999 May 1 p. 16 pars. 11-12
20. What are you determined to do?
20 We can all imitate Jeremiah and successfully
fulfill our assignment to preach! Such qualities
as love, courage, and joy moved Jeremiah
to carry out his 67-year long ministry faithfully.
The beautiful almond blossom reminds us that
Jehovah will ‘keep awake’ concerning his word in order
to carry it out. We have good reason,
then, to do likewise. Jeremiah ‘kept awake,’
and so can we.
COMMENTS
So Jeremiah preach 67 years; the WTS and its members have been doing so for 132 years and counting. God may be awake but he has not been listening to the WTS dates of when his word will be carried out, 1914, 1915, 1920, 1925, 1940’s, 1975, 1984, 1994, and now a long overlapping generation without end.
Do You Recall?
How did love help Jeremiah ‘keep
awake’ to his commission?
Why do we need God-given courage?
What helped Jeremiah maintain
his joy?
Why do you want to ‘keep awake’?
CONCLUDING COMMENTS
What happens to a horse that runs and runs a race without a discernible ending point? Or a false ending point? Does the bible say that we run without seeing the end? Or is it like Lucy pulling away the football, just as Charlie Brown goes to kick it?
Next week, SERVING JEHOVAH WITH ALL SERIOUSNESS. Without having read the article, what do you think the point might be? If jws treated each other with love, where would seriousness come in?
Love, Blondie
An Urgent Message
4. What challenges did Jeremiah face in delivering
his message, and what made it urgent?
