On October 7, 2012, we received the following comment and inquiries:
“Today there is a new post [on another website] commenting on the "new light" of the governing body about the identity of the "faithful discreet slave." I think this "new light" from the governing body is intended to weaken the new stand of witnesses who are partaking in the emblems. Maybe, this is an indirect answer to your site, or for any other ones who are feeling their heavenly hope. ”
To the author, we thank you for submitting your concern. This matter has been brought to our attention by a few different brothers, and we have done a little investigating ourselves. As it currently stands, the matter is only rumor, as we were not invited to the Annual Meeting, nor have we spoken with anyone who attended. We have seen what appear to be notes from the meeting and, assuming those notes are accurate, we see no need for alarm.
According to the notes we reviewed, at the Annual Meeting of the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society, held on October 6, 2012, a new understanding was given as to the identity of the Faithful and Discreet Slave referred to in Matthew 24:45-47. The note state that the “new light” is that the Faithful and Discreet Slave (the “Slave”) is now identified as “a small group of anointed brothers during Jesus’ presence serving at headquarters who are directly involved in the preparing and dispensing of spiritual food.” This seems to mean that “the Slave” is the 8-member Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. This would be a change from the previous understanding, as recent as June 2009, that all of the anointed ones living on earth at any given time constitute “the Slave.” If these notes are accurate, we are certain the Society will soon be explaining the “new light” in an upcoming Watchtower magazine, and we will look forward to receiving it.
In the meantime, we see no cause for alarm. This type of “new light” would only define the Governing Body and what they must do. It would not define the anointed children of the Father and would not excuse us from carrying out our commission as ambassadors substituting for Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:18-20) In fact, such “new light” would add greater responsibility to the 8-member Governing Body and could perhaps move them to do what we have been asking them to do for these past nine months – provide nourishing spiritual food to the anointed sons of the Kingdom. So if this rumor is indeed true, then we look forward to the Governing Body carrying out their newly understood responsibilities.
As for us, there would be no need for us to abandon our ministry. If the Governing Body steps up and begins to preach the true good news of the Kingdom and provide “food at the proper time,” we will then be able to direct our ministry toward other Christian associations to likewise encourage them to take up the ministry of reconciliation as ambassadors. We will thereby be doing our part in getting more workers into the harvest! (Matthew 9:37-38)
On a somber note, if the rumor is true, we sincerely hope the Governing Body diligently carries out its newly understood duties, otherwise when the Father comes to inspect His house, He need only look to 8 men who will bear the brunt of His disfavor. We will do our part to support the Governing Body so that such a fate will not overtake them. And we encourage all our brothers to do so as well. They will need our prayers.
To the author of this inquiry, and to all the brothers who have written us with concern, we hope we have alleviated some of your distress. And to all the brothers and sisters who have recently found your Father and who have decided to Stand Up at the 2013 Memorial Celebration, we hope you, too, are strengthened. You are sons of the most powerful personality in the Universe. Whatever role the Governing Body elects for itself, nothing can separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.
“Who will separate us from the love of the Christ? Will tribulation or distress or persecution or hunger or nakedness or danger or sword? Just as it is written: “For your sake we are being put to death all day long, we have been accounted as sheep for slaughtering.” To the contrary, in all these things we are coming off completely victorious through him that loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:35-39
Gird your loins for activity and continue in your ambassadorship!
"Elaia Luchnia"
https://anointedjw.org/QR_October_2012.html#QR_100712-2